Venus, our seductive planet of love and money and all of the pleasures and downfalls that go with it, moves retrograde at Gemini beginning today and ends the 27th of June. Venus appears to be moving backwards or standing still in the sky because of the way the Sun casts a shadow on it in relation to Earth. This period is going to be a time to reflect on your personal life and your relationships. This is not a time to take serious action or make rash judgments and decisions. Assess and reassess. You may feel like giving someone the boot, but instead, just take a step back.
Ex-lovers will be popping up all over the place. New information and insight into the past will become available and for some, and it may even be a time to consider second chances. I said CONSIDER. Any relationships or partnerships begun during this cycle won’t survive easily. I suggest you wait till July to sign on the metaphorical dotted line… this goes for business as well. I wouldn’t suggest making any drastic changes to your appearance during this time either. You’ll probably hate it.
In other news, there is going to be a solar eclipse in Gemini on May 20th. As the sun enters Gemini, activity in our mental processes and our daily lives will gain some momentum. This eclipse will assist in Venus’s efforts to shed light on patterns of interaction. With Neptune squaring the moon, our addictions and personal ruts are going to be more clear to us than we are comfortable with. If you’re thinking of comforting yourself with material things… don’t. Not now.
Aries/Aries Rising
You’ve been hearing so many promising things lately, haven’t you, Aries? There is no question that these promises were made in the sincerest of moments, but do question whether or not these things are realistic. The eager ram needs to take stock of things that are within reach. Long-term goals and far-fetched ideas are grand indeed. You always have genius ideas. But remember that the more tiny details are involved, the more time you need to consider what it is you are committing to. You will benefit greatly from communication, whether it be written or spoken. I’m willing to bet that you’re about to come across some new information that is going to open an entirely new path to you. Carpe diem!
Taurus/Taurus Rising
One second it seems your wallet is stuffed and you’re living large, and the next you’re fighting the urge to whip out the plastic. It’s about time that you bulls dig a little deeper into your own values. What is it that you really want? Does it match what it is that you really need? Your financial and emotional security is coming into focus in a big way. You love to own things, and understand the value of steady work in order to keep the things that you accumulate. But still, you might be feeling that something is missing. Despite all that steady trudging, circumstances seem to be holding you back. Your challenge is to figure out what it is that you truly value, and do what you will to earn it. It’s possible that many bulls will be putting some goals on the backburner, or changing directions entirely. It’s your right.
Gemini/Gemini Rising
Geminians all over are looking at themselves in the mirror and mentally warping themselves into what they want to be, or at least how they want to be seen. Keep in mind however that the way that the world sees you is only partially up to you. You can’t control the thoughts of others but there is no shame in working on your style, and your personality. You’re in a unique place now and you might be paying more attention than usual to detail. This may seem tedious to some, but you have your reasons. Keep a tight watch for ill-fated attractions, especially if they closely resemble something that you have already experienced. It’s entirely possible that you are setting yourself up for this, as you feel there may be some unfinished business. It may be a good time to put excessive fun on the back burner. You need to keep your head right now. There will always be another party.
Cancer/Cancer Rising
Cancerians are going through a cleansing of the subconscious. Dreams are more vivid now, and escapism is likely. You’re probably suffering in silence with old secrets, personal demons, and disappointments. You’re naturally insecure, and you’ve been experiencing plenty of ups and downs lately. It’s beginning to make you a little sea-sick. Actually, many Cancerians manifest this stress as a literal tummy-ache. Keep in mind that you feel things rather strongly, and sometimes full emotional disclosure is not really necessary for successful communication--nor is it always appreciated. You live your life by feeling things out and with home and family issues looming over your head constantly, you’ve had the urge to dive into… something. In fact, you’ve been nearly craving more work to do. If paid work isn’t available, throw yourself into a craft. A creative outlet is key for you right now. So is taking care of your body. You’ll find your center again.
Leo/Leo Rising
Leoneans have been socializing and networking and working to keep up a reputation--at least I hope so. You’re in a situation not unlike our Gemini friends, where you are trying to revamp yourself. But unlike our airy twin friends, you are doing it more for the sake of higher aspirations and social goals, and less for learning about your collective “self.” As I told Gemini, however, the way that people see you is not entirely up to you. But it would be wise to be sincere in your actions as you continue to meet and greet. Be savvy and prepared for every connection. Stand out, but be careful about self-righteous attitudes. It’s the best kind of PR. You’ll be doing some cleansing of your social contacts, but I urge you to take your time in making such decisions. You’ll be etching your place in your social circles.
Virgo/Virgo Rising
Female or male, there is always going to be a figure of authority. They’ll always be lingering over your shoulder telling you how to do your job. They’ll always annoy you with their unsolicited advice. IF you allow people in your life, someone will always be holding you back just a little bit. This is just the way of the human animal. Your reputation precedes you, make no mistake. But perhaps it is time to find a balance between your personal achievements, and making room for people. You are, after all, a human animal. Career. Fame. Honor. All wonderful things. You must decide for yourself whether or not there is room in your life for someone to annoy you, in a good way. Lucky for you, now is a time for consideration, not a time to make new commitments. Mull it over for a month or so. For those of you already committed, you may need to reprioritize.
Libra/Libra Rising
The time has come for the scales to do a bit of weighing and measuring and brainstorming. What is it that you’ve always wanted? How does it fit into your life as it stands today? What do you believe in? I’m not saying that you should be where you envisioned being, or even know the answers to these questions, but now is a time for you to think. Don’t rush. Your day-to-day life is shifting drastically and you’re revisiting matters involving education, travel, publishing, legal matters, and hopes for the future. You've been through a lot lately, and it’s beginning to reveal a stronger you, but it’s your own responsibility to develop in your new skin. In many ways, you’ve experienced a death of your old self. You’re just now getting your feet wet. Use this Venus retrograde period wisely Libra. You need this time to heal and to grow.
Scorpio/Scorpio Rising
Scorpions, you need to hide your credit cards. You sense a change coming, but you’re not in the clear yet, financially speaking. It’s a good time to be low-profile, because most of you owe money. Many Scorpios that aren’t already paired up are currently stalking prey, in a sense. The difficult part about this is that as intensely mysterious as you are often accused of being, monogamy actually works best for a (dare I say) jealous type like yourself. You’re passionate, and whether you admit it or not, it’s all or nothing in relationships. At least, you’re ultimately happiest with this arrangement. And yes, that means that you have to offer your partner the same courtesies that you expect from them--monogamy and otherwise. You’re going to relive some repressed fears concerning intimacy choices and control issues. Hopefully you’ll be putting it behind you. Keep things light for now, and don’t start anything new relationship-wise until late next month if you want it to last.
Sagittarius/Sagittarius Rising
I urge archers to take a wide step backwards and have yourself a long hard think. Somebody is being a complete pain in the ass. That seems to be the theme with relationships, doesn’t it? Archers are often quick to take the fast-relief approach to medicating such a predicament, but circumstances are pleading that you slow down. Matters relating to commitment, contracts, lawsuits, and giving and receiving are coming into focus. The time is coming for you to make some crucial choices, even during the retrograde period, so hold off if you can. New information that is important to you is going to be revealed, and may help you in any major decision-making. Don’t sign any contracts now. Don’t start any new relationships now. Just try and wait until after the retrograde period to make any final decisions.
Capricorn/Capricorn Rising
Sometimes, Capricorn, it’s ok to say no. Yes, even you. In fact, making yourself too available can be pitfall in the long run. People start to see you as a pushover--someone who doesn’t know how to stand his or her ground. You've worked very hard, and now perhaps it is time to allow some of the groundwork you’ve laid work for you. Some sort of compromise is likely, and as long as you both play fair, it can be a happy one. You need personal time though, Capricorn. Your health and your daily life is in focus for you now. Your normal interactions with bosses, coworkers, and relatives are under review. Most of the changes you should make are small, but important nonetheless. Focus on you, and what you can do for others. Little refinements make a big difference.
Aquarius/Aquarius Rising
Water-bearers have been busy little bodies lately. The projects you’ve been working on are keeping you up at night, as is that bridge you’ve been thinking about burning, but haven’t quite mustered the will to do so. Your creativity is in focus now, and it may do you a world of good to allow your mind to let the focus off that project of yours long enough to daydream a little. You should pay attention to where your mind wanders, and maybe follow it down the rabbit hole for a little while. Don’t forget where it leads you. This is going to be a time full of inspiration and a sense of real potential, so it isn’t a time to waste your energies, creatively or romantically. Although again, no major decision-making until after Venus goes direct again. Pay attention to your dreams. Write things down. And try not to shut people out. You've metaphorically drawn an Ace of Wands, marking new beginnings, adventures, creative form, and confidence. Use it well.
Pisces/Pisces Rising
The time has come to put some of those wild dreams of yours into motion. Although you aren’t the most cocksure of the zodiac, creatively, you are formidable. Usually you just need to be pushed a little bit. Now is the time to seek this out. At this time, your home and living situation is under scrutiny. Where you live, and who you share your home with, comes into consideration. How were you raised? What did your upbringing and home life look like? What was your mother like? What do you want your lifestyle to look like later in life? You’re starting to review these things and reflect on potential changes. Try not to worry too much about it. The fact that you are thinking about these things will shape what you do about it in the future. For now, you have big ideas that need implementing. Take baby steps. Don’t overwhelm yourself.