Uranus stations retrograde

Uranus played a starring role this week in world events when it became the last of the slow-moving transpersonal outer planets to station retrograde this year. Moving at their slowest, stationing planets exert their most concentrated archetypal influence, and Uranus rules shocks and upheavals, radical shifts, sudden, unexpected and irrevocable change, rebellion and revolution. In Taurus, it also indicates chaotic earth events. 

As Uranus stationed this week, the Taliban took power in Afghanistan with unprecedented speed. A major earthquake in Haiti claimed 1400 lives, quickly followed by Tropical Storm Grace only a month after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Flash floods along the Black Sea coast followed weeks of devastating Mediterranean fires. A massive fuel tanker exploded in Lebanon further intensifying economic crisis and a fuel shortage that’s left most of the country without power.

As of Saturday, every outer planet in our solar system will be moving retrograde. Traditionally, retrograde planets were considered to bring about reversals and the reinstatement of Taliban rule after 20 years of foreign intervention certainly fits that criteria. With all of the outer planets moving backwards until early October, many of us find ourselves in situations of similar reversal as the pandemic continues to gain ground and lockdowns stretch into eternity. But retrograde planets also wield certain magic: they compel us to rethink, rework, reimagine, reconsider, revise, rectify, rejuvenate, reiterate, regenerate and reenergise the parts of our lives that are calling out for attention, and they do so to powerful effect. They require quiet listening to reinvent a vision for the way forward.

On Thursday 19th August, the cosmos offers a sweet window of astrological time, and gods know we need it. With the Moon in Capricorn, it’s a perfect day for projects. With the Sun in its rulership in Leo, Venus at home at last in Libra, and Mercury exalted in Virgo and making an exact conjunction to an energised Mars, activities that stimulate body, mind and soul, that improve quality of life, and are beautiful, unusual and challenging enough to be emotionally satisfying are ideal today for creative calibration. As Mercury meets Mars, there’s a possibility for magic in business, sublime organisation and channeling fiery feelings and critical thinking into inspired writing/journalling. Connect in conversation wherever possible with your dearest loved ones and favourite hearts and minds.

Friday 20th August, the Sun, which represents our conscious light, spirit and ambitions, makes an exact opposition to the Greater Benefic, Jupiter, bringing golden grace, optimism and confidence into our lives but be mindful of getting carried away with grandiose ideas. Pay attention to good fortune in minutiae to cultivate stronger alignment with heartfelt aspirations and notice what’s building towards culmination on Sunday’s Blue Moon. More about the second Full Moon in Aquarius for 2021 coming soon.

Uranus in Taurus 2021 (detail)Gouache on paper

Uranus in Taurus 2021 (detail)

Gouache on paper