Venus Retrograde – a Relationship Window in Time

How many times have you closed your eyes and kissed a frog, only to end up with metaphorical “warts”? How often have you searched for the owner of the glass slipper and come up with a case of athlete’s foot? And have you ever had a surefire goldmine investment turn into a bottomless money-pit? So many of us have lamented repeating the same frustrating results in our romantic associations, friendships and financial affairs. What if there was a window in time, through which we could view, take in and even see through those buried patterns that often underlie our relationships?

Well, your wish is granted. Here comes light-shedding, heart-contemplating Venus Retrograde from July 27^th until September 8^th, plus a shadow that’s cast to October 11^th. This heavenly goddess, appearing to orbit backward, reveals a view that looks deeply into our hearts and lives to address those places in which we get stuck in old traumas, circumstances and behaviors that still seem to emerge from the abyss.

Venus is about our desire and ability to make secure any kind of circumstance or relationship that provides pleasure or that we see as enhancing our self-value. In retrograde motion, she provides the opportunity to examine our beliefs, attitudes and actions regarding relationships and resources and their appropriateness to our goals and who we really are.

Most of our relationships - romantic, friends, financial or business are based on our perceived value systems and our desires to find circumstance and others whose values are similar or supportive of our own. As such, we may make choices based on creating an outer life that reflects or even masks what we believe about ourselves.

There are some big questions that we can ask ourselves and answer during this time. We’re prompted to examine our values and make sure they’re not just what we think we’re supposed to seek. And what do we seek? What do we believe we deserve? Do we believe we deserve abundance? Do we believe that we deserve love? We may feel that we must be earning it, paying back, or giving it away first. Do we arm ourselves against a world we see as unsafe? Maybe we just crawl into bed with the covers over our head. What gives us pleasure – true pleasure? What circumstances, people and experiences do we really treasure?

So, what does love really mean to us? This is a time to look at our attitudes toward love, others and wealth in order to find out if they serve us or work against us. Do we wear a heavy cloak of peace at any price? Are we timid about asking for what we need and what is ours? Do we enable loved ones and make excuses for others for fear of rocking the boat with honesty? Does our insecurity and inability to trust life call forth the green-eyed monster of jealousy, blame and possessiveness? Perhaps our regrettable decisions come from a need to be in control at all costs. Or maybe we just adorn our armor of independence with “ I don’t need anyone!”

At the very base of it all, we must determine if these desires and values emanate from us or if we’re still conditioned by family edicts and survival adaptations long ago forgotten. Clarifying this will enable us to better evaluate the quality of existing relationships and deepen that which has real merit.

This life workshop asks us what we want to draw to ourselves. Anything based on limited views of who we are is under the microscope. Now we can see which ideas and people no longer suit us. What really is our heart’s desire?

In the process, Venus retrograde reveals our own knee-jerk reactions and gives insight about our responses. How do we interact when we’re under pressure? It might be time to change the bait if all we catch is old tires.

Given the nature of retrograde planets, here are the cautions. Here is what not to do during this period. Watch for challenges and overreactions in current relationships and resources. Moderate overindulgence after August 8^th. Delay marriage or long-term commitments. Avoid major cosmetic procedures or any kind of makeover. You may not want to live with it later. Steer clear of new investments or financial obligations, especially if you’re looking for profit. It’s best to use this time to investigate what’s not working and proceed with the revamping after September 8^th.

When Venus begins the retrograde July 27^th through August 8^th in Virgo, she may don her prim intellectual garb. During this time, it’s tempting to get frugal and overcritical of everything, including ourselves. Sidestep the tendency to quickly reject people or situations that don’t appear to live up to one’s high standards. Also watch for assuming the role of savior or faultfinding teacher in the guise of being “helpful.” The gift of this phase is the ability to get to the essence things and effectively use our energy for healthier interactions that serve all concerned.

As she moves into royal Leo for the remainder of her retrograde journey, regal Venus may take on a more dramatic and sometimes playful demeanor. Former relationships may appear, even some from past lives, for completion and possibly benefits to all. This can also open a space to revisit ideas and concepts still in process for new perspective. As Leo rules the heart, this entire period offers a gift of healing to those open to it.

This time presents a rare portal for awareness and illumination for the willing. As we invite this new balance of head and heart, so we may be carried into vast frontiers of possibility in all aspects of our lives and our world when Venus moves direct this fall.