Free the Inner Light: Venus Retrograde in Leo 2023

Venus Retrograde in Leo: July 22/23-September 4, 2023

Venus is getting an extended stay in tropical Leo this year due to its retrograde cycle beginning July 22/23. The last time Venus turned retrograde in Leo was during the summer of 2015. Sometimes it's insightful to reflect on past Venus retrograde cycles, especially if they touched upon significant natal chart positions. You might notice a mysterious connection (literally and symbolically) to events during that time and those of the present cycle. Additionally, as with the 2015 cycle, Venus will interact with Jupiter. During the 2015 cycle, Venus made a series of conjunctions with Jupiter, and this year there will be a series of squares (more on that below).

Venus will be in Leo from June 5 through October 8, 2023. While Venus retrograde cycles occur every year and a half, as I alluded to above, they repeat in the same sign (and very close to the same degrees) every eight years. Thus, we get a longer, more complex Venus transit in a specific area of the natal chart every eight years (but yes, somewhere every year and a half). Additionally, as mentioned, we also get more drawn-out aspects of Venus to other transiting planets, so those themes will likely become more pronounced on the world stage somehow.

Venus' synodic cycle (periodic conjunctions with the Sun) is quite complex, astonishingly symmetrical, and therefore regular. I won't get too deep into the woods related to the bigger, more nuanced picture of Venus retrograde cycles, but it's a fascinating study! I'd recommend reading Anne Massey's Venus: Her Cycles, Symbols, and Myths if you want to learn more. It's a book I've had for years, and I always find it a helpful reference. You can usually get it used somewhere out there online.

What does it mean when Venus turns retrograde? I've written a lot of articles about this over the years, and each time I learn something new. It's one of the most fascinating astrological cycles because it most uncannily connects to themes surrounding fate, serendipity, and "heart-opening" experiences in various ways. For example, meeting kindred souls or "soul mates," or certain pivotal events that somehow catalyze pathways conducive to "following the heart."

I'm not sure every Venus retrograde cycle will be experienced like this, and again, it's helpful to reflect on past cycles in the same zodiacal area because that will likely reveal how significant this cycle will be for you. However, no matter when or where they occur, Venus retrogrades are moments in which we get more in touch with the "heart," align ourselves with our emotional/intuitive center, and lead more through feeling rather than logic, reason, and common sense.

In ancient astrology, Venus was considered the "lesser benefic," meaning it was seen as a fortunate planet but not as much as Jupiter (the "greater benefic). Typically, Venus transits are far too brief to correlate with much significance (and probably why it was considered lesser than Jupiter). Still, during its retrograde cycles, especially during the retrograde and direct stations, Venus spends more time somewhere and thus has more time to "create" this fortuitous magic.

By the way, Venus' retrograde correlations are not always experienced as pleasant. Still, I do believe even the more complicated stuff that comes up during a Venus retrograde cycle leads us to something positive (especially when understood in hindsight). Jupiter sometimes has this impact as well, such as correlating with "happy accidents." I'll explain a bit more of the potential pitfalls of Venus retrograde down below. Everything in astrology has positive and negative potentials (though some carry one potential more so than others).

Also, retrograde and direct stations refer to when Venus first stops to move backward (retrograde station) and then stops again to move forward once the retrograde phase is over (direct station). These occur on July 22/23 (retrograde station) and September 3 (direct station). Within several days especially surrounding these dates, Venus will slow down and hang around a specific degree (28 Leo during the retrograde station and 12 Leo during the direct station). If you have significant placements there, you're more likely to feel and experience this cycle as significant, especially concerning significant life events.

When describing Venusian experiences, I often evoke the experience of "falling in love" and equate it with "fate," specifically a conception of fate that feels predetermined or beyond one's control. For example, we can't control who we fall in love or become infatuated with; it just happens to us. We don't consciously choose what music we like, which movies make us cry, what art we find beautiful, or what places in the world we conceive as our "happy places." These things happen, and we can't help but feel how we feel about them. Venusian experiences are often highly emotional and involuntary, and we often have no choice but to surrender to them (though, of course, we can choose whether to pursue or invest in them).

We could also say that such experiences touch upon our unconscious undercurrents more than our conscious awareness. Venus retrograde periods seem to amplify our inner emotional, aesthetically responsive, and intuitive selves. And thus, during these cycles we are leading more with the heart and intuitive center than with the rational faculties. Obviously, then, there are some pitfalls there, such as "falling" for people or things that might not be so good for us (but feel so in the moment) or investing too much time, attention, or money in things that aren't worth what we think they are in the moment. So, yes, it's critical to be more discerning and skeptical of emerging things that seem too good or too big to be true.

This is especially so due to Venus' square with Jupiter this cycle. In fact, both Venus and Jupiter interestingly station within a square aspect at the beginning of October (Jupiter stations retrograde while Venus stations direct at the end of its retrograde phase). Get-rich-quick schemes or marriage proposals after only a few dates are probably a bit extreme and too cartooned of examples, but you get the idea. Still, there are likely to be some really positive, expansive, and "lucky" correlations with this, especially in early October.

Sometimes, it's best to focus less on taking action with things that emerge during Venus retrograde and more on allowing ourselves to experience and digest it all fully. When the retrograde is over, and we still feel strongly about something, it's likely more solid and aligned for us. For example, because Venus also rules relationships (romantic, marriage, platonic, even professional), we can sometimes experience "changes of heart" or suddenly perceive more deeply the shadow side of a person we never really noticed or reflected on before. This can take a lot of different forms, from a deepening of a connection that was previously more surface level to feeling less connected. It can go either way.

Typically, the best advice is to wait out the retrograde and process what's happening and when the retrograde is over, and take action when you have a more rational and objective point of view. But of course, context is everything, and some things we can't control, so use your best judgment. Sometimes, also, the heart knows more than the mind, and if that voice is loud and clear, it might be wiser to just go with your gut feeling.

As mentioned, this retrograde cycle occurs in Leo. This is a sign of joy, pleasure, fun, and play. It's also a sign that deals with acceptance of praise, applause, recognition, and attention. Of course, the negative side of this could be some hubristic (or "eye roll") displays of overconfidence, arrogance, or self-absorption. In its dark side, Leo can get consumed in subjectivity and neglect the need for constructive feedback, critique, or other points of view. Yet, if you've been struggling with these more ideal features of the Leo archetype (especially in relation to the house position Venus will be in), then this could be a moment that opens our hearts more deeply to these qualities and discover them more intensely in those areas.

For example, if Venus is retrograding in the sixth house, perhaps its time to open your heart (or have a change of heart) to bring more joy, pleasure, playfulness, and fun into your work and routines, or perhaps this is a pivotal moment for receiving well-deserved attention, applause, or recognition for your hard work. If Venus is in your fourth house, maybe this relates more to your connection to your family, or tribe, or a rediscovery of an inner fountain of joy within, such as a profound reconnection to the inner child. In your first house (for you Leo risers out there), this might relate to your persona, personal style, and outer image, helping you liven and lighten up your look and self-presentation. Additionally, like my sixth house example, this could be a time to put yourself out there more, to be seen and recognized.

Venus retrograde cycles can also connect us to the past, and that's where this interesting association with "soul mates" or "kindred souls" comes in, because sometimes when we meet certain people during these cycles, they seem strangely familiar. Maybe that's karma or some past-life connection. I don't have any definitive answers about that. This isn't always likely to happen with Venus retrograde, and perhaps more so when it connects to Venusian or seventh-house themes in the chart. Also, there can be this rediscovery of something or someone from the past, as well as a revaluation of our relationships, the things we value (or place value on), and the things that bring us joy, pleasure, satisfaction, and peace.

Some things we discover or rediscover during Venus retrograde might seem insignificant, like finding an amazing artist, musician, or fashion look, but that's because we tend to culturally devalue such things as frivolous amusement. Yet, beauty is profoundly powerful and helps to keep us sane, soulful, and empathic. My favorite music playlists and podcasts get me through my workouts every week or pick me up on not-so-great days. I don't think humans would do so well without access to beauty, art, and pleasure. They're essential to our humanity. In Leo, Venus amplifies the pleasure principle here and the cultivation of joy and good times.

Lastly, as mentioned, Venus will interact with Jupiter this cycle, but there's also an interesting bigger picture. Beginning in June 2023, Jupiter and Uranus will come into orb of a conjunction (meaning they will be within 15 degrees of each other), and thus the themes of the Jupiter/Uranus cycle will begin to emerge in personal and collective events. This Jupiter/Uranus conjunction peaks in April 2024 and moves out of orb July 2024. Thus, from the time of this writing, we are entering a year of a Jupiter/Uranus fusion!

In Cosmos and Psyche, astrologer/historian Richard Tarnas coined alignments of Jupiter and Uranus "cycles of creativity and expansion" and noted that they correlated with collective upwellings of revolutionary and emancipatory impulses as well as periods of significant creative, scientific, and technological breakthrough and development. Venus will be squaring this building Jupiter/Uranus conjunction this summer, and thus plugging into these potentials and correlations—bringing them more into the domain of fate-like events and most especially amplifying their creative potential.

What might that mean? Considering that squares are aspects of action, strength building, and challenge, perhaps we are prodded into the task of actualizing some seriously groundbreaking, innovative, and liberating expressions of the heart, whether through creative or performative outlets or in the realm of the technical or scientific. Or perhaps, this shows up more exclusively on the interpersonal level of some sudden breakthrough of heart expansiveness or emotional/intuitive realization.

Overall, we can anticipate some level of "whether you like it or not" radical change or revolutionary impulse to infuse into this cycle, relating to a period of profound emotional and creative leaps and departures from the norm. If you've been feeling held back (or holding yourself back) from expressing your creativity, joy, talents, and playful side, this cycle can help liberate those qualities so you can stand out, shine, and receive the attention you deserve.

Venus Retrograde 2012

Venus Retrograde In Gemini
May 15- June 27 2012

Of all the planets, Venus and Mars have the most infrequent of retrograde cycles, and in one way or another, correlate to a significant period of time in everyone's lives. When a planet goes retrograde it is primarily inverting the normal flow of conscious experience, resulting in a changing of direction, focus and attention. In general, retrograde cycles often redirect consciousness down alternate avenues; or toward the past and "unfinished business". Venus rules both Libra and Taurus, so let's look into the Libra end first. Both Venus and Mars retrograde cycles often signify the meeting of " new" people in our lives, and these specific individuals sometimes have a very significant impact on our life direction--sometimes having the effect of rerouting us entirely on our present course. These cycles can also correlate to the ending of relationships which were ignited at a previous retrograde cycle, most commonly experienced with the Mars retrograde two year "burn out" effect.

One explanation for this is that Venus (and even Mars) retrograde is a sort of karmic gateway, and from the perspective of reincarnation, we are meeting individuals from past lives, or from the past in our present life with which there are unresolved issues. We are likely to find ourselves dealing with many karmic circumstances within our current relationships more so than usual. It's as if Venus retrograde provides a collective karmic clearing. This view is strongly shared by the School of Evolutionary Astrology, founded by Jeffery Wolf Green. According to Green:

"When Venus goes retrograde through transit, it can correlate to a time in which we re-experience old issues or dynamics that we may have felt that we have already worked through or left behind. It can also be a time in which unresolved karmic issues that exist between us and our partner suddenly reappear, or when karma brings old friends or lovers back into our life. If we meet someone for the first time during a Venus retrograde cycle, someone who has some direct impact on our life in some way, or we have this effect for someone else that we have just met for the first time, then this correlates to a past-life connection in which something has not been finished, completed, or resolved--for better or worse. Accordingly, the Venus retrograde cycle is an excellent time to complete karmic business."
 --Jeffrey Wolf Green, Pluto Volume 2: The Soul's Evolution Through Relationships

In my personal experience, this view makes the most sense, in terms of providing a deeper explanation for this phenomena. Not every Venus retrograde cycle will result in a highly significant new relationship, but it will always bring "fated" like connections into our lives, connecting us with individuals we find really familiar for some reason--and who we are usually quite intrigued by upon initially meeting. We will also have this effect on other individuals as well, even when it may not seem mutual from our perspective. Now whether or not reincarnation is an ultimate truth, or merely a convenient perception to describe such existential phenomena we cannot make sense of otherwise (or even fathom here in our third dimensional bubble); I personally find it a very useful lens through which to make sense of life around me, and Venus retrograde often makes it abundantly clear that something deeper is going on in our personal relationships and the connections we make. When Venus goes retrograde we are invited to investigate the darker or hidden dimensions of ourselves and others. This often results in the unveiling of shadow material projected in other people around us. This allows for a different lens from which we can perceive ourselves and the people we interact with.

This alternate perception of others need not always be negative, and can simply have the effect of allowing us to see the deeper workings of others, and the impact they have on our personal lives. It is usually advised that one be receptive to these deeper realizations, and simply take it all in as opposed to trying to do anything to make sense of it, or to even change things during the actual retrograde. Since our relationships reflect our own internal dynamics, the most enlightened perception would be to see any flaws or shadows as our own, and to learn to integrate and heal them within ourselves. Because the Venus cycle itself is so complex, and actually governs an enormous cyclic structure, it can be a channelnge to make rational sense of "why" we met this person or that, or what unfinished business we have with them; sometimes it's just simply about the experience of meeting them, and things often organically unfold the way they're meant to. If one is privy to the deeper karmic workings of their horoscope, it can often become clear what type of role the individual is playing, and what we can do to support healing, resolution and understanding.

Now, On the Taurus end, Venus retrograde can have the effect of allowing us to revise resources, and or the ability to support oneself. Sometimes this can correlate to a period of insecurity about what we're capable of, and whether we have enough resources, training or talent in whatever areas we find as valuable tools to make our way in the world. Naturally, Venus retrograde can bring up issues of self-worth, such as any insecurities within ourselves we have not addressed, or that have not previously been brought to our attention. Venus retrograde can also redirect us toward the discovery of entirely new resources, or different ways of making a living, or providing us with additional training to further enhance what we already do. We can also anticipate our attitudes toward these things to become greatly altered, or possibly challenged by others.

Many astrologers feel that Venus retrograde is not the most favorable time for financial endeavors, and this can be true in many situations dealing with large investments. It is often said that Venus retrograde can correlate to a period of financial sluggishness as well, however, I tend to see that this is quite dependent on the specific situation. As I stated above, retrogrades often invert or redirect the normal flow of movement within an area of life described specifically by which house of the natal horoscope the retrograde is taking place. So, for some, if "financial sluggishness" is the norm, then this is likely to change in some way, however drastic or subtle; but, as with any retrograde, set backs, delays and an unexpected turning of events are always a common feature. The intention is to actually align things more with their intended path. Another component of Venus retrograde is a re-evaluation of personal values and convictions; we may find ourselves challenging the very things that we place value upon and identify with. Again, this can often result in feelings of insecurity, such as feeling like the rug has been pulled out from under you, and not knowing where to stand, what to think, believe or identify with. If we keep an open mind, however, and are open to seeing another way of looking at things, then this effect need not be negatively experienced. Venus retrograde can dramatically alter our personal value system, making sure that we are always growing, evolving, and changing with the flow of life.

The effects of Venus retrograde are noticeable during the actual retrograde, as well as both shadow periods. During the initial shadow, we are introduced to themes and issues that will likely be dealt with during the retrograde process. The final shadow usually brings a phase of closure to those themes and issues.  It is also common to make "fated" connections with others during the shadow periods as well as the retrograde itself. Retrogrades remind us that the universe usually has alternative plans than our expectations. When attached to any expectation of what should be, or should happen, we will usually experience frustration because the events around us refuse to coalesce or synchronize with our ego. Taking into consideration the Venus archetype, and the retrograde process itself, we can surmise that the best way of dealing with this process is to be in a state of pure openness and receptivity to what we don't already know, or have yet to experience about ourselves and those around us.

Venus Retrograde Cycle 2012
04-11-2012     07 Gemini 29'    Enters shadow
05-15-2012    24 Gemini 00'     Stationary Retrograde
06-06-2012    15 Gemini 45'     Transit of Venus (Venus Rx Conjunct Sun)
06-27-2012    07 Gemini 29'     Stationary Direct
07-31-2012    24 Gemini 00'     Leaves Shadow

Significant Aspects
06-04-2012    Venus Retrograde Square Mars
06-16-2012    Venus Retrograde Square Chiron

The Bigger Picture: The Venus Synodic Cycle

Venus retrograde is apart of a much larger and dynamic cyclic process. Venus's retrograde cycles form the structure of the Venus synodic cycle (synod=meeting place). This is when the Earth, Sun and Venus form an alignment which occurs along a very precise and predictable rhythm. From our perspective on Earth, the conjunctions of Sun and Venus will repeat at the same location within the zodiac, with a variance of roughly 2 1/2 degrees, every 8 years. For example, Venus went retrograde in May of 2004 at 26 degrees Gemini--just two degrees from its position this year at 23 degrees 59 minutes (rounded to 24 degrees). Look for prominent natal placements in this area and take note at what was going on in your life at the last retrograde in Gemini; there are likely to be similar changes happening now, possibly connected symbolically to that time.

Just like the Moon, Venus has phases, when she is either New or Full. During each retrograde, Venus is New, and also transitions from an Evening to a Morning star--meaning she will be rising as opposed to setting with the Sun in the sky, also called Helical rising. Many significant changes and events in our lives synchronize themselves around this cycle. These New and Full phases, are also known as Superior or Inferior conjunctions. When Venus is New and thus retrograde, she is forming an inferior conjunction with the Earth and Sun. This means that Venus is on the visible side of the Sun, facing the earth during the alignment. When Venus is Full, she is making a superior conjunction, and on the far or non visible side of the Sun.

Venus's superior and inferior conjunctions, and retrogrades, take place in 5 different signs: Gemini, Aries, Capricorn, Scorpio, and Leo. The conjunctions between Sun and Venus alternate between these 5 signs, and work backwards through the zodiac, staying in a particular group for roughly one hundred years. The last Venus retrograde cycle took place in Scorpio in October 2010, and now occurs in Gemini, moving to Capricorn in the year 2014. The repeating conjunctions, and entire synodic cycle itself, form the shape of an almost perfect 5-sided pentagram in the sky--thus the origin of this sacred and esoteric symbol. The star is almost perfect, because each end varies by roughly two degree increments; but aside from that, the symmetry produced by Venus is truly an astounding realization. From our perspective here on Earth, Venus actually forms a strikingly dynamic rose shaped pattern, exemplifying the truly complex precision inherent within Venus's cycle around the Sun, and thus her association with beauty, symmetry, and perfection. Each loop within the rose below is formed by Venus's retrograde cycle which moves between 5 separate locations every two years, and repeats in the same location every eight years.Venus truly boggles the mind.

The following lists of dates reveal when Venus is/was New or Full.

New Venus (Inferior Conjunctions)
April 1, 1993--11 Aries 49
November 2, 1994--10 Scorpio 18
June 10, 1996--20 Gemini 3
Jan 16, 1998--26 Capricorn 7
August 20, 1999--27 Leo 2
March 30, 2001--9 Aries 32
October 31, 2002--7 Scorpio 53
June 8, 2004 (Transit of Venus)--17 Gemini 53
January 13, 2006--23 Capricorn 40
August 18, 2007--24 Leo 51
March 27, 2009--7 Aries 16
October 29, 2010--5 Scorpio 30
June 6, 2012 (Transit of Venus)--15 Gemini 45
January 11, 2014--21 Capricorn 12
August 15, 2015--22 Leo 29
March 25, 2017--4 Aries 57

Full Venus (Superior Conjunctions)
April 2, 1997--12 Aries 51
October 30, 1998--6 Scorpio 32
June 11, 2000--20 Gemini 48
Jan 14, 2002--24 Capricorn 7
August 18, 2003--25 Leo 23
March 31, 2005--10 Aries 31
October 27, 2006--4 Scorpio 11
June 9, 2008--18 Gemini 43
January 11, 2010--21 Capricorn 32
August 16, 2011--23 Leo 18
March 28, 2013--8 Aries 11
October 25, 2014--1 Scorpio 49
June 6, 2016--16 Gemini 36
January 9, 2018--18 Capricorn 57
August 14, 2019--21 Leo 11

Venus As A Symbol

The symbol of Venus is formed by a circle above a cross. The circle symbolizes spirit, soul, or the eternal life force energy which permeates and infuses matter. The cross has been used by many cultures throughout the world as a symbol for the cross of matter, or axis mundi: the intersection point between worlds. Thus, Venus's symbol is literally a depiction of spirit penetrating into physical form. You could say that, as humans, we are symbolically sacrificed upon this cross in each incarnation. The soul, the eternal life force energy, aptly symbolized as an infinite circle with no beginning or end, enters into the physical vessel to interact with the solid world. The precise geometry produced by Venus in the sky correlates quite literally to her influence upon our innate human reverence for beauty, symmetry and order. Venus is the archetype which, in a way, informs the "construction" and design of the natural world--mainly all sentient biological systems. The natural world is thus "informed" by a less dense vibrational resonance, which is a template or program that we cannot physically see in our current density.

In eastern ideologies, this life force energy is described as Chi or Qi--which flows up from the the earth, and into the body, activating the chakras, or energy centers, as well as enlivening all sentient life forms. The practices of Yoga and Tai Chi (Tai Chi is Taoist yoga) are disciplines which allow for the opening of the body, so that it is receptive to this life force energy so that there is proper flow and movement within.Venus resonates with a state of being, as opposed to doing; it is the archetype of absolute receptivity. Because of this, we associate Venus with a feminine archetype, and along with the asteroids, she is one of the few planets to be referred to as strictly female in nature. The Maya, however, associated Venus with warfare and sacrifice, things we would normally assign to "masculine" Mars. I would disagree that any one planet is ever strictly confined to either Male or Female, and in fact, every archetype is essentially a mutable construct. In our current worldview, this is a convenient lens which allows us to accurately define our patriarchal collective psyche.

Venus in fact has a definite dualistic nature, which is exemplified in her transition from Evening to Morning Star. The ancients transposed two archetypal constructs onto Venus, when she was either rising or setting with the Sun. So in other words, Venus isn't always "beauty", "symmetry" and "perfection". Venus is also commonly identified as the "love" planet, and one of the most beneficent; however in observing Venus cycles in one's chart throughout time will reveal that this isn't always the case. Venus is more aptly associated with the pleasures of "love" than actual commitment. In fact, Venus exemplifies pleasure orientation, which when focused on too strongly, leaves nothing but an empty and superficial way of relating to life, as well as an endless pursuit of gratification and the fulfillment of desire.

As Venus transitions from Morning to Evening star, she is basically engulfed by the Sun, disappears for three days, and re-emerges on the other side and begins to ascend with the Sun each Morning. In ancient mythology, this was symbolized as a descent into the underworld, and a subsequent return and transition. We see this literal astronomical event reflected in the myths of Persephone in Greek mythology, the Sumerian Innana, and the Babylonian Ishtar. In all versions, the goddess descends into the underworld, is stripped of worldly processions, and is some how kept there for a period of time before reemerging and returning to the physical world. These myths seem to speak of the impermanence of matter and form; what we see is only a facade, and that eventually, it must be stripped away or destroyed, torn open, to reveal the true force of divinity behind the veil of the natural world. The Hindu goddess Kali perfectly reflects this side of Venus's nature. Our reverence and desire for beauty leaves us attached to that form; but the truth is that everything around us is dying, and is, in the end, impermanent. The more we hold onto what we see, the harder it is to let go, and the more painful it will be when it disintegrates. The true origin of beauty lies elsewhere, and what we see in this reality is merely a reflection of a higher form of order we can but only glimpse.

The circle above the cross symbolizes endless change and eternal return. We could associate this with the idea of reincarnation and the notion of the soul literally recycled over and over penetrating into form. The cross itself can also be seen as symbolic of the four directions or four elements: Fire, Earth, Water, Air; the circle above as the fifth, or hidden element, Spirit. Venus thus symbolizes the coalescence of these elements into the physical beings we interact and identify with. The symbol reminds us, however, that all is changing, and all is impermanent. What we see and interact with in the world are merely symbols of our own unconscious desires. They are merely empty shadows which are always coming and going. With that, however, we can equally see that behind the facade of physical form lies a conscious intelligence which transcends all time, and thus death. Beyond the veil of death, decay and suffering lies the truth of eternal divinity. To truly know this divinity we must descend into ourselves, we must eventually release all attachment to what we see and what we identify ourselves with externally.

With this understanding we can see Venus retrograde also dealing with a process which allows us to connect more deeply with our true nature or divinity. It is likely that through external events, circumstances and people, Venus retrograde will allow one to see themselves more deeply, and to connect more truly with their authentic and divine nature.When Venus is retrograde, it is also symbolically descending into the underworld, and thus returning on the other side renewed. The Venus retrograde cycle symbolizes a time where we are releasing previous desires, attachments and connections, and in a very real way, solidifying new ones. It is this very process, of separation and return, of coming and going, of accumulating and emptying, that is the very essence of the soul's journey through evolution. From the perspective of Buddhism it is the attachment to desire itself which keeps the soul returning life after life to fulfill that desire. With this in mind, we can consciously work with these cycles, Venus, and even Mars retrograde, to connect more deeply with our soul purpose and the deeper intentions for why we're really here to begin with.


Venus Retrograde In Gemini

Venus will retrograde from 23 to 7 degrees tropical Gemini. Significant natal placements within this vicinity will indicate a much more meaningful, and likely life changing, retrograde cycle for an individual with effects lasting for many years to come, particularly if one has natal placements where Venus stations either retrograde or direct (around 23 and 7 degrees Gemini respectively). The sign of Gemini deals with the diversity of life experience.With Venus, we are likely to find ourselves reviewing various ideas and thoughts we've placed value upon, as well as meeting others who will somehow stimulate us mentally or intellectually in some way. When Venus goes retrograde, and at her New phase, she slows down; thus Venus will  be in Gemini for four months. This extended stay will extenuate the collective mental psyche; our tastes will be more inclined toward the variety that life has to offer, and toward analysis and a desire for varied communication. This will also place an extenuated emphasis within a particular house of the natal horoscope, and we are likely to find a lot going on there for quite some time. Take this time to review the thoughts and ideas you've been carrying around, and allow yourself to be open to taking on entirely new and different mental constructs which are likely to challenge or possibly oppose many preconceived notions.

Venus in Gemini allows us to taste and sample various options, choices, experiences, beliefs and ideas--so this is a time to be open to the vicissitudes that are likely to begin floating around, and that could also be presented by new and "fated" connections with others. Gemini is more about the gathering of facts and information rather than the actual process of synthesis, which is governed by Sagittarius, This could correlate to a time where we are feeling scattered, agitated, and indecisive. Collectively, this influence is likely to be highly mentally energizing, and it could be a challenge in keeping the mind and nervous system settled. The ultimate goal of all this scattered and possibly agitating energy is to sift and sort through a variety of sources, and to eventually extract the essential truth. At the root of it, Venus in Gemini seeks to provide us with new possibilities, options, perspectives and beliefs; thus having the effect of greatly expanding our awareness of the world around us. At this time we may be asked to surrender and let go of certain ideas or even "facts", we've had about life and the world, and to incorporate entirely new perceptions and experiences into our awareness. Everything is changing; all is coming and going.

Check out my latest article:  Transit Of Venus 2012

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