The discovery of Uranus in 1781 coincided (roughly) with the dawn of the Industrial Revolution and the American and French Revolutions. Uranus has since been chosen to rule surprise and all things unexpected. It also rules the future and new technology, both newly invented and unimagined.

Uranus represents rebellion, independence, and shock. It overturns anything traditional, conventional or orthodox, especially if it feels something or someone has outlived its usefulness. Since Uranus affects all social change, it also regulates all humanitarian concerns, including environmental issues. Uranus stays in a sign for seven years and therefore takes 84 years to circle the Zodiac.

Uranus rules the sign of Aquarius.