Venus- is one of the Zodiac’s benefic and inner planets- whose influence grants gentleness, ease, and provides strength wherever her graceful energy is directed. During any given retrograde period, her typical benevolence is impaired and diluted. Venus affects the collective’s values- as well as our earning potential, money, romance, and our ability to tap into the feminine.

As Venus now retraces her recent steps until 17 April, the collective can expect the natural benefits of this transit while in Aries to be slightly thwarted. You are highly advised to be aware of compulsion, narcissism, selfishness, and aggressive reactions over these next few weeks. On 11 April, Venus dips back to touch 29 degrees Pisces, where the concept of self completely disappears, offering the opportunity to allow empathetic responses. Be mindful in areas that provoke your sympathy- as these may be clouded by delusion.

Dealings in romance and the financial areas of life should be carefully monitored over this time. You may see this as a time when old love affairs, relationships and past debts return. It is also especially wise to delay any major decisions for the long term in these areas until after 17 April. Attempting to initiate creative endeavors involving beauty- (i.e. painting, redecorating, cosmetic surgery) tend to not go over well. For any artistic person with unfinished projects, this is a perfect time to revisit them.

Once again, time to apply those RE’s of any REtrograde period. Try out some RElaxation, REflection, REdoing, REassessing -you get the picture. Just as we are advised to do when our other benefic inner planet Mercury is in Retrograde, this period points to the reworking of the effects Venus casts upon us. Yes, Stars, that means the Universe is providing us with a recess to do some of that necessary inner work that keeps us going at optimal energy the rest of the time.

Time well spent under Venus Retrograde involves being charitable when it comes to any dealings with money. Watch over-spending and avoid buying luxury items. Optimally we are meant to look at what we already own and whom we already know -find the worth and appreciation within -and fall in love all over again. However… antique purchases, donations and scooping up the bargains you may find are totally Venus-approved!

The 15 deg Aries to 29 deg Pisces-ruled houses in the individual birth chart points on a personal level to where a reflective approach is best applied over this time. This area of the life is where Venus asks us to pause- and to be alert to our operating from any kind of carelessness. The more REassessment that is done in this area- will ensure the optimal flow and compassionate blessings to flourish handsomely after 17 April once Venus goes Direct again. Should you have natal planets placed here or have aspects affecting these houses, you’ll feel this passage more intensely.

A word as well on the approach and shadow of this period. Be aware that decisions made as Venus began her approach -on 03 February while going Direct from 29 degrees Pisces until REtrograde motion started on the 06 March -are equally involved in this time of reflection. Once Direct on 17 April, the shadow will prevail until 20 May when Venus returns to 15 degrees Aries, offering the opportunity to adjust any important decisions that may have had to be made while in Retrograde.

As we conclude with the uncanny messages that the mysteries of Lexigrams are here to provide for us, we also learn that VENUS RETROGRADE is no exception to the rule. Just like any woman, she sure has a lot to advise to us: