You’re joking? Not another one!
The term “retrograde” may bring up images of miscommunication, bumper-to-bumper traffic, or unexpected curveballs.
This astrological phenomenon, however, is far more nuanced than we give it credit for, and it doesn’t just apply to Mercury, which went retrograde in Taurus from April 21 to May 14, and will go retrograde again in Virgo from August 23 to September 15.
Every year, each of the planets in our solar system goes into retrograde at some point, sometimes for months at a time. In fact, Venus retrograde, which hasn’t happened since 2021, moves backward from July 23 to September 4 this year. And Pluto’s retrograde, which began on May 1, will last until October 11. The most recent one you should be aware of? Uranus is in retrograde motion.
Uranus is the planet of change, revolution, and innovation in astrology. It encourages you to break free from anything that is preventing you from being your true, authentic self, to defy limitations and boundaries, and to think creatively. Uranus, the “awakener” planet, may be at the root of unexpected situations, forcing you to think differently than usual when seeking a solution. However, these trying times present opportunities that will eventually nudge you to take a radical — and hopefully happier — step.
Every year, Uranus goes retrograde for about five months. From Monday, August 28, to Saturday, January 27, 2024, Uranus will be retrograde through the fixed earth sign Taurus, symbolized by the bull. Continue reading for more information on Uranus retrograde, as well as how the planet of rebellion will affect each astrological sign as it moves backward in 2023.
What Does Uranus Retrograde Mean in Astrology?
To understand what happens when Uranus is retrograde, first consider how the planet affects us when it is forward. Under normal conditions, the awakener planet surprises – for better or worse – and encourages innovation. When Uranus aligns with, squares off against, or opposes other planets in the sky or in your birth chart, it encourages you to question the status quo, strengthening your ability to accept change.
When Uranus moves backward, its electric, transformative energy cools a little. Instead of pushing for visible, tangible change, you may be inspired to embrace rebellion and revolution on a more internal, psychological level. This period allows everyone to reconsider larger life goals, such as how you plan to find a partner or pursue your long-term professional goals.
It is worth noting that, as with any astrological event, you may not feel this Uranus retrograde as strongly as you would a full moon or Mercury retrograde. Because Uranus moves slowly, its effects tend to accumulate over the course of its long-term transits. However, some signs may feel this retrograde period more intensely than others.
When Is Uranus Retrograde 2023, and How Can You Prepare For It?
Uranus has been direct since January 22, 2023, but on August 28, the planet of innovation and revolution will turn retrograde, moving backward through fixed earth sign Taurus until January 27, 2024. Uranus spends about seven years in each sign due to these long retrograde periods and how slowly Uranus moves in general. It has been in Taurus since May 15, 2018 and will not leave the bull’s sign until April 27, 2026.
In turn, Uranus is currently causing upheavals in Taurus, which is ruled by Venus, the planet of relationships, money, and art. It’s why we’ve seen recent shifts in the financial world (hello, crypto and inflation), beauty ideals (just look at our changing relationship with filters on social media), and even what people want in a partner (ethical non-monogamy is having a moment).
However, while retrograde is in effect, you may feel compelled to focus less on making external changes and more on changing how you think and feel about big picture issues, such as your professional goals or what you want out of your next long-term relationship.
Here are a few ideas for preparing for and making the most of this transit:
• Slow down
In terms of how they move through the world and make decisions, Taurus is known as the least hurried sign of the zodiac. The bull is determined to take its time and find space in the hustle and bustle of life to be leisurely. In turn, you may discover that by scheduling more time for meditation or even leisurely evening walks, you can carve out valuable time for self-reflection, which may lead to new ways of thinking about whatever aspect of your life this retrograde is influencing (more on that later).
• Try a new form of self-work
Because Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of self-love, Uranus’ retrograde in the sign is an opportunity to reconsider how you nurture your relationship with yourself. For example, you could use oracle cards to hone your inner voice and gain confidence in what your intuition is telling you over your head. This could also be a good time to discuss this idea with your therapist, if you have one.
• Rethink the boundaries you’ve set for yourself
Uranus is the planet that pushes us beyond our limits and out of our comfort zones. If you’ve been putting off pitching a creative idea to a higher-up or considering whether a platonic relationship could blossom into something more, now is the time to investigate why. You might be inspired to adopt an entirely new perspective as a result.
How the 2023 Uranus Retrograde Will Affect the Zodiac Signs
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Uranus’ retrograde occurs in your second house of income, Aries, making this a good time to reconsider how you bring in money as well as what you spend it on. You’ll be thinking about your values. It’s possible that you’ve been prioritizing things like a bigger paycheck or a home in a “ideal” location. Spending this time reevaluating issues like these can set you up for improved financial well-being in the future.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
This Uranus retrograde falls in your sign, Taurus, and thus in your first house of self. You’ll be thinking about how to best pursue goals related to your personal brand and identity over the next few months. Although you are a creature of habit, you may feel compelled to break free from stale patterns and ruts. Change will feel more comfortable and secure than continuing down the same old path, at least in terms of how you think about long-term passion projects and aspirations.
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
The planet of innovation and unexpected change will be moving backward through your twelfth house of spirituality, which is already a dreamy, mystical area of your natal chart. You’ve most likely been doing some deep inner work that is bringing to light unconscious beliefs. Uranus’ retrograde here can amplify your efforts by increasing your self-awareness and revitalizing your imagination. Your dreams may become more intense and vivid, providing valuable insight into past wounds and current desires.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Uranus’ retrograde falls in your 11th house of friendships and long-term goals, Cancer, so you’re prompted to consider the groups and teams you belong to. If you’re very active on social media, you may be considering the audience you want to attract and speak to. In either case, you’ll see how the people you’re connected to can help you achieve goals that are important to you. Maybe you’re passionate about discussing health and wellness, and you’re realizing you should talk about it more with your friends or followers. You might also have light bulb moments that inspire you to change up your collaborative game plans.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
The retrograde of Uranus, Leo, falls in your 10th house of career and public image, bringing a burst of electrifying, innovative energy to your professional game plan. You can take a step back, slow down, revise, and perfect your plan over the next few months, especially when it comes to your career. It’s okay to say “no” to opportunities that don’t align with your vision at this time. Uranus retrograde will provide you with more clarity on your goals.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Uranus’ retrograde transits your ninth house of higher learning and adventure, causing changes in how you experience the world around you, travel, and absorb new knowledge. As it moves backward, you may have more eye-opening experiences, possibly as a result of interactions with people outside of your usual friend group. Self-reflection and horizon-expanding experiences may also inspire you to lay the groundwork for skill development (such as pursuing an advanced degree or enrolling in mentoring sessions).
Libra (September 23-October 22)
Uranus moves backward through your eighth house of emotional bonds and shared resources, Libra, prompting you to reconsider how you relate to your closest friends and family, particularly when it comes to shared income. You might be rethinking the best way to invest with your partner or how to approach a conversation about your aging parents’ will. This is also a good time to do some soul searching about inner work-fueled changes (such as talking to a therapist or trusted confidant about self-image) that will improve your sex life fulfillment.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Uranus retrograde enters your seventh house of partnership, Scorpio, emphasizing your one-on-one relationships. Friendships and relationships that have been toxic or unfulfilling will undoubtedly fade as Uranus moves backward. But try not to be sad about these dying connections! You will most likely gain a new perspective on these changes over the next few months and discover what you want future bonds to look like as you move forward.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Uranus’ retrograde will fall in your sixth house of wellness and daily routine, Sag, signaling a need to slow down and rethink your daily routine. It’s possible that saying “yes” more than “no” isn’t working for you, and you’re feeling overburdened. Now is your chance to reflect on what drives you to take on so much and to devise simple, everyday ways to bring more balance into your schedule. Because of Taurus’ influence, you may consider how some of your most cherished people in your life can assist you in these endeavors.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Uranus will be retrograde in your fifth house of romance and self-expression, Cap, which can be as exciting as it sounds. You have the opportunity to reimagine how you pour your emotions into your most artistic endeavors, as well as how you own your voice in your most playful, heartfelt bonds. You may realize that you should speak up more about your needs in a new relationship, or that it’s time to set aside pragmatic goals for a while in order to pursue a goal that brings you great joy. In any case, this transit was designed to help you tune into your heart rather than your head.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Aquarius, Uranus’ retrograde falls in your fourth house of home life, which means it will have an impact on your relationships with loved ones, your physical home, your sense of security, and your inner world. Since your ruling planet entered this zone in 2018, it has been causing havoc in your family and home. You may be forging your own path in this phase of your life, refusing to conform to social expectations. Perhaps an unconventional form of healing, such as EFT tapping or psychodynamic therapy, has assisted in the closure of old emotional wounds. In any case, the coming months will provide plenty of opportunities to reflect on your journey.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
This Uranus retrograde falls in your third house of communication, which can be extremely stimulating for your social connections, workplace brainstorming sessions, and opportunities to learn something new. You’ll probably be thinking about new ways to satisfy your curiosity and wanderlust, whether that’s starting a book club with friends in the fall or planning more short-distance road trips with your S.O. Check in with your gut before making any bold — or even risky — moves. As you navigate new territory in your friendships and self-expression, your intuition can be especially powerful.
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