Uranus

Uranus is seldom visible without a telescope and the history of its discovery goes along with its astrological character.  It was first discovered in 1690 by Astronomer Royal John Flamsteed but he thought it was a star and added it to the catalog accordingly.  Sometime after that, astronomer P. Le Monier observed it, but it was stationing (i.e., when a planet goes retrograde or posigrade and appears from Earth not to be moving) so it was not identified as a planet then either.  In 1781 William Hershel discovered it but he thought it was a comet.  A few months later they realized it wasn't, and it finally was recognized as a planet. 

It was eventually assigned astrologically to rule Aquarius.  Previous to that time, Saturn had the honor.  It's name was chosen for continuity with the other planets that had been named for mythological characters with the Greek spelling "Ouranos."  Uranus had a somewhat sordid experience in mythology that we won't go into here.  In modern times just about everyone cringes at its pronunciation, particularly when pronounced with a long "a".  Somehow the fact it has an awkward name fits in with everything else about it.

Naturally changes and such can be good or bad and that will depend on the Aspects, i.e. whether they are positive or negative and in which Signs and Houses they occur.

1st House/Aries:  Uranus is very compatible with Aries energy and will provide plenty of original ideas.  In other Signs, it will still imbue a lot of originality and perhaps eccentricity or unpredictability, depending on how it's aspected.  It is likely that when the Ascendant progresses to the point that it conjoins Uranus that a significant event will occur in the person's life.  Isaac Newton has this placement.

2nd House/Taurus:  This placement is likely to provide a somewhat unconventional attitude toward money and investing.  In Taurus, it will most likely attach an element of eccentricity to other Taurean traits.  For example, since Uranus tends to make a person strong willed, it could contribute to further strengthening the tendency to be stubborn to the point of being inflexible to a fault.

3rd House/Gemini:   It is very likely that this person will have extremely brilliant and original ideas, but if negatively aspected may possess other traits that will prevent them from executing them properly and seeing them through to fruition.  From childhood on they may be bored with school or too much structure in their environment and/or be so ornery that others find them downright annoying.  A classic example of someone with this placement is Albert Einstein.

4th House/Cancer:  Uranus in Cancer can exacerbate the natural moodiness of this sign and accentuate the general unpredictable nature.  In the fourth house it could create a conflict between the need for freedom and the stimulation of change versus the need for a stable home, depending on what other Signs are predominant in the Natal or Progressed Chart.

5th House/Leo:  In this House Uranus could be particularly beneficial to any creative tendencies, unless aspected in a negative way.  Any creations will be original, innovative and  most likely very distinctive.  In the love life department, they'll be inclined to be very enthusiastic and optimistic but perhaps a bit too oblivious to emotional risks.  They should cultivate a conscious awareness of this and throw some calculated logic toward their relationships before becoming too involved.  The person's children are likely to be very intelligent and innovative as well.  In Leo, it adds additional dazzle to the leonine nature and could possible add a bit of a power trip coupled with an unconventional attitude.

6th House/Virgo:  The innovative and brilliance factor will be apparent here, but there may be a definite problem dealing with a regular work routine.  If it's boring or tedious in any way, the person is very likely to become very frustrated.  Nervousness is likely as well as a tendency to eat erratically.  These are the people who'll try to subsist on fast or snack food rather than maintain a healthy diet. 

7th House/Libra:  While Uranus will throw its creativity and sparkle to the initiation of relationships, in the long haul the need for independence can preclude long-term stability.  There could be significant inner conflict in the person if their Ascendant, Sun and Moon signs incline them in the opposite direction, i.e. toward the need for stability.  This will be particularly true of Libras, who have a fundamental need of people in their life.  Any partners will need to have a strong understanding of this need and be secure enough to allow adequate freedom to the individual so as not to stifle the relationship out of existence.

8th House/Scorpio:  Uranus can be quirky and perhaps in no sign more so than this one.  The attitude toward money can be especially casual, incorporating the tendency to not worry much about it, one way or another.  It simply isn't that important, as a rule, but depending on other inclinations in their Chart, this could cause another inner conflict they have to wrestle with.  Also, attitudes toward sex can be at either extreme, i.e. anywhere from an outright fetish to disinterest. 

9th House/Sagittarius:  This placement can be especially beneficial when it imparts Uranian brilliance and innovation to the intellect, making higher education a significant experience.  This can offer the opportunity to really shine and utilize those inventive and creative abilities as never before.  They will also benefit significantly from travel, particularly abroad, and true to the Uranus character, surprises are likely to occur.  Care should be taken that positive aspects are in force with planetary transits during travel or they may have a little more excitement than even they would prefer.

10th House/Capricorn:  The effects of Uranus are somewhat contrary to Capricorn, which inclines toward traditional methods and conservative behaviors.  Nonetheless, when in the 10th house, particularly if very close to the cusp, it's likely that their career will involve an area with heavy Uranus influence.  These include airlines and the space industry, science, astronomy and other innovative areas or perhaps those in the social sciences.  They are likely to make numerous career changes during their lifetime and need to make sure they don't throw the baby out with the bathwater when doing so, but retain their previous experience in such a way that they're not entirely starting over each time.

11th House/Aquarius:  Since this is the sign and natural house that Uranus rules, it will have a very strong influence here.  The individual will have a strong affinity for groups of one kind or another, most likely one related in some way to the resident sign.  Their social life will be active and they'll be friendly and well-liked.  However, they are also likely to not have that many close friends compared to their many acquaintances.  Their behavior can be erratic, sometimes breaking ties abruptly with a particular group or perhaps making a big scene in order to accomplish a needed change when the rest of the group has disintegrated into group-think.

12th House/Pisces:  While there are significant differences between the general character of Uranus and Pisces or the 12th House, nonetheless this placement tends to work out quite well.  Pisces is generally empathic and caring and the 12th House represents our subconscious and our need to help others.  Uranus is very humanitarian, but often on a larger scale and thus detached on the one to one human level.  When this sign or house and Uranus get together, it can result in some very significant social interactions.  However, sometimes these individuals will also entirely dedicate themselves to some kind of charitable activity and never get involved in a close, permanent relationship of their own.