As we all know, science began with the stars, and mankind discovered in them the dominants of the unconscious, the “gods”, as well as the curious psychological qualities of the Zodiac: a complete projected theory of human character.

                                                                                               --Carl Jung

                                                                   Psychology and Alchemy       

Any time one of the slower moving planets changes sign, astrologers sharpen the focus of their intuitional lens so that the meaning of such celestial mutations may be communicated and shared.  Uranus will enter the sign Pisces in March of 2003 and remain in that sign until September.  This six-month sojourn in the Fish is but a portent of things to come when Uranus re-enters and then remains in that sign for more than seven years (December 30, 2003-May 27, 2010 and from August 14, 2010-March 11, 2011).      As a great deal of well-deserved attention will be placed on this transition, this is the third in a series of articles about Uranus and its meaning for you and the world.[1] 

      This article is devoted to a discussion of the effects of the transits of this remarkable, unpredictable, and surprising globe when it touches the other planets in your natal horoscope.  Before going into the specifics of these effects, there are several important, general comments about the nature of Uranus’ transits that may prove helpful;

1.   Uranus rules lightening—surprising bolts of energy that seem to strike without warning.  The astronomical basis for astrology as demonstrated by the position of the planets in the ephemeris, will tell us when to expect Uranus’ lightening bolts to appear in our lives. The house position of the transit may even tell us where[2] these fiery rays will descend.  But the form that the lightening takes in our lives is often very difficult to predict.

2.   What you can expect is the unexpected.  You will find yourself experiencing the unusual and different in terms of the affairs, circumstances and people traditionally associated with the planet touched by a Uranus transit. 

3.   Uranus challenges the status quo—the more you resist the orientation of the changes Uranus brings into your life, the more difficult its message and potential gifts will be for you.  Do you have to embrace change when Uranus lands on your door?  Without a doubt, the answer is a resounding, “YES”.  Please remember that Uranus is exalted in Scorpio, so that “death and transformation” are very comfortable circumstances through which this planet acts.  Will these same circumstances also be comfortable for you?  A lot depends on how willing you are to embrace the changes that life is bringing to you.  In general, this is easier for you when a horoscope is dominated by the mutable or cardinal signs and more challenging when fixed signs are the predominate astrological influence.

4.   Finally, as with all transits, it is important to note the natal relationship existing between Uranus and the planet it is aspecting.  If for example, Uranus is natally trine the Sun, even a difficult transit of Uranus to the Sun is unlikely to produce very difficult results.  In this case, the person is already highly individualistic, preferring personal freedom and independence to social attachments and limitations.  But should Uranus be natally square the Sun and comes to the Sun by opposition, then an already rebellious and contrary nature will even be more so during this time.  This will most likely lead to certain anti-social behavior or at the very least to actions that alienate that person from his or her environment.

Transiting Uranus in aspect to natal Sun—Thematic principle: These two planets represent a polarity.  The Sun is the ruler of Leo and Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius and these two signs are exactly opposed in the zodiac.  Thus their ruling planets have both a natural complementary as well as a natural conflicting influence.  The Sun rules the sense of personal identity.  In soul-centered astrology, we say that the Sun is symbolic of “the energetic equipment of the personality or the ego.”  If I identify myself with that ego, that lower self, I certainly do not want to see it (myself) threatened by changes outside of my control.  And such changes are exactly what Uranus does.  If my little self is challenged by Uranus, bringing me new experiences that are usually outside of my life experience and control, I will greet such “opportunities” with opposition.  But if my sense of self is identified with the “heart of the Sun” and thus with the Soul (Ego), then I will welcome Uranus and all the changes that Uranus will bring into my life.  Let us remember that from the point of view of esoteric astrology, Uranus is connected to the plane of intuition, “Budhi” in Sanskrit, meaning “wisdom”.  Thus Uranus is connected to what we could call “Universal Mind” and I think it is safe to say that the Universe knows better than the ego about what we need or do not need in our lives.

    Possible experiences from this transit: At the very least, you can expect that your sense of self will be resoundedly challenged.  There will be a definite need to break from routine and to experiment with life creatively.  In some cases, what one creates is trouble, for difficult aspects between Uranus and the Sun lead to social havoc.  Positive transits between these two bodies usually result in new opportunities to come to know oneself in a different and more highly individualized way.  The positive effects of this planetary combination is like a cosmic “coming out” party as the person emerges in life much more in the reality of his or her true nature.  The difficult effects lead to the “coming out” of one’s shadow side.

Transiting Uranus in aspect to natal Moon—Thematic Principle: The Moon is the container of form.  As such, she is a conservative planet and thus not particularly given over to sudden changes.  If fact, the Moon holds on more tenaciously to what it owns, feels, and possesses than any other planet.  In human psychology, the Moon rules memory, and especially those memories that have as their basis some sensory or emotional foundation.  Uranus couldn’t be more different—“Out with the old and in with the new! Let the new forms for a new age come forth from the collective consciousness!” he shouts from his objective perch atop Mt. Olympus. The Moon is most comfortable with the familiar and a lunar-type person is very happy listening to the “Golden Oldies” radio station and not to computer generated “Tech” sounds so favored (and invented) by Uranus.

Possible experiences from this transit: Strong aspects between transiting Uranus and the Moon can often lead to changes of residence.  This is especially the case if the 4th House of the horoscope is also involved (ex. Aquarius or Cancer on the cusp of the 4th or Uranus transiting the 4th in aspect to the Moon).  At the very least, one can expect new types of people to enter into ones life and compete with the old.  Thus new friendships can be made while other friendships fade away—sometimes quite suddenly or under rather harsh circumstances. There is a shake-up in what the individual identifies as personal security, often leading to the abandonment of emotional habit patterns that no longer serve our highest interest.

Transiting Uranus in aspect to natal Mercury—Thematic Principle: This combination of planetary influences signifies a link between intuition and logic.  Individual methods and means of communication are touched by possibilities to widen one’s sphere of interests.  A life defined by personal opinion has the opportunity to expand into a much larger sphere of understanding.

Possible experiences from this transit: If the individual responds well to Uranus, this is a time of life in which a person can merge his or her intellect to much more highly evolved mental powers and potentials.  The ability to be a communicator of ideas and understandings that benefit large numbers of people is another positive potential when these two planets join by transit.  On the other hand, difficult transits between these two or a person with a fragile nervous system may find the energies of a Uranus/Mercury combination too difficult to handle.  There is then the tendency to “space out” and loose a safe intellectual perimeter from which to view the world.  One can certainly feel on edge and drawn to too many places, people, and interests when Uranus touches Mercury.  When the integration of this linkage is not successful, the net result will be a dissipation of vitality.

Transiting Uranus in aspect to natal Venus—Thematic Principle: New patterns of social interchanges that sometimes come with the need to release old relationships.  From the esoteric perspective, this is a most beautiful combination.  Uranus rules Libra from the soul-centered level while Venus is the traditional ruler of this sign.  There is thus the possibility when Uranus transits Aphrodite, as Venus was known to the Greeks that love bursts forth anew from the level of the soul.  In this respect, the individual may find his or her higher purpose in human relationships.

Possible experiences from this transit: Old ways of social interchange are no longer tolerated as there is a genuine restlessness and urge to change how we relate with others.  In some case, this can mean a break-up of established friendships, marriage, or romantic contacts.  In other cases, complications are brought about as the individual searches outside of marriage or committed relationships in order to experiment and socially redefine himself.  Uranus/Venus contacts can be an excellent source for breathing new life into existing relationships but for this to happen, all parties concerned must be open to releasing what no longer works for them.  The interplay of these two planets may also usher in a sudden interest in the arts or at the very least, change one’s artistic or esthetic direction. 

Transiting Uranus in aspect to natal Mars—Thematic Principle: This is a very interesting combination of influences from the perspective of esoteric astrology.  Uranus is the ruler of the sexual processes from the level of the soul while Mars has this distinction from the level of the personality.  Please keep in mind that Uranus is exalted in Scorpio while Mars (and Pluto) rule this sign.  Uranus was the father of all the Olympians and thus was the tree that produced divine fruit.  As our consciousness expands, we come to a place in life in which we become aware that each of us is a “god” in that we co-create our life and the world around us.  Mars is much more instinctual in nature and while Uranus is connected to the plane of the higher mind (the origination and seed of all manifestation), Mars is connected to the plane of emotions. 

Possible experiences of this transit: Neither of these two planets is particularly peace loving!  Should they erupt (for this is potentially a very volatile combination), there is always the possibility of violence.  The need to bring forth the new through some very intense form of self-projection is definitely a mark of the mutual influence of these two planets.  A restless irritability and impatience with life also characterize the more difficult aspects and negative response to a Uranus/Mars transit.  Yet this combination also has an amazingly strong and positive side.  Mars represents the urge for self-expression while Uranus is the need to individualize.  When properly blended (by a trine or a sextile for example), a person has the opportunity to step forward creatively.  One will then tend to experiment with life, trying out new ways and means of living one’s life.  The urge is to birth oneself anew.

Transiting Uranus in aspect to natal Jupiter—Thematic Principle: Here we have another combination of planetary influences with special esoteric significance.  As we know, Uranus is the ruler of Aquarius from the personality level but from the perspective of the soul, Jupiter rules this sign.  Thus this combination allows a person to pursue higher knowledge (Jupiter/Sagittarius) as well as group relationships and higher ideals (Uranus/Aquarius) so that the intent of the soul in these respects is able to manifest through one’s daily life. 

Possible experiences of this transit: As with everything else in astrology, so much depends on a person’s level of consciousness.  In the life of the personality-centered man or woman, aspects between Jupiter and Uranus bring out a certain degree of restlessness that fosters experimentation in education and seeking out special interest groups. In this respect, some opportunity may occur through which a person sees more light both in himself and his world.  But this planetary combination may also indicate little more than taking (yet) another workshop or course in one’s local community college.  Indeed, the square and especially the opposition between these two planets may lead one into taking too many courses and not succeeding at any of them.  But from a soul-centered perspective, this combination of influences gives a person some very fortuitous opportunities in terms of his or her adventures on the spiritual path.  New vehicles of philosophical and/or spiritual interests open up for exploration and expansion.

Transiting Uranus in aspect to natal Saturn—Thematic principle: It should be remembered that in Greek mythology (the point of origination for modern, western astrology), Uranus (Ouranos) was the oldest of the Olympians and the father of all the other gods, including Saturn (Kronos), Father Time himself.  Saturn overthrew his father, Uranus, and after castrating him, took over the rulership of heaven and earth.  Thus it is Time (Saturn/Kronos) and not our intuition (Uranus) that persists as our governing instrument and the ruler of our actions.  It is time and its limitations that give us the fear of death.  But sometimes through the power of Uranus’s exaltation sign Scorpio, Uranus resuscitates and comes back to upset Saturn, forcing us to go beyond Saturn’s rings and thus expand our consciousness. 

Possible experiences of this transit: The most common effects of transits between these two planets is that there are strong challenges to those structures, patterns, and conditions in life to which we have become too attached.  Thus if we insist on always being in control, Uranus will not be particularly kind to us.  But if we remain lovingly detached and objective to the processes of life—and the inevitable losses, changes, and mutations that life brings—well then, Uranus will turn out to be a most helpful influence.  He certainly will not be boring!  The positive aspects between Uranus and Saturn allow us to construct new patterns that are helpful in the exteriorization of our true soul-purpose.  The positive interchange between these two planets usually involves our participation in some service-oriented, humanitarian group or organization in order to bring out the soul’s intent.

Transiting Uranus in aspect to natal Uranus—Thematic principle: Quite simple stated, these transits stimulate the individualizing urge within us.  Thus we have the opportunity of furthering our individual evolutionary process by expressing our true nature.  Uncovering this truth is an ever-unfolding process. Our physical incarnation doesn’t end at birth. Incarnation is a gradual and continuous externalization for it is your consciousness, the quality of your soul’s life that is being born into the flesh.  Thus we could rightly say that the more we externalize the reality of the soul within us, the more we continue to incarnate.  In this respect, Uranus/Uranus aspects are most helpful.

Possible experiences of this transit: On the personality level, this will express as a restless urge to do something new and different.  The individual wants to break with routine and this can prove to be most upsetting.  Look for the squares and opposition from transiting Uranus to natal Uranus to be times in life when amazing shifts and changes take place.  The opposition occurs only once in a normal life span, at the onset of the “midlife crisis” at around the age of 40.  The squares take place around the 21stand 62nd years of life.  The trines (around ages 28 and 55) can be times of great creative exhilaration when a person is able to come forward and exhibit a powerful and creative expression of his or her individuating self.  On the soul level, all of these Uranus periods give the opportunity for the emergence of the higher self, sometimes with more challenges and sometimes with less, depending on the nature of the transiting aspect and the other circumstances in one’s life.

 Transiting Uranus in aspect to natal Neptune—Thematic Principle: There is the urge to particularize or individualize one’s higher nature.  Uranus will seek to help define one’s spiritual orientation and thus bring out a greater sense of focus from Neptune’s mists.  Sometimes this leads to an epiphany, a great awakening, as the individual’s awareness of the subtle realms of life opens and expands.  At other times, there can be great disillusionment as one is faced with the revelation that what one has been taught to believe, as religious truth is false and illusionary.

Possible experiences of this transit: In all contacts between the higher octave planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto), a great deal depends on the level of consciousness and the level of one’s spiritual orientation.  In the lives of most people, this aspect may indicate that one is being attracted by religion, philosophy, or in some cases, cults and sects.  There is a reaching out into unknown areas of personal experience and depending on the nature of the individual, this can lead one into trouble or into a furthering of one’s spiritual path.  For those who are already anchored in some form of spiritual discipline, Uranus/Neptune aspects serve to stimulate this orientation.  Difficult aspects between the two can indicate spiritual or existential crises, which in many cases is exactly what one needs in order to progress up the evolutionary ladder.  Without self-doubt and self-questioning, there can be no answers.

Transiting Uranus in aspect to Pluto—Thematic Principle: There is a great and sudden urge to make highly significant changes in one’s life.  The nature of these intense life reorientations is dependent on Pluto’s natal house position.  Uranus and Pluto blend the dynamics of revolutionary activity within the focus of transformation and regeneration.  Thus there will always be some form of destruction connected to their mutual influences.  But destruction is an intimate part of the creative process.

Possible experiences of this transit: Keep in mind that Uranus is exalted in Scorpio, the sign of Pluto natural rulership.  Thus these planets have a natural, positive affinity for one another.  This does not necessarily mean that the person experiencing this transit will find that this combination is easy.  We are not talking here about “light and easy” Venus/Jupiter interchanges!  Uranus and Pluto mean business—transmutation is definitely required and leaving old patterns behind is for the great majority of us, is never a simple task.  On the level of the soul, Uranus/Pluto transits will point to distinct areas in the personality that must be released in order for the intent of the higher self to manifest.