Uranus in astrology

Uranus was the first planet to be discovered in modern times. Its detection broke the
sanctified planetary "seven" of previous times, and critics used the occurrence to put
astrology into question yet again. Uranus was discovered on March 13th, 1781. Its orbital
cycle is 84.01 years. Uranus has the brightness of a class 6 star, and with the naked eye it is
only visible under certain circumstances--namely while in opposition to the Sun. Its average
diameter is 34,700 miles (55,800 kms). Its volume is approximately 85 times that of Earth's.
Uranus stays an average of seven years in each of the twelve signs of the zodiac, thus
making its orbit seven times longer than that of Jupiter's.

In mythology Uranus was god of the sky and the father of Saturn, whom he created with
Gaea, the deity of Earth. A third of the children she gave birth to were ugly monsters. In
hatred of these monsters Kronos/Saturn unmanned his father and freed the band of
Uranides, enabling them to appear in the real world. Uranus seems to both originate out of
and create out of nothing.

In part, Uranus is considered a higher vibration of Mercury. It represents electrifying energy,

sudden changes, independence, and the freedom to experience the new. As such, it
symbolizes the destruction of the old and the brushing aside of experience and tradition.
Therefore, Uranus stands for originality, reforms, advanced technologies, and revolutionary
processes. Uranus is strengthened in the first and eleventh houses of a horoscope and is
attached to the sign of Aquarius.

The bohemian and sometimes surreal energies of this planet can induce a dramatic switch
from one extreme to another. This can result in impatience, shock, unease, and insecurity. If
Uranus is strong in your chart, you should be aware of constant stress that can act upon
your nervous system. Earthquakes and the creation of new technology often occur with
Uranus' influence, and many engineers and scientists have a strong placement of this planet.
Even the most sexually active, or even inactive, people appear to influenced by Uranian
energy. Thus, the effects of Uranus in individual charts can vary significantly, sometimes in
distinctly different ways. Ultimately, we should recognize that the influence of Uranus can
symbolize change in our lives, which can provide for new freedoms, as well as unique
experiences and purpose.

For more information on Uranus, the following book offers some interesting views:

Uranus, Freedom from the Known, Llewellyn Publications, ISBN -87542-297-7, by Jeff Green