Uranus...The
Divine Rebel
The
planet Uranus was discovered in 1781 by English astronomer William
Hershel. During this period in our history, significant changes were
manifesting such as the American War of Independence from
The planet Uranus rules the sign of Aquarius which is symbolic of revolution,
invention, independence, bohemianism, rebelliousness, originality,
unconventionality as well as genius, intuition, the avant-garde,
humanitarianism, science and astrology. Uranus has been appropriately
called "the awakener," as well as a force for dynamic change which
opposes outmoded ideas and institutions that have become far too rigid.
The last planet discovered long before Uranus was Saturn. Saturn rules
structures and rigidity, and along comes the planet Uranus to break up existing
structures and facilitate awakening to a higher consciousness state of being,
thus challenging the tyranny of Saturn. So we can clearly see how the
discovery of Uranus is symbolic of humanity's awakening to the concept of
freedom, progress and brotherhood.
Brilliant astrologer Alan Oken explains in his
published works how man has only activated his five physical senses, but there
are at least two metaphysical senses which lie dormant within us. He
explains how mankind as a whole is in the gradual process of awakening to the
sixth sense or intuition, but it has yet to be used by all of us. Its
presence will be passed on to future generations, which will nurture and
actualize it fully. At this time mankind will then be ready for the
development of the seventh sense..."thus Uranus symbolizes man's
liberation from the bondage of the personality and signifies the power which
may be achieved through the collected energies of truly individualized souls
working toward a conscious connection with the source of life."
The study of mythology yields significant insights into how the planetary
archetypes manifest in our own lives. For example, in Greek mythology we
meet Prometheus, who belonged to the Titan race. The name Prometheus
literally means "foresight," and Prometheus was a true friend to
human beings and defended them against the Gods. His love for humans
inspired in him much rebellion. He decided to play a trick on the Gods
because they continuously took the best portion of each sacrificed bull and
left men with the offal. He disguised the bull so that Zeus chose the fat
and bones instead of the meat. Prometheus instead gave the best meat to
mankind. In a rage, Zeus withheld the gift of fire from humans.
Prometheus then stole fire from the Gods and gave it to humanity, literally
symbolizing enlightenment. Because of his deeds, Zeus proclaimed a terrible fate for him. He was to be chained to a
mountaintop where an eagle would rip his liver out only to be renewed daily so
the torture could start all over again.
So here we see how Uranus is associated with the divine rebel archetype.
It has become the carrier for the archetype of Prometheus. Those of us
with a prominent Uranus (Sun, Moon or Ascendant in Aquarius or Uranus in close
aspect to personal planets or angles in the birthchart)
in our natal birthcharts also may suffer the
loneliness and isolation that comes from being different, eccentric or unusual
in some way. Many of us can identify with feeling like "the black
sheep" or feeling that nobody understands us. This can also manifest
as rebellious behavior just for the sake of showing off our distance from the
norm. Ideally, Uranian types are those who dare
to be different...introducing new ideas and concepts to humanity in spite of
any collective fear or ridicule projected at them. Those of us who
practice the ancient art of astrology are in many ways reenacting the
Promethean myth. We strive to tap into the higher collective mind and
bring down to matter ideas ahead of their time. We rebel against limited,
restrictive thinking and seek tolerance and freedom of thought despite any
disregard. We are "seed planters" for the Age of Aquarius which
is now upon us.
A famous example in history of an individual with a prominent Uranus was Helen
Keller. Helen Keller was an undisciplined and rebellious child who
painstakingly learned to read, write and speak though she was deaf and
blind. She became a writer, lecturer and advocate for the deaf and
blind. In her natal birthchart, Helen has the
planet Uranus conjoin her midheaven which is an
important angular placement suggesting a Uranian type
of profession or reputation. When Uranus is linked to our career house in
the birthchart we are known to be individualists who
seek, develop and strive for unique goals. We need a great deal of
freedom, particularly on the professional path of life. Individuals with
this placement are often great humanitarians who are committed to visionary
ideals. Helen Keller embodied the most positive manifestation of this
planetary aspect. She founded the Helen Keller Endowment Fund for the American
Foundation for the Blind. She gained international renown as the foremost
advocate for people with disabilities. Her life became a mission to
create social reform!
By transit, Uranus takes 84 years to circle around the Sun. It will stay
in each zodiac sign for seven years where "he" will facilitate
tremendous change and individuation. For example, at the time of this
writing (spring 2003), those with planets in early degrees of Pisces, Gemini,
Sagittarius and Virgo are currently feeling the effects of Uranus transiting
the sign of Pisces. When Uranus makes contact to our natal planets, we
will surely experience sudden new developments and awakening to new ideas and
outlooks about our lives. Any areas that are stale, outmoded or rigid
will be given a dose of the "Promethean fire"!
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