turning wheel astrology

Venus Revisited: Love Yourself

The planet Venus is retrograde in the signs of Scorpio and Libra through the 18th of November. During this time, the Mythic Feminine invites us to pause and reflect on the past, and to submerge ourselves in the watery world of feeling, intuition and soul.

Venus, as an archetype of Feminine energy, speaks the language of the soul. She presides over matters of love, beauty, artistry, and the sensuous body. But Venus is also a strategist and may use the tools of diplomacy, charm, as well as cunning in order to get what she wants.

Scorpio craves intensity of feeling and emotional authenticity – to act with integrity from the center of one’s soul. It is watery and emotional, but also passionate and volcanic. Scorpio faces the darkness in order to embrace the moment, to open to true presence.

When retrograde, planets ask us to reconsider the energy they represent. Venus retrograde in Scorpio says, “How can we dip below the surface of relationships in order to unmask the true face of the Feminine?”

Traditionally a Venus retrograde period is said to be a bad time to initiate big changes in your love life – so no break-ups or new commitments. This is true enough when we consider that the focus right now should be on reflection, introspection and listening deeply to your inner Divine Feminine voice, rather than taking action. (Just as we all have Venus in our charts, each one of us has access to the Divine Feminine, regardless of gender.)

Now is a great time to connect with this force within you. Throughout the next six weeks, be prepared to meet both new potentials and challenges in the art of relating. Take the time to dig deep into root issues of trust, sexual intimacy, and emotional safety.

How do you stay present with yourself while navigating the watery depths of the soul? How do you relate to your own painful lows or ecstatic highs? It is vital to open to the depth in one’s own soul rather than seeking fulfillment exclusively in the arms of another. In this way, Venus retrograde in Scorpio invites us to see ourselves in all our humanness – flaws and all – and to anchor our self-worth in the fact of our being rather than our accomplishments.

Venus retrograde in Scorpio can tap out a new rhythm for our hearts as she dances us through the fiery gates of transformation. What passions are hidden within you? Are you afraid to fully face that desire or that beauty inside your heart? How have you let past slights and betrayals keep you from the presence of love?

The Mythic or Divine Feminine is the deep power and healing capabilities of the Earth itself. These treasures and riches are hidden within us as well, though they are often blocked or constricted by personal fears and insecurities, as well as the unrelenting pace of our lives.

While Venus is retrograde, we have an opportunity to face what is blocking us from true love and greater intimacy. Diving into the darkness can expose the secret longings of our heart and those wounds that haven’t quite healed. Though it may be painful, relating to ourselves in this way opens us to the wholeness and power of the Divine within each of us.

To help activate your Venus during this potent time, I am offering a women’s retreat in the Columbia River Gorge. Click here to find out more about "The Goddess Within." The registration deadline is this Friday the 15th. There are still a few spots available, so be sure to email soon to reserve your spot in this powerful, transformative weekend experience. I hope to see you there!