Venus Retrograde 2018 - Know Yourself

Venus, the planet of the Goddess of Love, stations retrograde in the sign of Scorpio on Friday, October 5. Since this planet goes retrograde only every 19 months, the least of any planet, and this makes a very big deal. On top of that, there's Venus' challenging squares to Pluto and Mars, which will put your close interpersonal relationships in the spotlight. It might also make you angry.

We're entering a period of approximately 40 days of Venus Retrograde, and that seems like a long time, doesn't it? While it seems like it is, it's really just a quick moment in time, which will pass before you know it. Let's take a closer look into what Venus Retrograde actually means, and what actions you can take to lessen its impact.

According to astrologist Jim Sher, "Venus represents the processes by which we discover our deepest values, our priorities and what is most important to us." In this period of retrograde action (the process of standing still, then moving backward) allows us the chance to reflect on our life and relationships. The symbol of Venus is the mirror, and this mirror may now show our shadow, self-sabotaging self. You now have the opportunity to correct any misguided attempts you may have been making to open a blocked heart.

With the square to Pluto, the focus is on death, and death equals rebirth. In this particular time, you may experience the death of old relationships anew. This give you the chance to finally put them out of your mind altogether, and go forward with your life. It also is an ideal time for creative pursuits, and you can channel any Pluto or Mars driven anger/anxiety into art, gardening, or some other physical act of creation.

A word of caution for our friends with empathetic abilities - be cautious. If you find yourself constantly drained by the energy of others, it may be time for you to check in and see how much of your energy you are allowing to be sucked away. Again, keep your mind busy and be selective about who you and what you give your power to.

This 40 day period sounds ominous, but in reality, this is a gift that allows us to know who we really are. Venus retrograde runs deep and we may see all of this energy manifesting in our relationships, in our creative projects, in our work, and with how we choose to love ourselves.

The New Moon in Libra comes on October 8. Until then, blessed be.

But, There's A Catch.....

 

 

 

The New Moon debuts tonight in the fiery sign of Aries. Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, and as such, always marks the beginning of something energetic and turbulent. This describes this Moon phase perfectly, as it is conjunct Venus and Venus is in retrograde. Venus retrograde is supremely uncomfortable in Aries in the best of times.

While everything seems to be coming up roses, it's the thorns you must be aware of - it's very tempting to jump first and ask questions later, yet it would be wise to first investigate a situation prior to leaping. Moon conjunct Venus is hungry for affection, and so will try valiantly to keep things harmonious. This means that we will try to please those around us but our egos may take a beating for anything that's out of the norm. And this is a time when things are anything but normal! Our friends at Darkstar Astrology say: "This Aries Moon conjunct Venus can also attract violent behavior as it goes about trying to bring fairness to situations. At this new Moon we have to watch out we don’t become a doormat with all that people-pleasing. Sociable Moon conjunct Venus is so hypersensitive to the needs of others that paradoxically the only way to get any ‘me’ time at all at this New moon might be by shutting off from company all together."

There's an analytical component to this New Moon as well. The star Alpha Reticulum highlights scientific, astronomical, and astrological skills. This would be a great time to check out the night sky with friends and ponder the meaning of the universe and your role in it. What's important to you, and how do you actively go about achieving it? As noted, this is both an energetic and turbulent Moon phase - positive and negative. Are you serving yourself or are you working to serve others?

Now is the perfect time to contemplate what you want and need to manifest and create for the balance of the year. Do you need to enhance or even revamp your needs and goals? Perhaps it's time to wipe the slate clean and bring fresh energy into your plans. The New Moon gives us this chance to restart, renew, and recharge. Take some alone time and meditate on just what it is you need to get through - just make sure there are no hidden snags on what could be a bumpy ride to a fresh, new you!

Getting Down To The Real Nitty Gritty

                                                                       

 

 

 

This Full Moon in Virgo, directly following Venus going retrograde* and with Mercury square Saturn, could be thought of as a period of deep personal healing. We have the ability to look within and deal with our firmly seated beliefs that may be holding us back, but first we must jump the hurdle of this Moon's difficult position. Virgo is the archetypical nurse figure, taking care of the universe. This lunation, however, the nurse must heal within before healing without. The buildup of resentment is real - has anyone taken the time to repay Virgo's charity & dutiful attentions? On the other hand, patients may not have asked for the ‘medicine’ at all, and in frustration are apt to throw it all back in the Virgo Full Moon’s face. Quite the conundrum, isn't it?

 

Our friends at Mystic Mama.com say, "Mercury square Saturn is a test to think your way out of the box. These are tough aspects yet we can make them work by being willing to be open to suggestions from our intuition as Mercury is in Pisces. The highly efficient Virgo Full Moon is saying that we need to get down to the nitty gritty if we want to achieve our dreams (Sun in Pisces). Virgo sometimes wants to shy away into the background but right now it’s important that we step up to the plate. Let others see your work. This Full Moon it’s about having the confidence to show what you can do. Learn to control those fearful lions that tear at the meat of your courage."

 

Getting our courage back is key at this Full Moon, and using it for a good cause is crucial. Perhaps this is a cosmic push for us to speak truth to power, yes? For those of you who are following politics, know that this Full Moon has the pathological need to shock and outrage, so don't be surprised if this plays out on the political stage. However, the upside is that we also have the opportunity to rise and achieve personal enlightenment and awakening. There is also the promise of being freed from the bondage of imprisoning mindsets. Sounds good to me!

 

*Venus is in retrograde from March 4 to April 15. You may find out more about it here.