Explore important cycles of freedom, change and rebellion through the peak periods of Uranus transits in your life
In 1935, when Uranus was last in Taurus, two US Army pilots rose to an altitude of 22km in a hot air balloon and became the first humans to see the curvature of the Earth. Aristotle had conceived of Earth as a ball as far back as 350 BCE, yet there had been no proof of this idea until then.
The pilots’ grainy pictures showed a grey, arched edge of Earth with the inky blackness of space beyond. This never-before-seen image provided a new perspective on our planet. Suddenly, this ball we lived on was part of something much larger – space! With so much space exploration under our belts now, it’s hard to imagine what it was like when thousands of years of imagining suddenly became reality.
“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.” — Wayne Dyer
That is how Uranus works; it thrusts forward sudden new insights that wipe away the past so a new future can become possible. Interestingly, Uranus’ cycle coincides with the average human lifespan of 84 years. As Uranus travels through the sky it marks time, reminding you of your purpose and encouraging you to stay true to it. At specific ages Uranus will trigger major turning points. These include the first square that transit Uranus makes to your natal Uranus in your early twenties, the Uranus opposition in your early forties that forms part of the midlife transits and the final Uranus square in your early sixties.
Uranus cycles and the fixed signs
Uranus’ slow movement through the Zodiac signs helps define different generations. When Uranus moved into Taurus in 2018 it started ground-breaking changes for those with planets in any of the fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. If your age in 2020 is 19–22, 41–44, 62–65 or 82–85 then it’s likely that you will have Uranus in a fixed sign.
Taurus is the fixed earth sign, seemingly solid and unbreakable until earthquakes come along to shake it apart. You might welcome Uranus with open arms, as it helps break apart areas of life that are stuck. Or, you might feel that change is forced on you, like a cattle prod to the bull standing its ground.
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The next six years will be important if you were born with Uranus in any of the fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius (see Table 1). (DESIGN direct to table below.) You may experience sudden new insights about yourself or feelings of restlessness that well up from nowhere. You might crave freedom, or want to rebel against anything that is holding you back. It’s also common to feel an electrifying sensation or even heightened anxiety during a Uranus transit.
So how might these transits play out for you? This table shows the timings of the Uranus generations and the approximate age for each Uranus transit. And remember, these are longer lasting transits, so you will feel the influences of it for at least 12 months, though there will be periods when the energy is stronger than others. A personal astrology consultation can pin point these timings more precisely for you.
| If you were born from… | You have Uranus in… |
| Apr to Jun 1995, Jan 1996 to Mar 2003, Sept to Dec 2003 | Aquarius |
| Nov 1974 to Apr 1975, Sept 1975 to Feb 1981, Mar to Nov 1981 | Scorpio |
| Aug 1955 to Jan 1956, Jun 1956 to Oct 1961, Jan to Aug 1962 | Leo |
| Jun to Oct 1934, Mar 1935 to Aug 1941, Oct 1941 to May 1942 | Taurus |
Table 1 Uranus cycles and your age
19–22 years old: Uranus in Taurus square Uranus in Aquarius
The tension of the first Uranus square in your early twenties calls for adjustment, as the unpredictable and unexpected comes into your life for the first time. Your early 20s is when you step into adulthood and begin to express your individuality in the wider world. Now out in society in your own way, perhaps studying at University, travelling overseas, or entering full-time employment, suddenly you encounter thoughts and ideas that are radically different from the bubble of your family and social life of your youth. Internal tension can arise as you try to fit these new world views with your own existing ideas. It’s normal to rebel against authority during this cycle as you try to carve out space for who you are becoming. Events or people come into your life to help you see things in a whole new light, and offer you glimpses of new freedom and independence.
Aquarius is a sign used to pushing against the shackles of social norms, and if you have Uranus in Aquarius you belong to a generation that is comfortable with breaking barriers. As a younger millennial, your generation is humanitarian at heart and can be seen protesting about climate change and calling for human equality. Modern technology is an area of comfort and ease; many with Uranus in Aquarius began designing apps and creating games in their teens.
When Uranus in Taurus squares your Uranus in Aquarius, you may experience tension between your ideals and the reality of the world. Your generation’s challenge is to create tangible, real-world results from your bright, innovative concepts. Equal rights cannot be gained by protesting alone – or from posting on social media. Somehow change must be created in a physical way so it can have far-reaching consequences. Being open to stepping into the political ring is one way you can take action on climate change. As Ghandi’s oft-quoted saying goes; “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.
The dawn of computing: Alan Turing
You can look to previous generations of those born with Uranus in Aquarius to see the potential of what your tribe can offer. Alan Turing is known as the creator of modern computing, and for creating a code breaking machine during World War II. Turing was born with Uranus in Aquarius conjunct his Midheaven, the career point, so any transits to Uranus activate the topics of career and reputation for him. At school, his intelligence was recognised but not supported, but once at college Alan broke free to follow his passion for mathematics. In 1935, during his first Uranus square, he was elected to a fellowship at Kings College at an unusually young age and worked on his famous Turing’s Proof paper, which was released at the end of his Uranus square transit in 1935.
The external pressures of World War II compelled Turing to create a physical version of his Aquarian concepts – the Turing Machine. As Uranus in Taurus moved into his twelfth house of secrets, this work was classified as he and his team created the machine to break enemy code during World War II. Much of his work and achievements weren’t publicised until 2012. The Turing Machine not only saved thousands of lives, it was also the beginning of modern computing.
A woman finds her path: Vivien Leigh
Actress Vivien Leigh, of Gone with the Wind fame, is another example of someone who had Uranus in Aquarius on her Midheaven. Vivien dreamt of being an actress from childhood and studied at the Royal Academy of Drama in London until she met her first husband in 1931. At just 19, Vivien gave up all her ambitions for marriage and motherhood, but three years later Uranus in Taurus tapped on her shoulder and turned her back in that direction. In 1935, at 22, she starred in her first four films during her first Uranus square and changed her name to what we know her as today. Her life changed radically at this time. She gave up her daughter and domestic life to plunge into the world of theatre and cinema she would inhabit until she died, becoming one of the most renowned actresses of her time.
41–44 years old: Uranus in Taurus opposite Uranus in Scorpio
Uranus opposite Uranus in your early forties can bring the urge for authenticity, and a compelling need to throw off social conditioning and cultural norms for a life that is uniquely your own. An experience known as “grief of time” is possible, where you realise the golden thread of life isn’t spooling out endlessly ahead of you. You may be acutely aware your life is half over. You might reflect on the life you have and wonder, “Is this the life I wanted?”
How you answer can contribute to a sense of urgency, as you feel time is running out. In turn, this may lead to you making a few surprising decisions. You may revisit a secret dream, or reconnect with a life you’ve been yearning for but couldn’t see your way toward until now. You might realise it’s better late than never, and a change in circumstances or an event that happens may push you to choose. A situation that is forced on you can bring clarity to your values and new awareness of your core self.
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If you have Uranus in Scorpio, you belong to a generation of people who want to change the world by going deeper into life’s experiences. You may be fascinated with those areas and topics that society keeps hidden or considers taboo. You may have spent your life opening up to life’s mysteries and intensity, and trying to reveal what’s been hidden to help break down outdated social boundaries. Your generation is also in touch with their sexuality and are not afraid to break apart traditional sexual structures and constructs.
When Uranus in Scorpio is opposed by Uranus in Taurus, it’s time to come back to reality and share the discoveries you have made through your deeply probing investigations and explorations. Your generation can expose unhealthy power dynamics. Your generation’s knowledge of the shadow worlds can help you and your tribe work to break apart the stagnant poisons of today’s world so real shifts forward are made towards a better future.
Radical Theories in the world of science: Isaac Newtown
Sir Isaac Newton was born with Uranus in Scorpio and played a major part in the scientific revolution of the 18th Century. His innovative understanding of the sciences and his treatise on the laws of physics still shape how the world is viewed 300 years on. Newton theorised on gravity, planetary motion, and light and colour during his first Uranus square Uranus cycle in his early twenties. However, it was during his Uranus opposition cycle in his early forties that he finally pulled together his years of research, which he published in his famous Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy (Principa). The publication of this work made his radical theories more accessible, and gave the human race wisdom and insight that forever altered the way the world was understood. Today Principa is considered by many to be the most significant book on physics ever published.
Remaking yourself after being broken: Hannah Gadsby
Hannah Gadsby also has Uranus in Scorpio. She stepped into the limelight at her Uranus square in her early twenties, reluctantly embracing comedy when she won the Australian Raw Comedy Award in 2006. As Uranus moves through Taurus she will have her Uranus opposition cycle, now that she is in her early forties.
Shortly after Uranus moved into Taurus in 2018, Gadsby’s comedy show Nanette gained international acclaim on Netflix. In it Gadsby broke with her usual style of self-depreciating humour. Instead, she shared openly about self-acceptance and why her old comedy style no longer fits her. “It’s not humility, it’s humiliation,” she said of her old style. That vulnerable authenticity spoke to the minds and hearts of millions of viewers as she gave herself permission to speak honestly about uncomfortable truths. “There is nothing stronger than a broken woman who has rebuilt herself”, she said of this period – you can’t get more Uranus in Scorpio than that! She was also one of the first comedians to use anti-phone measures during her show Douglas, highlighting Uranus in Taurus ideals of putting away technology to show up in person and be present.
62–65 years old: Uranus in Taurus square Uranus in Leo
The third part of the cycle is more reflective, yet still about realignment and adjustment. In your mid-sixties your years of working may be almost behind you. As you look forward you might consider who you have been so far, while still being inspired by what more can be done. How can you unhook yourself from your career and other external standards and take this chance to totally be yourself?
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Even though there may be a sense of closing down, the urge towards fulfilment is just as active and urgent as in the previous two Uranus transit periods. You may wonder what you will do with your later years, or question whether your life so far has aligned with your value systems. If not, what can you do to move towards that? How can you give a louder voice to your authentic, wild self?
If you belong to the Uranus in Leo generation you know exactly how to be an individual, and may have already broken many boundaries to free your creative self-expression. Creatively constructing change is a trademark of Uranus in Leo and you may excel at transforming your identity to meet the needs of a situation.
Shocking sexuality and early feminism: Collette
As Uranus in Taurus activates your birth Uranus in Leo, you may be prompted to review the past and seek the truth of who you are within all the roles you have played. What was the thread that tied your many roles together? Who is the actor behind all the masks? As a leader driven towards raising standards, it’s time to look back upon the results of your actions and see if it turned out as planned.
The famous French writer Collette had Uranus in Leo. She spent her life writing stories about female sexuality that were thinly veiled biographies of her own experiences. Her stories shocked society, as she used her identity to challenge traditional gender roles and raise the profile of early feminism. During her first Uranus square in her early twenties she was married to renowned French writer Willy, who recognised her writing talent. He encouraged, and then forced her, to write her famous Claudine series, which he published under his own name and kept all the earnings from.
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By Collette’s final Uranus square in her early sixties, she had her happiest marriage and received public recognition for her talents in her own right, including being made a member of Royal Belgian Academy, which was incredibly rare for a woman at the time. Collette also wrote a biography titled My Apprenticeship in her early sixties, which was a reflective look at those earlier years. She mused on the guidance her first husband gave her and saw how it shaped her as a writer, despite the trials he put her through. Interestingly, in 2018 a film was released about her life right when Uranus in Taurus squared her natal Uranus again.
EMPOWERING NEW AND DIVERSE VOICES: BARACK OBAMA
Barack Obama also has Uranus in Leo, close to his natal descendant, the relationship point, which also symbolises opponents. When Uranus first moved into Taurus in May 2018, many of Obama’s hard-earned policies were thrown out by Donald Trump, including those around climate change, criminal justice and international relations. His biographer, Benjamin Rhodes, spoke about how the election of President Trump shook Obama to his core, and those policy removals likely had the same effect as it seemed his legacy was being tossed away.
However, at that time Netflix also announced a deal with Barack and Michelle Obama for a collection of films and series over multiple years. Later that year Barack and Michelle launched a production company called Higher Ground Productions. It’s exciting to think what might happen now the Obamas are no longer constrained by the role of POTUS. Barack said the idea behind this project is to empower “new and diverse voices”. How very Uranus in Leo of him!
Working with Uranus in Taurus
So how can you best use Uranus to create constructive change? Whenever Uranus is involved it’s best to be flexible, to do things differently, and to try small acts of rebellion that allow you to be more openly yourself. Change is inevitable, so focus on learning to love what it might offer you. Choose the unusual option where you can. Maybe take the road less travelled and consciously look to shake up your world.
Explore your own authentic voice. What is it that you most want to say? How can you carve out a new path so you can? Fixed signs like Taurus do prefer life to be stable and predictable, but in that consistency your energy can grow stale. Take note of what is stagnant in your life and break it apart so you aren’t wasting energy on things that no longer serve you.
When you consciously use this energy it is less likely to impose its will onto you. Changes made during a Uranus cycle can still surprise you, and may not turn out exactly as you thought they would, which is a lot like going on a trip. When your bags are packed and you’re heading out the door, a change in destination isn’t as shocking as it would be if you’re on the couch in your pyjamas not ready to go anywhere.
WORDS by Alicia Yusuf
