The Astronomy, or what it is...
The phenomenon known as Venus Retrograde occurs approximately every 20 months when, for about forty days, Venus
travels in reverse motion against the backdrop of stars. Of course, it doesn't really move backwards, but only appears to do so from our point of view here on Earth.
As Earth's closest planetary neighbor, Venus is the brightest planet in the sky. Visible in the western evening
sky since December, she has become increasingly brighter since March.
Its motion slows until it appears to stand still on July 24 and then change direction. Continuing in its orbit,
it disappears on August 13, then reappears as a morning "star" heralding the dawn on August 22. As Venus approaches its greatest elongation in the morning sky, it slows in its backward
motion, stands still, then resumes its forward course on September 8, 2007, remaining visible as a morning star until May 10, 2008. The next Venus retrograde period begins in March 2009.
The Astrology, or what it means...
Mythical and astrological conjecture about the nature of the planet Venus has been prominent and consistent since
ancient times. Her high visibility and her morning and evening phases have made her one of the most closely observed planets. Babylonian and Mesoamerican astrologers paid close attention to
her cycles, particularly to her first appearance as a morning star, which was considered a dangerous time.
The Babylonians called Venus the double-phased Ishtar -- the morning star of war and the evening star of love.
Greek astrologers called the morning phase of Venus Lucifer ("the light bearer") and the evening phase Hesperus ("setting in the West"). The Mesoamericans linked the morning
phase of Venus with Quetzalcoatl, one of their major gods, believing that this was a time when leaders are struck down and natural disasters occur.
While Venus is retrograde, old friends and/or lovers may reenter one's life. During this period, financial returns
are apt to be delayed and affection is more difficult to receive and express. Beginning a new relationship, buying luxury items and investing in objects of art or items of beauty is generally
discouraged during the retrograde period.
Venus retrograde is a good time to reflect on your values, to review your relationships and to donate your energy
to a charitable cause.
This Venus retrograde takes place mostly in the sign of Leo, promoting co-creativity, along with lavish and playful
interactions. There is a yearning for attention that can leave you feeling unappreciated, even among your closest friends.
Love is highlighted with Venus in Leo, often leading to the formation of romantic relationships, with the retrograde
they may end up offering more dramatic moments than playful ones. Loyalty and graciousness, easily degrades into possessive demands.
Be conscious of how you treat friends and loved ones. Your focused attitude may be perceived as selfish or prideful,
and feelings could be hurt. This is an excellent time to review the amount of fulfillment derived from your recreational and romantic life and to consider how you can be more attentive and
loving to others.
It might be helpful to look back to July through September 1999, the last time Venus went retrograde from Virgo
to Leo, for clues to how events may manifest.
Important Dates:
July 27 through September
8 = Reevaluate your feelings.
August 17and 18 = Best days during this period for matters concerning love and money. Be attentive and receptive.
August 18 through 22 = Watch for impulsive activity that can cause upsets of an emotional or biological nature.
