Venus Retrograde and The Meaning of Love

Before I became a full-time romance author, I worked as a professional astrologer (with a focus on western, Arabic and Celtic astrology). I am also an amateur astronomer. The night sky, and the bright lights that dot it, have fascinated me for as long as I can remember.

For those with no astrology background, the planet known as “Venus” rules love, pleasure and relationships. There is an interesting 40 day celestial event coming up for this planet: Venus retrograde. As such, I couldn’t resist bringing two of my favorite subjects – love and astrology – together for this blog.

What does “retrograde” mean?
Due to the orbit of Venus (and other planets), there are times when the path of the planet appears to stop and travel backward. This illusion is known as retrograde, or redux, movement.

When does this cycle occur?
The Venus retrograde cycle happens roughly every 18 months. This year (2015), it will begin on 26th July and end on 6th September (AEST).

What is the main theme of Venus retrograde?
Evaluation of the true meaning of love (more on this below).

How is this likely to affect me?
To give you a specific answer to that, I would have to study your birth chart (please don’t email me requesting this, I don’t have the time!). What I can say is this: Venus will retrograde through Virgo and Leo. If, like myself, your sun, moon or rising (also known as the ascendant) is in these two signs, the retrograde movement is most likely to affect you on a personal level.

But how I hear you screaming?

By making you re-examine yourself, your values, your relationships and, of course, the way you view love. You could discover that what you thought you knew about love is wrong. Or, you might find you have outgrown a particular relationship. Perhaps what you wanted isn’t what you wanted after all? The people in your life can seem to change before your eyes. You will ask “what does love mean?” more than usual. All of this is Venus shifting your perception.

What about those with no Virgo or Leo sun, moon or rising?

In general (regardless of star sign), there can be disappointments in love and/or your love life slows down. It is a time of lower social interaction and greater emphasis on the self, and what an individual wants from their romantic relationships.

I believe this has already started happening to me, why is this?
Those sensitive to planetary movements will have felt a shift around the 6th June. This is expected to last until October 9th. If this is you, try to remember that it will be easier if you are honest with yourself and others.

To sum up, Venus retrograde is a time when you are forced to look within yourself and find the meaning of love. The question is: will you have the courage to apply these new found answers to your life?

I will end this blog the way I used to end my astrology feature column: wishing everyone a happy Venus retrograde with the stars!