For the week of October 2nd thru the 9th, and the retrograde station of Venus at 8º Scorpio, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:
Aries
(8th) As Venus stands poised to enter its retrograde phase, we are all going to have to deal with situations we probably would much rather not have to face, talk about, or deal with on any level. But we must. These can include things that we fear, things that feel inevitable, things that have to end, have already ended, are about to. It can also be about things like debt and having to rebalance the books. Whether it’s a financial ledger or a karmic ledger, some sort of resolution is needing to be made. This can include receiving those things owed you from the past, or what you owe to others, whether financially or karmically. It goes both ways. Ultimately Venus is about fairness and balance. However, what you will want to pay attention to, is not getting yourself in any deeper than you already are. Therefore nip those temptations in the bud, spend wisely, and avoid making commitments you know you cannot keep in the upcoming weeks. It will soon become evident which obligations are those that can be fulfilled, and you would want to further commit to, and those which are only a further burden and strain. In the end, knowing the difference can be both liberating and healing.
Taurus
(7th) The Venus retrograde phase brings all of your relationships front and center. This is true for everyone, but especially so for Taurus. This does and can refer to intimate relationships, but also all other one-on-one relationships as well (best friends, counselors, mentors, and mentees); and even your customers, admirers and your ‘audience’. This is when you reevaluate your expectations of others, as well as they of you. It is not unusual with the retrograde phase for people, whom you once knew so well, see to resurface of reappear in some way in your life. If that is the case, look to see if there is some unfinished business that needs tending to. There may be echoes of events that remain unresolved and need to be healed, and maybe even laid to rest. The end result of the entire retrograde phase, which lasts until November 14th, will ultimately be to learn how to do relationships better, in a healthier, more supportive, and more wholesome way.
Gemini
(6th) Not only is Venus stationing for her retrograde phase in the sign of Scorpio, but your ruling planet Mercury is in this sign as well. Mercury and Venus will cross paths on Tuesday, but not until Mercury first runs the gauntlet between excitable Mars and persistent Pluto. Best to avoid stressful debates or a war with words in which neither intends to back down, and no one will win. Instead stop and listen and refrain from reacting. This could create a stalemate. But it could also cause some friction in the work place, especially if you have been feeling at all undervalued. The Mercury/Venus conjunction on the 6th, may bring some news, or better agreements, but in the mean time, do reassess your work environment, see what needs improving, while also focusing on promoting healthier habits and routines in your personal life. The benefits of doing so will make themselves evident by the time both planets station direct in mid-November (Mercury stations retrograde October 24th). One thing you might want to also think about is whether or not your skills are being used to their best advantage. And if not, what other opportunities may be available for you to do so.
Cancer
(5th) It may feel as if things are all or nothing this week. And it will be hard to arrive at compromises. And this is especially so if any new information that you had not been aware of is coming to light. A tense t-square between Mars/Pluto both square Mercury and stationing Venus in Scorpio, may seem to make the odds both unfair and even oppressive. And as Venus stations retrograde it may feel necessary to retreat from an uncomfortable situation in order to lick your wounds, gather your allies and regroup. One way to heal any wounds, is to use the retrograde phase of Venus to connect with your inner muse. For this could prove to be a deeply compelling, and creatively inspiring period, if you are so inclined. And it can be refreshing and healing o remember what it feels like to look at the world through the eyes of a child again. One warning: lovers can reemerge from the past in this weather, bringing along with them, all of their wounds and complications. If previous ties had not been fully severed, or things were left dangling, this is an opportunity to tie up loose ends and focus on those people and those things in your life that really matter in the end.
Leo
(4th) Mars has since entered your sign, aiming to inspire and motivate you to take the initiative and some sort of action. And that is still true, even if it feels as if you are having to do so in the face of extraordinary odds or even opposition. Know that there is assistance here if needed. Especially from alliances with those who share the same sort of vision. But where this is likely to have the most stress and conflict are in those areas of your life that are closest to home and in your personal life. On Saturday, Venus stations for her retrograde phase in the sign of Scorpio. When Venus is retrograde we can be nostalgically drawn back to the past and what once was. That’s all well and good. But rather than focusing, or even obsessing in some cases, on what has passed and cannot be, focus on those that you do have control over. Also pay attention to those things that you do have in your life. Those things that feed your senses, as well as your soul, and fills your hear with intense gratitude. For it is these things, that will do your heart good.
Virgo
(3rd) It could feel at times that like are deeply conflicted and not knowing which way to turn, and or make a decision with firmness and conviction. But with the recent course of events it will be difficult not to make one decision or another. Venus stations for her retrograde phase this weekend in the deep and passionate sign of Scorpio. Your ruling planet, Mercury is in this sign as well. As a result there is not a conversation or discussion that you will shy away from. Discussions with relatives, with neighbors, or just out in the world doing your daily chores, may feel both controversial and defiant. No subject will be considered taboo: whether that be about sex, addiction, mental health, illness, and the state of health care as a whole, birth, death, corruption. The whole lot. No stone will be left unturned in your desire to find answers, and solve problems. And with the eagle eye of perception, Virgo aims to investigate, dig up the dirt, and defy the odds this week. And there’s no telling what will be unearthed in the process. New decisions made mid-week are likely to bring their rewards when both Mercury and Venus station direct in mid-November. In the mean time, use the retrograde phase of Venus to release old narratives, re-think priorities, and invest in yourself, your health and your emotional well-being.
Libra
(2nd) For the next several weeks that Venus will be in its retrograde phase, priorities, values, and self-worth are going to be reevaluated. You might be asking yourself: how do you value yourself and what you do? It is not so much about how others value you; it begins by how much you recognize the value of what you have to offer. And also how you value your right to take up space. Create a priority list: who or what are the most important things in your life, and how can you make them more of a priority? What are you currently spending your valuable resources and time on? And what would you rather be spending them on? This particular retrograde phase of Venus is especially concerned with how well you prioritize yourself, and how willing you are to invest in yourself and what you do. We are still in Libra season, a time of year in which you are asked to establish new beginning, make pledges and resolutions. This may require you to change some old habits, and may even feel like you are being forced to make adjustments due to circumstances beyond your control. It may not be easy, but the end result could prove to be quite empowering.
Scorpio
(1st) It could feel like you are struggling at times, both with others, but even more so with yourself. Especially this coming week. On October (2nd) 3rd Venus will make its retrograde station in your sign. And as it does so we can expect all sorts of things to be revealed in the process. Things that had been lying beneath the fold, and you may have been trying to ignore or avoid, but cannot do so any longer. This can include any underlying doubts, feelings of uncertainty, and even some old fears. That can include fears of disempowerment, fears of abandonment, or even betrayals. Pay attention to what is coming to the surface during the retrograde phase of Venus which begins this weekend and lasts until mid-November. Pay attention but do not obsess to deeply. You are being given an opportunity here to forgive, accept and release. Then focus on the things that you do well. The things that you do have, that you do like about yourself, and value deeply. This is not always easy. Venus retrograde in your sign is asking you to focus on self-love and self-acceptance in order for you to achieve a deeper sense of wholeness, self-worth and gratitude in the end. For that is the ultimate gift that the retrograde phase of Venus can bring you.
Sagittarius
(12th) As Venus stations retrograde this weekend, she goes into retreat, and gives Sagittarius permission to let go of the past and be able to finally move on. There are things you might be holding on to from the past, but do not serve you well: any old regrets, fear of disclosure, shame, the could haves and should haves… just let them go. It can happen that people and things have this way of reemerging from the past when Venus is in its retrograde phase, and with that come all their complications and attendant ghosts. If this does happen, recognize the necessity to resolve the past and let go. This clears the path for better things to come that no longer need to be hidden in the dark and forbidden corners of your life. The upcoming Libra New Moon on the 10th is about looking to the future. But you won’t be able to do that well if you are still clinging to old out-worn issues. It may require you to face some daunting challenges in the process. It all depends on how much you really want to achieve your goals, and how well it will be worth it to you in the end.
Capricorn
(11th) On October (2nd) 3rd, Venus stations for its retrograde phase. When Venus is retrograde it is not unusual for people and things to reemerge from the past. If that is the case, it may be that there is still some unfinished business connected with these people, that still needs to be sorted out. It can also happen with Venus retrograde in Scorpio that you are brought together with others once again, due to a shared experience, a common cause, or some mutual aspiration. There is something to be said about finding that person or those people who get you, and whom you can totally trust to share your heart and soul with. The ones who know where you are coming from. But it could also become apparent as to those people, or perhaps old habits, that seem to be working against your own best interests. If that is the case, think positively: replace any self-defeating habits with new and better ones that will ultimately empower you and make you stronger.
Aquarius
(10th) There are times when it seems like so much is working against your best interests. Whether it seems as if you are being thwarted around every corner, or it seems like adversaries are countering all of your best efforts. There may be a few struggles to work through this week. take into consideration any recent changes that have been brewing and probably can no longer be ignored. This may ultimately find you needing to re-think some of your closest relationships, and even reassess some of your life’s goals. This is not the sort of weather for the faint of heart. But ultimately, if we gain anything from the upcoming retrograde phase of Venus which begins this weekend, it’s to some how make yourself a priority, and be willing to invest in yourself and your own best interests. With Pluto now in your sign, and getting ready for its own direct station later this month, you are in a huge phase of reinvention and rebuilding in your life. And the retrograde phase of Venus is an opportunity to truly get in touch with what you want and/or need in your heart of hearts. Ultimately she will bring healing, including healthier relationships and a better relationship with yourself and who you are.
Pisces
(9th) In order to make the most of the upcoming retrograde phase of Venus, we are all going to be doing some intense shadow work. This requires us to be patient with any inner or outer conflicts in our lives. And to have the courage to make some hard decisions if need be. Use the upcoming Venus retrograde phase to reevaluate your own positions and values, prioritizing those that are truly most important to you. Then see where you might be able to find some commonality of perception with others. It won’t be easy. Few will be interested in compromising. But there is also an incredible opportunity to learn through any existing conflict. Learn and evolve. In a world that seems to be constantly trying to pin us against one another, look for those things and areas where agreements can be made, even with people who come from a very different perspective. On an interesting side note: travel could prove to be intriguing, however, take any romantic adventures with a grain of salt while overseas. Things could prove to be more complicated that you realize. Best to keep things simple. The simpler the better in this weather.