Ex's & Xx's Venus Rx

Venus Retrograde - Retracing Our Steps

Once in a while Venus the planet of Love, Desire, Wants, Needs, Possessions, Value and Relationships does what Mercury does much more frequently, and that is appear to 'go backwards' in the sky. It is called a Retrograde (Rx) and astrologers are very interested when this happens. The last time this happened was in October 2010 in the sign of Scorpio. 
This time around, the action, or reaction, is happening in the sign of Gemini, and the last time Venus Retrograded in Gemini, the sign of the twins was in June 2004. Check back to what you were doing then. What sort of decisions were you making? This could be a time when we remember who was in our life then and who was leaving it. This retrospection may give us some clues as to what could happen this time around. We could think harder and more deeply about the direction our lives have taken us and ask how the last 8 years have fulfilled the vision we had for ourselves back then in the summer 2004.

©jphibbs

So why do astrologers prick up their ears, pick up their pens and post on their computers to tell us about it? Certainly in the last few days there have been some excellent articles and posts on the subject, which you can find at: Molly's Astrology Blog, The Oxford Astrologer, Big Sky Astrology, Elsa Elsa and AstroDispatch. 


I left it a few days, wanting to let things mull over and Venus to 'settle in', when suddenly out of the blue I was contacted by someone from my past, someone who last contacted me in October 2010, someone from a past relationship. Ok I thought, this is the time to address what's going on astrologically. Is Venus going backwards nudging me into my past?

 Venus, the planet of relating is heading back to where she has just been and taking me with her. Venus is on definitely on a trip and she is taking a ride over old ground. Venus and everything she means appears to be retaking pictures of views past.

What does this mean - this Venus backtracking? For one thing it is important to remember that this period lasts for 40 days and 40 nights, give or take - here are some examples of 40 day references:

• Traditionally duration of Noah's sojourn on the Ark in the Great Flood, sent to wash away corruption
• "St. Swithin's day if thou dost rain For forty days it will remain St. Swithin's day if thou be fair. For forty days 'twill rain nae amir." 
• The contemplation and introspection of Jesus in the desert where he fasted, known as 'The Temptation'
• In some parts of India women stay at home for 40 days after their baby is born
• Behavioural Psychologists say it takes 40 days to change a habit 

Sounds like we have some serious thinking to do. 


During this time we may find ourselves going back whether actually, as in physically travelling to places, people or things where you previously sought pleasure, or in your minds eye in your own private dreamscape. 

The purpose of this RETRACE could be, and the reasons will be varied and complex, to see if you dropped a stitch. Have you missed the point, or ran past something too quickly, rushed through something which should have held you for a longer linger, a tender moment...

From now until June 27th when Venus moves forward again, is the time to rethink and re-look and to re-examine what you value. Getting rid, moving on, detaching and letting go is all well and good, but sometimes we can throw the baby out with the bathwater. Chances are that things ended for a very good reason, and the reason may get clearer now as you go over old ground. With the glorious vision of 20/20 hindsight we can see how right or wrong we were, or at least get a clearer perspective as to what exactly went wrong or right. 

Now is the time to double check our love invoice - do we have something outstanding, a love bill which needs paying? Be prepared for a dose of Venus nostalgia, wistfully remembering things or people which gave you pleasure, no matter how temporary or lasting. The traces of our loves always remain, whether as scars, faint memories, nostalgic possessions or toys tucked away in the closet - be prepared to open the door now if only for a fleeting moment. 

Importantly remember that everyone else is also experiencing this Venus Retrograde - hold that awareness and be sensitive and prepared. When does love end anyway, when someone walks away or when we stay for yet another lonely year. Maybe you cannot love if you cannot trust or if you can't understand each other. We really don't feel loved if we are not respected or accepted for who we are, individual and unique. These are Venus issues, self worth, love and appreciation, it makes sense then that for these next 40 days and nights or so, know that you and the person next to you will be going into these realms rather more deeply.......go there sweetly and with compassion........
posted by pippa ponton & jphibbs