THE ONLY VENUS RETROGRADE GUIDE YOU WILL EVER NEED
The goddess planet of love and beauty, Venus, holds dominion over our relationships and influences interactions worldwide. While she normally brings peace and harmony to our lives, she at times will feel her power turned against her—causing a hurricane of emotion to rage and crash down upon us. The great storm known as “Venus Retrograde” not only causes ghosts from the past to rise again, but also forces us to enter her chaos willingly in order to capture her wisdom within our hearts. In this following essay, you will learn the information that you need to weather any Venus Retrograde to come, as well as prepare yourself for the karmic lessons that she brings. Spread the words of this essay like they are your newfound doctrine.
WHAT IS IT? A retrograde occurs when a planet seems to be moving backward in the sky from our vantage point on Earth. Planets don’t actually move backward, but this optical illusion does have mysterious and powerful effects here on Earth. Venus turns retrograde once every 18 months for a period of roughly six weeks. However, because of the pre-shadow (lead up) and post-shadow (fade away), the expanse of Venus Retrograde covers nearly four months at a time. Venus Retrograde is most intense during the actual time we see it moving backward in the sky. The lead-up and fade-away (month before and after) can still be felt, but less so. When a planet retrogrades, the things that it rules tend to go awry and be thrown off, as well as whatever is ruled by the sign that it is backpedaling within. We also tend to revisit the past and have people, events, and unresolved situations from before return to present themselves for closure or to begin anew. When retrogrades occur, we must REVIEW, REVISIT, and REFLECT. Interestingly enough, Venus Retrograde causes our emotional and romantic perception to become hypersensitive. We do not realize that we are becoming enchanted and consumed by all of the things that Venus rules—hungry to satiate these desires at the expense of common sense. During this time, we are undergoing a powerful emotional transformation. Venus Retrograde brings clarity through this initial confusion and by us facing these ghosts from the past. Also, most retrogrades carry a karmic lesson associated with what the planet rules, which I will further elaborate upon later in this essay.
WHAT DOES VENUS RULE? Venus holds a powerful sway over all human relationships and interaction. With an obvious tie to human intimacy and union—platonic and romantic—she rules one’s love language and ability to connect well with others. She obviously holds dominion over marriage, courtship, and dating, with ties to the sensual and romantic sides of sex and sexuality (as opposed to the more primal urges). Venus also has rulership over all beauty, art, and pleasure. This can be connected to the physical kinds of beauty—one’s appearance, fashion, style, as well as interior design, painting, and aesthetics. However, she also has ties to music, dance, film, and beyond. Wine, food, and pleasures live within Venus’s territory—although the more extreme versions of addiction and intoxication are more closely related to the mysterious planet, Neptune. Neptune is known as the higher octave of Venus, for good and worse. Finally, because Venus also rules money, she oversees profit, investments, and business, as well. When Venus Retrograde occurs, our perception of all of these matters is not clear.
THE RIVER OF TIME & THE VORTEX OF THE PAST
The human concept of time is that what comes before leads to something else later. Our general understanding of time is that it is linear. It is based on the law of physics that for every reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction to follow. The same is how we see our paths in this lifetime—in the physical plane. However, the cosmic forces above us do not see it the same way. The metaphor that I always use to explain time is that time is a river. Typically, we are moving forward down the river, but sometimes it will diverge and we will have to choose which way to go. Not all people in our life clearly go down the same waterfalls, streams, or brooks that we do. However, some currents do again converge—and more often than not I find in my study of astrology that they do so during significant planetary retrogrades. Any planetary retrograde is like you suddenly have met within a whirlpool, mixing elements from your present with those of your history. This is when we step into the vortex of the past. In this vortex of the past, we often face anything that was hidden or forgotten that still holds vital meaning for our present. Sometimes this causes us to face actual people, otherwise it can be repeated situations. Nostalgia is the most common sign this is affecting us on an emotional, intellectual, and spiritual level.
DETERMINING THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE
Everything that happens during a retrograde—especially Venus Retrograde—is distorted in our eyes and may not be what it seems. While we may feel sure of our emotions and passions in the heat of the moment, we must consciously understand that we do not have all of the information or that we may be idealizing a situation. Venus Retrograde is prone to creating fantasies that may leave one heartbroken later if we do not keep our wits about us. The best thing to do is to incorporate the information and experiences that occur during the Venus Retrograde but reserve judgments and definite plans for later. There are many “do’s and don’ts” for Venus Retrograde, which I will touch upon later in this essay.
KARMIC LESSONS: WHAT YOU VALUE
Every retrograde carries a karmic lesson depending on what the planet rules and where it falls in the sky—as well as your natal chart. A professional astrologer like myself can help determine what each retrograde may be trying to bring into your awareness. However, as an overall view, Venus Retrograde tends to bring karmic lessons regarding relationships as well as those pertaining to how you have approached love, money, and beauty in your life up until this time. Like a fresh rain to wash away your dirt or the Sun’s light hitting you after a very long night, Venus Retrograde encourages you to face—and find—your authentic feelings. To do this, you may have to once again uncover something you may have forgotten or run from. This will lead you to make a choice: to reunite with that person or thing and bring it into your present and future—or to find closure with them or it and let go once and for all. Venus Retrograde requests you to be honest with your feelings and to share them—and to always build your relationships on equality.
KARMIC CONNECTIONS
Retrogrades—especially Venus Retrograde—often have the power to align you with karmic connections. A karmic connection is a person—or soul—who you have a soul contract with. The esoteric and spiritual belief behind this rests in the ideology of reincarnation: that we have many lives and are always on the path to true fulfillment and perfection. In order to do this—to reach “God” or union with the Divine—we are bound to other souls on a mission to work together to help each other evolve to the next stage. Essentially, you and this soul made a pact for the kinds of lessons you’d be helping one another learn this time around—even if they are difficult. Some souls go back with us for many lifetimes, whereas we may meet new karmic connections in this life and then carry them forth into the lives still yet to come. One way of seeing this—through esoteric astrology—is by looking at two people’s charts and understanding key alignments. This can help one understand more fully the purpose someone plays in one’s journey. As a general overview, a karmic connection can be seen as good, bad, or neutral. Either way, they will push you to transform in this lifetime. What could be seen as something dark, may actually lead you onto a better pathway. The easiest way I find to reflect upon if someone is a karmic connection to you—without looking at both of your charts, of course—is to ask yourself: “Would I be the same person now had I not met them?” That is how I believe you know.
I have broken down specific karmic connections into categories to further help illustrate this concept.
PAST-LIFE CONNECTIONS
A past-life connection is someone who you have a long-standing history with—in one or more past lives. When you meet them, you seem to “know one another” and sense this entanglement. That can be positive, negative, or neutral.
TWIN FLAMES
A twin flame is someone who plays a pivotal role in your life and who transforms you intensely for the better and redirects you on your path. Often times these relationships are passionate, extremely intense, and can have a pattern of coming in and out of your life. Twin flame connections are not easy. They can be heartbreaking, tumultuous, and chaotic. Despite the short amount of time you may be in one another’s sphere, you are never the same after you meet each other. Some philosophers say that this concept shows that it is as if you are both two halves of the same soul, working hard to push each other to grow as much as possible in this lifetime. It is extremely rare for someone to “end up” forever with a twin flame—unless this person is also a soul mate and not just a catalyst for your spiritual evolution.
SOUL MATES
A soul mate is a person who is in alignment with you. That doesn’t mean you have to be the same, agree on everything, or always be in balance. A soul mate can be a platonic or romantic connection or even someone in your family. There is a feeling of support, understanding, and peace. A soul mate helps you shine brighter and wants to do that alongside you. However, that doesn’t mean all soul mate relationships are perfect, easy, or last forever.
Past-life connections, twin flames, and soul mates are all karmic connections. Twin flames and soul mates are both past-life connections, but few past-life connections are also twin flames or soul mates. A twin flame is usually not a soul mate, but can be in extremely rare circumstances. This is the rarest combination I have ever seen in my studies with people worldwide as well as in my consultation with philosophical texts.
GENERAL CONNECTIONS FROM THE PAST
While we often face karmic connections during Venus Retrograde, not every relationship we have or cross paths with again is “fated,” “destined,” or even karmic in nature. Not every relationship carries a significant meaning on the journey of life. So could you bump into that ex who was a casual fling? Yes. Could you hear from that old best friend who you had a blast with? Of course. Were they karmic connections? Not necessarily. Listen to your heart. It whispers, so listen closely. It will help you find the answers that you seek.
TIMING CAN ALIGN—OR LET THEM GO ONCE AND FOR ALL
The beauty of Venus Retrograde is that it gives you a small window in time to change the course of your future. The Universe will be causing you to look at your life and relationships to face whether or not you are truly happy and being fulfilled. Step into the vortex of the past to reignite that connection once again. Or, instead, you can release it, find closure, and move on once and for all. If there is anything I have learned about love it is that love is about timing. Sometimes people separate to grow but then return later on and realize they both have matured and are better for each other. Your timing could now align, and you could set that fire alight so brightly it never burns out again. But the other thing Venus Retrograde teaches us is that if we are gripping onto the past as a crutch and it is holding us back—rather than bringing value to our future—then we must face those connections and let them go in order to create space for something better. When Venus Retrograde passes, there is often a sense of completion that we feel. No matter what you choose, I hope you choose to forgive yourself and others for where things went wrong. And no matter what, I pray you choose love over fear.
DO’S & DON’TS OF VENUS RETROGRADE
DO: REVIEW YOUR RELATIONSHIPS & INTIMATE/EMOTIONAL NEEDS
Be sure to assess where you are at emotionally and if your intimate needs are being met. Now is a good time to discuss how you feel from an authentic and grounded place. Do not make final decisions no matter what, though. Listen to your heart, as it will be giving you strong messages at this time.
DON’T: GET MARRIED OR GO “OFFICIAL” WITH SOMEONE
Now is not the best time to break up with someone or officially start a relationship, as you will not be thinking clearly. If for some reason you already have scheduled your wedding during this time and cannot change it, sign the legal paperwork for the marriage before or after Venus Retrograde—as that will be the official “anniversary” date. Also, do not buy your rings, pick out your wardrobe, take engagement photos, or finalize décor for the wedding.
DO: GET RID OF OLD CLOTHES & BELONGINGS YOU DO NOT LOVE
If you have had a stack of clothing and belongings that you have long meant to get rid of, this could be a time when you are able to shed them and feel lighter because of it. Just make sure you’re not going to regret it later.
DON’T: MAKE ANY UNNECESSARY FINANCIAL PURCHASES
As Venus rules money, this is not the greatest time to make unneeded purchases or large investment decisions. You can, however, review your finances and perhaps balance them better. This is also not a time to buy a home or real estate.
DO: RECONNECT WITH PEOPLE FROM YOUR PAST TO REUNITE OR FIND CLOSURE
Nostalgia will be affecting you intensely at this time. This would be an okay time to reminisce and catch up and possibly restart your friendship or romantic connection. However, if instead you’d like to finally move on but need closure, you can do that during this time, as well. This will help you find peace.
DON’T: GET PLASTIC SURGERY OR CHANGE YOUR PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
All beauty decisions are off limits when Venus is retrograde. There are no exceptions. The procedure could be one that you later regret.
DO: BARGAIN SHOP
You may actually stumble upon a prize item worth a great deal that its previous owner didn’t realize was so valuable. You could also find pieces that have some history to them that may bring more character to your home.
DON’T: REDECORATE YOUR HOME
As Venus also holds dominion over décor, you should not change the look of your home significantly. This even includes something as small as buying new sheets for bedding or painting your walls. You will not be happy with your aesthetic decisions down the road.
DO: RETURN TO PLEASURES YOU ENJOYED IN THE PAST
If you enjoyed certain hobbies or recreational activities in the past and haven’t been able to focus on them for some time, picking them up again during Venus Retrograde could reignite your enjoyment of them.
DON’T: OPEN A BUSINESS OR LAUNCH AN ARTISTIC/CREATIVE ENDEAVOR
As Venus has ties to all money and profit, absolutely do not start a business or launch it when she is not at her full strength. Also, do not release an artistic or creative venture (such as a film, gallery, and beyond) because the reception of it will not be as favorable. You also risk the business or project becoming a money pit, rather than a profitable endeavor.
DO: REASSESS, REDESIGN, READDRESS, REPEAT, REDO, REPAIR
Returning to the past is favored during all retrogrades, so as long as you are using the time to fine-tune your thoughts and projects, you should be in luck.
DON’T: OVERINDULGE
Venus rules pleasure and one may have the tendency to overindulge at this time—to unhappy or disastrous results. Harness your practical and grounded side at this time.
DO: FIND BALANCE, JOURNAL, & MEDITATE
Reflection, healing, and grounding are always wonderful things to do during a retrograde. Now would be a lovely time to journal and ponder your relationships and the lessons they have taught. This way you can always build healthier ones in the present and in the future ahead.
I hope this essay has granted you more insight into the cosmic workings of our Universe. Please share it widely with anyone who may need light in the darkness. May the stars ever be in your favor.
Want a personal reading? Contact Kyle Thomas here.
Kyle Thomas is a globally recognized pop culture astrologer who has been featured on Access Hollywood, E! Entertainment, NBC & ABC television, Cosmopolitan Magazine, the New York Post, Page Six, Hulu, Seventeen Magazine, Bustle, Elite Daily, House Beautiful, Marie Claire, and more. He is known for his cosmic guidance for celebrities, business executives, and prominent influencers. His work harnesses the power of the stars in regards to entertainment lifestyle and trends affecting people worldwide. His writing and horoscopes have been translated into multiple languages. Kyle has been astrologically gifted naturally from a very young age and teaches how to use the Universe to manifest the life you've always dreamt of. With over a decade of professional experience and clients all over the world, he currently resides in Los Angeles where he works as a professional astrologer, celebrity life coach, and author. Currently, he is the official astrologer for @Horoscopes + @Horo.ScopesDaily. Kyle received two Bachelor of Arts for Psychology and English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and integrates these degrees into his growing research of psychology, personality, and the human condition.