Some readers have asked me if there is ever a time when all the planets are direct. I can’t blame them for wishing that there weren’t any retrograde planets to ‘worry’ about, so to speak. But before stating my usual view that there is an important value to each and every retrograde period (I hope you won’t get too bored with that), I actually want to say that it really is somewhat rare for there to not be any planets in retrograde motion. There is an average of two planets being retrograde ay any one time. I don’t know what the exact percentage is, but most of the time we are under one or more retrograde planets. By the way, if someone does know the percentage, please let us know.
So, let’s begin with a look at the coming Venus retrograde cycle. We are not quite there yet. Venus turns retrograde on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 12:06am PDT at 13°Scorpio and when it does so, it will be conjunct Mars. I’ll speak to that later in the article. It remains retrograde for almost 6 weeks when at will turn direct at 27° Libra on November 18, 2010. What is interesting is that although the velocity of Venus is almost as fast as Mercury, it does not go retrograde nearly as often. In fact, while Mercury retrogrades every four months or so, the Venus retrograde cycle takes about 19 months, a big difference by comparison. Because of its infrequency, therefore, the Venus cycle is quite important. By the way, this particular cycle is in the same territory as the one that occurred 8 years ago in the fall of 2002, so there may be a connection to that cycle as well. You can try to recall what was occurring then and see if there might be a kind of repeat of the theme of that one.
Right now, Venus is almost stationary so its effect is strengthening daily since a slower moving planet will amplify the nature of that archetypal energy. As we all know, Venus rules love, romance and relationships. It will also tell us a lot about our aesthetic nature, i.e., what we find beautiful or pleasing. This is because this archetype rules the principle of attraction and repulsion, what we feel moved toward and from what we desire to move away. And finally Venus rules our values, what matters to us most. As all retrograde periods do, it is a time for review, going within to discover what truly is important to us and to then allow for a shift in those values. As we examine our priorities, we may discover that we are either not in touch with what matters or that we have ‘gotten a bit lost’ and need to return to the more basic and essential values of our core being. This is how this time period can be really good for us.
There are sub-cycles with the 6-week cycle and the most intense part is in the middle, which is called the Inferior conjunction between the Sun and Venus. It occurs on October 28, 2010. It can be helpful to note what occurs or what is in one’s heart at that time, because this is the time when things can come to a head in one’s consciousness.
One of the important aspects of the Venus retrograde period is the theme of letting go. A cycle is ending or has ended and we have to accept this in order to be able to fully move ahead in a new way. During most of this period Venus will be in the sign of Scorpio. Our feelings are apt to be very intense during this cycle and we may want to spend time revisiting old wounds as well as old friends. In fact, often people from our past suddenly contact us during Venus retrograde periods. Usually it’s a check-in to see how we are doing, sort of another stage of the letting go or cutting of the chord aspect of this cycle. Sometimes we need this, and we may not even know why we feel the need to connect with someone from our past. Whatever the specifics are, it is time to make room for the new and that requires a true confronting of the parts of us that are still clinging to the past.
The most important part of this cycle though may be connected to dealing with aspects of relationships we have now. This is a great time to get in touch with our true feelings about our partner (business partners included as Venus also rules money) and to then decide if we want to work on the issues the two of you have together. Couples may enter therapy at this time or, on the other hand, decide to end the relationship. If this is the outcome, though it suggests that the relationship has been struggling for quite a while and we are just finally coming to the conclusion that the problems cannot improve or change. In other words, when it comes to relationships this is a time to either deal with things or let go. By the time the cycle has ended chances are good that we will have decided on where we really are when it comes to a person, relationship or monetary issue.
I am often asked if new relationships can begin at this time and the answer is yes. It will depend on our readiness however. If we have truly completed the old relationships and by that I also mean the patterns that were the dominant themes for that relationship, then a new one can start. This can also describe the transformation of a present relationship such that it seems totally different in some way than the way it used to be.
At the top I mentioned that Mars is conjunct Venus at the beginning of the Venus retrograde. Although Mars will move quickly past Venus, it suggests that this phase will include how we go after what we want. It may also have to with an examining a how we approach sexuality, its importance to us and even what its priority in our life it needs to be. Obviously, where the retrograde occurs on one’s chart is an important indicator of what areas of our life will be examined. This is a good time for a consultation if you desire more specific information on what aspects of your life may be particularly affected.
As always, I invite you to take a moment and reply to this post. I know my readers will appreciate it.
[…] wonderful post about this appeared in Jim Sher’s blog recently. One of the best I’ve read in some time about the Venus retrograde cycle and how it […]
Jim (and the group) I am thinking about buying a new used car during this cycle (as in before this year is over….). The money may become available suddenly for a purchase that was planned 2 years ago but did not happen. i tent to keep my cars for at least 7 years and drive them until they are done almost completely. What do you think? Wise or unwise to buy in what remains of 2010….?
As always, I enjoy your newsletters immensely. I read this one only today, a while after I tripped over the website of a dear high school friend. We’ve started a deep correspondence. I had no idea why, because I don’t want anything per se — and then here is the information in your newsletter.
Also deeply reviewing my relationships of all kinds, what I really want and what is good for me, as well as a shifting priority about sexuality. I’m laughing – you are always right on target. Or astrology is lol. Thank you again!
Well, this neatly lines up with what’s happening in my life right now. I’m currently waiting for a judge to review my signed divorce papers and declare them valid so this mess can be officially finished. I feel like the entire last year and a half has been a time of review for my (often buried, surprise!) beliefs about relationships and my role in them. I got to see how I don’t value myself enough.
Yesterday the last of my possessions were delivered to my new abode and I felt a sense of peace I haven’t had since about August ’08. I also found myself feeling compassion for my ex; I don’t know if I’ve forgiven him entirely, but the compassion is a good sign. Maybe this retrograde will help with that.
Also, for what it’s worth, we got married on 3/21/09, which in retrospect was a terrible choice! Though it all dovetails quite nicely, I guess.
I get a lot out of your newsletters, thanks so much for your efforts and everyone’s comments.
Dear Jim,
I greatly enjoy reading your posts — they’re so interesting and informative.
As fate would have it, my Sun is at 13 degrees Scorpio! I sure love having Venus hang around my Sun and in my Sun sign for so long.
I’ve been keeping in mind the subject of your last article “Pure Progress,” and doing my utmost to move forward in this opportune time in the Saturn cycle. So now with the Venus influence (and Mars too) I’m starting to believe something big is on the verge of happening.
Thanks again,
Janey
I think this is one of the best posts on this Venus Rx that I’ve read so far! Very straightforward… I like it! However, you have NO idea how much I DO NOT want 2002 repeated in any way at all! (In fact, in my opinion, the majority of that last decade can be wiped off the slate with no objections from me!) But I can attest to the fact that for me, this IS all about relationships and is in direct correlation to what I value. And also where my values originate… are they truly mine or someone else’s?
And here’s to hoping that a relationship that went MIA comes back so that we can sort things out and figure out if this ship is worth sailing!
There are times w/no retrograding planets… my chart doesn’t have any! 😛
I’m actually really looking forward to this Venus retrograde. Should be interesting… going over my Saturn/Pluto conjunction. Good times.
Hi Jim!
I just wanted to share how much I really enjoy your newsletters!
Also, while I don’t know the percentage of times that no planets are retrograde, I did find a small window of time early next year to schedule my wedding when there are no retrograde planets. It just so happens that in January of 2011, there are no retrograde planets! (of course, there is an eclipse on January 4th, which I am avoiding, and scheduled my wedding ten days after.) I didn’t find any other times where there isn’t something retrograde, or an eclipse happening, until January of 2012.
I also found that Venus retrograde in Scorpio brings up a lot of issues regarding “values” i.e. not to confuse the values of others with your own.
Thanks again for your insightful newsletters!
Leslie
I have a friend born 8/22/1941 who has no retrograde planets (only the nodes are retrograde). She is also a triple Leo.
Believe me when I say I wish she had something retrograde.
Hi Jim, as always a great read. Love reading all your blog posts. The last Venus Rx in 2009 had the effects you mentioned above. A 10 year rship was stopped in its tracks on the day Venus actually went direct; I found out my partner had been having a year or so long affair with a friend. To say that shock (now where was Uranus!? can’t remember) was what I felt was an understatement.
Now some year and half after that day, we worked through much, sought out the wounds we had both been hoping would disappear, go away and vanish, went through much counselling (Imago therapy was a life saver) and now are bright and shiny & new. It was hell but ultimately the wound that I had been protecting was exposed yet I am glad that I went through it all and feel a much different person. Truly a healing journey.
I am actually looking forward to this next one to see what gems are uncovered!
Big hugs
Lisa xx