What's Up?
Venus Retrograde
July 27 - September 8, 2007

Indications for each Sun Sign
during the Venus Retrograde Period

Aries
Children and/or immature adults bend your ear with their ideas. Discussions are playful in nature and, because you do most of the listening, you are considered deep. Misunderstandings occur even in the most relaxed of atmospheres. Be clear about what you hear and say, especially if there is a risk involved. Communications regarding speculative ventures and investments are particularly prone to error. A good time to review your creative projects.

Taurus
Information regarding parental influence and your early childhood holds profound knowledge. Your sensitivity to unspoken nuances in conversations with family members generates subjective responses that will have to be addressed in order to avoid misunderstandings. Gaining clarity about your emotional foundations and family relationships has a far-reaching impact on your future. A good time to review your family history or current domestic situation.

Gemini
Remedial studies, neighborhood activities, travels about town and brief communications, especially with siblings or peers, are emphasized during this period. Lost messages, misdirected phone calls, letters sent to or received by the wrong person, computer errors, commuting delays and transportation glitches are among the many things that seem to go awry. You must be prepared to adapt. A good time for research to write an article or pamphlet for future publication.

Cancer
Your personal resources, values and self-worth become popular topics of discussion; misinformation about any of which is a problem requiring special scrutiny. Mistaken information can adversely affect your bank balance. Delay the desire to shop 'til you drop or purchase items by mail, phone or on-line. Items bought now will likely be returned. A good time to review your budget, reassess your assets and plan for future purchases.

Leo
Conversations seem to focus on your personality during this period, in particular how you express yourself and your desire to be of service. You have to repeat and explain yourself continually. It's so easy for you to be misunderstood that it's probably best for you to remain silent. Be as clear as you can when communicating who you are to others. A good time to review how you appear to others and make plans for improving or restyling your personal presentation.

Virgo
Psychic impressions contain information to be studied. Keep an idea book and put everything down that comes to you, but keep your plans secret. Speaking of secrets, expect to hear everyone else's as you are an excellent listener during this period. You will be prey to unfounded fears and anxieties, so make an extra effort to determine what's real and what's not. A good time to review your spirituality and belief system.

Libra
Social groups, clubs and organizations are a source of information. Contact with friends and supporters can help to sort out your confusion about your personal financial security. Listen to their advice but don't allow them to influence your decisions out of a sense of loyalty. Be careful about making commitments that could be misunderstood. A good time to review career benefits as well as your hopes, wishes and dreams for the future.

Scorpio
You'll need a lot of patience during this period because everything you say seems to be up for criticism. You feel urged to go public with some information even though your better judgment says to wait. As long as you've checked and double-checked the information, everything should be okay. This is especially true if you have presented the same information in the past. A good time to review your career goals and how you present yourself in public.

Sagittarius
Philosophy, religion and foreign studies contribute valuable information. Communicate with teachers, mentors and in-laws for advice, but in the end keep your own counsel. Be aware of saying things that could be misinterpreted. In fact, it's best to keep your opinions to yourself during this period. Go over all documents signed by others with a fine-toothed comb. A good time to study alone and review all plans in formation.

Capricorn
Hidden information becomes revealed, usually accompanied by a crisis. Conversations can be misleading and you might inadvertently betray a confidence. Be especially careful when filing tax forms and filling out insurance claims. Difficulties lie in the simplest of details. Important papers get mislaid, but you could also find papers that were lost in the past. A good time to review insurance policies, your will and all joint holdings.

Aquarius
Communications with doctors, accountants and attorneys as well as with your significant other have extra importance during this period. Take the time to restate what has been said to be sure that there are no misunderstandings. Papers signed will have to be re-signed. Let someone else prepare the contracts, but read them over yourself at least twice. Encourage your mate to talk and listen carefully to what they have to say. A good time to review partnership agreements.

Pisces
Conversations with coworkers or employees become emphasized. Miscommunications arise at the work place, especially in the areas of priorities and scheduling. It's the petty details that drive you crazy in your attempt to create order out of a multitude of unrelated information. Lots of list making and even with all that analyzing, there is difficulty putting your ideas into practice. Simple tasks have to be repeated over and over. A good time to review all your daily routines.

---

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. 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. Important Dates: July 27 through September 8 = Reevaluate your feelings. August 17and 18 = Best days during this period for matters concerning love and money. Be attentive and receptive. August 18 through 22 = Watch for impulsive activity that can cause upsets of an emotional or biological nature.