Venus Retrograde Begins

Today, March 6, Venus goes retrograde and stays in this backward-appearing motion until April 17. To understand how to best use the energies of this 6-week cycle and learn about some enriching apothecary suggestions for this time, please read this excerpt from the March Wellness Horoscope.

March 6–April 17, 2009: Venus Retrograde

Retrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. Since Venus symbolizes relationships, values, and pleasure, this period can yield great insights in related areas of your life. Venus retrogrades last about six weeks and occur approximately every 18 months; the last one took place July 27-September 8, 2007 (in Leo and Virgo).
Venus retrograde is a perfect time to re-evaluate what it is that we value. Its energy allows us to turn inward to receive clearer answers to such questions as:

• What brings me joy?
• What allows me to experience inner harmony?
• What inspires my creativity?
• What really fulfills me in a relationship?

Use these queries of reflection to guide you through this period. They can serve as great barometers to measure your reactions, attitudes, and motivations.

Yet, it’s important, if possible, to not act on this heightened awareness or undertake significant decisions related to Venus-ruled areas of life until after April 17, when this planet goes direct. The decisions that you come to, and from which to act, will likely have more clarity if you wait since outward action is often stymied during retrograde periods. This may be especially challenging, though, since Venus spends her retrograde in impulsive, now-or-never Aries. But remember, patience is a virtue and there are great rewards here for being virtuous.

As Venus is the ruler of Libra, relationships are always highlighted during the time that this planet goes retrograde. It’s a better time to focus on the past and the present rather than the future; so instead of beginning new relationships now, look to your current ones to see how they may better serve you. If you’re single, it’s a great time to inventory the qualities that you are looking for in a mate, and if you are in a relationship, you’ll likely gain deeper insights into the patterns that shape your partnership. Don’t forget, though, it’s better to sit with the relationship awareness that emerges rather than act on it now.

This time also heralds heightened creativity, notably if you can tune into your inner fire of inspiration. If you’ve already begun a project, now is a powerful time to look at it with fresh insights to gain another perspective on your unfolding masterpiece.

Venus retrograde periods are not a time to splurge on luxury items. Instead use these weeks to sincerely evaluate what you need. You’re likely to find new uses and applications for things that you already own. Once Venus goes direct, you’ll be able to better evaluate whether the need for something aligns with the monetary outlay required to attain it.

A Venus retrograde period can offer a gift of enlightenment, allowing you to discover what you need to allow your inner peace to more gracefully unfold. It can help you more clearly identify what it is that you value as well as the inherent value that you have.

During this retrograde period, Venus travels from 15 degrees Aries to 29 degrees Pisces. While everyone experiences the energies of Venus retrograde, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around or aspecting these degrees, it may impact you more intensely.

Venus Retrograde Apothecary Suggestions

Journaling: As you reevaluate what you value, write about it in a journal. Since the energy of Venus retrograde is more internal than external, writing at this time may be especially helpful as a way to express pent-up energies. Plus, it will help your thoughts and feelings to become clearer, and you’ll have a record of your reflections that you can turn to in the future. While typing your thoughts into a computer may work well, consider using an actual journal; the tactile and tangible beauty of paper is well matched to Venusian aesthetics.

Get hot: Since Venus spends most of her time in fiery Aries during this phase, doing more sweat-inducing exercise or activities may prove helpful to release any excess energy or frustration you may be feeling. Try kickboxing, vinyasa yoga, or even twirling through a salsa dance class. You can also sweat away your worries (as well as toxins) by taking a sauna or steam bath.