With several of my friends having major relationship "issues," I had to take a peek at the planets and see what's going on. Hmm...very interesting indeed!
From
Astrology.com:
This is definitely a year of retrogrades! On July 27, 2007, Venus reaches her station at 2° Virgo 56', in preparation for a period of retrograde motion that will last until September 8, 2007, when she turns direct at 16° Leo 36'. The effects of the retrograde period will continue to be felt until October 11, when she returns to the 3rd degree of Virgo, where she first made her station (this is called the "Shadow Period"). Sensual Venus turns retrograde only once every eighteen months, but this year she turns in conjunction with stern Saturn, a conjunction that extends from the beginning of July to the middle of October (at which point Mercury is retrograde again, Saturn has moved into Virgo and Mars is slowing in in Cancer, preparing for his biennial retro phase).
Over these weeks even the most casual interactions tend to become fraught with seriousness, intended or not. Female relationships, partnership and other alliance, and joint ventures of any kind fit this pattern. Older or more mature people seem especially interesting. More structure and seriousness imposed on relationships can mean more stability and commitment. Artistic endeavours should become more focused and organized, though originality and imagination can suffer from the tendency to stick to tradition or whatever methods or patterns you know best. This is not the best time for beauty treatments, cosmetic surgery, or redecorating projects. Social gestures and diplomacy are likely to be self-serving.
What does Venus affect?
In general, Venus, the goddess of love, rules feelings and emotion, aesthetics and tastes, fashions and all forms of desire, money and wealth. Venus rules social attitudes and behaviour, along with aesthetic tastes and inclinations. Venus symbolises female relationships and social interactions at every level. Venus indicates our values. She governs romance, marriage and other partnerships, capacity for humour, and the pursuit of pleasure.
During a retrograde period the things Venus influences will be less apparent, or be of less concern to the world. Visual sensibilities are reduced. People dress with less flair and our colour sense tends to be muted. This is not the time to purchase clothes or jewellery, change one's make-up or hairstyle. Redecorating or refurbishing homes or business should also be avoided, though there is no reason why decisions that have been made earlier should not be allowed to come to fruition during this period.
With Venus retrograde, the pace of relationships slows down and this is not the best time to get married or give big parties. Since Venus rules diplomacy, slowdowns in all sorts of negotiations can be expected, including industrial disputes, legal issues and diplomatic endeavours.
It is a time when we are called upon to go back and take care of unfinished business. Often we are forced to deal with deep feelings that have their origins in past events. They are activated on an inner level but are often difficult to express to ourselves or others while Venus is retrograde.
Venus Retrograde in Virgo
When Venus is retrograde, everyone's emotional state is more introspective and we tend to react emotionally to the issues and concerns that relate to the sign involved. With Venus retrograde in Virgo, people with this sign prominent in their charts will be especially prone to such introspection. There is little choice but to reconsider our personal feelings and relationships. There is, however, an opportunity to gain insight into one's own mode of relating, whether sexually, creatively, or financially.
Virgo signifies connections with the sick, so this period especially affects nurses, dietitians and therapists. It also affects those who have detailed involvement with financial and creative areas, such as accountants, managers and agents. Relations with fellow workers and employees are subject to undue criticism and you may be somewhat inhibited when it comes to establishing social or sexual relationships. Secret emotional unions and strange experiences are stimulated. Relationships in the military may become strained.
Although Venus turns retrograde in Virgo, she does so in the early degrees and soon retrogrades into Leo. When Venus moves back into Leo on August 9, 2007, deep feelings can be awakened, especially for those who have Fixed Signs strong in their charts. Fixed Signs are Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius and Taurus. Creative projects tend to be stifled and a tendency emerges for exaggeration. Dramatics are likely in mannerisms, dress, or some aspect of the personality. Control any inclination to be cold and cruel. This position can bring back problems, so chiropractors, be ready!
A watchful observer will get a clear insight into body language. Pay attention to the subtleties of human interactions, as the knowledge gleaned can be valuable. People will be attracted if you display an aura of self-possession and control. You can turn the tables on the past. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will change a failure into a success, but if you keep your wits about you, you can gain something equally valuable to make up for it.
