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 October 7 and then
change direction. Continuing in its orbit, it disappears between
September 20 and October 19 (depending on your location), then reappears
as a morning "star" heralding the dawn on November 3.
As Venus approaches its greatest elongation in the morning sky,
it slows in its backward motion, stands still, then resumes its
forward course on November 18, 2010, remaining visible as a morning
star until July 24, 2011. The next Venus retrograde period begins
on May 15, 2012.
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 Scorpio, promoting
the desire nature, along with magnetic and intense interactions.
There is a yearning for intimacy that can leave you feeling unappreciated,
even among your closest friends.
The
need for a soulful connection is highlighted with Venus in Scorpio,
often leading to the formation of deep relationships, with the retrograde
they may end up offering more insights to our darker aspects than
to romantic moments. What begins on a note of appealing mystique
quickly turns into seduction and easily degrades into possessiveness
and jealousy.
Be
conscious of how you treat friends and loved ones. Your focused
attitude may be perceived as manipulative; feelings could be hurt.
This is an excellent time to review the amount of fulfillment derived
from your sex life and to consider how you can be more understanding
of others.
It
might be helpful to look back to October 10 through November 21,
2002, the last time Venus was retrograde in Scorpio, for clues to
how events may manifest.
Important Dates:
October
7
through November
18=
Reevaluate your feelings.
October 27 and 28 = Best days during this period for matters concerning
love and money. Be attentive and receptive.
October 28 through November 4 = Watch for impulsive activity that
can cause upsets of an emotional or biological nature.
