The Fiery Path of Venus Retrograde
By Lisa Stardust
Venus Retrograde officially starts October 5th, lasting 41 days, until November 16th – the same day Mercury retrograde begins, which may cause extra confusion to us all. As Venus slows down, relationships and money matters will be tested. The Goddess of Love will put a strain on our hearts as well as our bank accounts. Venus entered the shadow phase on September 2nd, which is when our retrograde stories began. After Venus turns direct, we have one more pass during the post retrograde motion, to see what we have learned until December 17th. During this time, our strength will be tested. However, we have the option to try out new ways to deal with our demons and handle ourselves, after all we have learned during these 41 days.
The so-called evening star naturally spins backwards. Venus rotates the Sun in the opposite direction to the Earth, which is why Venusian matters are often
confusing to us earthlings. When retrograde, Venus appears to be moving slower than Earth around the Sun. Yes, stargazers, during Venus retrograde, the planet is both moving backwards (due to its natural orbit) and is taking a sluggish stroll around the Sun. During this dizzying period, Venus will moonwalk through the signs of Scorpio to Libra, in the Via Combusta (“Fiery Road”) degrees of each sign, making us all have obsessive tendencies, as we may be consumed by unpredictable and passionate affairs. Giving and receiving affections will prove to be a challenge, as well as maintaining a bank account balance. Just like our hearts, wallets may take a hit.
“Destined encounters with others, or former lovers, will cause us to rethink our past and live out karmic desires.”
Don’t despair, the retrograde is merely a time of inner reflection, to sort out personal affairs and to meditate on what brings you pleasures. Destined
encounters with others, or former lovers, will cause us to rethink our past and live out karmic desires. While old ghosts may reappear in our lives, use the retrograde energy to heal yourself and don’t let others bring you down. Venus also is the planet of self-esteem, beauty, and grace, which will make us all have a deeper appreciation of the self, if we use the higher vibration of the
transit. Appreciate the opportunity to mend past heartaches. Just do not rush into a new relationship, as the partnership prove faulty once Venus turns direct.
“Embrace the shadow parts of your desires during Venus Retrograde.”
Honouring the darker side of Venus, during the retrograde period, will help take the sting out of the journey. Tantric meditation and creating a ritualistic act in which your bed is your altar will alleviate tensions. Also, honouring sexual taboos and fantasies through masturbatory release can help to ease anxieties. Embrace the shadow parts of your desires during Venus Retrograde. Embracing the hedonistic side of Venus, by appreciating the orgasm as a super sensual intoxicating experience sought through both pleasure and pain. Channel your passions back into your body and celebrate yourself. Remember, your body is your temple, your heart is full of passion, and your mind is insightful. Don’t play games with others, play them with yourself.
Lisa Stardust is a New York City-based astrologer who has been part of the astrology community for over 10 years. Acting as a guide for her clients, Lisa Stardust can provide insight & answer questions relating to relationships, finances, and other important facets of life, follow her on Instagram for her daily scopes!
Illustrations by Amanda Valdes — to see more of her work visit her website or follow her on Instagram.
