Understanding Venus Retrograde and How To Survive Through It

Venus stations retrograde in the sign of Leo on 23 July 2023, at 9:33am (+8 GMT), 18 minutes before the Sun enters the sign of Leo. Venus will then station direct on 4 September 2023, at 9:20am (+8 GMT).

In astrology, planets are thought to influence our earthly experience through their movements and positions relative to each other and the zodiac signs. Retrograde motion refers to the perceived backward motion of a planet as observed from Earth, a visual phenomenon due to the differences in orbital paths and speeds. While all planets retrograde, Venus does so less frequently, making its retrograde periods more noteworthy.

Venus is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. It symbolises love, love, harmony, beauty, aesthetics, and personal values in astrological terms. When Venus goes retrograde, the domains it governs become focal points of reflection and reassessment.

From the Hellenistic perspective, Venus retrograde represents a period of introspection, challenging us to re-evaluate our relationships, personal values, and the things we find pleasure in. It symbolises an inward journey, a time to probe deeper into our desires, passions, and emotional needs.

Venus retrograde typically happens every 18 months, usually in five distinct areas of the zodiac, approximately 72 degrees apart, creating a perfect pentagram shape over the eight-year cycle. The transit of Venus will move a few degrees backwards through the zodiac over the course of centuries. The signs that Venus is retrograding in for the past decade are Capricorn, Aries, Gemini, Leo/Virgo and Libra/Scorpio engendering a pattern of thematic repetition in our lives.

 

 

What Will Venus Retrograde Bring To Us All?

The last time when Venus stationed retrograde in the sign of Leo/Virgo was about eight years ago, on 26 July 2015. Take this moment to think back to those times and recall how you felt during that period.

1. Was there a need for closure to any emotional wounds that require your attention?
2. How has your heart grown since that time?
3. How were you like as a person back then?

Write down your progress as you make comparison to who you were then and the person you are right now. Take note of the progress you have made or have not made, and reflect on the possible areas in your emotional life that you need to work on. Concurrently, reward yourself on the positive improvements you have also made since the last Leo/Virgo Venus retrograde.

 

Who Will Be Affected By This Venus Retrograde?

While Venus retrograde influences everyone to some degree, those with Venus dominant in their natal chart – such as those with Libra or Taurus Sun or Ascendant, or those with Venus in strong aspect to their Sun, Moon, or Ascendant – may feel its effects more intensely. Furthermore, individuals with natal planets in the signs Venus retrogrades in during a specific cycle may also experience more profound effects.

 

Debunking the Myths of Venus Retrograde

As with any celestial event, Venus retrograde has its share of myths and misconceptions, many of which are based on fear rather than understanding. Let’s debunk a few.

• Avoid starting new relationships: While Venus retrograde is a time for reflection, it doesn’t automatically spell doom for new relationships. However, as we might be reassessing our values and desires during this period, it could lead to an altered perception of what we want in a relationship. Thus, proceeding with mindfulness can be beneficial.

• Don’t make big purchases or drastic changes to appearance: The notion that Venus retrograde can influence poor financial or aesthetic decisions is another common myth. While it’s true that this period encourages us to reassess our values, it doesn’t inherently impair judgment. As with new relationships, awareness and deliberation can go a long way.

• Venus retrograde will only bring hardship and strife: While it’s a period of introspection and re-evaluation, it’s not necessarily a negative time. Rather, it can be an opportunity for growth, allowing us to improve our relationships and better align our lives with our true values.

In Hellenistic astrology, Venus retrograde is a periodic celestial event which carries with it rich symbolism. It is a  representation of an inward journey, encouraging us to self-reflect and re-assess our values, desires, and what we want in relationships. This rhythmic pattern of Venus’s retrograde across the zodiac introduces thematic repetitions in our lives, making it a potent time for personal growth.

Yet, the myths surrounding Venus retrograde often propagate fear and misconceptions. Instead of avoiding decision-making regarding emotional commitments, or expecting trouble to happen in your relationships, you can take this chance to deepen your self-understanding and make meaningful change when Venus stations retrograde. As with all astrological phenomena, the key lies in understanding and leveraging these cosmic energies for personal and collective growth.

 

 

How to Survive Through Venus Retrograde

Venus retrograde, despite its reputation, can be a powerful time for personal development and growth. Here are some strategies to navigate this period effectively:

• Self-Reflection: Venus retrograde is an excellent time for introspection. Consider this a period for self-assessment, where you question your relationships, values, and the sources of your pleasure.
  • Are your relationships healthy and supportive?
  • Do your values align with your current lifestyle?
  • Are your sources of pleasure beneficial or detrimental to your overall well-being?

• Re-evaluate Relationships: This is an opportune time to analyse and evaluate your personal relationships. It’s not about ending relationships impulsively but about understanding which ones serve you and which ones don’t. This is also an excellent time to resolve any unresolved issues from past relationships.

• Financial Review: Venus is also linked to money and possessions. This is a good period to evaluate your financial situation. Are you happy with your current financial status? Are there areas of waste that need to be addressed? Do your spending habits align with your values?

• Artistic Exploration: Venus represents beauty and creativity. This period can be a great time to explore your artistic side. Try your hand at a new creative endeavour or revisit an old one. This exploration might lead you to find new hobbies or even ignite a passion you weren’t aware of.

• Personal Aesthetic: Venus governs beauty and aesthetics. If you’ve been thinking about revamping your wardrobe or redecorating your living space, now could be the perfect time. This doesn’t contradict the myth of not making drastic changes; instead, it’s about making small, thoughtful changes that align with your personal style.

• Practicing Patience and Mindfulness: During Venus retrograde, things may not go as planned, especially in the domains Venus rules. Patience and mindfulness can go a long way. Take things slow, be present, and try to avoid reacting impulsively.

• Self-care: During this period, it’s essential to look after yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Eat healthily, exercise, get enough sleep, meditate, or engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

In conclusion, Venus retrograde doesn’t have to be a time of fear and trepidation. By using the above strategies, you can make the most of this period, using it as a time of introspection and personal growth. Like all astrological events, Venus retrograde is a cyclical process that offers us the chance to align more closely with our deepest desires and values. It’s all about perspective: viewed through the lens of opportunity, Venus retrograde can be a time of profound personal revelation and transformation.

 

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