Uranus in Aries: Promote Your Uniqueness

Uranus is the planet of rebellion. It brings with it a new way of looking at things and its approach is best met with an expanded consciousness. Originality, inventions, computers, cutting-edge technologies and future events are all ruled by this planet. Uranus sees no need for the status quo, preferring instead to break with tradition and create a new mold. It takes Uranus 84 years to complete its trip around the zodiac and it changes signs every seven years or so.

On May 26-27, Uranus will dip its first toe-in-the-water into Aries, a planet it has not been in for 84 years. However, this is for a brief sojourn, since it will retrograde back into Pisces on August 14, and will get into proper forward gear in Aries only in March 2011.

Uranus wakes things up and rattles the bars of the cage you’ve constructed around one area of your life. You’ll suddenly find out where you’ve been compromising too much, trying to fit yourself into a square hole to suit others when really you’re a round peg. Uranus wants you to exert your independence and promote your uniqueness. Be yourself no matter who you startle or shock. Admittedly it isn’t always co-operative and can be downright rebellious but it will trail blaze you into the future. Uranus is the torchbearer who leads the way into the unknown or into what you haven’t previously experienced. It may feel initially unsettling but the end result will be to liberate you if you accept the challenge.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, fiery, full of initiative and energy. The combination of Uranus and Aries will be revitalizing, a kick start to get you moving faster. It’ll clear your head of cobwebs and odd delusions which have been fostered by Uranus in Pisces. You’ll be moving straight ahead without a moment to waste.

Just three hours before Uranus shifts sign there is a Full Moon in Sagittarius. Cancer and the other two Water signs, Scorpio and Pisces may be hyper-sensitive since they tend to react to the mood swings of the Moon on the opposite side of the zodiac from the Sun. But, this is one of the less emotional Full Moons of the year so they won’t be edgy for long.

Mercury Turns Direct: Tread Softly for a While

Mercury turns direct in the sign of careful Virgo, in the early morning hours of September 29 and the third Mercury retrograde of this year will become history.

Ever since Mercury turned retrograde in reasonable yet indecisive Libra earlier this month, (September 6 - 7), you may have changed your mind a number of times! And you have probably done a fair amount of fence-sitting as you have revisited some of your recent decisions and conversations. On September 17, when Mercury re-entered careful Virgo your analytical powers may have received a boost.

Now as this slow-moving planet turns direct in the midst of a fertile sextile to energetic Mars, anything you have to say to the world, your mate, children or spouse will get plenty of attention. So be extra careful and mindful to communicate your ideas thoughtfully and clearly.

Communications can unintentionally heat up and escalate due to Mercury’s connection with the ongoing Saturn/Uranus opposition, which locks in next week just after an emotional full harvest Moon in warrior Aries on October 3-4.

Saturn Opposite Uranus: Change is in the Air - Again

Change is in the air. Again! Saturn and Uranus will be exactly opposite each other again on September 15, forming what is known as an 'opposition' in astrology -- two planets positioned 180 degrees apart. This is the third of five such oppositions that started on November 4, 2008, and it will continue until July 26, 2010. These oppositions always come in a cycle, and happen approximately every 45 years. The last time these two planets formed oppositions was 1965 to 1967, and before that from 1918 to 1920. The Saturn-Uranus opposition that sent us on a roller coaster ride last fall and earlier this year returns for an encore to evoke more major shifts, both in your personal life and globally. Think back to November 2008 and February 2009 - what was happening in your life back then?

You may be in for another round of changes - this month and beyond - which will no doubt accelerate your personal growth. It isn't always fun, but it's sometimes necessary.

Saturn is the planet of authority and experience, and represents the tough and conservative disciplinarian, while Uranus is wild and unconventional -- the maverick planet of change. Saturn rules the status quo, while Uranus rules reform.

Saturn and Uranus are mortal enemies in mythology, and their combined energies in astrology signal tension and transformation. Issues that have been festering beneath the surface emerge, and the rules of the game shift. Uranus energy brings innovation through instability. Sudden and unexpected events shake our foundations and force us to look at things in a new way.

In order to make wise decisions during these times, we need to look at where Saturn and Uranus is located in our charts to help us assess where to make changes in our lives, and how to break out of established routines. Astrology shows us the themes that are in play, and guides us by providing important information. Yet, we are the ones who have to decide what to do with that data. Make sure you're not on the sidelines now. This is the time to get involved!