Venus Retrograde in Leo

Venus, Goddess of Relationships, stations retrograde on July 22^nd at 29° Leo. This is the anaretic degree, “ring not pass” point of an archetype. In order to evolve further, unresolved issues must be addressed. Leo is the archetype of self-actualization, becoming. As Venus has transited Leo, we have had opportunities for personal growth that we may have chosen to work with. As Venus retraces her steps backward through Leo, these opportunities for personal growth will re-emerge with greater intensity that can be harder to ignore. 

Venus is now the ruler of the lunar south node, making this retrograde cycle more significant. Venus applies to a partile (exact) 1^st Quarter (waxing) trine to the lunar north node, which is the Soul-intended future, and applies to a Last Quarter (waning) sextile to the lunar south node, the repository of past karma.  This is an open portal for six weeks to work on our relationships with others and ourselves. 

Venus applies to a partile Full Phase (waning) quincunx to Pluto retrograde in Capricorn. Venus applies to a Full Phase opposition to Saturn retrograde in Pisces, the current ruler of Pluto in Capricorn. Circumstances will illuminate and empower where and how a course change with others must occur.

Venus separates from a tight Gibbous (waning) quincunx to Neptune retrograde in Pisces and “casts bread on the waters“ potentially washing away any anger or resentments with compassion and understanding.

Venus retrograde applies to a 1^st Quarter Square to Uranus in Taurus, activating critical awareness of what is out of balance and presenting new perspectives that help with needed reconciliations.

The south node of Venus conjoins Mars in Virgo, bringing the opportunity to make new choices for work on the self.  The north node of Venus conjoins asteroid Juno in Cancer empowering commitment. 

These are hard transits requiring work on the self, supported by karmic energies that empower evolutionary growth. Watch for openings to find common grounds for relationship issues that have been “hanging fire.” This is an excellent time for couples counseling if necessary.

Venus will station direct on September 3^rd at 12° Leo continuing the curriculum of work on the self at the Virgo ingress on October 8^th. We should expect this theme to continue to unfold through the end of 2023 as Venus transits Libra, her native sign, and Scorpio, the realm we share with others.