When Venus is Retrograde…

Many people are familiar with Mercury Retrograde which happens 3-4 times a year, yet the planets that retrograde less often can have deeper impact. Retrograde periods trigger unconscious awareness, which certainly can be uncomfortable for Mercury activities since they are about communication.

Yet Venus is the planet associated with love, culture, values, abundance, money and wealth. Abundance and wealth reflect how deserving, generous and grateful a person feels. Money attitudes indicate flow, worth and availability.

If these things don’t work as you’d like, the retrograde may be a period to reevaluate. If on the other hand, all seems to work in these areas of your life, Venus retrograde may present people/situations that no longer do. Sometimes we don’t see things dimensionally until a retrograde presents a deep dive opportunity.

Because Venus also represents beauty, fashion and design, Venus retrograde is not considered a good time for makeovers, cosmetic surgery or home design changes. There may be less of a focus on surface aesthetics, so this would not be a time to present new designs or introduce a new artist.

For those who work in the arts however, Venus Retrograde may present deeper levels of expression, a need to restructure a template or even a conceptual overhaul.

People do get married with Venus Retrograde, but you would want to choose a good day for the overall planetary picture. How that day itself relates to the couple determines the tone of the event. As a general thought, Venus Retrograde suggests an intimate wedding rather than a blow-out blast.

If you are planning a big purchase or investment, remember the “re” in any retrograde…. research, re-evaluate and review. Real estate purchases tend to benefit the buyer more than the seller; the same goes for antiques. Jewelry (other than antiques) and fashion might be better purchased after Venus Direct.

Relationships (especially with women) may be measured or new insight appears. A serious tone can intensify or demolish a relationship; so expect a deepening of some and a deleting of others.

It is also common for an old lover or friend to re-surface, so you may be in for a Facebook surprise. Taking that into account, you may also want to glance in the mirror before you run out for that quart of milk.

Since Venus began its retrograde in the sign of Aries, it may be advisable to slow down as the impulse to act overtakes you. Aries is the natural sign for Mars. Mars (desire/action) has moved into Taurus, which is the natural sign for Venus. These two planets are now in “mutual reception”: one and other’s signs. This indicates a back-and-forth, give-and-take,

Since Jupiter (fortune/opportunity/wisdom) has been retrograde since 2/6, this simply is not a time to embark on a new business. If you must begin a new enterprise, it would behoove you to choose the most auspicious time through astrological guidance.

For instance, classic astrology frowns on weddings during Venus retrograde, but it really does depend on the individuals horoscopes. It’s certainly an excellent time to renew vows.

The ideal is to use this time to review your financial business plan, renew old contacts, re-evaluate decisions and remember what your priorities are.

This period of caution because of Venus Retrograde continues through 4/15 (although we don’t leave the “shadow” until 5/17).

Plan to spend the quality time with someone you really love to spend time with… and that may be simply time with yourself! One of the most powerful myths of Venus going within is the Sumerian tale of Inanna.

For a deep dive of reflection and renewal, always beneficial with Venus Retrograde- a retreat is restorative – for those with access to Rye, NY…