Is there a single topic that occupies our minds more than that of love? We may not even realize it. We may have our jobs to do, chores to complete, children to raise and a list of life-long desires, but at the end of the day we want to be loved. This powerful subject is best illustrated in astrology by the planet of Venus. Venus rules the amorous area of our lives and also our desire for beauty, health and harmony. So what happens when this marvelous orb of light, color and goodness, turns its back on us and goes into reverse?
Venus retrograde happens about every 18 months and lasts for about 41-45 days. Like pesky Mercury that goes retrograde and causes all sorts of communications problems, Venus, too, has her moments and characteristics that push us into new corners. Many believe that Venus retrograde has the opposite effect of its normal direct action. To some extent that is true, however, much depends on what else is happening in the cosmic neighborhood at the same time. It also matters which house you have Venus moving through during this period. All of these particulars are important when trying to understand how Venus has an impact on your life.
Quite quickly, the impact of Venus by house looks like this: In the first house Venus retrograde may enable you to reconsider your looks or your stance. In the second house you may find that how you spend money needs to be rethought. The third house brings up issues of communication. Are you clear with your words? What could you say and how could you say things differently? The fourth house rules the home and family. Does the family work for you as it should? What are your expectations? Are they real? The next house, the fifth, that of children and creativity, may find you wondering about how you express your inner self artistically. Is this a time of self-evaluation, perhaps? The sixth house allows us to re-think our health habits and maybe change our regimen or diet. The seventh house rules relationships and when Venus goes reverse in that house you may be looking at your partner and wondering if it's worth it? You could also reverse you views on where you are going together - good or bad? The eighth house could find you questioning your spirituality and values. In the ninth house you may stop to reconsider education, travel or philosophy. As we round the midheaven and head for the tenth house of career, you may find yourself back where you once were through a strange twist of events. Is there something you need to learn from this? Coming into the eleventh house we see Venus retrograde as king us who really matters in our lives. Who gets to sit in the front row of your "play?" Finally twelfth house Venus brings us to an area of transition. This can be a beginning or an ending. Does this fit our current stage in life? Do things that mattered in the past still have meaning for us today?
You can see how the position of Venus in your individual chart has implicitly different meanings. To understand where Venus is you should ask a professional astrologer or write to me at chris@chrisflisher.com for the answer. But as a group; as a population how does this apply? As I mentioned, much depends on what else is going on in the neighborhood of our solar system. As Venus goes retrograde on May 15 until June 27th it will be in Gemini and working over the degrees from 23 degrees Gemini, back to 7 degrees Gemini. If you have aspects (alignments) at those degrees or to any other mutable sign (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) you will most likely feel the impact. Is this something to fear? Absolutely not. Any time an event such as this occurs we should approach it as a valuable lesson from which to learn. These natural cosmic prods serve to guide us back on track. If the roof were not leaking we would not fix it, would we? So when Venus decides to go reverse, it must mean we need to review what we are doing and realign ourselves properly.
Currently Venus will be in a trine (harmonious, 120 degree angle) to the great planet of Saturn who will also be in reverse motion in the sign of Libra. Because Gemini and Libra are both air signs which rule the intellect and the mind we may find ourselves having lengthy conversations about deep topics. You may even have a conversation with yourself about long-held fears and ideas. Is it time to let these fears go? Do they serve you any longer? How do you change that conversation to one that does serve you better?
See? Not all reverse action is bad, scary, or to be feared. Reconsideration can be a life-saving skill. In fact, there are times in your life when that second guess may have saved you trouble, injury, or heartbreak. The notion that the planet of "love and beauty" going into retrograde will suddenly remove loveliness from our lives is absolutely ludicrous. Re-evaluating what is important may cause you to re-think that which is important.
What is most important is the ability to "re" anything. Whether it's falling back into love after a spell, or re-thinking how you feel about someone or something in your life can be a healthy and liberating experience. Think of all the permutations that thought process can create. Do you still hold someone in high regard? Do you now value someone more, now that you look at them through a different set of lenses? Or even, do you need to buy that expensive car? In the end, it may be wise to view this period as a time to reflect and glean what goodness you can, and discard or deemphasize that which no longer serves you. Forgive and forget. Onward and upward. Besides, it will be over in six weeks.
©Chris Flisher 2012
If you want to learn more or want to have your chart properly interpreted, contact me at chris@chrisflisher.com and I will guide you with precision and accuracy. Thank you for your correspondence and continued support....Chris
