The planet Venus is so named after the Roman goddess of love, beauty and fertility – a counterpart to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Over time this planet has come to be associated with matters of love, affection, beauty, sensuality, luxury, money, women and their issues in general. The sign that one’s Venus occupied at the time of birth indicates that person’s passions, prized possessions and basic attitudes toward self and others.

Ancient Sumerians associated Venus with the foreboding influence of Inanna. In Central America the planet Venus was once traditionally viewed as a bad omen, depending on its position or celestial cycle. Contrary to the Western attributes of benevolence and femininity, the Morning Star was considered male and malevolent.

Venus Retrograde

This fall, the planet Venus is traveling Via Combusta, which in Latin means “the burning way” and refers to the last 15 degrees of Libra through the first 15 degrees of Scorpio. According to ancient astrologers its influence was hostile and evil. There are various reasons for this including the prominence of many fixed stars in this region that were considered to be harbingers of misfortune when transited by planets. Today the assertion that Via Combusta is just bad luck would be an oversimplification and not quite accurate. It would be wise to bear in mind what the ancients said while also leaving room for different possible manifestations.

The planet Venus entered the Retrograde pre-shadow on September 3rd at 25 degrees of Libra, slowly stationing for a change of direction beginning on October 5th, at 10 degrees of Scorpio. It enters Scorpio on September 9th.

Venus is generally not the happiest in Scorpio, as this is considered a position of “detriment” in astrological terms. Venus in Scorpio rouses the passions and may cause possessiveness or paranoia. However the early phase of this Retrograde cycle is greatly eased by Venus forming a harmonious trine to Neptune in Pisces. This is helpful for musical and other artistic endeavors. It can also be spiritually elevating.

Things really heat up around October 10th when Venus squares Mars in Aquarius. Love affairs will either either be hot and passionate or volatile and explosive. It is not recommended to begin a new romance or sexual relationship at this time. Established relationships won’t necessarily suffer but partners will feel something different, extra, or “alien” in the air. The right partners in the right settings could experience mutual healing of very deep-rooted insecurities and betrayals. Balance togetherness with periods of solitude for best results. Friendship, family and group dynamics may bring touchiness or heightened sensitivity. Animals may be moodier than usual.

Venus forms a sextile to Saturn on October 24th, helping to ground after experiences that may have either been destabilizing or emotionally draining in some way. It could simply be that there is a deepening of existing emotions that help to unravel deeper truths.

Venus retraces her way back into Libra on October 31st. If there were huge conflicts over the past few weeks they may begin to resolve now.

Venus Retrograde Guidelines

Here is a list of tips and suggestions to make life easier during this time:

• Recycle and be resourceful with household items and other objects
• Shop frugally instead of spending big or making big investments
• Resume a spiritual practice
• Resume artistic projects that were left undone
• Refurbish buildings or furniture
• Repair or alter jewelry instead of buying new pieces
• Nurture and pamper instead of getting a makeover
• Release old things or relationships that are unhealthy
• Remodel or redo designs that are flawed instead of creating new ones
• Review plans for the future

Women should be particularly careful regarding their health and reproductive system during this phase. Be very wary of any unnatural feminine products. A few helpful herbs for various female complaints include Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Ashwagandha and Mugwort. People of either gender may experience throat issues or benefit from herbs that sooth their throat and chest area. Some suggestions are Licorice root, Echinacea, Wild Cherry bark, Slippery Elm, and Mullein. Also pay attention to the kidneys if there are any existing weaknesses there. Eating and drinking the appropriate substances in appropriate amounts help to alleviate such discomforts. Brief periods of fasting or detoxing with green juices may be helpful. Some people will do better with warm beverages and soups.

Venus rules Taurus and Libra so people who were born with planets in these signs might feel especially sensitive to the Retrograde. People with planets between 25 degrees of Libra and 10 degrees of Scorpio are likely to feel the effects of this transit strongly.

Venus Direct

Venus goes Direct on November 16th at 25 Libra opposite of Uranus, planet of of surprises. The outcome of this arrangement is impossible to predict! People could suddenly split up, undergo a major identity or career shift, or experience some kind of transmogrification. Interesting times, to be sure.

Venus finally exits the post-shadow on Decemeber 17th at 10 degrees Scorpio again. She will move back into a trine Neptune with effects that linger throughout the rest of the month. Mercury will also be exiting a post-shadow during that time.

There have been many extremes on the earth this year. Anyone still here and sane by the end of it would do well to hug/pat on the back/congratulate oneself for being so tenacious.