Charlotte Gainsbourg, photographed by Glen Luchford.
On 19th December we begin the journey of Venus’s retrogradation through the sign of Capricorn, continuing a story or making progress from when Venus was last retrograde in Capricorn (21 December 2013 – 31 January 2014). Venus retrograde’s every 2 years, in different signs for a 40-day / 40 night period. Every 8 years she repeats signs. Each retrograde cycle Venus physically disappears from our sky’s and does her much fabled underworld journey. Reappearing as a morning star as Venus completes her journey through the underworld where Hades / Pluto resides.
We experience Venus, when retrograde as a revisitation, re-assessment, re – evaluations, new insights and readjustments to Venusian topics. Venus governs over relationships, pleasure, values, desire, possession’s, aesthetics and beauty to name a few. While Venus is retrograde these topics are more in-focus or the desire to be more aligned is unavoidable. Its time to deal with the stuff. The sign and house in which Venus is retrograde through, helps tells us what this story might be for the individual.
2021/2022’s retrograde cycle is in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is a sign which Venus has no essential dignity in and is a sign which grounds Venus bringing her back to more simple and earthly pleasures. Capricorn is more dynamic than mainstream astrology gives it credit for as it has a wonderful ability to holds space for the material, practical, creative and spiritual aspects of life simultaneously. Capricorn is dynamic and supportive, it initiate’s and helps to contain the strong virtues and possession’s Venus likes to acquire. In Capricorn, Venus may appear a bit more dressed down, but that doesn’t take away from her desires.
Pluto is a key player for Venus this retrograde cycle, as Venus and Pluto hold strong aspects through the entire cycle. Venus stations retrograde on Pluto which puts her in aspect to him for a month, rather than the usual two or three days. Venus then carries this powerful plutonic energy with her as she does her underworld journey, stations direct and with these new insights or discovery’s bringing them back to Pluto in the first week of March 2021. She presents to Pluto / Hades the fruits of the retrograde cycle, along with her new found discoveries or initiations from the realms he rules over.
Pluto isn’t the easiest of planetary energies to be working with and has a strong focus on power, control, hidden dynamics, wealth and things that have been buried or suppressed creating a real pandora’s box situation. This particular Venus retrograde cycle is very much about unearthing hidden dynamics and uncovering power plays or control dynamics in the areas of life Capricorn rules in your chart. This isn’t easy stuff that this particular retrograde is throwing up but by looking back to the 2013 – 2014 retrograde that you might find some clues.
In summary Pluto will be bringing an intensification to this retrograde cycle with topics or issues that may have been tucked away or not noticed before; being brought front and centre. Pluto has many hidden pathways and there might be moments of feeling lost or buried by some of pathways that present during this cycle.
Pluto, Venus and Capricorn all represent great wealth in various ways so there is value in really engaging this process, there is gold that will be mined and there are gems to be gleaned from this process. Engagement and working with anything that gets brought up is vital for this retrograde cycle to allow for safe travels through these plutonian realms. Ignore it at your own peril, as Pluto will never go unanswered.
2021/2022’s retrograde cycle might be a bit dirtier and a bit more work than other Venus retrograde cycles but the potential for it to clear out and detoxify things that are dead or of no value anymore makes this particular cycle extremely potent. This is a very rare dance that Pluto and Venus are doing over the next few months but one that will be ripe for some big personal alchemy. This is not a cosmetic exercise and new depths and understanding of the self is intimidating as Venus Pluto aspects are some of the most powerful cycles that astrology can offer us. What makes this cycle so unique, is the length of time they spend influencing each other for this particular Venus Retrograde cycle and that is where the magic lies.
Enjoy the journeying xx
AREAS OF LIFE VENUS AND PLUTO WILL BE DIGGING UP SOME DIRT
November is a spicy month astrologically speaking with many aspects which might present some challenges, especially mid month. Mars, enters Scorpio its ruling sign by the 1st of November. Having mars in such a strong position can help motivate and create strong momentum in the area of life that Scorpio rules in your chart, getting to the bottom of any challenges or understand the mechanics of this area of life is helpful. Mars only transits this area of life once every two years.
However as Mars transits Scorpio, it will square Saturn in Aquarius which is a planet also in its rulership but also a planet which is the antithesis of Mars energy. Saturn likes to go slow and take’s its time to make sure all the checks and balances are in place, mars likes to push through and works with allot more urgency. Having these two malefic planets in a challenging square aspect will trigger one of them to be frustrated. Mars when frustrated gets aggressive, Saturn when frustrated, clamps down and suppresses . As they are both in fixed signs that rule, the tension between the two will be extremely noticeable with neither wanting to concede Watch this space.
After squaring Saturn, Mars then moves on to oppose Uranus in Taurus. Uranus is a change agent which speaks to autonomy and freedom. When combined, both Mars and Uranus can create a very volatile, unpredictable and explosive dynamic. Challenges or opportunities, as Uranus can present opportunities will have a more urgent quality thanks to Mars, igniting the situation. The feeling of having to do something NOW, might be all consuming. Be careful handling this energy as it is very much a potential tinderbox, that could go in any direction.
The new moon on November 19th is a lunar eclipse on the fixed star Algol, making it anything but a nice and friendly full moon. Algol is a difficult fixed star, which has some very heavy connotation’s and attributes. Having the lunar eclipse on it makes it a volatile and unpredictable full moon. Unseen dynamics are at play and being very mindful with how you interact with this energy is important. This lunar eclipse is also the introduction to a new 18 month eclipse season on the Taurus / Scorpio axis. So we are shifting from an eclipse cycle on the Gemini / Sagittarius axis and moving into the Taurus / Scorpio axis. A lunar eclipse on Algol is anything but a subtle introduction.
Finally on the lunar eclipse, Venus reaches her retrograde point for her upcoming retrograde cycle in Capricorn, which will be spoken about in my next post. Moving through November, it will have its challenges, but by months end we look to a time where these dynamic and energies ease. By December, we enter a time frame that doesn’t have so much complex transits occurring simultaneously. It’s going to be an interesting ride.
A 50 word sign by sign breakdown below.
Enjoy xx
ARIES / ARIES RISING
The new moon on November 5th begins a fresh cycle around shared resources, allowing new pathways to form. Committed relationships; new or existing from 8 November – 21 November might have some stress points revealed thanks to Mars and Saturn in strong aspect. The Full Moon on the 19th is a lunar eclipse in your money sector indicating fast change or evolution.
TAURUS / TAURUS RISING
November 5th sees a new moon in your relationship sector, featuring Mars the ruler of the new moon also in Scorpio. It’s a great time to trim back stagnant relationships letting new people or partnerships in. The lunar eclipse on November 19th in your health and individuation sector means taking extra care of your body over this time is important, which helps the eclipse shedding old layers at warp speed.
GEMINI / GEMINI RISING
Your health and subconscious sector are this month’s focus with November 5th’s new moon helping to reset goals around your health and wellbeing. Mars, the moon’s ruler also in Scorpio will motivate these goals. The lunar eclipse on November 19th in your subconscious sector is tricky. Eclipses can be volatile and unexpected. Take it slow and don’t shy away from any unexpected feelings. It might be the perfect time to fully process and integrate what pops up.
CANCER / CANCER RISING
November 5th delivers a new moon in your leisure and social sector, motivating exploration of your leisurely pursuits, opening new pathways for relaxation and restoration. Most of November is tricky and having a lunar eclipse in your social sector November 19th might not be the best aspect as we come into the summer season. Your social sector might have some volatility thanks to the full moon’s eclipsing influence. Play it cool at this time.
LEO / LEO RISING
Your home and family sector host’s the new moon on November 5th beginning a new cycle with your family and / or your physical home. Mars is also in this sector, motivating any large undertakings that might be required at this time. A lunar eclipse in your career and reputation sector November 19th might be tricky to navigate, expect the pace to pick up, eclipses can bring about unexpected events or progressions.
VIRGO / VIRGO RISING
November’s new moon occurs in your locality sector helping to forge new relationships and new pathways in your local surroundings. Most of November is tricky thanks to mars and Saturn being in challenging aspect. The full moon on November 19th is a lunar eclipse, which influences your beliefs; helping to expand your perception into areas you least expected.
LIBRA / LIBRA RISING
November’s new moon on the 5th is in your income sector. Its a great time to recommit to innovative and autonomous ways of raise your personal worth or new forms of income. A tricky lunar eclipse in your shared resource sector on the 19th is a potentially stressful time; eclipses can speed up event, some of them unexpected. Be mindful of overspending this month in-case something unexpected does arise.
SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING
Having a new moon in your individuation sector November 5th is a personal reset. A time to reflect back on all you have achieved and what you wish to strive for as you begin a new lunar cycle. Your more motivated and committed to your individual needs thanks to mars also being in Scorpio, strengthening this new cycle. A lunar eclipse in your relationship sector on the 19th may see some people come or go from your life, relationships evolved at warp speed.
SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING
A new moon in your subconscious sector on November 5th helps to lay new ground works around hidden or secret matters. Mars is also involved during this new moon, which might stir things up. A lunar eclipse in your health and wellbeing sector, November 19th encourages rest to avoid burnout, focusing on letting go of draining or unhelpful habits.
CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING
Your social networks are evolving with the new moon on November 5th. Mars is involved, encouraging you to forge new connections and helping you to let go of social situations that no longer serve you. A lunar eclipse on November 19th may see some changes around what you do for leisure and pleasure as you seek new inspiration.
AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING
The new moon on the 5th occurs in your career and reputation sector, helping to align your career goals. Mars helps to cut through stagnation, clearing new pathways. A lunar eclipse in your home and family sector might create some surprising and interesting developments; helping to purge things that are no longer required.
PISCES /PISCES RISING
The new moon on the 5th begins a cycle which expands your perceptions and is opening you to new philosophies and ideas. Mars is also involved which aids in letting go of ideas that restrict or are limiting you. An unpredictable lunar eclipse on the 19th will impact your local surroundings, offering up some surreal moments.
Mercury has started it’s 2nd of 3 retrogrades in Water signs for 2020. Mercury is currently stationary in the sky, about to move backwards, joining its neighbour Venus, in its state of retrogradation. Mercury joining Venus in its position of reflection, reassessment, and redoing is a double dose of inner cosmic hijinks, weighted towards the personal recalibration rather than pushing forwards with big chess moves or big goals.
Why? because the planets of bringing things together, and of communication, travel and merchants / trade are not operating in their usual manner and have been delayed or impeded from being able to deliver the goods! Your message may not get through, or worse still, it might get through and not have the desired effect, due to misunderstanding or mis – interpretation.
Mercury is a fast-moving planet, so stopping and moving backwards; delay’s and slows down what it is trying to achieve. In a Cardinal Water Sign, Mercury’s focus is on trying to achieve or deliver something that is Initiatory, and of emotional or harbouring something of great weight. Not sure about that? We only need to look at a Newspaper or Social Media to see where these Cancerian issues of Emotions, Family and Ancestors may lay
This Mercury Rx, in-synch with the tail end of the Venus Rx in Gemini (which is a Mercury ruled Venus), along with Mars moving into a strong position for 7 months as opposed to its usual 6 weeks in Aries: just as Saturn is about to moves back into Capricorn, along with a Solar Eclipse in Cancer ON the Solstice.
Mercury’s rx, offers a good opportunity to take stock and think over, how our past and future meet, and how we can begin to move forwards from the places and positions that we currently stand. The Initiatory strength of Cardinal Water, means the Mercury Retrograde, is a good opportunity to sit and think about what and how our Homes, Families and Ancestors really sit and mean to us, as well as begin to digest our personal and collective histories.
The Gemini New Moon occurs 23 May (AEST) at 2 degrees of Gemini. The New Moon or Dark Moon ( if you observe the New Moon from its first crescent of light) is where the Sun and Moon meet. The Sun and Moon align, and the Moon is unable to reflect the Sun’s light, creating darkness, a resting phase, a silent pause and space to let go and release. Restoring it’s strength for the beginning of a new Lunar Cycle.
Mercury rules the New Moon and is strong as it’s currently in its ruling sign of Gemini. Mercury, also encounters a Retrograde Venus, conjoining it at the time of this New Moon, creating an emphasis on Mercury and Venus themes for this new lunar cycle; including: What are your Values ? ( Are the Values you hold close really being communicated especially in Relationship or Friendship ?). How you communicate, relate & network (Are you drawing people in or driving them away?), Are these really “Your” People ?, What you consume/ingest as information (is it pleasurable and of value ?), How do you bring people together to create new ideas and possessions (Does it appeal to the right people ?). It’s all highlighted by this New Moon.
New Moons are releases, endings and new beginnings. Mercury at its strength, and Venus conjoining him, but going backwards, creating, introspection, reassessment, evaluations and allowing a pausing moment, to look at the above themes for future flourishing and growth. This is a quiet time, but powerful time to really deepen and evolve and aligning yourself with better values and stronger appeal in both Mercurial and Venusian pursuits.
Saturn in Aquarius trine this New Moon, gives a longevity and more secure quality, creating a supportive role, allowing for time to develop and ground these actions /decisions over a longer time scale…. Hinting that implemented changes, will have a strong foundation to grow from.
Original Collage “Dreamer” by @ry.ryaan (Ryan Aldred)
The Month of May opens, with Venus slowing down to begin her Retrograde cycle, in Gemini (13/14 May – June 25th). Venus’s retrograde is a 6-week process of reshaping, reforming, re-evaluating and readdressing our interactions and relationship to connection, value, relationships and what we love and enjoy or consider pleasure. In the sign of Gemini, Venus creates a more communicative, mercantile (merchant / business) slant to Venus. Venus in Gemini is extremely charming and attractive, making this Venus retrograde feel more alluring than other retrogrades, creating a more optimistic start to a Venus Retrograde month.
From May 1 – May 26th, Venus will be squaring Neptune in Pisces, creating a rose-tinted glasses effect. Contacts for Neptune add a strong layer of confusion, distortion, and strong dissolving of boundaries, and loosening of restrictive forces or boundaries. This creates, a layer of illusion, non-reality and possible false optimism as we begin and start this Venus retrograde cycle. Interestingly enough this is also the time Australian states are expecting to relax social restrictions around Covid – 19, allowing its citizens to begin less restrictive with social engagements. Time will tell, if this is false optimism, or if restrictions will need to come back into play down the track. Either way, Venus square Neptune is very much about the relaxation and dissolving of boundaries, and the relaxation of social restrictions is quite aptly timed.
The Scorpio Full Moon, May 7thcreates an intense introduction to the 2ndweek of May, where we see lots of the energetic shift occurring. Full Moon’s are seen as finishing points, or points of complete fullness. Full Moons can be seen as “prime for the picking “, then begins a phase of letting go and releasing, allowing for a new cycle to begin. Mercury in opposition to this Full Moon, signifies some important information may come your way, to help complete this cycle, or help enhance the ripening of this Full Moon. As its in deep water, intuitive hits have the potential to be strong at this time. Don’t be afraid to listen to them. Also, be wary of any stinging tails coming out, or any spiteful discourse as this is also very possible at this time.
The rest of this month’s important activity keeps its focus firmly in Gemini, meaning Gemini really is the focus point of your chart this month. The Nodal Shift into the Gemini / Sagittarius axis, like the Venus retrograde cycle is also an 18-month transit that, interestingly enough occurs in the same sign. This points a strong finger to the Gemini / Sagittarius axis in your chart.
The Nodes are Sun / Moon points, and the indicators of eclipse cycles, every 18 months they move to a new area of the chart. This creates strong energy shifts, and create a strong emphasis on life themes or topics, of the house’s / area of life they occur in. They are moving out of the Cancer / Capricorn axis (to the relief of Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn’s) lessening the intensity of this already loaded axis. Gemini now see Rahu or the North Node, move into its sphere. The North Node has a desire to consume and at times overdo, things (i.e.: Planets for house topics it is in contact with), creating great drive and momentum, but also the potential for overdoing and discovering when limits need to be set. It’s a more material minded point, but also an indicator for desire to consume and give momentum to this area of life, whether you are initially conscious of it or not.
The South Node or Ketu, entering the Sign of Sagittarius (opposite Gemini) has a more releasing, purging or detoxification affect. The topics or planets in the Sagittarius sector of your chart, will see this influence come into effect over the next 18 months. The South Node or Ketu has a more spiritual slant, less about consuming and overdoing, more about the releasing and purging, letting go, for a lighter and less complicated experience. The Nodes Shift into the Gemini & Sagittarius axis on May 6th, the day before the Full Moon. Giving perhaps more of a dynamic shift to the Full Moon, than if it was a straight up Full Moon.
Finally, the New Moon, which is also in Gemini on May 22nd, may help ground all these shifts, as we take them forward with us, over the next (up to) 18 months. The New Moon will be in aspect to Saturn in Aquarius. This Aspect will help ground and seed all the shifts and changes that occur over this month. Giving a more stable and sure footing, as we begin to leave the month. Creating a very different energy that opened the month. It is from this New Moon in Aspect to Saturn that we are able to start the work or revisions that are so heavily focused upon. With all this activity on both the Gemini / Sagittarius axis, it also brings more activity for the mutable signs in general (Gemini, Virgo, Pisces and Sagittarius). Beginning to even out the load that the Cardinal Signs (Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn) have been carrying for the past 18 months.
May’s Astrology through the Signs:
Taurus / Taurus Rising
The focus for all this re-evaluation and re-connectivity for you occurs in the sector pertaining to Money, Possessions and Self-Worth. This is all re-forming and evolving so best to take your birthday month to just let it do its thing. Big Purchases not great timing at the moment. Allowing your ruler, Venus to activate and reconnect to the above themes will have even stronger results for you, due to her rulership over your sign. Be open to new insights and changes as they occur. The Full Moon in Scorpio, in your relationship sector, allows to see the benefits of your relationships over the past 6 months, illuminating the emotional fulfilment that has occurred over the past 6 months. Enjoying these gems as you enter waning of this Moon Cycle, helping create stronger relationships in the future. Doubling down on your worth and input to such successful relationships and friendships.
Gemini / Gemini Rising
The energetic focus shifts to your physical vitality, your individuation and your relationships with others. Any beliefs or closely held ideas or views, may not be so strong by months end, or in the beginning stages of reforming. Your one on one relationships with others, is where the strong urge to detox, purge, is. It is also intensified with the Venus Retrograde also doubling up on this theme. Try not to over-analyse or intellectualize it, as not everything might not be explainable. By month’s end, it will be clearer what direction to go, and how these processes are beginning to take shape.
Cancer / Cancer Rising
The heavy Gemini emphasis is in your most private sector, your spiritual sector, and where you keep your secrets hidden. I know I have mentioned this before, but this month is where the journey finally begins. Previous to this, it has been prep. The Full Moon hits your house of Children, True Love and Passion, the Full Moon in league with Mercury, allows the completion and the beginning of the letting go and releasing cycle around your creativity, children and true loves. An A-Ha moment at this time will ease the tension or perceived complications around this, allowing release. All the activity in your 12th house, begins to help untangle areas of unconsciousness and your relationship to it, by months end it will really gain some traction.
Leo / Leo Rising
Your Social sector is highlighted this month, ie: social groups, community groups, your audience so to speak. This is a longer work in progress, but by months end, you will see what direction this re-evaluation it is likely to take. The South Node entering your House of Children, True Love and Passion, might see you let go of outdated connections or limiting beliefs around these topics. Making Room and clearing the ground for new creative urges to take place in the space of the old. The Full Moon in your Family, Home and Ancestors sector will be strong and powerful, as it is the anchor of your chart. Letting go of limits that stop your connection to such topics will be supported. The Full Moon with Mercury may allow you to articulate what needs to happen next ie: how you connect with family and your home. Just watch that the famed Scorpio sting doesn’t come out. Having the planet of communication in aspect to a strong Scorpio Moon, stinging or sharp communication is very much a possible manifestation of this; beware to not to inflict it on your family.
Virgo / Virgo Rising
Your Career & Reputation is the channel for all this excessive Gemini energy. There will be a sharp re-focus and desire to get involved in re-aligning and reconnecting with this area of your life. A focus on your relationships in Career and Reputation, and how others view you will be of great importance. Bearing in mind, not to become too hardnosed or obsessive about it. This is not a quick process, use your Virgo vision to mine for data, anecdotal evidence might be strong but there is a level of the unseen influences this month, thanks to Neptune, disrupting & confusing influence to a retrograde Venus. It’s a longer journey than anticipated but allowing the detoxification and release of old energy in your Home, Family or Ancestry sphere, is one way to help balance it all out. The Nodes work on two sides of the same story. Detoxing and Purging stagnant energy or situations in the home, family front, will help balance out the overload of activity on your professional and reputation fronts. Beginning to balance out the imbalances in the home and professional fronts.
Libra / Libra Rising
Travel, strong beliefs / philosophies or teachers are where all this Gemini re-evaluation is hitting your chart. Re-assess, Re-evaluate, Re-connection to such topics begin under a cloud of confusion, and enticing optimism. This is all in flux, with the strongest information for solution’s occurring with the New Moon in Gemini towards the end of the month, thanks to Saturn’s involvement. As this begins to reveal itself, purging your daily schedule, and cleansing your relationships in your local neighbourhood, or with siblings would be of great benefit. The Full Moon in Scorpio in your money sector, may finally give some clarity or info regarding where best to head with regards to your finances. It’s also an opportunity to begin any release of thought processes that limit your relationship towards money or income, thanks to Mercury, the winged messenger’s aspect to the Moon.
Scorpio / Scorpio Rising
Renegotiation of your relationships to other people’s recourses, money, loans, taxes, debts is where the energetic focus is in your chart. In doing this, it has the two-fold effect of helping your personal finances and aiding the South Nodes transit of your personal finances by letting go of old connections and beliefs tied to money, self-worth and your ability to handle and engage with it. Your yearly full moon occurring in your home of physical vitality and how you present to the world, is always a strong lunation for you. With Mercury in aspect to this, expect some great messages or communications that aid, with the waning cycle of this phase. Intuition will be strong but watch your famed tail coming out, at the full moon, as its opposite Mercury, there is always the chance that it pops up, having the communication god, in aspect to it, definitely opens this possibility
Sagittarius / Sagittarius Rising
Having the Venus Retrograde and the Nodes activate your One on One Relationships or Partnerships may feel strong, but it’s all about purification and strengthening at the end of the day. May is a month where clarity is not on offer around these topics, so best to observe and not get in to deep with commitments regarding such relationships. Not a time for rash decisions or going with the unexpected. Confusion and false optimism are strong most of the month, so do take time to evaluate before commitments. The South Node in your sign and transiting through your house of Vitality and how you present to the world, will see all old forms or manifestations no longer valid for you, begin to start falling away. Eating well, and health would be a good thing to lean in to. Energetic detoxing can be draining, and eating simply, and nourishing your body with simple, healthy options would have supportive results, as the South Node, enjoys simple over complex or complicated.
Capricorn / Capricorn Rising
Your day to day routines, health and work life is where most of May’s energy hits your chart. It will remain there after May, but this is the introduction. Venus retrograde Square with Neptune will put these topics in flux. Things may not be as you first thought, when the rose tinted glasses come off. Some sparks maybe lacking but the re-evaluations might come through thick and fast, towards the end of the month. When the New Moon aspects your ruler Saturn, you might begin to feel settled or able to really connect all the dots or themes. The South Node in your 12thhouse, emphasises the advantage of detoxing, retreats or purging for health benefits. Having regular time out will be very beneficial. The Full Moon in your 11thhouse of Community and Social Groups, may see the tides change or shift in your relationship with them, as the waning cycle takes over the next 6 months, making way for new space, new audiences and new groups down the track.
Aquarius / Aquarius Rising
The strong energetic focus on your House of Creativity, Children, True Love and Passions will be an area of constant change and evolution, starting in May. The Venus Retrograde, helps reframe your plans and connections to it. By the end of the cycle, new connections and bonds will have been created. At the beginning of May, this is all still forming, or could have some rose tinted glasses about it. As it evolves, work with it allowing things to evolve and develop. We are looking at 2 cycles working in the same area at the same time. So follow your creative connection, or really engage in your relationship with your children, it will bring great rewards down the track. The South Node in your house of friendship groups, community groups and hopes and wishes will at the same time be activated with a strong detoxification or purging effect from the South Node. Time out from engaging socially and letting go of old or outdated groups will be effortless, as you strive to connect with your creative urges. Helping let go of things that may have previously gotten in your way from your creative, or experience with children or your true loves.
Pisces / Pisces Rising
Having 2 cycles activating the same area of your chart isn’t always easy, but it does highlight the importance of engaging with this area, whether it be by choice or circumstance. Your Home, Family and Ancestors are the base point of everyone’s chart, the place we come from. This is the area activated for you by Venus Retrograde, and the nodal shift. Neptune in contact with Venus in the beginning of the month, might feel comfortable, relaxing and harmonious, but it may not be reflecting the real situations at hand. Once this aspect shifts, it might be a colder or more inhibiting reality check later in the month. Knowing this area is highlighted, allows for room to re-consider, re-evaluate and re-connect with themes such as family and home. The end game, to build a stronger and more harmonious connection to these areas of your life. The Full Moon in Scorpio gives the opportunity to help pick good fruit when it comes, regarding your philosophical approaches to life or help bring helpful teachers to help illuminate your way.
Aries / Aries Rising
Your local neighbourhood, siblings, daily schedule and any online engagements is where all this Gemini energy is hitting your chart. Relationships to these topics is evolving, changing and reconnecting. May might feel like a month oftwo halves in regard to these topics, but knowing they are in a state of changes is half the battle. Not putting too much pressure on these as they evolve is key. The end game is to give greater pleasure and connectivity to these themes, it just might feel a left field as it happens. The South Node, will be purging old belief systems at the same time, helping to balance out all this activity. The Full Moon in your house of other people’s money, loans, taxes etc, will make visible, the next step to take in this area of life. Having Mercury (the business person as well as the communication god) may help solve or give good insight into what steps to take next.
April 4th, 2020, Venus will ingress into Gemini for its longest stint since 2012, thanks to the upcoming retrograde. Venus is usually in a sign for 1 month, this ingress will see Venus occupy the sign of Gemini for 4 months (April 4th– August 8th).
When Venus transits a sign, it brings its nature and adjusts to the environment or sign/topu/place, it’s transiting. Venus is a planet whose focus is on bringing people or things together, harmonizing, having fun and pleasure, as well as gaining materials, tools or moments to enhance life. Venus is the pleasure seeker. When Venus is stressed out, or in a sign that is not so supportive of her ways, this generally creates a bit of tension, frustration or alteration of her style and signature, sometime dramatically. However, in this instance, Venus in Gemini is without doubt one hell of a charmer!
Gemini, being an Air Sign whose focus is to divide, multiply, dissipate with mental agility and quick wits, gives Venus a mental boost. Venus is now acting with pace, quick thinking & doing, in her expressions. Perfect for groups and social connectivity, via technology (also a Gemini/Mercury signature). Technology has been so vital to our connectivity in the current Covid 19 climate. Ruled by Mercury, Gemini is inventive, but also flippant. Venus, entering Gemini at such a time is interesting, considering how dependant we are on communications and being able to connect to each other. This gives our current situation a real lift, as we investigate new ways of being present in the world, while self- isolating (quite the Gemini duality). Computer Technology and the Internet spaces being our new crutch to stay “normal” and connected to values and community. Venus in Gemini needs constant stimulation and sociability.
Venus’s tour of Gemini could start off as a really positive or attractive transit. The main challenge to this transit, is confusion and frustration, with the Retrograde phase. This is when all the charm factors might fall-down or slip and we see a more dualistic or double edged side to our relationships. As Venus slows to create her Retrograde (13 May – 25 June) this slowing process will be extremely frustrating for a sign so used to quick pace; whose main focus is on its ability to constantly problem solve & its ability to quickly communicate or absorb lots of information. This slow down of Venus, could create some real drawbacks. Technological hitches or social unpleasantries. The issue of frustration, challenges to people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, in our current Covid 19 climate, could also become more apparent during the actual retrograde. This retrograde may also present a situation of Information overload.
Venus’ transit of Gemini presents the struggles with a usually fast-moving planet, slowing down and retrograding, like the Mercury Retrograde. In this instance, re-evaluations, re-assessments and re-groupings of your relationships with others, is highlighted. I would expect to see a backlash or frustration with the need to continue to self-isolate, coming through via the internet & communication channels. Without the smoothest of graces or some social divisions presenting. Two faced people and disruption on the net, definitely! Perhaps even people deciding to get off the net, to create more solid relationships with themselves at home at the actual retrograde, as we reach peak information overload.
The need to really connect and be present with people, could well be where this Retrograde really warps out. Or the issue of mis-information and lack of social graces really shows who you do and don’t want to be involved with. Remembering Gemini’s not adverse to splitting off or creating dual systems and methods. Mercury during this retrograde, will give some support to Venus in Gemini, as it works its way out of the months of confusion created by its Pisces Retrograde earlier this year. Mercury’s transit through, Aries, Taurus, Gemini and entering Cancer, will lend some assistance for Gemini style operations. The Nodal Shift into Gemini and Sagittarius in May will add more weight and pressure to what Venus is trying to achieve in Gemini at this time, personally and collectively.
Venus’s retrograde occur every 8 years, and it can be interesting to look back to those times to see what changed, was seeded, broke down, or was sparked. Venus in Gemini last transiting around the same point in your chart on 15 May 2012 – 28thJune 2012 & 17 May 2004 – 29 June 2004.
Venus’s retrograde, can be a bit shaky, they can be introverted, they can be times of change and redirection. Gemini having an intellectual and information bent to it, does lend it to a headier rather than emotional response to the qualities of Venus are trying to evolve, remembering that this is a process of change and introspection, around connection, information, communication and social settings and groups. Looking at the data and having a sharp eye on the information coming in will help you as you live out this timely transit, in extra-ordinary times.
Venus in Gemini through the Signs:
GEMINI / GEMINI RISING
Changes to how you present to the world, your health & vitality may occur at the retrograde. How people interpret you, is also high on the agenda, as you navigate how your relationship and representation to others works and what it is founded on. Is it authentic & genuine? or do people have the wrong impression of you? Either way, you will have plenty of time to really pull it apart, with the end result being mutually beneficial for you and your presentation to the world. Sculpting your charm factor is exactly what this transit is calling out for.
CANCER / CANCER RISING
Venus in Gemini, will be re-configuring your most personal and private spaces, helping move or shift things deep within your personal secret’s realm. You could call it your inner psychology, spirituality or fears. However, Venus is Gemini gives you the opportunity to really turn the soils over and help get a handle on things that are mostly left untouched. Venus gives a more supportive planetary influence, in comparison to other inner planets that could have been doing this retrograde. Venus will help reassess your relationships with and to your private and personal of spaces. Information will be presented to help with the processing, its vital intel, that is being unlocked. Don’t be afraid to use it.
LEO / LEO RISING
Leo’s have a reputation for being people’s people, entertainers, or just great people to have in the social sphere. As the retrograde is occurring literally in your most publicly seen social house, your participation and social relationships are under full examination this retrograde. Some of this is occurring in lockdown circumstances, adding a bit of a fruity twist. Remembering who your tribe is, and how you connect with them is under re-assessment. Social Relationships may increase or lessen over this retrograde. People or social groups from the past may comeback, to reconnect with. Why, how you represent in social settings is a bit warped at the moment, due to the retrograde AND the current pandemic setting, but it is still reforming. Technology could either help enormously or become hinderance at this time. All this is under-going an 8-year re-examination. Your social groups, communities or your social relationship’s as a whole, is being re-evaluated. Don’t be surprised if old groups or contacts come out of the woodwork. Letting go of outdated social networks, also heavily part of this 4-month course. Out dated dreams and hopes, are also heavily under the microscope at this time.
VIRGO / VIRGO RISING
The Venus Retrogradation in fellow Mercury ruled sign Gemini, will be something you are more easily able to hook into, like the other Air Signs. However, as it is occurring at the highest point of your chart and in your reputation and career sector, this retrograde, might also be a bit slippery. Use your eye for detail to watch the patterns and identify situations as they change and evolve. Don’t take the confusion at the actual retrograde point at face value, as deeper things are at play. Do be honest & genuine to yourself about and relationships especially on the work front, or where your reputation is on the line. Use the retrograde for getting intel, from yourself and others. Its end-game, is to be in authentic and help develop supportive relationships where your Career and personal reputation is involved. Don’t be surprised if people from your past who in some way are connected to this pop back up. Discern if it’s to help let go of past obstacles, or to help develop future you.
LIBRA / LIBRA RISING
Venus’s Retrograde will see your ruler doing some interesting mind games around your life philosophies and your relationships to international landscapes. Gemini brings an added mental focus, to look into all available options. Also, a fellow Air sign, this will help restructure and bring new ideas and options to the table. Remembering it may not always be pleasant having your ruler feel like it’s working against your main wishes. It helps go back over and release things, which in turn helps lighten the philosophical or worldly load. People from overseas, or strong mentors/teachers might come back into your life. Your job is to work out if it’s to address past issues to release, or if it’s there to help you move positively and safely forwards. Potentially throwing you a wonderful and encouraging lifeline of support.
SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING
Venus spending so much time in your Money and Resource sector might be draining, but it is also a genius time to audit and assess where your external money sources are at, and what your relationships to those resources are. Venus being a benefic is helpful, but scrutinizing and going with any insights at the actual Retrograde will be very helpful for future investments, even if you feel like you are going backwards. Any strong urges to splash out are to be resisted at this time, as you might regret it when Venus exits Gemini. Blending the grace of Venus and Mercurial acumen of Gemini, has the potential for some positive results. Venus retrograde, is where you untangle the threads, or people from your past many come to your assistance or inspiration.
SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING
Venus’s retrograde in your house of relationships, will see a more traditional manifestation of this transit. Literally your connections to those you’re in one on one relationships with, is being re-evaluated. Connections of dots will become clearer to see, or its absence of connection also clear. Don’t be surprised if people you once had close relationships in your past also come back. This is to either to reconnect with or finish off for closure, take it case by case. Reconnections and dis-entangling the web of one on one relationships will be where this retrograde energy is heavily focused over the next 4 months
CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING
Your day to day routine, exercise, health and wellbeing, will be where this retrograde is occurring. Bright ideas, inspiration and re-assessments of this will be continuing to evolve and change. Don’t be put off, it this routine is disrupted or challenged. People from your past connected to such topics may come back during the retrograde to help you get closure or develop your relationship to these topics in some way. Venus is a benefic, she is a positive blessing. Any challenges or adjustments will end up being for your benefit, it’s all about the end game, and getting those daily routines sorted so they bring joy and happiness as you go about your day to day life.
AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING
Having Venus, going retrograde in the house of her Joy, might be a little more deflating than you would initially expect. The upshot – is she will come out on top, by the end of the retrograde process. Venus will be, re-assessing, re-evaluating and pulling apart, your true loves, relationships with children and creative activities you usually go to for creative release. Venus is looking to help create better relations between you and the above topics. Go with the insights and follow their threads. Valuable information is stored there. People from your past who are connected to these topics in some ways, old teachers, old flames, old childhood friends, old creative or physical passions may also pop up at this time. Helping assist with this period of cleansing and clearing.
PISCES / PISCES RISING
Venus’s Retrograde in your house of Ancestors, Physical Home and Family, may see a little stress or strain around these areas of life. Pre and Post the retrograde, things may feel connected and ok, with moments of genius leaping out at you. It’s the actual retrograde, when these topics might become a bit more skewed. This whole time generally is a great time to get familiar with your ancestors /family or do some ancestor/family work, especially during the actual retrograde (if you’re that way inclined). Hot tip for the actual retrograde. Perhaps delay and home re-decorating or changes that are permanent. Why? Post Venus’s Retrograde, you might run the risk of changing your mind. Try and go for home décor changes, that can be easily reversed, after this Venus Retrograde season. Changes of minds post retrogrades, it’s a thing.
ARIES / ARIES RISING
Your day to day errands and life around your neighbourhood or daily life, might end up having a couple of curve balls thrown at it during the retrograde. Perhaps you are tired and bored of it and you might seek a joosh up of it all. Seeking new areas or new connections in areas that are familiar with you, might help create the small changes you are looking for. Relationships in your neighbourhood also might get a bit hairy at the retrograde. Exploring and re-connecting with any devotional activities around the home, would be great to explore. It could be any kind of activity as long as its purpose is to be devotional (to your body, your mind or your spirit). It could help create a lasting impact and harmonious connection to self and your immediate neighbourhood.
TAURUS / TAURUS RISING
Venus (your ruler) will be spending an extra-ordinarily long time in your money and self-worth sector. It will give you a nice boost, either side of the retrograde, and may allow for some positive developments and changes. One big thing is to watch what you purchase at the retrograde period, you may change your mind later, which is not great if it’s a big-ticket item. Changes to how you see yourself and your self-value will also be influx at the retrograde part of the cycle. Just know its influx and any unsureness at this time, is there to be worked with, not ignored. Changes of mind around money and purchases, maybe be strong at this time. So, keep that in mind, when something attractive pops up. Coming out the other side with a more secure sense of personal assuredness & value along with self-confidence is what this entire process is striving to achieve. As well as not regretting that really large impulse buy a few months later.
Luminary Astrology 