The term "retrograde" might bring to mind visions of miscommunication, bumper-to-bumper traffic, or curveballs you really have no interest in dealing with. But this astrological phenomenon is far more nuanced than we give it credit, and it doesn't only apply to Mercury. Every single year, each of the planets in our solar system goes into retrograde at one time or another, sometimes for months on end. On that note, the next upcoming retrograde involves Uranus, the planet of change, revolution, and innovation.
In astrology, Uranus urges you to break free of anything that's holding you back from being your true, genuine self; to rebel against limitations and boundaries; and to think creatively. As the "awakener" planet, Uranus may very well be at the root of unexpected situations, forcing you to think a little differently than you normally would when finding a solution. However, these trying times offer opportunities that ultimately nudge you to move in a radical — and ideally happier — direction.
Every year, for about five months, Uranus enters a retrograde period. In 2022, Uranus will move backward through the fixed earth sign Taurus, symbolized by the bull, from Wednesday, Aug. 24, to Saturday, Jan. 22, 2023. Read on for more details about Uranus retrograde, as well as which signs will be most affected by the planet of innovation and rebellion as it moves backward in 2022.
Watch This!
Pop Quiz
What Do Uranus Retrogrades Mean in Astrology?
In order to understand what happens when Uranus is retrograde, it's important to consider how the planet affects us when it's moving forward. Under normal circumstances, the awakener planet brings surprises — for better or worse — and encourages innovation. When Uranus syncs up with, squares off against, or opposes other planets in the sky or in your birth chart, it urges you to question the norm, strengthening your capacity to embrace change.
However, when Uranus moves backward, its electric, change-making energy chills out a bit. Instead of pushing for external, apparent, concrete change, you could be inspired to embrace rebellion and revolution in a more internal, psychological way. This time offers everyone an opportunity to rethink larger life goals like how you're going about looking for a partner or pursuing your long-term professional aspirations.
It bears noting that as with any astrological event, you may not feel this Uranus retrograde as acutely as you might experience, say, a full moon or Mercury retrograde. This is due to the fact that Uranus moves slowly, so its effects tend to build over the course of its long-term transits. However, specific signs are likely to feel this retrograde period a little more than others.
How the 2022 Uranus Retrograde Will Affect the Zodiac Signs
People who have their sun or other astrological placements in the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) will feel Uranus retrograde more than others. If you want to get even more specific, see if any of your birth-chart placements fall around 14 to 18 degrees of a fixed sign — if so, you'll feel this retrograde more than most.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
This Uranus retrograde falls in your sign and, therefore, your first house of self, Taurus. Over the next few months, you'll be reflecting on how to best pursue goals tied to your personal brand and identity. Although you are very much a creature of habit, you might feel more compelled to break out of stale patterns and ruts. Change — at least in terms of how you're thinking about long-term passion projects and aspirations — will feel comfier and more secure than continuing down the same old path.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Uranus's retrograde falls in your 10th house of career and public image, Leo, bringing a blast of electrifying, innovative energy to your professional game plan. Over the next few months, you can take a step back, slow down, and revise and perfect your plan, especially when it comes to your career. During this time, it's OK to say "no" to opportunities that aren't in line with your vision. Uranus retrograde will offer you more clarity on exactly what you want to achieve.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Uranus retrograde hits your seventh house of partnership, Scorpio, which means your one-on-one relationships are very much a focus now. Friendships and relationships that have been either toxic or unfulfilling are sure to fade away as Uranus moves backward. Try not to mourn these dying connections, though! Over the next few months, you can likely gain a new perspective on these changes and discover what you want future bonds to look like as you move ahead.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Uranus's retrograde falls in your fourth house of home life, Aquarius, which means it'll influence your relationships with loved ones, your literal home, your sense of security, and your inner world. Ever since your ruling planet moved into this zone back in 2018, it's been shaking things up around your family and home. You might be paving your own path in this part of your life, refusing to conform to what's expected of you. Or perhaps an unconventional form of healing like EFT tapping or psychodynamic therapy has helped seal old emotional wounds. Either way, the next few months will offer plenty of opportunities to reflect on your journey.
