Uranus retrograde is why you’ve been feeling out of your comfort zone for months

Of all the planetary retrogrades, Mercury retrograde gets most of our attention (and ire), but it’s certainly not the only one worthy of it. “When a planet goes retrograde, it appears to be moving backward from our vantage point on Earth,” says Rachel Lang, intuitive astrologer and healer. “It’s similar to the phenomenon when you’re driving forward next to a car going at the same relative speed, and that car appears like it’s moving backward. It’s an optical illusion.” To that point, all retrogrades pack an active punch, and when you know what they affect, you can better anticipate and explain the cosmic shifts. So, let’s turn our focus to Uranus retrograde 2019, which has been happening since August 11, and isn’t scheduled to go direct until January 10, 2020.

This retrograde is in Taurus, a practical Earth sign with a romantic streak (Taurus is ruled by Venus, after all). And if you’ve been feeling a little out of your comfort zone lately, the Uranus retrograde might be to thank. “Uranus is the planet of freedom, progress, and change. When you think of Uranus, think of electricity; its nature can be erratic, and the energy of Uranus needs to be focused and grounded. Uranus is somewhat of a rebel planet. It wants you to go against the grain, to march to the beat of your own drum,” Lang says. “If you feel stuck in any area of your life, or if you’ve been making fear-based decisions, Uranus can sweep in like a rabble-rouser and stir things up. Its influence is exciting and energizing, but it does stretch you outside your comfort zone.”

“Things could feel unsettled, like something’s going to change but you can’t put your finger on what that means.” —astrologer Rachel Lang

As far as effects of the retrograde go, if you’re a fixed sign (Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, or Aquarius), you’re probably feeling this cycle more intensely than other signs. “Things could feel unsettled, like something’s going to change but you can’t put your finger on what that means,” Lang says. “You might feel a little more restless with what’s not working for you in your life. It’s time to go with the flow and see any sudden shifts as part of an exciting adventure.” And to be clear, anything having to do with Uranus likely is an exciting adventure; the planet is all about progress, and, in terms of modern society, it also rules over social networks and technology.

And while all retrograde cycles are a great time for life reflection and introspection, this period is particularly good for building community and connections. If you’ve been wanting to get involved more, or make any life changes, Lang says to go for it. The influence of this retrograde will help you find your courage to make it happen. “When outer planets go retrograde, we often experience the influence of them collectively. They help us rethink and reshape our society. They also allow us to see how we, as individuals, can make a greater contribution to the whole,” she says. “Because Uranus is in Taurus, an Earth sign, we might reconsider solutions to some of our global environmental concerns.”

It’s also a time to take a practical approach to your finances, because Uranus wants freedom. Uranus in Taurus can help you rethink your spending, budgeting, and finances, and it might help you find innovative solutions to some of your financial issues. Since the planet goes direct just after the New Year, what better time to give your financial profile a resolution-worthy revamp?

If you don’t really identify with your sun sign, you may want to look into Vedic astrology. And here’s how to use your Mars sign to figure out the best workout for you.