Venus turns retrograde today (i.e. gives the illusion of moving backwards in the heavens) and I’m feeling confused.
Venus is associated with the feminine and in mythology, Venus was Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. If you want to feel confused too, then google the word “love”. It seems that everyone has a different opinion on what love is.
Do you remember the huge collection of “Love is…” cards with two cute little characters and slogans such as “Love is… being able to say you’re sorry”? (see left). And don’t get me started on the zillions of love songs. Here’s a selection:
“I Want To Know What Love is”, “When I Fall in Love, It Will Be Forever”, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?”, “Love Me Tender”, “Let’s Get It On”, “It’s Only Love”, “Silly Love Games” and “I Will Always Love You”. The list is endless and inconclusive.
Venus is currently in the sign of Gemini and Venus (love) in the sign of duality and multiplicity (Gemini) seems to fit this questioning about love. Gemini is the sign of communication, thought, words, gaining information, swapping ideas, talking, gossip and chatter. Because of Venus’ retrograde motion, Venus remains in Gemini for an unusually long time, from April 3 2012-August 7 2012. Maybe everybody is talking about love and, don’t forget that Venus rules money too.
What to do when Venus, Goddess of Love, is retrograde, which begins today May 15 2012 and ends June 27 2012? When a planet’s retrograde, it’s traditionally a good time to turn inwards; a time of reflection, inner work and contemplation. Big decisions and fresh starts aren’t recommended as it’s not the best time to initiate or take action.
Instead, think “re-” words, i.e. reconsider, rethink, rework, review, revise. You may find a link to your past, whether that means reconnecting with a past love or analysing the love lessons you learnt whilst you were growing up.
Venus plays a key role in astrology over the next few weeks; there’s a rare Venus transit on June 5th/6th which coincides with an eclipse in Gemini on June 4th, Jupiter, planet of opportunity, also enters Gemini on June 11th and, when Venus turns direct on June 27th, this coincides with the Uranus-Pluto square on June 24th. This whole package suggests change, breakthroughs and the unexpected. It’s complicated.
So whatever your current situation with regard to love and money, be receptive, flexible and adaptable and keep the lines of communication open. If you have planets/angles at 7, 15 or 23 Gemini/Sagittarius, you may feel the winds of change more keenly (see below).
Venus and Jupiter are called the “lesser” and “greater” benefics in traditional astrology and together they signal blessings and new opportunities. Venus in Gemini suggests learning and going back to school. Maybe this is the lesson to take away from Venus in Gemini retrograde that, when it comes to love and relating, you’re never too old to learn something new.
If you would like a print-out of your astrology chart with a guide to the astrological glyphs and symbols, email me your date, time and place of birth and I’ll email you back a copy as a gift.
You may find out more about Venus retrograde and the concurrent astrological events for your own star sign in my regular monthly horoscope.
[photo from flickr.com]