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. Visible in the western evening sky since late October, she
has become increasingly brighter since January.
Its
motion slows until it appears to stand still on May 15 and then change
direction. Continuing in its orbit, it disappears
on May 23, crosses
in front of the Sun on June 5 or 6 (depending on your location),
then reappears as a morning "star" heralding the dawn on June
11. As Venus approaches its greatest elongation in the morning sky,
it slows in its backward motion, stands still, then resumes its forward
course on June 27, remaining visible as a morning star until February
25, 2013. The next Venus retrograde period begins December 21,
2013.
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.
This
Venus retrograde takes place in the sign of Gemini, promoting superficial
flirtations. There is a yearning for a new state of consciousness that
can leave you feeling alien even among friends. The need for variety
is highlighted, which often leads to dual relationships. Curiosity combined
with the desire to share information easily degrade into gossip. Be
careful of what you say about friends and loved ones. Someone may take
your casual remarks seriously and feelings could be hurt. This is an
excellent time to review the amount of love in your everyday life and
to polish the communication of your affection for others.
It
might be helpful to look back to May 19 through July 2, 1996, and May
17 through June 29, 2004 the
last times Venus was retrograde in Gemini, for clues to how events may
manifest.
Important
Dates:
May
15 through
June 27
= Reevaluate your feelings.
June 5/6 = Best day during this period for matters concerning love and
money. Be attentive and receptive.
June 7 through 11 = Watch for impulsive activity that can cause upsets
of an emotional or biological nature.
