Uranus is retrograde nearly forty-one percent of the year, and thus, it is relatively normal to have Uranus retrograde in the natal chart.
Retrograde planets in the birth chart are sometimes described as being unable to fully express themselves or having oddball, round-about ways of manifesting their influence. Just as common is the idea that retrograde planets in the natal chart only begin to emerge successfully later in life after much introspection and adjustment....
In traditional astrology, however, retrograde planets are not seen as merely misguided, but as being thoroughly weakened. Speed and visibility were both important considerations to ancient astrologers, and on both accounts, retrograde planets are at a disadvantage. Fast-moving planets were interpreted as being active and able to bring about their significations, while slow-moving planets, like ones in retrograde, were deemed too sluggish to do their job properly. It is worth noting that the outer planets—Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto—had not yet been discovered when the ancient astrologers were drafting their opinions on retrograde planets.
In general, Uranus retrograde in the natal chart is considered less impactful than a retrograde personal planet, such as Mercury or Venus. The effects of natal Uranus retrograde gain more potency if Uranus forms strong aspects to other planets or points, particularly the sun, moon, and ascendant.
Uranus' responsibility in the birth chart is to awaken us to real freedom, pushing us out of complacency through subsequent breakdowns and breakthroughs. Wherever Uranus is found in the birth chart is an area of life which we may feel inordinately confined, even if we are not; throughout life, we may hatch an escape plan, attempting to free ourselves from the shackles of responsibility.
A prominently placed Uranus, whether direct or retrograde, usually indicates that the holder of the chart must find a way to grapple with the wily energy of Uranus, charting a middle path between inspired innovation and meaningless rebellion. Positively, this usually leads those with prominent Uranus placements to high levels of autonomy and self-individuation. When poorly expressed, Uranian influences can erupt as erratic outbursts of brilliance which fail to find proper expression in material reality. Those with Uranus retrograde in the natal chart may need to expend considerable energy coming to terms with their need for individuality and freedom.
