What's Up?
Venus Retrograde
October 7 - November 18, 2010

Indications for each Sun Sign
during the Venus Retrograde Period

Aries
You are on the receiving end of attractions, sexual or otherwise, that may be unwanted altogether or unappreciated because they are practical rather than emotional. Set firm boundaries. Be cautious about getting in too deep while the retrograde is in effect. Question your need to be in control.

Taurus
Everything seems to running in reverse with your ruling planet in retrograde motion. Your affections are diminished, your resources drained and your values questioned. Forces are especially at odds with your relationships. The mutual attraction is definitely there, but for complex reasons the feelings are not or cannot be expressed. Best advice: practice patience and wait this period out.

Gemini
Work doesn't offer the usual rewards. Something is amiss with your daily activities. Your dissatisfaction with the lack of credit you receive on the job can make your coworkers uneasy. Look closely at what you can do to improve the situation. Perhaps it's time to reevaluate your work and health routines.

Cancer
Social situations take on a deceptive air and lack the spontaneity necessary for them to be amusing. Romance at this time suggests more demands than pleasure. Children may be ultra sensitive, taking everything you say as an attack on their identity. Look within to seek answers for why you no longer seem to have the fun you desire or can't find the joy in creative expression.

Leo
This is the time to tune in to your emotional needs. Assess your resources at the most basic level. You may find out that you are your own best friend. Family relationships will improve with some thought given to the motivational needs of others, especially the needs of those who live with you.

Virgo
This is a good period to work on the inner you. A self-improvement workshop can build self esteem. Get to know others, especially siblings and neighbors, and learn about their needs. Instead of looking for personal compliments, hand them out to others.

Libra
It's hard to feel appreciated with your ruling planet in retrograde motion. You need emotional reassurance from others now, preferably in the form of small gifts, and are disappointed when they are not received. You may feel left out or be prey to unfounded fears and anxieties because of a lack of money.

Scorpio
You'll need to keep a mirror handy to double check your appearance. Others may not agree with you about the effect of the current style you've adopted. Shyness, coming from uncertainty about your presentation, makes you shrink from meeting new people.

Sagittarius
You are usually the life of the party, but during this time you may withdraw into yourself feeling inadequate and misunderstood. Refuge may be found in sleep where sweet dreams of humorous repartee can come to life once the retrograde is over.

Capricorn
Friendships and organizational associations lack fulfillment. Misunderstandings occur at the drop of a hat. Female friends, especially, appear unappreciative of your finer qualities and may leave you behind while pursuing a new interest. Be watchful that you're not projecting your feelings of dissatisfaction onto others.

Aquarius
Public appearances aren't in your favor during this period. Either you stand unnoticed in someone else's shadow or the spotlight is on your shortcomings rather than your achievements. This is a good time to polish up your public persona in preparation for a presentation when Venus goes direct.

Pisces
You may be feeling like a stranger in a strange land during this Venus retrograde period. You have questions about the validity of your goals, your knowledge, your beliefs, your basic philosophy of life. None of those things hold the charm they once had. Worse, you may be feeling discriminated against for having had them in the first place.

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. 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. Important Dates: March 6 through April 17, 2009 = Reevaluate your feelings. March 27and 28 = Best days during this period for matters concerning love and money. Be attentive and receptive. March 28 through April 2 = Watch for impulsive activity that can cause upsets of an emotional or biological nature.