Venus Ret Inspos + Invites
Venus retrograde is a portal.
Astrology is an ancient technology that maps cycles of time. It is an archeology of the soul that allows us to better understand past, present and future.
Astrology as a way of knowing invites us to pay attention to potentials while at the same time holding possible concrete manifestations lightly. In doing so we embrace and dance within the intersections of fate and free will.
Venus retrograde journeys follow a mythic pattern of 40 days + 4 nights and resonant themes: descent, confrontation, death, transformation, regeneration and renewal, return. Although sometimes deeply uncomfortable, this journey is an invitation to reconnect more fully with that which is most sacred — our individual and collective relationship with the inherent strength, beauty and value of all beings.
To say this will be a difficult transit for all is folly, as is any attempt to bypass potential difficulties. But no matter what happens, remember: you are not in it alone. The shifts we are navigating are tied to a larger collective paradigm shift. The birth pains of our struggles to build something better.
To understand potent thematic echoes, reflect on what was going on in your life during July/August/September 2015, 2007, 1999, 1991…
Insights may come by paying attention to and allowing for epiphanies in your thoughts and feelings about desire, your core values, your relationship with self, other, earth and universe.
The words below are offered as guidance, inspiration and support. Read for your rising sign if you know it; your Sun and Venus signs might be resonant as well. You can look up your chart here.
For a more focused guide through revolutionizing the way you relate to relating through this period, you are welcome to sign up for my 7 week course, Deconstructing the Myth of Soulmate, which starts July 21. Full priced registration is open until July 27; discounted reg closes the 23rd at 5pm PDT.
Venus Retrograde in Leo Inspirations and Invitations
Aries
Your knack for going after the libidinous and the lusty is unsurpassed – even when you doubt yourself. That doesn’t mean I’m encouraging you to go after whoever you want - even/especially if they’re turning the other way (sorry). What it does mean, dear Aries, is that the coming weeks are a time to revisit the core of what libido even is – raw, potent, magical life force. This retrograde period is about tapping into your spark of genius, noticing what it feels like as it flows in your body without your attempting to attach it to something outside of you, and ultimately reclaiming pleasure in ways that are fun, joyful and spontaneous. Be open to loosening up the parts of you that overperform to cover up hurts. If those hurts make a visit, know that they are just shouting a little bit louder ‘cuz they know they are on their way out. Grab a drink of something cool and sit in the shade for a bit.
Taurus
What if you were the keeper of the flame for your family line? I know, I know. That will either sound fantastic or awful. Both responses are worth noticing — is in fact a question for reflection! What if you were a devotee of fierce loyalty to those who always have your back – and they were the same to you? You might be saying, “but I am! I am!” So let me get to the more important question: who would be worthy of your fierce loyalty? We might not be talking specific humans, here, dearest Taurus. We are talking about what kind of person. What are the qualities you would need to see backed up by behavior to help you feel like someone was worthy of sharing your light, loyalty and love? You have time to think about it. Pro tip: start with a list of all of your best qualities and skills. Then think about who you have felt most safe around and why. Use this period to learn more about your worth through taking an honest look at your skills and gifts. Might be helpful to make your home into an aesthetically pleasing party in the process, no matter where you are. An ancient pattern of not feeling valued and seen is coming to a close, so extend tenderness should cranky heat accompany your journey. Celebrate emergence in the last quarter of this year.
Gemini
Everyone always jumps right to the ways Geminis have the chatty game going for days. But I dare say that for you it is not about chatting without stopping or for the sake of hearing your own voice. You are too smooth for that. And too genuinely curious. What you actually love is to learn and then process what you have learned. Learning requires so many things other than talking. It requires listening, engaging – and asking questions. Processing can involve many things other than talking as well. Creativity. Movement. Sex. For this retrograde period I would encourage you to spend some time getting curious about the questions you have been avoiding or not wanting to ask. Are there thoughts you have been marinating for a long time now but hesitant to share? Get curious about the answers to these questions by directing your amazing listening skills to your own inner world. Go sit in a cafe or a park and be amongst the people but in your own world of reverie and reflection. Try your hand at non-language-based ways of expressing your inner world – or take the “dear diary” route. Processing on your own instead of with your friends over text could allow for welcome insights that don’t get seen when you are so tuned into mapping everyone else’s everything. Your own process has something to teach you, so my advice to you would be to engage it on your own (or with, like, an objective outsider) a little more than normal. And then maybe share what you learned later.
Cancer
Cancer, I am struck by competing desires as I tune into the energy for you this retrograde. On the one hand, I want to just give you a blanket and make you some soup. On the other, I am aware of a roaring strength trying to spring forth that wants to be seen and loved. So what I will say is this: Oh my goodness, you beautiful being. You bring a level of compassionate grace to the world that is pretty unsurpassed. Not just in the ways you tend to the comfort and wellbeing of those around you, but just because you exist. Within this retrograde period, you are invited to review and renew the ways you take stock of your resources and worth. At the least, if you are feeling uncertain of your progress or goals, celebrate the slightest accomplishment. But really, this is a time you would be 100% justified in throwing a party to celebrate yourself. Alternatively, make a cuddly ritual of asking a few folks to share little blurbs telling you the reasons they love you. Remember that knowing your worth is key to figuring out your boundaries in your relationships, which benefit greatly from keeping an eye towards equity and fairness. If the collective sitch is harshing your mellow, know that you’re not alone. You don’t have to figure out how to fix all of it right now and it is in fact okay to take a few more baths (literal or metaphorical) than normal. But also? What if you flirt with visibility and the notion that your sensitivity is a super power? Just sayin’.
Leo
Well, friend, the spotlight is on you in all of your glory and shine. If it isn’t now, it’s working its way towards you. And I should probably say you’re looking damned fine. Caveat: you might not be feeling that hawt visibility Right Now — and it might be a great thing. Or you might be feeling a bit lost or angsty about it. All ways of being are welcome here. Forgive me while I gently invoke a cliche, spun into something a little less terrible: working on loving yourself is the greatest foundation you can build for your life. This Venus ret period is prime time to play around with (probably impermanent) changes to how you present yourself – but only if your find it fun. Flirt with yourself in the mirror or use mirrors to look yourself in the eye and tell yourself how much you love you. Notice was ease or resistance arises. Let yourself tune into even the most subtle rhythms of joy in the world around you, blessing them as healing currents as they rush in. Imagine or place yourself in golden light to absorb the radiance so that you can beam it out on to others in the months to come. Express, express, express, knowing creativity can be a devotional process that you keep to yourself for a time. It is okay to retreat for this descent, but know that people love you. And they probably need you, too. In a good way. Revisit ways you tend to your vitality. Throw out the narratives that no longer feel charged and make room for new beliefs about your place in the world. Recognize that you are your own best friend, and that is a truly magical thing.
Virgo
The dreamtime has some messages for you, Virgito (yes, I have a pet name for you). I know things might be a little wonk-tastic in your life right now, and I know you might have a strong feeling of sneer when you read your astrologer telling you something about your dream world when what you crave is a protocol and something a little more practical. But, bear with me here. What if you just took a moment to take one deep breath. If that feels good, add a few more. Note the emotions present in your dreams or after you wake up, and in doing so let them remind you of past hurts that are ready to be gently healed. You contain multitudes that go far beyond your incredible ability to focus on the most practical path towards your desired outcomes. Multitudes that are constantly shimmering as little angels on your shoulder and in your heart, reminding you that you are absolutely perfect. Don’t like the notion of angels? It’s all good, Virgo. My wish for you is that you resource yourself not only with your tried and true methods of soothing your heart, but by connecting with your essence through at least a few moments of intentional silence every day. My wish for you is that you find time for rest so that it can strengthen you moving forward. And if that advice seems totally irrelevant, then please: tend to your dreams.
Libra
Hello, lovely Venusian. My sense is that this retrograde period does in fact have a lot to offer you in terms of what you get out of the social networks you are part of. But there might be some digging required. Digging into the details of what it is you actually want to get out of your social interactions. Hint: the answer is tied to your general hopes and dreams for the future, so if those aren’t clear, start there. Another hint: YOU, my friend, are a frickin’ queen. The ways you so [seemingly] effortlessly bring people together is something I personally admire. And I’m curious, Libra: do you know that and show that? Your queenliness? Do you let others celebrate your spark of genius? Does your community recognize you for the contribution you bring? Here is a semi-trick question: do you want them to? See what you can do to separate whether you “should” want recognition from whether you do want recognition. What if I change the wording a bit: when was the last time you engaged in celebrations that were not centered on everyone but you? An exchange of authentic loving praise might be a great place to start. And it is a-okay to start it off with, “Hey, friend(s). I was just wondering if you would be willing to share with me what it is you like about me?”
Scorpio
Oh, Scorpio. Keeper of my heart. For you, this retrograde period is highlighting your legacy, and the way you present, hold and transform yourself out in the world. You are in fact a powerful leader, whether that occurs in your public life or in your inner world, and this season is encouraging – no, demanding – that you know your worth, but not as it is defined by external metrics. Try and note the ways you might use your convictions as defense mechanisms. Your deep need to be seen is absolutely appropriate, but misunderstanding it can lead to manipulations… or just wanting to set the world on fire. What is being initiated for you now is a longer term opportunity to get perspective on where you have come from, weaving new understandings of your roots into your knowledge of where you are going. If parts of you have decided that the way things are now should be the way things will be forever, you are limiting your access to the depth you crave. Return to pursuits that make you laugh. See what you can do to tend to the parts of you that don’t want your relationships to change. Remember that you are not the only one who can get the job done. The belief that you are is wrapped up in some kind of hurt that can be healed if it is seen and reminded that you are worthy because of being alive, not because of who sees it or what you accomplish.
Sagittarius
It is time to explore, dear Sadge. You tend to learn the most about the world and your place in it through experiencing all it has to offer. For now, however, explorations of the inner kind seem to be the necessary medicine. Sure, inner journeys can be done from anywhere, but try not to let the place you are actually in feel like the place you are stuck. Some ponderings: What do you believe in? Particularly when it comes to relationships, but go with whatever is up. Were do those beliefs come from? Are your present day experiences still supporting those beliefs? Think about desire as you spatter paint on a canvas and see what happens. Spin tales of longing and woe around a campfire, adding drama and tears without attaching to the truth of it all. Something about your identity needs to be reclaimed now - something you have been, perhaps, punished or outcast for. You are not too much. You are fucking amazing.
Capricorn
Ruh-roh, my little love muffin. Let me hold space for the knowledge that what I have to say here is pretty objectively great, even if it makes you squirm a little. I mean, I could tell you that this retrograde period is an important time to review your relationship to other people’s resources, and that would not be wrong. But it would also be ignoring the fact that this retrograde is a fantastic time to review your relationship to deep intimacy and bonding, particularly at the emotional and sexual levels. To keep it in the realms of physical resources would do you an injustice. You have been through an extended period of redefining your identity in terms of who your family told you you “should” be, and are beginning a process of blazing new trails on behalf of who you actually are. Which is rad. And so, with that context, let’s try to say it again: your invitation is to review your relationship to intimacy itself based on who you are now rather than who you were then. The key? Letting your beloveds see just how fucking amazing you are. Wanna kick it up a notch? Learn more about what you need so that they can start to meet them. You can take some time with it. Let’s say through September 3. You can come up with a plan for it. But after that – let them see and maybe even think about asking them to show you they see. Because you are, in fact, totally worthy of worship.
Aquarius
Dearest Aquarius: you will hear me say over and over that this retrograde is not just about relationship to other, but to self, earth and universe as well. But for you this period is definitely and explicitly emphasizing relationship to other. Loverships, partnerships, platonicships and otherships. This does not mean the other categories are excluded, and in fact I would encourage you to create a reflective practice as a container for the coming six weeks. Something is coming forward that needs attention – and it might in fact be your own need for attention. Which, at its core, is a need to feel seen and recognized for who you actually are. Now. Something tells me there are people in your orbit who are charismatic AF. And something tells me you might have a love-hate relationship with being around them. It might be helpful to do some reflecting on what you love and do not love about the people lucky enough to be your core relationships. Are you able to see those loves and not loves within yourself, too? If your relationships get tricky, try to listen to the other person’s point of view while knowing it is okay to take that information and then contemplate how it intersects with your own needs. You just might have to communicate that you need time to think instead of just walking away. And you also might have to figure out what your own needs even are. It’s all good! Remember that less conventional approaches might be worth considering. Seek out insight and advice from leaders, lovers and Leos.
Pisces
Dearest Pisces. I have some really good news, and then some really good news that might feel like not so good news. The good news is that the cosmos has been working on a plan for your eternal bliss in the form of just the right setup for relational success. It might be taking a while. And I dare say you might be working right alongside the powers that be, doing all kinds of profound letting go of a whole heckuva lot that isn’t working for you anymore (hugs). This Venus ret season wants to see you empowered, bringing the bliss you pine for down into your root for some more empowered and embodied lust – for life itself. Keep an eye on the conflict between ways you feel you are supposed to be all love-and-light-y, and the ways you might harbor resentment for feeling like your other parts are not or cannot be seen. The other good news is that this six week period is a great time for you to recognize the day to day strategies and systems that keep your mundane life going, and maybe get in the flow of letting go of little habits and systems that are hindering progress. Take time to problem solve – which includes asking for help if need be. Tend to your health and the systems that keep you vibrant. Imagine them as a most sacred ritual of devotion to self. You are most definitely worth it.
Amanda is a queer astrologer who is very into relational, evolutionary and psychological astrologies. You can support her work — and get rad incentives like monthly AstroCircles, New Moon ritual guidance and one on one sessions if you want them — on Patreon. Please share this article if its contents were meaningful to you.
