Greetings earthlings! Uranus is set to turn retrograde on August 19th, 2021 but it will go direct once more on January 18th, 2022. Uranus retrograde 2021 is now beginning, and we’re all going to experience the planet of the new, different, sudden, unexpected, and change going backward in the sign of Taurus.

　　This isn’t the first time we’re experiencing Uranus retrograde in Taurus though. Uranus also went retrograde in Taurus last year (and the year before!), so we have some experience with this energy now. In fact, Uranus stays in each sign for seven years at a time.

　　On a personal level, the impact for you will be felt most in the areas of life ruled by the astrological house that the retrograde occurs within your birth chart.

　　Not sure about your birth chart? Go use the Astrology Answers free birth chart generator!

　　

What Does Uranus Retrograde Mean?

A planet is dubbed retrograde when it appears to be moving backward through the zodiac signs. It’s not actually moving backward, and just looks that way. The normal motion for the planets is forward, so when they go backward, their energy is reversed.

　　Most people who are familiar with astrology know Mercury retrograde pretty well. That nasty bugger stirs up lots of trouble! But currently, there are six planets in retrograde we’ve got to navigate – Pluto, Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, and Chiron.

　　Mercury, Venus, and Mars are called personal planets, so their impact tends to be very personally felt. Uranus, on the other hand, is what’s called an outer planet. Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and Pluto are the outer planets, and the outer planets are the farthest away and travel the slowest.

　　Since the outer planets travel much slower than the personal planets, they spend months in retrograde every year. This makes their impact a little more subtle than the retrogrades of Mercury, Venus, and Mars, and we may not fully realize their effect until we look back after the retrograde is over.

　　When it comes to Uranus, this is the planet of change.

　　That is the core energy of Uranus. When Uranus is moving forward, it’s bringing lots and lots of changes, but when Uranus is moving backward? Those rapid-fire changes slow down, giving us some room to breathe and reflect.

　　In this respect, Uranus retrograde can be great! It’s a little break from all of the change. But, since Uranus also rules rebellion, there can be some restless energy that leads to impulsive rebellion if we’re feeling stuck and lacking patience.

　　You might want to brush up on: How to Understand Transit Periods of the Outer Planets

　　

Uranus Retrograde in the Natal Chart

If you were born while Uranus was retrograde, then you have Uranus retrograde in your birth chart. Since Uranus spends a good chunk of every year retrograde, it’s fairly common to have a natal Uranus retrograde (around 40% of folks have a natal Uranus retrograde).

　　If you have Uranus retrograde in your natal chart, you may struggle at times with controlling your Uranus energy. This might mean you’re more:

　　RebelliousImpatientImpulsiveIt also means you likely have a hard time with change, either with controlling it and making it happen or with adjusting to it when it comes into your life. This is more of an issue if your natal Uranus retrograde is really strong in your birth chart. It may be strong if it’s:

　　Conjunct your natal Sun, Moon, or RisingA singleton (only planet in an element, quality, or house type)Anaretic (at 29 degrees)Part of a stelliumOn either of your Lunar NodesThe natural ruling planet of your Sun, Moon, or Rising (so you’re an Aquarius Sun, Moon, or Rising)There may be some karma associated with your natal Uranus retrograde, and issues that need to be worked on. Once you do, you can be a true individual, authentic and walking your own path, and a champion of causes.

　　Check this out: What’s Your Dominant Planet? Pluto, Venus, Jupiter & More

　　

The Effects of Uranus Retrograde

How Uranus retrograde impacts you usually depends on how change has been going in your life. If you’ve been experiencing lots of changes and are ready to slow things down for a little bit, then the Uranus retrograde period can be welcomed with open arms, and you can take a beat.

　　This can be a great time for you to assess, to look back and gain some understanding, and to start making plans to take control of changes you want to make once the period is over and you’re free to move forward again. With this retrograde in Taurus, it’s time to rethink the future.

　　If you haven’t been able to make the changes you want to make in your life, then the Uranus retrograde period might be one filled with anxiousness and impatience. You may want to push back, and do so hard, but this can lead to bigger problems that you don’t need.

　　First, focus on the core issue. What is driving the inability to make those changes? Is it something internal or external? Do you need to change your approach, your mindset, your preparations, your plans?

　　Once you know the core issue, work on rectifying that. Do so in ways that are smart and thought out, not impulsive and reckless. This puts you in a much better position going forward.

　　You’ll also likely need an outlet in the meantime for the anxiety and agitation. Find something healthy and positive, and blow off some steam when you’re feeling extra frustrated and stuck.

　　

Uranus Retrograde 2021

So, as we know, this Uranus retrograde 2021 occurs entirely in the zodiac sign of Taurus. This is an Earth sign and Fixed sign, very grounded and practical, so feeling stuck can definitely be an issue if you haven’t been able to work on those changes you want. Take deep breaths and assess the situation.

　　The retrograde actually starts at a nice angle to Venus in Libra, the planet of love and relationships. That means we kick off this retrograde with pleasant energy, and we can adjust to changes in relationships more easily, start making plans for new changes in love, and be more open to new people in our lives.

　　Mercury will retrograde during this transit from September 27th to October 17th, and most of that occurs in Libra, which, like Taurus, is also ruled by the planet Venus. With Venus’s influence over things like pleasure and luxury, you might find yourself questioning these areas of your life.

　　There will be a Full Moon on September 20th that is aligned with Uranus retrograde in Taurus, so that Full Moon might bring out more of the energy than anything else does. Since Full Moons are emotional, that can make for even more rebellious energy when we’re upset. Try to maintain some control!

　　

Uranus Retrograde for the Fire Signs (Aries, Leo & Sagittarius)

For the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), this retrograde may target your work and professional lives more than other areas.

　　This can be a good period for working on your plans for your professional future. It might also be a good time to think about little day-to-day changes that may not feel so big but can help quell any restlessness you might be feeling towards your career.

　　

Uranus Retrograde for the Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo & Capricorn)

For the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), you may be more optimistic about changes during this retrograde and can come up with creative solutions to blocks and take a look at the bigger picture.

　　Keeping your eye on the future can help you control any rebellious feelings fueled by Uranus itself.

　　

Uranus Retrograde for the Air Signs (Gemini, Libra & Aquarius)

For the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), watch how your emotions impact feelings of restlessness. Tackle emotional issues and address any emotional situations in your life right now.

　　It’s the perfect time to get to the core of matters and transform for the better – you do have a few months to take advantage of, after all. Use it to eliminate any emotional baggage and help to keep rebellion at bay.

　　

Uranus Retrograde for the Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces)

For the Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), how you connect with others can be focused on during this retrograde. Find new ways of expressing yourself authentically, be open to the people in your life, and welcome everyone with open arms.

　　Be wholly yourself while looking at your connections in different ways.

　　

Make Small Changes During Uranus Retrograde

The planet of the future, Uranus is always looking forwards and shaking up the order of things where he sees fit in order to allow a balance of stability and growth on Earth and within you as an individual. Those born in the seven-year period when Uranus is in Taurus will share the same Uranus sign, however, the house placement will differ among them.

　　Focus on what house that planet rules. That’s where you can find strong restless, rebellious energy, and where you have to work on getting control. Understanding our individual Uranus placements also helps us to clue into where we need to detach or where uncertainty might be causing us to remain stagnant.

　　And for all, good luck with the retrograde.

　　Related article: The Ultimate Guide to Retrogrades