Venus Retrograde ♀ 2018

Venus in Libra: Aug 6 – Sep 9

Venus in Scorpio: Sep 9 – Oct 5

Venus Retrograde in Scorpio: Oct 5-31

Venus Retrograde in Libra: Oct 31 – Nov 16

Venus in Libra: Nov 16 – Dec 2

Venus in Scorpio: Dec 2 – Jan 7, 2019

Planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.

Venus turns retrograde once every 18 months for six weeks. We last experienced Venus Retrograde from Mar 4 – Apr 15, 2017. During this time, you may move to a new place, experience a change in a significant relationship or intensely question whether you’re in the right place. Though Venus is primarily concerned with outward and interpersonal aspects of life, this retrograde, like the others, takes us within. Venus Retrograde builds and expands our inner home. Having said that – haircuts, tattoos, piercings or any changes to personal appearance are not advised at this time.

Venus first enters Libra on Aug 6. In fact, Venus rules Libra, so I suspect that this transit (and ensuing retrograde) will be quite visceral. From Aug 9 – Sep 6, Venus inspects our relationships. Then, when she retrogrades back to Libra from Halloween to Nov 16, these relationship issues will be sharply revisited. Venus in Libra is a mighty judge of whether our relationships are truly harmonious. It is critically important to remain clear and open in communication. Stand close to those who make you feel golden and tranquil.

Libra is not unlike her brothers and sisters in the zodiac, for she makes us work until we cry. Libra digs directly into the ravines of the soul, the crevasses we hoped she’d miss. Do not evade or try to deceive her, or she will hunt you down in the middle of the night. Libra helps us overcome communication blockages. Though confrontation can be awkward and stressful, internalizing is even more uncomfortable. Yes, Venus in Libra is a bitter pill that will burn the lining of your soul, but it’s the best you’ve ever had. Listen and you will hear yourself say: finally, I should have done this a long time ago…

Libra hates when we rush and makes us pay for it dearly, so be slow, be honest, but not submissive or insecure. We enter into toxic environments/relationships because we have a toxic relationship with ourselves, truth be told. If you don’t honor your needs and ditch the toxicity, Libra will do it for you, and she can be quite forceful! Walk away with your head held high; the goddess is right behind you.

From Sep 9 – Oct 31, and Dec 2 – Jan 7, 2019, Venus spins with lusty vigor through Scorpio. Here is when we realize that the passion we sought in relationships was really intended for fierce self-love. Unstable relationships will suffer at this time. A profusion of sexual/emotional energy conjures complexity.

With Venus Retrograde in Scorpio, it is time to remove malevolent sexual energies from the root chakra. Scorpio is bewitched, stopping at nothing to get her fix, churning in a gigantic supernatural whirlpool, a hot-blooded kiss on the lips, fervent, vehement, chasing her prey relentlessly. Hers is the wounded heart, compulsive, fearful of losing power. Twist inward, penetrate to the core, ask yourself what is the meaning? Just as Shiva rebuilds the world from utter ruin, so too can the scorpion. She teaches that we must break down before we break through.

The Goddess of Night wants to shock you, so watch her dance from the darkness, gleaming in the light of her cauldron, bubbling with potent medicine for the blistered soul. Watch Scorpio cling with mad singularity from beneath the floorboards, the psyche’s rotten well, the locked basement. Blackest black gives way to light. This is the scorpion’s goal, to find the edge and careen into the abyss: renewal through obliteration. Though she’d never admit it, Scorpio desires vulnerability more than anything, soul stripped naked, nothing left between her and truth.

Venus Retrograde is the perfect opportunity to set boundaries where there were none. The feeling here is “all things fated.” We no longer have a choice; life unfolds as it must, regardless of attachment or not feeling ready. The most quintessential theme of Venus Retrograde is social malfunction. Conversation may be stilted, awkward, off-key. Unexpected delays or cancellations are common. Take this opportunity to be solitary. One peculiar thing will start happening to you, however. Against all odds, deep in your ravine of solitude, you will be contacted by people you haven’t seen or talked to in years. Maybe it will be a message, a phone call, or maybe you will run into them while you are searching for the perfect snack to complement your solitude. They will be lovers or old friends, someone with whom you shared an intimate connection, the kind of connection that, even when left for many years, quietly, like a letter in its yellowing envelope, suddenly comes back to life with such force and emotion that you willingly fall back into it, awash all over again in its profound impact upon you, moved by the sweet revelation that it never left, resurrected instantaneously, as though it were just yesterday that you strolled side by side, merciless in your youth.

Dates worth mentioning: Oct 26 (harmonious), Nov 9 (harmonious), Nov 30 (challenging), Dec 21 (harmonious)

Stay balanced with Libra Yoga; go deep with Scorpio Yoga. To find your personal Venus sign, click here.

Mantra:  I love myself

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