Susan Miller Astrology: How Uranus in Aries Affects Libra

Translators: Pa Pa, Ying Xi

Dear readers: Please read the Preface first. After finishing this article, you may see how this astrological phenomenon relates to you. Be sure to read both your Sun and Rising signs.

Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun, the third largest by size in the solar system (larger than Neptune), and the fourth by mass (lighter than Neptune). Its name comes from Uranus, the sky god in ancient Greek mythology, father of Cronus (the agriculture god) and grandfather of Zeus (Jupiter). In astrology, Uranus represents innovation and breaking with tradition. In a natal chart, Uranus shows a person’s appetite for reform and the drive to be unique.

Astrologically, whenever an outer planet (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) enters a new sign, it signals a fresh chapter and brings exciting influences. Uranus, the planet of surprises and sudden moves, entered Aries on March 11, 2011, and will stay there for seven years, bringing notable changes—signs of transformation are already visible worldwide. What does Uranus in Aries mean for the twelve signs? Here is the analysis from renowned astrologer Susan Miller, focused on Libra.

With unpredictable Uranus moving into Aries, the sign that primarily governs Libra’s relationships and business partnerships, Libras may experience unexpected ups and downs in these areas. The challenge during Uranus’s time in Aries—from now until 2019—is to become more skillful in managing them. Because Uranus moves slowly, it can bring breakthroughs and disruptions at the same time. Don’t waste energy worrying about what might happen; you’ll handle it as it comes. With Uranus involved, outcomes are rarely predictable—this is how Uranus pushes you to focus on these two facets of your closest bonds.

You may never have experienced influences like these, since the last time Uranus was in Aries was from 1927 to 1935 (and even if you were born then, you were likely too young to remember). In the coming years, you might not feel this energy constantly, but when Uranus directly opposes your Sun—within about five degrees—its effects will be especially strong.

Libras born in September will feel this trend through early 2013; afterward, Uranus continues on to affect those born in early October. Uranus moves very slowly, so Libras born between the 15th and 22nd of October may not feel Uranus’s opposition to their Sun until 2018.

Uranus is famous for impulsiveness: you might rush into marriage—or, conversely, abruptly break up. Your top rule, especially in business, is to slow down. Avoid snap decisions in the coming years. If a partner is frustrating you, consider giving them another chance and avoid harsh criticism. If you’re in a romantic relationship, don’t dash off to elope in Las Vegas. Any time you’re tempted to make a big commitment, deliberately apply the brakes. Make sure your partner is on solid footing in all areas of life before you commit. Do your due diligence—you don’t want to be blindsided by something in your partner’s past. I’m not suggesting you’ll find anything—I know that sounds ominous. My point isn’t that such things will happen; it’s simply thorough advice. Since surprises are possible, you might learn something useful, so it bears mentioning.

Uranus in Libra’s seventh house can trigger the urge to marry, but it can also bring the opposite—breakups. With Uranus here, you’ll be drawn to people who are different or unusual in some way—perhaps because of their unconventional work or interests, or a distinctive physical trait. For example, they might have one blue eye and one brown eye like Kate Bosworth, be exceptionally tall, or have striking tattoos—many possibilities fit the bill.

You may find your partner exhibits quirks that are hard to tolerate. Just when you think you can rely on them, you may find you can’t, or they may have sudden mood swings, leaving you unsure who they’ll be from one day to the next.

On the upside, Uranus in Aries may bring a partner with special skills, talents, or habits—someone very attractive, charming, and a bit temperamental. Your new partner could even be notable in their field, as Uranus sometimes brings prominent people into your life. Uranus also rules the unusual, so you might partner in love or business with someone from a completely different background. You may be ready to commit to someone of a different faith, ethnicity, nationality, or a significant age difference. These factors could fit smoothly into your lifestyle.

At times your partner may seem aloof and will regularly need time alone. Be prepared to make space for this. Uranus needs breathing room, and in your relationship this will likely show up more in your partner than in you. If you love them and understand that relationships are mutual, you’ll be willing to give up some together-time so they can think or work alone. Some Libras handle a partner’s need for space better than others; know yourself. Remember, a need for freedom is not a sign of infidelity—it’s simply time for personal reflection or individual pursuits.

Uranus shows where people seek excitement, and for you that comes through serious commitments—in business or in love. Now and in the years ahead, you’ll be attracted to unconventional, highly creative types—and you may find the stimulation exhilarating and exhausting. Life with a charismatic politician, artist, actor, musician, or other creative person can be a roller coaster. The ups and downs tend to even out over time, and many would never trade the experience. Keep in mind, Uranus will influence your choice of partners (or describe your partners) and can also affect business partnerships—either or both may apply.

In the coming years, it’s wise to consider your partner’s opinions. If your friends think your partner is having a negative effect on you or treating you unfairly, take their feedback seriously. On the other hand, you might find yourself dating (or working with) a genius. Uranus can elevate Mercurial insight and analytical ability to the level of true brilliance—this could describe your partner. Van Gogh was a genius, yet he cut off his own ear—be ready for anything!

It would be remiss not to mention that Uranus in Aries can generate friction between partners. Even healthy relationships may feel tension at times, as Uranus can create sudden, unexpected situations. Some people may break up abruptly under this influence. This isn’t fated—it’s simply one way Uranus stress-tests different parts of life without warning.

Partnerships are central to you as a Libra, and I don’t say this to alarm you. You might find your romantic relationship thriving while your business ties grow unstable—many scenarios are possible. If you love your partner, or you and a business partner have a solid foundation, you’ll find ways to mend any cracks in the relationship. Many Libras handle this period exceptionally well—and often come out with stronger bonds than they imagined.

For the past seven years, Uranus has been in your work sector. Colleagues may have acted unpredictably, and your workload may have fluctuated wildly. Now, with Uranus leaving that area in March 2011, you’ll naturally start seeking a steadier work environment and projects you enjoy.

Take good care of your health—the road ahead can be demanding. You and your partner should follow medical guidance closely, as Uranus can correlate with sudden health concerns. Because Uranus rules heightened nervous energy, stress may be a contributing factor.

Before I close, one more point: in my father’s natal chart, Uranus is also in the seventh house, as it is for you now. My mother never had wild mood swings, never threatened to cut off her ear, and never behaved oddly. She has always been beautiful, and still is. She and my father had different beliefs (she was Protestant) and different nationalities (she was German), and there was an age gap—significant to some, but not an issue for my Italian Catholic father. The only thing that set my mother apart was her passion for astrology—Uranus rules astrology. She also dated my father for seven years and married at 27, later than many of her peers. She wasn’t in a rush to marry because she felt marriage meant raising children. Her outlook was ahead of its time—that’s Uranus’s gift, too. I share this to show that Uranus can manifest in many ways.