HOW TO CONSTRUCTIVELY USE

THE VENUS RETROGRADE PERIOD

by Lynn Koiner

 

From OCTOBER 10 through NOVEMBER 21, 2002, the planet Venus will be retrograde. The retrograde motion of an inner planet is an apparent phenomena as viewed from earth in which Venus appears to move backwards in the sky. Every 1 ½½ years, when Venus moves approximately 29 degrees ahead of the Sun (in the astrological ephemeris), it will begin to move backwards in the sky until it reaches a point approximately 21 to 29 degrees behind the Sun.

When Venus is retrograde, it provides lessons in evaluating the real worth and value of people and things in our life (Taurus-Libra issues). With existing relationships, this cycle produces experiences wherein it is easier to discern the relative worth and value of these people in your life.

Discrimination is more effective. You become readily aware of any problems, differences or unresolved issues. It is NOT a time, however, to act upon any unfavorable awareness. It is purely a time of evaluation rather than direct action. As little frictions and disagreements crop up, they serve to remind you that the relationship is not perfect. Under the retrograde influence, you must assess the severity of the problem and the "cost-benefit" of the relationship. Only after Venus turns direct should you initiate any alienation if this is deemed necessary.


PERSONAL EXPERIENCES


 

During the 1988 retrograde period, I came to the realization that a local merchant only valued by friendship as a paying customer and not a true friend. I did not end the relationship but I placed him in the "acquaintance" category. On the day that Venus turned retrograde in 1994, I was able to tell a woman, who had greatly angered me in the past, why I was angry with her - that she was always using me and taking advantage of me. It was different from what she expected and she seemed relieved. When Venus was in Scorpio, I felt resentful of needy, overly sweet and manipulative people. A Romanian astrologer with whom I had been corresponding turned nasty when I did not answer quickly and he made threats which he did not carry out. However, I was surprisingly supported by the AFA. Overall, many people contacted me who I had not seen for a long time.

Over and over again with each Venus Retrograde, people re-connected from my past! In 1996, a friend had told me that she had many friends who would be attending an astrological conference that we were attending. When we arrived, I was shocked to discover that these people who not friends, more like enemies. In 1998, I was out of control with eating and my self-esteem was non-existent! A man became very angry when I did not teach astrology classes as I had intended. He took it upon himself to call local astrologers and attack my reputation. While this was disturbing, I became aware of
people who did not defend me when he attacked me. I learned who I could trust. A store credited 40¢¢ to my account when I actually paid $40. It took months to straighten this out. In 1999, I was depressed a lot, feeling alone and isloated and feeling sorry for myself for the most part as Venus retrograded back into my 12th House. Health problems became a major issue for a lot of people. With Venus in Leo, we were very aware that our needs were not being met. In 2001, it was entirely different! I attended a conference in Serbia. I met some wonderful people who urged me to get on an E-List and this changed my life. I met people out of their element and it did represent a new way of relating.

Sometimes we do experience relationship difficulties and stresses but, if it is a good relationship, the differences will not affect the quality of association. It is important to realize that, in a relationship, the problems that you experience in the beginning of the union will always be there. These are the basic differences between you and the other person. You should make an evaluation at the time of Venus retrograde to determine if you can tolerate and understand these differences. I have been through many Venus Retrograde cycles and the good relationships are still with me.

While we can readily distinguish the problems in a current relationship, this will not be true of a relationship formed while Venus is retrograde. Because the retrograde motion alters our perspective, we are unable to see the obvious and we can too easily misread the signals. Before eloping or making wedding plans, wait until Venus turns direct to get a balanced perspective. This Venus does not imply deception but rather a distorted perspective and attitude. Faulty presumptions can be easily made. For example, if you meet someone at the tennis court, it does not necessarily mean that the person likes tennis. Maybe that person was simply there to pick up a friend! These presumptions can cause erroneous evaluations and eventual disappointment when we discover that the person of our dreams is
not what we thought at all!

Where there are existing difficulties in a relationship, the retrograde
Venus period offers an opportunity for a reconciliation. People are often feeling unloved, unappreciated and disappointed while Venus is retrograde. They feel that they should be getting more out of their relationships. This is particularly true when Venus transits the 7th and 12th Houses. When a person is in a mood that makes them feel that nobody cares, it is an excellent time to make a "hat-in-hand" apology to restore a relationship with someone who is hurt. Any sincere apology will be graciously received.

Being the natural ruler of the 2nd House, Venus has dominion over certain financial affairs. This is NOT a good time for investing or starting new financial activities. The value of the product or commodity is often inflated or over-valued so that losses will occur when Venus turns direct. Splurging on substitutes for feeling loved can be costly and paying for this with Capricorn dollars can be difficult! A Capricorn friend has a predilection for making investments while Mercury or Venus are retrograde. Needless to say, the only benefit that he has received is a hefty write-off on his taxes for his losses.

While Venus is retrograde, it is not a time to purchase any so-called luxury items. You will be motivated by impractical considerations so that, what looks gorgeous in the store, may turn out to be the ugliest thing you have ever seen once Venus turns direct! The inclination is to purchase items that you will not like and you cannot return. No discussion of Venus retrograde would be complete without mentioning my redheaded friend who bought a purple coat (on sale - could not be returned) while Venus was retrograde. Another man signed a lease on an apartment with a gorgeous sunken living room. So enamored of its beauty was this man that he did not consider the long-term financial strain. This retrograde does have excellent financial benefits if you know how to use them. First, because people are motivated by impractical considerations in making purchases, it is the perfect time to unload a "Rubber Chicken" - something that no one would buy except when Venus is retrograde. Someone is sure to see its inner beauty and feel that they cannot live without it. They may regret it later but that is not your problem. Working with the inflated value of this Venus transit makes this an excellent time to unload stocks, real estate and unwanted items. Then, use the money gained to pay off debts.

Venus retrograde is an excellent time for buying antiques, flea market items and secondhand goods wherein you know the real worth and value of the item but the seller does not. Years ago when I first studied astrology, I warned my parents about spending excessively on an antiquing trip when Venus was retrograde. To my surprise, they came back with the best bargains! They discovered many valuable antiques with very low prices because the seller did not know their value. Purchasing real estate is not always a problem with Venus retrograde. If you know that the property is a bargain, you can make an excellent deal. Discrimination is essential. Do not be motivated by
a flashy appearance.

According to Delphine Jay who has lectured extensively on retrogrades, she find that Venus retrograde is a favorable time for re-negotiating a financial situation such as a contract or bank loan. It can be helpful in resolving a long-standing legal matter. When Venus is station (around the retrograde/direct dates), it is a good time to change lawyers.

Mary Shea states that this is a time to reflect on the inner value of your experiences rather than outer display. Material rewards may be delayed and material or possessions that you expect to acquire may not manifest. A luxury item purchased may not please you in the long run. Relationships stated now will be associated with inhibitions - clandestine or possibly more spiritual. Something may be withheld and, if so, someone will be disappointed. Existing relationships may be up for review. Outer assurances and displays of love and affection are not readily evident. Old friends and lost loves may be contacted for a second look.

While the favorable transits from Venus retrograde offer an opportunity to benefit from this transit, the afflictions cause us the most difficulty, especially in relationships. The planets involved describe some of these problems. This is a general description of Venus afflicting a natal planet: 

Sun: A time of general poor cooperation and hurt feelings. You feel that you do not get the recognition that you deserve. Pride issues can present problems.

Moon: A time of overly sensitive moods and hurt feelings. It someone gets upset with you, back off and allow the mood to pass. The person is over-reacting and irrational. There is nothing that you can really do.
Attempts to appease will only make matters worse.

Mercury: A time of sensitivity through disagreement and not seeing
eye-to-eye. Hurt feelings with something said. Watch communications on this date.

Venus: A general time of poor cooperation, feeling unloved and unappreciated. The sign that Venus is not transiting will block the sign
needs shown by the natal Venus sign position.

Mars: Anger and jealousy can cause relating problems. Someone met at this time will have an unsettling affect upon your life. Hormones rule over reason. Love-hate situation in relating.

Jupiter: This aspect will cause phoniness and role playing in a
relationship. If the person seems too nice or if the opportunity seems too good to be true, know that it is an unrealistic situation.

Saturn: Responsibilities and the demands of others will make you feel
unloved and unappreciated. Learn to say NO!

Uranus: Unpredictability and erratic behavior in a relationship or an
attraction to an unpredictable person is indicated. A very unstable time in both relationships and finances. Emotional upsets, financial problems, rebellious spending.

Neptune: A time of deception and misreading signals. You may be dealing with an ambivalent person. Your own passivity can get you into trouble now. Disappointment in relating.

Pluto: Relating can be intense, controlling and manipulative. Overwhelming behavior can be a signal of attention needs. Back away from any relationship that seems karmic!

Transpluto: Criticism by a perfectionist person will cause a separation and alienation.

Ascendant: Your sense of self-worth, self-esteem and sense of lovability are not good now. You can start to feel sorry for yourself and feel disappointed in others who may not meet your needs...at least, in the manner that you anticipate.

Critical dates for Venus Retrograde: October 17 (Jupiter affliction), 22-23 (contra-parallel Saturn), November 3 (parallel Neptune), 15 (parallel Pluto). Watch finances and relationships during these periods as critical issues will likely arise for people in general.


CRISIS LUNATIONS FOR 2002


 

Crisis Lunation periods occurs when, at the time that the Moon is New or Full, the Moon is physically very close to the earth. This closeness-lunation parallel will amplify our emotional reactions, bringing matters to a crisis point. This Crisis Moon period usually begins about one week before the New/Full Moon and lasts several
days afterward. I find that you are only affected by one of the Crisis Moon periods, usually one that falls close to a natal planet. When a crisis arises, my advice is always to "stay calm, relax and make no impulsive decisions for at least a week." The most critical are eclipses. The most potent occurred on April 15, 1995, because it occurred at the time of a Lunar Eclipse. Of course, the event it portended was the Oklahoma City bombing as the Eclipse fell on the ASC/DESC axis over that city. The WTC/Pentagon attack occurred within the orb of a Crisis Lunation on October 13. For 2002, the Crisis Lunations are: The Full Moons of January 28, February 27, March 28, April 27; the New Moons of August 8, September 7, October 6, November 4 and December 4 (Solar Eclipse). November 4 is the
closest perigee in terms of kilometers, 358153.


by Lynn Koiner - All Rights Reserved