VENUS Retrograde
Venus retrograde usually lasts about forty days and forty nights.
So what does Venus retrograde mean generally? Commonly it is advised for one to avoid starting a love affair or buy luxury goods during this time because you might end up paying more than you bargained for; and in more than one way.. .. .. During these forty days, you may have to resist the seductive Lucifer side of Venus and her charms. Temptations could be an illicit affair or the lure of luxury goods. We can find significance in this journey of Venus if we regard her movements like the ancient sky-watchers did. And forty days and forty nights has always been significant.. ..
The number forty, in a spiritual context is a number that, when used in terms of time, represents a period of probation, trial, and chastisement (not to be confused with judgment and completion which is represented by the number 9).
As the product of 5 and 8,
- it also signifies grace (5)
- ending in revival or a new beginning (8).
Venus is the Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Prosperity. Venus is the planet that represents what we love and value; attraction, and money, as well as our tastes and basic beliefs about the value of objects, and the people in our lives. Venus embraces both the positive and negative sides of Love. Venus Retro will be the time to evaluate what you love and probably re-write your personal definition of Love; what is Love; How do I express love; Can I receive love; Can I give love easily & with out strings? What is Love vs. romantic love?
What most people do not realize is the fact, there are 2 kinds of Love.
- There is Love given freely, with no strings; is kind & nurturing; helps each of us to be kind & gentle souls. This is truly rare. And to be cherished when experienced… In order to draw this Fulfilling Love – one has to truly Love and Appreciate Oneself.
- There is love that leaves you empty and heart broken. This is stingy; the ‘if you loved me ~ you would do this’ . This is manipulative; possessive; controlling; chokes the Life Force right out of you. This, unfortunately – is often – the most common experience of Love that people experience. Breaking free of Empty Love is a very important Goal for each of us…
Venus allows us to relate one-to-one, be compassionate, find understanding, secure our values, intake our money, enjoy our pleasures, find our beauty and cherish our peace.
When a planet is in retrograde, it gives us an opportunity to reflect back on unfinished business and tie up loose ends. This is not the time to do any kind of radical change. When the retrograde is over, you may not be especially thrilled with the changes.
When Venus is in retrograde, unresolved previous relationships or issues with former lovers might unexpectedly pop back up, signifying a need for closure.
It's tempting right now to look at past relationships in a super positive way and want to rekindle that old flame, but don't do it. Try to learn from those relationships and remember they ended for a reason.
Take a break from your loved ones and go on whatever kind of retreat that rejuvenates you. It could be anything from a writer's retreat to a spa vacation. You will need some personal space for reflection and soul-searching.
Back-pedaling Venus has a tendency to awaken old issues which may have previously been a source of contention between you and your partner. Now is the perfect time to get your feelings out and settle those issues that keep coming back and poking you in the gut.
Be honest about why your significant other isn't meeting your needs. Is it because you haven't told them? Depending on someone to read your mind is never good for a relationship. And review what is happening that is frustrating your partner about your behavior.
Venus in retrograde isn't a good time to start a business, make new investments, make any major purchases, or go on a spending spree. Venus has control over money affairs and financial activities. So, when Venus is in retrograde, be careful about what you do with your money.
Since our perception is off, it can cause us to make financial decisions from an emotional place rather than an objective one. Plus, during this time, investments can be over-valued, losing their value once Venus goes direct. In addition, postpone (if you can) any court dates involving monetary settlements.
As you may know, Venus also rules beauty and taste. Now isn't the time to do anything drastic, like radically changing your hairstyle or having plastic surgery, as your emotional state will cause you to be less objective.
You'll also make stupid decisions regarding how to make yourself more attractive. Try to love what you've got right now
Venus is the ultimate pleasure-seeker, and when she's in retrograde she can make your healthy eating and workout habits go right out the window.
One of the best ways to help you get through this time is to focus on a creative project, whether it's working on that novel you've always wanted to write, doing some fine art like painting, or even writing a song to express those feelings you never got a chance to tell your ex.
The most important thing is not to get scared by Venus in retrograde. It happens every year and a half (ish) and you've survived it a whole bunch of times before. You'll do it again.
Go along with this backward energy and take advantage of the retrograde to focus on the re-things in life: regroup, rethink, repair, revive, and restore.
As the planet of love and values, Venus retrograde periods are times when we re-assess what—and who—we value. It is a period that many astrologers consider inopportune for getting married or starting a new relationship. Major financial undertakings are not advised during this period either. Venus retrograde cycles are good times for creating budgets and financial plans, and for re-thinking our personal relationships. Taking final action in the areas of finance and love, however, is not advised until Venus turns direct again.
Because Venus rules beauty and aesthetics, Venus Retrograde is a less than ideal time for beautification processes (new hairdos, enhancements, purchasing a new wardrobe, cosmetic surgery, and so forth), renovations, redecorating, and the like. Because Venus is associated with social events, parties may not go as planned.
On the subject of love, past lovers may re-appear, and some relationships may end.
Old friends and lovers may re-appear, perhaps complicating current relationships. We are called upon to deal with relationship issues from the past during this Venus retrograde cycle. Events occur that seem fated or predestined. Definitely, not a time for a wedding .. .. ..
Relationships that have been especially challenging may come to an end during this cycle. However, strong relationships will survive it, even if there are a few bumps and bruises along the way. It is not a time when people recognize the need for another person to “complete” them. Some people may be questioning whether they are with partners who actually fulfill them. We may, however, be especially in touch with our deeper, less obvious, and less superficial needs and wants. This makes it a good time for re-evaluating our relationship needs; but, again, major love decisions are best saved for after the cycle ends. Our perceptions may be skewed, and we can come out of the retrograde cycle with regret if we’ve acted hastily, as the tendency to change our minds later is strong.
Affection is difficult to express in a natural or spontaneous manner. We might find others are lacking in sincerity or genuineness in their expressions of social niceties. (We may be inclined to do the same!).
On the subject of money, finances, and possessions, do try to hold off on major purchases or financial decisions during this Venus retrograde cycle. For example, the purchase of a new house, car, or another big-ticket item could backfire in some manner later on. They may become money pits or cause problems for you, or you may change your mind later and regret your purchase. If you’re particularly good at sniffing out good buys, this can be a great time for finding unusual items at low prices as people may be more willing to get rid of things they may not part with under normal circumstances during a retrograde Venus period.
There’s nothing truly to fear about Venus retrograde, but it’s always wise to take special care during this cycle. It’s not the best period for entering into a new relationship because our sensors when it comes to love are not up to par. We are reviewing; rewriting; renewing.
Venus rules our values, and when she is retrograde, we don’t seem to be in touch with exactly what and who we value, or, some might say ~ we see things more or too clearly. After the retrograde cycle is over, we may look back and wonder what we were thinking. So, do what you can to avoid major decision-making during Venus’ retrograde period, but pay attention to your assessments to see if they last. A change of heart is possible later. And, the people we meet now may appear more fabulous than they turn out to be. It’s also possible that some people we meet now may seem less attractive than they turn out to be! Whatever the case may be, try to hold off the retro is over before making big decisions, particularly life-altering ones.
We may not be as openly or obviously warm and affectionate during this cycle. It’s hard to trust others just now, and, perhaps more so, it’s difficult to trust our own instincts when it comes to judging others or our relationships. We tend to suspect insincerity in others. People might appear to be more selfish, withdrawn, and self-protective. It’s hard to make headway in a direct manner in our love relationships for the time being. If you are hoping to fix a relationship or if you are trying to schedule a reunion, this is not be the best time to do so.
When breakups do occur during Venus retrograde, they are not often clean breaks. Couples and friends may reunite later, or if they stay broken up, they might often wonder if it was the right thing to do – something is left hanging. Venus retrograde is a period for clearing the decks and dealing with the past so as to move forward fresh and re-energized, and this is especially appropriate in the first three weeks of the cycle. During the second half of the retrograde cycle, watch for impulsiveness.
Then there is a feeling of the inevitable during a Venus retrograde. What happened in the past, including past love affairs, can flood our consciousness now. Sometimes, a past lover reappears in their physical form. The goal is to resolve all relationship loose ends and bring the situation to completion and closure once and for all, so all parties can move forward.
Appreciating Venus’s Request for Reflection
**BE charitable with money, i.e. hold a fund-raiser for a great cause
**DO scoop up any bargains! These are totally Venus Rx approved!
**GIVE GRATITUDE for what you already own and who you already know.
**REASSESS what’s worth appreciating: keep it or toss it!
**REFLECT upon all your present relationships, business or personal.
**EMBRACE falling in love all over again- or let it go!
**ENJOY NATURAL BEAUTY by spending time outdoors.
**TAKE IN ART & MUSIC Whether at a museum, gallery, performance, or through
nature, Venus enhances our appreciation and understanding of it at this time.
**REVISIT creative adventures already in existence, examine their progress and reflect
upon ways to improve them.
VENUS Retrograde Through The Houses
Venus Retrograde in 1st House You are moving into a period when you may spend some time rethinking what you want to get out of the way you present yourself. As you see indicators that you are not maximizing your personal image, you have the opportunity to prune, trim, reshape, or even redesign the way you appear both physically and personality-wise. There could be a new you in the making, or just a more refined and efficient version of what went before. Under any circumstances, give yourself a second look so you can decide if you appear to be living up to your maximum potential. Appearances can be everything, and keeping them up can be a personal statement of your inner value.
Venus Retrograde in 2nd House You are entering a period when you may realize that you are not getting enough of what you want from your physical and financial resources. At least, you may feel that way, even if it’s not entirely true, so you should take some time to sort out actually overlooked possibilities from simple discontent. What do you really want, and does what you possess really promise to deliver it? It may be partially that someone (or something) is putting up temporary resistance, or you may just be up for a change of attitude. Separating what you have and want from who you are and want to become may be the most important issue addressed.
Venus Retrograde in 3rd House For a period you may find yourself wondering if the people you’re involved with on an everyday basis are worth all the trouble, and you may consider doing a little pruning of timewasters and social situations that give less satisfaction than they promise. In fact, you may discover that less is more in terms of your social appetite and a breath of peaceful fresh air beats the excitement of a crowded venue. The issue is an internal one, and giving up at this point may actually result in getting more down the line as you resolve your priorities. In fact, in the end, you may find you save money in the process….
Venus Retrograde in 4th House During this period, what you want to hold on to and what you want to let go can be a recurrent issue. Not so much in the outer world, but rather the inner. The set of circumstances that really makes you feel at home and well supported emotionally and spiritually ask to be defined or, rather, redefined. Are you where you would like to be? Are your values abiding or shifting? What is your personal bottom line? As you address these questions, you may find yourself redefined and more secure from within and therefore better able to go after goals on the outside, especially in you interaction with others.
Venus Retrograde in 5th HouseThis may be a period in which you choose to refocus your creative impulse and redefine what truly satisfies, as opposed to what merely amuses. The appetite for joy can immerse you in flowing river, when you discover you only had your toes in the water before. When the muse ceases to inspire, be ready to try for another, either personally or artistically, so you begin to feel properly plugged in again. Who you want to play with and what you want to play at are particular reflections of who you are and who you want to be — as you resolve one, the other comes into plainer view and the way is clear.
Venus Retrograde in 6th House The everyday care of the smaller necessities in life are highlighted during this period. First, you may feel you are not getting your daily due and proper attention — but then you may discover it is because you haven’t really asked for what you truly want. Learning new and more satisfying ways to address your personal habits and those of others will refresh once you take a closer look. This can mean taking better care of yourself, eating what truly satisfies, and turning the necessities of the daily grind into the opportunities of ever-evolving accomplishment. Life is one thing at a time, each well done.
Venus Retrograde in 7th House At this kind of period, the usual joys of partnership may appear to have become a bit tarnished, so it’s probably time to get out the polishing cloth. In some ways you may be asking not for more than what you want, but what you don’t want at all, and that cannot satisfy. If you depend on habit, relations cloy, for it is only what you know you want right now that ultimately fits the bill. So be willing to spend some time winnowing your relationships, keeping what really works and letting the rest pass. When clearly stated desires are again being addressed from both sides, that’s when life begins again.
Venus Retrograde in 8th House During this period, you may feel a sense that there is something you forgot, something missing that used to make you happy and has somehow been left behind. That often happens when you move on to the latest promises and developments and inadvertently leave the reasons we used to have fun in cold storage. It may be time to trade some of the new in for the old, to revisit what worked before as well as what might be the wave of the future. There are some things money can’t buy (or, you forgot you already bought it), so don’t spend unnecessarily when you can fall in love again with what you already have.
Venus Retrograde in 9th House Big plans and ideal notions may seem to satisfy less during this period, or may seem less affordable. Satisfying a large appetite can tire you more than trimming back and tasting only what truly satisfies. You may find that what you really want and believe in is getting dragged down by what you used to care about but which no longer carries its weight. If you want it, go for it, but if not, let it go without regret. Enthusiasm requires focus, and this is a good time to regain yours. When you think you’re being denied, it may be that you’re actually sated. Time to tune up those taste buds in every sense of the phrase.
Venus Retrograde in 10th House What you would like others to think about you can become a focus in this period. What is your reputation worth — and, in fact, what is your reputation, anyway? The surest way to attain success is to define it well to begin with — you can’t get what you want if you don’t know what it is. You may discover that what you are worried about not attaining is actually not what you want to attain in the first place, clearing the decks for real personal success. In the end, willingly redefining goals and clarifying expectations can make this a time that will both bring forth fruit and plant the seeds for another crop.
Venus Retrograde in 11th House Taking things (and people) for granted can be an easy slip-up during this period. Longstanding friends and situations should not be allowed to become simply a backdrop, but rather reinvigorated, separating the wheat from the chaff. That also means not allowing yourself to become backstage to others who may have forgotten your importance, so it may be a good time to sort things out. Problems most likely come from individuals (yourself included) thinking more about personal ends than personal friends. It’s time to get personal again and play it like you mean it — a sure recipe for heart and hand alike.
Venus Retrograde in 12th House At this period, it may be somewhat difficult to put a finger on exactly what/whom it is you want to get your hands on. The urgency of desire does not yield enough specifics, leaving you wondering what’s going on. Final decisions are best not made, especially ones about how you feel, as there may be good things for you assembling in the wings that you don’t know about and which you don’t want to cut yourself off from. Time is not of the essence, even if it seems like it, and some retrospection on who and what has served you well in the past will serve you well now. Feel yourself out before you tie yourself up.
Live and Act on your Instincts,
Always be True to Yourself,
Always Keep Your Sense of Humor.. .. ..