Uranian astrology is a lesser-known astrological system that uses planetary midpoints and hypothetical points that can help uncover detailed information about a chart. Early Uranian astrologers mathematically proposed these hypothetical points (also known as trans-Neptunian planets) to represent themes not fully covered by traditional planets. It relies on the 90-degree dial and “planetary pictures” which are combinations of 3 or more connected planets and points, offering additional insight beyond traditional and modern astrology methods.

The Origins of Uranian Astrology

Uranian astrology began in 1920s Germany with astrologer Alfred Witte, who felt that both traditional and modern astrology techniques left too many questions unanswered and, in many cases, resulted in vague interpretations. Since Witte was also a surveyor and mathematician by profession, he applied his analytical and statistical techniques to astrology to see if he could further develop the field of astrology. He noticed that by calculating the midpoints between planets, new patterns and connections appeared that could explain events and personal dynamics more precisely than just looking at planets in signs and houses. If you’ve heard of the term midpoints in astrology, this is where it was popularized.

Along with a group of astrologers in Hamburg, Witte went further and introduced a set of hypothetical points (also known as hypothetical planets), mathematical points he believed represented unseen influences of life on Earth. This system became known as the Hamburg School of Astrology. The method was controversial and was suppressed during World War II, when many astrologers in Germany faced persecution. However, Witte’s students, Friedrich Sieggrün and Ludwig Rudolph, carried the work forward, refining the techniques and preserving the teachings. Over time, the system spread internationally and evolved into what is now called Uranian astrology.

What are The Trans-Neptunian Points or Hypothetical Planets

The trans-neptunian or “hypothetical planets“ aren’t physical planets you can observe in the sky. These are derived points that Uranian Astrologers use, with distances and orbits that go far beyond Neptune’s. Pluto was discovered after the formation the Uranian Astrology system in 1930 and was subsequently integrated into the system. These “planets” embody different archetypes from the standard planets used in standard techniques astrology. See below for more detail on each planet.

These additional points are used when delineating a chart in combination with the Ascendant, Midheaven, Luminaries (Sun and Moon), Planets, North Node and Aries Point (0 degrees Aries).

In Astronomy, a very similar term is used “Trans-Neptunian Planets”. The idea began when scientists noticed that some distant icy worlds, like Pluto and other small bodies, move in unusual orbits beyond Neptune. We now refer to this region of the solar system as the Kuiper Belt, with distances ranging from 30 AU (astronomical units) to beyond 50 AU from the Sun.

Here are the eight hypothetical planets in this system of astrology, and their core associations:

	Cupido – linked to relationships, community, and art
	Hades – connected to hidden things, decay, and transformation.
	Zeus – associated with energy, drive, power, and creativity.
	Kronos – authority, leadership, mastery, and achievement.
	Apollon – expansion, opportunity, learning, and science.
	Admetos – focus, stability, limits, and patience.
	Vulcanus – raw strength, power, and force.
	Poseidon – spirituality, philosophy, ideals, and inspiration.

Is there an association with the Uranian Astrology Hypothetical Planets and the objects found in the Kuiper Belt?

I spent some time looking up the various objects discovered with the Kuiper belt to see if any matched the distances, positions, and approximate orbits of Witte’s hypothetical planets. None of them match, but I was surprised to find that one object was quite close: Zeus and Asteroid 2015 KH162.

Zeus’ distance from the Sun is 60 AU, with an orbit of 456 years. Zeus was at 0 degrees 20, Leo in April 1921.

Asteroid 2015 KH162, discovered in 2015, is at a distance of 60.6 AU from the Sun, with an orbit of 482 years. It was at 0 degrees 44, Leo in April 1921 but slowly diverged away from Zeus’ location soon after. It’s interesting that the timing of when these were both in the same location in the sky was around the time Witte was giving lectures about his system of astrology to the Kepler Circle in Germany.

How Does Uranian Astrology Differ from Standard Astrology?

In traditional and modern astrology, we look at where the planets are in the zodiac signs and houses at any given time (for example, at the time of birth for a natal chart). In Uranian astrology, astrologers primarily look at the exact halfway between planets, called midpoints, and planets and sensitive points (Ascendent, Midheaven, etc.) that are linked by these midpoints. These midpoints can reveal hidden influences or tensions that aren’t obvious just from looking at the planetary placements, condition, and aspects in a regular chart.

In Uranian Astrology, astrologers use the standard ephemeris in addition to the ones developed specifically for the trans-neptunian points. A specialized chart called the 90-degree dial to plot these midpoints, planets and hypothetical points. They then interpret them to reveal insights about personality, potential events, or challenges. This dial makes it easier to see patterns compared to the regular chart. It’s almost like putting the 360-degree chart under a microscope to find patterns that might otherwise be easily overlooked.

It’s important to note that, similar to the utilization of the Fixed Stars, the vast majority of astrologers who use Uranian astrology use it as a supplement and to add nuance to standard techniques. It’s not typically used in a standalone fashion.

The 90 Degree Dial

This is a type of chart that is most utilized in Uranian Astrology. It’s also known as the 4^th harmonic chart (since it’s 360 divided by 90 degrees). Put simply, it’s the standard 360-degree western astrology chart re-arranged in a way that groups all Cardinal sign placements in one third of the chart, all Fixed sign placements in another third, and all Mutable sign placements in the last third of the chart.

For example, both Venus at 17 degrees Virgo and Jupiter at 17 degrees Pisces would be plotted at the 17^th degree in the Mutable section of the 90-degree dial, which would be at 77 degrees from the starting point (0 degrees, Aries).

Any conjunctions seen in the 90-degree dial are either conjunctions, squares, or opposition aspects when viewed from the regular 360-degree chart. Any squares or oppositions seen in the 90-degree dial are semi-squares (45 degrees) or sesquisquares (135 degrees) aspects, which also hold importance in Uranian astrology.

This chart allows you to easily see if any planets, points, or other midpoints intersect the midpoint of a given pair of planets, without the chart becoming too crowded to read.