I wrote the following article in May of 2002, nearly a year before Uranus entered Pisces for the first time in this century. Uranus leaves the Fish in a few months, so I thought it would be interesting to compare what was written eight years ago to what has taken place. On a personal level, there is description of Uranus transiting the houses of the natal horoscope at the end of this piece that may prove of interest to you as individuals as it is still valid. Uranus will begins its transit of Aries on May 28, 2010, with a short sojourn through the first degree of the Ram until the middle of August of this year before returning to visit the last degrees of Pisces for a few months . It leaves the Fish finally on March 11, 2011.

Uranus in Pisces has an important message and affects us all in three ways. First, it colors the nature of the collective consciousness of humanity. Second, it speaks to us of an entire generation of people—our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to be. Third, its passage through the houses of an individual’s natal horoscope has deep personal significance. In this article, I would like to explore with you the various possibilities of these three factors.

It is important for us to recognize that Uranus is known in traditional astrology as the planet of revolution. It serves to shake up the status quo and creates new social archetypes and paradigms. As it has its exaltation in Scorpio and thus highly expressive through this sign, Uranus also functions to kill off the old, generating new patterns of behavior both on personal and collective levels. The sign of Pisces falls on both the Second Ray of Love/Wisdom and the Sxcth Ray of Devotion, Religion and Idealism. Most people cannot respond to the higher Second Ray tonality as it requires inclusivity and thus total lack of prejudice. Thus for the majority of humanity, Pisces is a Sixth Ray sign. This corresponds to the astral plane (desires and emotions) and the devotional and religious qualities of that Ray manifest as fanaticism and one-pointed blind devotion to a belief system either religious or political.

The last time Uranus was in Pisces occurred between 1919 and 1927. This was an era that saw the rise of fascism in Germany, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Romania, Portugal, Yugoslavia, Vichy France, and Japan as well as the emergence of the Lenin/Stalin era of the Soviet Union. It thus coincided with the dissolution of the monarchical and feudal systems in many parts of the world, and their replacement with governments that polarized humanity first into World War II and then consequently into the Cold War. The latter only ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall towards the end of the 20th century.

Pisces is a dual sign and therefore has two major sides to its nature. On the level of the personality, it polarizes and separates, causing a tension that leads to enormous suffering. On the level of the soul, the urge of Pisces is for healing this duality, through redemption, resurrection and universal love. In this respect, the glyph of the sign is very revealing. It shows the two fish swimming in opposite directions, connected by a cord. One of the fish swims downstream into the material plan while the other swims upstream into the realm of the soul. The cord binds the two so that they are never truly apart. It is thus that the relationship and tensions existing between the higher aspirations of the soul and the desires and activities of the personality ever in a battle for dominance. In the esoteric teachings, this cord has a name—the antahkarana. The antahkarana is the energetic connection within the occult human anatomy that links the higher and lower selves.

As a result of the incredible suffering of the last century, the wiser men and women of goodwill have struggled and continue to struggle to bring a greater sense of unified global purpose to the human family. Although there is still so much work to be done, at the very least we have seen the birth of the United Nations as the first major step to a world government that seeks of be of service to all people. Racism has been recognized for the true evil that it is. Feminism has laid the groundwork for equality between men and women and brought to light the need to eradicate the abuse of women and children from the face of human consciousness. Several of the more advanced nations of the world, among them Holland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, have eliminated legal and social prejudice against people of differing sexual orientations and hopefully this effort will eventually succeed globally. In effect, out of the exaggerated suffering stemming from social duality, one can see many forms of social progress. But oh my friends, there is still so much work that needs to be done for people to live in peace with one another!

Religious wars and violence based on spiritual and doctrinal differences are still rife and it is here that Uranus in Pisces can bring about even greater duality and suffering. Yet the promise of the upward swimming fish also brings about the potential for resolving such differences in the coming times. The Ancient Wisdom teaches us that the Earth is a planet that must continue to undergo incredible challenges in order to win its place as a “sacred globe.” Until that time, still far off into the future, when we learn that we are One Family, the tears that come about as a result of the ignorance in men’s eyes will still have to flow.

It is my feeling that Uranus in Pisces will increase the tensions among people of different religions, beliefs and creeds giving rise to violence, war and anarchy. Pisces is both a Sixth and Second Ray sign. When the Sixth Ray predominates through the personality of individuals and nations, it gives rise to religious fascism and self-righteousness. In effect, it states: “My (concept of) God and my religion are the only truths. Your spiritual beliefs are inferior and deserve to be excluded and eliminated. Only our holy books contain the reality of God’s message. Only our priests and preachers can conduct you to heaven. Anything outside of our places and ways of worship are anathema to living under God’s Law.” When the Second Ray predominates, true universality and inclusivity become the message and the means to human upliftment. All religions and paths are seen only as different forms of the One Creative Life in Whom we all live and breathe and have our being.

When Uranus is in Pisces, both the Sixth and the Second Rays will be strong. Most of humanity will follow in the path of the Sixth, but a growing number will come under the influence of the Second. The majority of us “little fishes” will continue to swim in a current that will take us downstream. But we need to be hopeful, for the upstream pull will be stronger than ever, and many of us will choose to swim, drink and share in the waters of Life.

This same principle will apply to the hundreds of millions of children born in the seven years of Uranus’ passage in Pisces. The majority will enter the dualistic stream that has held humanity in its wake for eons past. Yet there will emerge from this “school of Fish”, a highly gifted group of spiritual teachers and leaders, priests and priestesses, whose inner light will shine forth out of the murkiest of religious and doctrinal waters and wars. We can expect many spiritual demagogues and false prophets to emerge between 2003 and 2011. The Church of Rome will be strongly tested as to the reality of its catholicism (universality) as a new pope takes on the mantle of St. Peter. In fact, many other of the world’s religious orthodoxies will be strongly challenged during the passage of Uranus in the Fish. On the soul level, Pisces is a sign that dissolves and melts away any impediments to universal love.

Just as a one world government must surely inherit the earth, so a one world religion must emerge to transcend those superficial (from the esoteric perspective) differences of religious teachings that continue to plague humanity with perpetual suffering. During the transit of Uranus in Pisces, we will see both the continuance of religious and spiritual duality and its resultant conflicts in the world of men, but we shall also witness the seeding of a universal acceptance that will lead to the eventual synthesis of all Paths. The form of this eventuation may not manifest during our lifetime, but the seeds are certainly being planted now into the collective consciousness. Many will step forward both as individuals and as groups to challenge the prevailing social and spiritual doctrines. Many will come forth out of false idealism with weapons in hand, but a few potent teachers will also emerge with the truth of Love Incarnate on their lips and in their pens.

What does Uranus in Pisces mean for us as individuals? If we have the Sun or the Ascendant in Aquarius, Uranus is our ruling planet and we shall surely be tested. Aquarians are a funny lot. They can hold on rigidly to their doctrinal and social affiliations, no matter how separatist and exclusive, while at the same time support everyone else’s freedom to think and live as he or she may choose. Aquarians maintain many strong opinions about themselves and life in general. No sign is more loyal in friendship or faithful to their group affiliations. Yet no sign can be more anti-group and individualistic. The nature and structure of their beliefs and aspirations—and Aquarius’ relationships to the people with whom they share them—will come under scrutiny. Are Aquarians as universally accepting as they would like to believe they are? Are they as free minded, open and liberal as they choose to think? How strongly will they retain their patterns of social interchange and the doctrines that underlie their activities in the face of pressures to change?

Although these questions will be uppermost in the lives and minds of our Aquarius and Aquarius rising brothers and sisters, Uranus is in Pisces for all of us. As a result, humanity in general will be asked these same questions. And what of our brothers and sisters with the Sun in Pisces in their natal charts? They can be sure that they will feel the need to break with routine, search out and invent new patterns of self-expression, and generally work to individualize their personal identity.

Let’s examine now the transit of Uranus in Pisces through the twelve houses of the horoscope in order to see how this planet/sign combination will more specifically affect your life. Two things you need to keep in mind. One is the nature of Pisces itself, some of the traits of which have already been mentioned. To summarize, keep in mind that Pisces is an idealistic sign, one that seeks to dissolve boundaries. On the positive side, it allows for a greater vision of universality, permitting the heart to expand and the mind to become more inclusive. On the negative, it tends to dissolves those practical structures and limitations that are needed in order for us to distinguish the forest from the trees.

The second thing to remember is the general effect of uranian transits. Basically, you will find that Uranus brings the unusual and unexpected into our lives. It does so in ways that can be upsetting and decidedly unexpected. Yet these transits do not have to be harmful. Uranus actually opens up new worlds of experience for those willing and able to accept the necessary changes that are coming into their lives. Those who require that life be 100% predictable, those who are “control freaks”, and those who resist experimentation will not particularly appreciate the effects of this planet. But if your mind and heart are open, if you are eager to become more of who you really are, then Uranus will work its celestial magic in ways that will surprise and delight.

Uranus transiting the First House: Changing your sense of self. When Uranus the cusp of your First House, you will experience a great urge for personal liberation. At this time you will tend to want to break with routine and abandon old patterns of self-expression. Often people with Uranus transiting the first, change their appearance and tend to dress differently, wear new hair styles and give themselves a “make-over.” Many people will be surprised at your seeming acts of rebellion. The most surprised of them will undoubtedly be you. Be prepared for a long period of personal experimentation with life.

Uranus transiting the Second House: Changing your set of values. On the surface, Uranus in this position will bring changes into your economic and material life. These can definitely be for the better as you seek to rid yourself of old patterns of dealing with money that have limited your economic progress. If Uranus is “acting-up”, you may find that you are spending recklessly and using your resources in ways that you can later regret. You may also find that your possessions are possessing you and will search out ways to better distribute and use your material goods.

Uranus transiting the Third House: Changing your opinions and ways of communicating. You may easily find that you are attracted to books, courses and seminars that serve to educate you in new ways. You will be bored with the way your mind works and seek out those systems of thought that open you to different patterns of relating with those close to you. Others may object to these startling views and you can easily find yourself in conflict with close friends and family members. Yet you will not be comfortable in old patterns of sharing yourself and your urge for new intellectual interests will dominate your activities.

Uranus transiting the Fourth House: Changes in the ways you deal with your past. Your family roots and home life may feel very restricted at this time and you may find that this leads to breaks with the old and familiar. Many people with Uranus transiting the Fourth change their residence and certainly reorient their relationship to their parents and family traditions. Although this sudden urge to uproot yourself from secure ties may prove to be uncomfortable initially, your urge to be “yourself” will dominate your activities. You may find that previous patterns of anchoring personal security do not work. Your inner needs are new and you will need the time, space, and freedom to explore them.

Uranus transiting the Fifth House: Changes in your relationship with your children and your methods of creative self-expression. If you are a parent, you may find that during Uranus transit through your Fifth House, your offspring leave the nest. At the very least, you will want more independence from your kids and they will certainly want this from you. But whether or not you have children, you will also encounter the need to be creative in ways that you have never before encountered. Experiment with your creative drives. Dare to paint, write, and explore life. You may also find that you will wish to experience your romantic nature in ways and with people quite different to you.

Uranus transiting the Sixth House: Changes in your job and in your methods of seeking self-improvement. Restlessness is a very common effect of a Uranus transit. In this case, such restlessness will manifest in your work area. You will most likely feel bored with your established employment and seek changes in your job activities. You may also find that working with a new group of people will attract you as your current co-workers may be experienced as limiting your progress. The Sixth House is also the area in the horoscope where we seek out those methods, techniques and processes that improve the quality of our lives. Thus you may easily find yourself furthering your education with the view to improving your work-related possibilities.

Uranus transiting the Seventh House: Changes in partnerships and intimate relationships. One of the most common results of Uranus in this house is the break-up of established relationships and patterns of relating. This may mean that you and your partner need to call it quits. It may also mean that you can save and improve your current relationship but only through reassessing how each of you may support each other’s progress and growth. At the very least, you will be very rebellious if you feel that your partner is stifling your sense of individual self-expression. Often a new person or a new type of person comes into our lives when Uranus is transiting the Seventh. This would be especially the case when Uranus contacts Venus or the ruler of your Seventh during its long passage through this part of the horoscope.

Uranus transiting the Eighth House: Changes that are profound and deeply rooted in the subconscious. As Uranus is exalted in Scorpio, the natural ruler of the Eighth House, its transit of this domicile is very important. You will definitely experience a passing away of the past. In fact, you may witness the death of old friendships and the passing away of the familiar in ways that are far- reaching and deeply moving. You will undoubtedly feel estranged from many people and even from certain parts of your personality that no longer sustain your sense of self. The Eighth is known as the “House of Sexuality” and although there is the possibility that you will have some sudden and surprising sexual experiences during this transit, we should understand “sex” in a broader context. Sexuality as a larger life theme indicates regeneration and renewal. Be prepared for a personal rebirth coming from your ability to let go of what is no longer your personal truth.

Uranus transiting the Ninth House: Changes in philosophical and religious views. This transit can be particularly helpful as you move along on your spiritual path. Jupiter is the co-ruler of Pisces and the natural ruler of the Ninth House. Thus Uranus in this position can yield many benefits and blessings. If you are a member of an orthodox church, you may find that in order to widen your Way, you will have to give up and abandon the status quo of your belief system. But what is given up in the pursuit of a larger truth will return to you as a much greater understanding of life and a deeper faith in the nature of divinity. Many people find that traveling during this period to sacred places on the globe can be most beneficial. A word of caution—people at this time should take care not to become involved with cults or psychics.

Uranus transiting the Tenth House: Changes in profession and social status. You need to be free to express yourself free from authoritarian pressure and social limitations. Many people with this transit change their professional involvements in order that they are perceived by the world in a far more individualistic way than ever before. You may thus find yourself leaving a corporation in order to start your own business or that you suddenly have the courage to break away from an overly controlling boss (or father figure). Uranus in this position can be quite beneficial as one may suddenly find oneself with new professional opportunities. A path may thus open up for greater creative and professional freedom. At the very least, you will not tolerate restrictions and those whom you perceive as restricting you from your greater good.

Uranus transiting the Eleventh House: Changes in friendships, associations, and life aspirations. You will find yourself attracted by people whose life interests are very different from those in your past. You may easily be inspired by such folks in such a way that your life suddenly opens up to new social and intellectual possibilities. This may require that you leave old friendships behind and this can present some profound challenges. You are defining yourself in a new way and are open to experimenting with different social groups and life orientations. Many people with this transit will find themselves joining some humanitarian service organization as your need to come into contact with a wider sense of humanity dominates your activities. The urge here is to move out of a limited sense of contact with people so that you may experience greater freedom in exploring yourself. At the very least, you will be making new and different friends.

Uranus transiting the Twelfth House: Changes in life’s hidden factors. The Twelfth is a most mysterious astrological domicile. It is here that impressions from the unconscious are stored. This means that anything that has long been repressed or suppressed will tend to suddenly rise to the surface when stimulated by Uranus’ rebellious call. This can mean wonderful things! You may have been suppressing a deep need to explore the mystic and spiritual in life but have not had the real “call” to do so until now. There may also be certain psychological dynamics that have lain dormant and need to come to the surface in order for you to clear the way for your real life purpose to unfold. Although this process of self-understanding may not be simple or easy, this is a great period in your life for such an inner cleansing. This is perfect time to explore such personal underground caves and caverns. You may suddenly come across your own buried treasure!