Venus Retrograde : A Review of Connection and Values.

On 22 July 2023, Venus, the planet of love, beauty, connection, values, and pleasure, commenced its retrograde through Leo. This is taking place until 3 September 2023 when she stations direct.

Venus goes retrograde every 18 months or so, and brings us the opportunity to reflect and review on our values, aesthetics, what brings us pleasure, what doesn't, how we show up in our relationships, how we want to show up in our relationships, and what are the kinds of friends and lovers we want to have?

You might be asking yourself these questions, particularly as they related to the area of your chart that contains Leo.

The last time Venus retrograded through Leo was from 25 July - 6 September 2015.

What was happening for you around that time?

Now we get to reflect on what has transpired since that time, and how much we have evolved.

Where is it happening for you?

ARIES RISING

Venus will be visiting your 5th House of Self Expression, Fun, Sex, Creativity, and Children.

This period may bring into focus the themes of creativity and self-expression. Perhaps you feel called to revisit old creative projects or find new ways to express yourself. You're sex life could be under review, and you're encouraged to reflect on what truly brings you joy and happiness.

TAURUS RISING

Venus will be visiting your 4th House of Home (both your physical home and ideas about what home is), Safety, Family, and Ancestry.

You may find a renewed interest in their home and family. This is a good time to re-connect with long lost relatives or redecorate your home. You might also be exploring your approach to giving and receiving love.

GEMINI RISING

Venus will be visiting your 3rd House of Thoughts, Ideas, Communication, and Inner Wisdom.

Communication is a key focus during this period. You may need to revisit old conversations or rethinking your communication style: in what situations are you the common denominator? Communication is your jam, Gemini, but not everyone can keep up with you. This is also a good time to reconnect with old friends or siblings.

CANCER RISING

Venus will be visiting your 2nd House of Assets, Resources, Skills and Talents, and Self Worth.

This retrograde might put a spotlight on your financial situation and personal values. You're encouraged to reassess your spending habits and consider if they align with your true values, or if they are coming from a place of lack. What do you think the handbag is *really* going to give you? This is a time to reflect and on what you truly value in life, and whether your actions are in alignment.

LEO RISING

Venus will be visiting your 1st House of Self, your body, your appearance, and how you show up in the world.

With Venus retrograde in your sign, this period is all about self-love and personal transformation. You might find yourself re-evaluating your relationships and the way you present yourself to the world. You might be contemplating a drastic haircut or some sort of transformation. My suggestion is to wait until the retrograde is over, and spend this time reconnecting with your authentic self.

VIRGO RISING

Venus will be visiting your 12th House of your Inner World, Mental Health, and connection to Spirituality and the Unseen.

You might be craving solitude and introspection. This is an opportunity to dial in your personal practices to connect within or to a higher source, or seek support in your healing journey.

LIBRA RISING

Venus will be visiting your 11th House of Friendships, Community, Networks, the Collective Consciousness, and your Highest Aspirations.

Your goals and aspirations might be under review, and it's ok to change your mind or divert to a new path. Give yourself permission to follow your inner calling. It's also a great time to reconnect with old friends and consider your role within your social circles.

SCOPRIO RISING

Venus will be visiting your 10th House of Career, Public Roles, and how you want to be seen and leave your mark on the world.

This period may bring career and public image to the forefront. You might find yourself reconsidering your professional path or your reputation - how do you want to be known? And what truly fulfils you? What actions or aspects of your life are supportive or unsupportive of these?

SAGITTARIUS RISING

Venus will be visiting your 9th House of Truth, Meaning, Philosophy, Travel/Adventure, Teaching/Publishing.

You might find yourself questioning your truth, or feeling called to embark on a new adventure or study. As C S Lewis said, "You're never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream".

CAPRICORN RISING

Venus will be visiting your 8th House of Shadow Work, Intimacy, Secrets, Debt, Shared Money, Taboo, and Initiation.

This retrograde might shine a light on issues of intimacy - what holds you back from the deep connections that you truly crave? You may need support to heal past hurt and traumas in order to allow yourself to be truly seen.

AQUARIUS RISING

Venus will be visiting your 7th House of Committed Partnerships; both Romantic, Professional, and Long-Term friends.

Relationships are under the microscope during this period - romantic, platonic, and how you connect and relate to others. There may be something you are questioning or reconsidering in either past or current relationships, and old partners may resurface, or you might be the one resurfacing in a former partner's life.

PISCES RISING

Venus will be visiting your 6th House of Daily Life, Routine, Responsibility, Health and how you take care of yourself.

You might find yourself reconsidering your daily routines or how you take care of yourself. What does your current routine look, and how you can better nurture yourself physically and emotionally? How are you relating to your responsibilities? *hint* we can either see our responsibilities as a chore or a privilege which impacts how we show up for them.

Does this resonate? I would love to know what's coming up for you.

Artwork by @Moonjube