In astrology, when Uranus turns retrograde as it will from August 28th, 2023 until January 27th, 2024, we get a chance to catch our breath from the astrological impact of this planet’s forward motion. But what exactly is Uranus retrograde, why does it matter, and what can we expect?
What Does Uranus Retrograde Mean?
Uranus is a very slow-moving planet, taking some 84 years to travel right around the zodiac and complete its orbit of the Sun. It spends approximately 7 years in each zodiac sign, but it spends about 40% of the time in retrograde motion.
When a planet is retrograde, it appears, as viewed from the Earth, to be moving backward. It isn’t – no planet ever moves backward in its orbit, it’s just an illusion. Have you noticed how, when you overtake a moving car, the car appears to fall backward in your mirror even though it’s still moving forwards? That’s effectively the illusion of retrograde motion. Its astrological symbolism, however, is important – when a planet turns retrograde, its energy shifts slightly, and we get a different take on the planet’s expression in our lives.
Uranus turns retrograde once a year for about five months, so this is not uncommon.
How Does Uranus Retrograde Manifest?
Astrologically, Uranus is the planet of shocks and surprises. It shakes things up, and forces change. It can bring innovation, invention and absolute brilliance, but it can also bring chaos, drama and pain while unwelcome changes take place.
When Uranus is direct (in normal forward motion), its energy is expressed through the zodiac sign it is transiting. This usually means a high-speed expression of energy in your horoscope, with sudden twists and turns which can be breathtaking in their size. It’s pretty exhausting! When Uranus turns retrograde, however, we get a breathing space. The pace of change slows down, there are fewer twists and turns, and we get to figure out how to embrace what is happening instead of battling against is. While Uranus direct is known for bringing breakdowns and breakups in astrology, Uranus retrograde brings breakthroughs – fresh understanding for managing this planet’s influence.
What Does Uranus Retrograde in Taurus Mean?
Uranus is currently transiting Taurus. Taurus as a zodiac sign is earth energy, stable, solid, focused, constructive and trustworthy. Uranus’ transit here brings change connected to the earth – climate issues, environmental issues and a questioning of our very relationship with our planet. Because Taurus also rules finance, Uranus’ transit through Taurus is also expected to bring some dramatic changes to the financial markets and the way the world handles – and views – money.
On a personal level, many of us find that Uranus’ transit through Taurus is shaking up our foundations and breaking down things we took for granted. When Uranus turns retrograde in Taurus, we have a chance to take stock and to re-visit what has happened. We can now turn the changes Uranus has brought to our advantage and prepare for further change once this planet turns direct again.
How Will Uranus Retrograde in Taurus Affect Each Zodiac Sign?
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus will affect each zodiac sign slightly differently; its precise effect depends upon the position of Uranus in your natal chart, other important factors in your natal chart, and how these relate to Uranus’ current position. Overall, however, each zodiac sign will be seeking to make sense of the change that it’s currently experiencing.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus for an Aries (Aries dates: March 20 – April 19)
Financial issues have been stressful during Uranus’ transit. The retrograde period gives you a chance to get back on track. Use this energy to create new income streams, or to tighten your belt and lose excess spending. Work to create a buffer zone so that any future financial stress doesn’t impact you so much.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus for a Taurus (Taurus dates: April 20 – May 20)
Uranus retrograde in your sign is about understanding the changes you want to make to your own individual expression. If you’ve been pigeon-holed or overlooked, you can use this period to work on your confidence and on your ability to showcase your talents. It’s time to be proud of who you are, without hesitation.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus for a Gemini (Gemini dates: May 21 – June 20)
The Uranus transit has brought shocks and surprises in your spiritual life, perhaps with you having experienced some things that have scared you or startled you. Now is your chance to develop your understanding of what’s going on here. It’s a great time to develop mediumship or psychic skills, or to look into dream analysis and synchronicity.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus for a Cancer (Cancer dates: June 21 – July 21)
Changes to your social circle may have been stressful or felt forced during Uranus’ transit. While Uranus is retrograde, however, you’ll come to a greater understanding of why some friendships ended and others began. Take a wider view of your interconnectedness and learn why you resonate with some particular souls.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus for a Leo (Leo dates: July 22 – August 21)
Upheaval in your career has been difficult to deal with during the Uranus transit, but this retrograde period brings you time and breathing space to regroup, regather your thoughts and plot your direction. Assess where you’re heading and adjust course if necessary. Don’t lose sight of your end goals.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus for a Virgo (Virgo dates: August 22 – September 21)
You’ve been growing a lot during the Uranus transit, particularly in terms of your willingness to undertake adventure. Travel, education and an understanding of other cultures have broadened your mind, but now is your chance to understand how your spiritual calling fits in with this new, more adventurous you.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus for a Libra (Libra dates: September 22 – October 22)
The biggest changes during the Uranus transit have come in your own psychology and self-growth, but the pace of change has been exhausting. Take a break now. You don’t have to be constantly working on yourself. Sometimes, it's fine to just be who you are and to live in the moment, and that is the gift Uranus retrograde brings you.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus for a Scorpio (Scorpio dates: October 23 – November 21)
Uranus’ transit through Taurus has brought shocks and upheavals to your love life. During the retrograde period, you have a chance to heal any damage – if you want to – or to move on from it. An honest assessment of your relationship is necessary now. If you’re not honest with yourself, you can’t expect to be honest with your partner either.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus for a Sagittarius (Sagittarius dates: November 22 – December 20)
Lifestyle changes have been made possible by Uranus’ transit through Taurus, but it’s been hard work figuring out how you want things to change. Use the energies of Uranus retrograde to assess your options and to consult with loved ones about where you want to be moving forwards. Maintaining the status quo is not an option.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus for a Capricorn (Capricorn dates: December 21 – January 18)
Your attitude towards risk has been changing during Uranus’ transit of Taurus, and you’re starting to become less risk-averse. However, during Uranus retrograde, you should consider whether you’re gone slightly too far in the other direction. Seek some stability and certain ground; come down from the high of adventure and remember your soul purpose.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus for an Aquarius (Aquarius dates: January 19 – February 17)
Uranus’ transit through Taurus has focused on change in your family and domestic life, but while Uranus is retrograde, you can start to understand how these changes have affected your feeling of belonging. Everyone needs roots, even independent Aquarius – make sure that your roots are well bedded in now, so that you can withstand emotional change.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus for a Pisces (Pisces dates: February 18 – March 19)
Everyday life has been rather volatile while Uranus has been transiting Taurus. Although not all of the shocks and surprises have been bad, the emotional instability has worn you out. Take a breather during Uranus retrograde. Meditation and visualization will help to soothe and calm you, and you have a chance now to get some good quality sleep too.
Saturn turns Direct in Capricorn
Neptune Stationed Direct in Pisces
Mercury Retrograde in Pisces and Aquarius
Mercury Turns Direct in Cancer
