APRIL FOOL'S! VENUS still in RETROGRADE - it ain' over till' the fat lady sings...

I think I posted something about the Venus retrograde in March, but as we are still retrograding until April 17th, I think it is worth reminding all my Luvies:


The Planet of Loves Steps Back and Aires surprise!
Venus has been in ardent Aires since February 3, 2009. Usually Venus is in a sign for about 30 days, but this year it has an extended stay in Aires, as it went retrograde on Friday, March 6 through April 17th, when it will go stationary direct at 29 degrees in Pisces. It moves back into Aires on April 24 through June 5. So, with the exception of a 12 day period during the middle of April, Venus will have a 4 month stay in Aires this spring!

Aires is the first sign of the zodiac representing the self, and when Venus enters Aires our desire and love nature intensifies and we can feel more aggressive in the pursuit of love, fun and entertainment. We may also become more self centered or more interested in seeking self gratification without taking the other person's feelings into account.With a retrograde Venus in Aires, we will get down to the nitty gritty of what it takes to make ourselves truly happy in the love department. In that respect we are searching our own feelings for that which makes us happy in a relationship.

A retrograde Venus can bring back former loves from the past and we can reconnect with people from the past. Matters pertaining to money and love tend to slow down, and sometimes relationships can end, or take a turn for the worse, to regain a better perspective when Venus goes direct. A Venus retrograde is definitely NOT the time to get married, become engaged, or make major financial purchases, undertake plastic surgery or any other extensive beautification process, or make major art or jewelry purchases, unless you absolutely certain of what you are getting.New relationships that begin under a retrograde will have to withstand the test of time when Venus goes direct, as at that time the energy will change again. Some astrologers believe that a love relationship started under a retrograde Venus will suffer or be restrained in the love energy that is usually expressed.

What I refer to as 'karmic drama' often plays out during a retrograde Venus. If your relationship has been suffering, and you feel that you are not meant to be with the person you are with, sometimes the relationship may end, or an new one may begin. As the love energy slows down, relationships may slow down to some degree, and we will become more acutely aware of the state our relationship is in--good or bad. If you are in a committed relationship that is in good shape, you will probably hardly notice the retrograde. If you are in a difficult relationship, further issues may arise.

April 24th begins a lucky period for Aires, as both Venus and Mars will be together in Aires from that date until May 31, 2009. All fire and air signs can benefit in terms of meeting significant others in their life at this time. The significance of Venus and Mars being in the same sign is that it increases the possibility of meeting a true love if it is in your sign, or compatible with your Sun sign..It is rare occurrence to have Venus and Mars in your sign and sometimes it is years before occurs. Sagittarius is especially affected as well, (Venus and Mars are in the 5th house of love affairs) during this period. Mars and Venus will not be together again in Aires until 4/22/11, 3/23/13, and 4/1/15.

-Courtesy of Leslie Hale

"Venus Dances in Aries"

HERE'S A REALLY DEEP ARTICLE ABOUT INTROSPECTION/SELF-REFLECTION DURING THE VENUS RETROGRADE


Love's Reprieve - Venus Moves Retrograde
March 1, 2009 8:25 PM by Jessica Shepherd
If there are periods when everyone's relationship and self-esteem issues are 'up', that time is now. And if you study astrology you'll know exactly why: Venus aka Goddess of Love is moving retrograde (March 6 - April 17 2009). Lady Love's orbit has slowed so that she appears to be moving backwards from us earthlings' perspective making matters of the heart less straightforward. To avoid the pitfalls and take advantage of this period for re-strategizing relationship & love, read on.

Don't Commit to Anyone New.
Several women I know (myself included here) who have met prospective partner(s) during Venus retrograde eventually realized they weren't who they first seemed. The person looked really good, and seemed to possess all the right qualities but the packaging turned out to be different from the contents. Our ability to assess value and worth of the other may be off right now. Through no one's fault, this is a period of time when Princes can turn into Frogs and Frogs into Princes. So if you're seeing someone new, go slow, take your time getting to know them.

Clear Up Unfinished Relationship Business.
Past loves will often return during a retrograde cycle. This is encouraging if you're looking to reconnect with an old flame, but not so encouraging if against you own better judgment, you decide to give a bad relationship another go. In this case, your old flame may remind you of all the reasons it didn't work to begin with. The opportunity inherent here is apparent: you have the chance to clean up what's not working in your love life. Likewise, we can put old dating habits working against us (like wearing rose colored glasses about the people we meet, or making partnering decisions out of low self-esteem), to rest. Or we might finally address the dissatisfaction we've been feeling in our partnership to our satisfaction.

Make No Assumptions.
Don't assume you know what the other is thinking or feeling right now (this is a good rule of thumb generally). Venus influences judgment, so our interpretations of their behavior or feelings may be off. Instead of making an assumption, ask for their feedback. It's a good time for getting clear on your assumptions, too. Consider this may be something you can address internally, instead of bringing it to a crisis. Make the time and space to feel and honor your feelings. Many times this inner listening will dispel your worries.

Love Your Self and Your Body, Better.
Venus is the Goddess of Love, and she's also the Goddess of Self-Esteem. How are the two related? People who have high regard for themselves, who love their self genuinely and generously, attract people who love the same way in kind. Picture Botticelli's La Primavera: Venus holds herself in loving self-possession with one hand, the other in a gesture of appreciation. Before we can love another, we need to love our self. Nurture the aspect of your self that has been under appreciated or un-loved. This may include addressing any issues related to body image, sexuality or self-worth holding you back from expressing your full potential. Since self-love and happiness can't be bought or sold, having cosmetic surgery or making major beauty treatment purchases may not have your desired effect during Venus retrograde.

Finally, don't try and control your relationships and love interests and don't worry! Take the time to reflect and receive instead of act; if uncertain ask for guidance from your higher self. Everything will get clearer when Venus turns direct on April 17.

-Courtesy of Jessica Shepherd

APRIL 2009 COSMIC FORECAST

A Rollercoaster of a Month

April begins with the Sun in fiery Aries, which is supposed to quicken the pace of things. However, the full power of this pioneering sign may not kick in on schedule. That's because Venus is moving retrograde (backwards) until April 17, which can slow down social matters and occupy our time dealing with old issues. Dynamic Aries is the sign of the present, the here and now of spontaneity and immediacy, yet the fuse for new activity may be dampened by delays.

Mars, the ruling planet of Aries, is also slowing down progress as it wobbles through diffusive Pisces until April 22. An opposition to it from strict Saturn on April 4 can magnify the frustration caused by delays, denial and defeat. It's a reality check of the least gentle kind, one that can deflate hopes and send us back to the drawing board. However, if you've been pursuing a dream or ideal with dedication, commitment and a solid plan, Saturn's opposition can stabilize the situation and contribute to its long-term success.

The pace picks up, perhaps so suddenly that we go flying off the tracks, when Mars joins electric Uranus on April 15. This is an inventive, original and rebellious aspect that can spark bright new ideas and unconventional methods, yet managing its impatient and manic energy requires a cool head to handle the heat. Then, on April 22, Mars enters Aries and the high-octane fuel starts kicking in. This is the planet's first visit to its home sign in two years. It is terrific for innovation, launching new projects and raising the rate of physical activity. The warrior planet is ready for a fight, but you can turn that force in a constructive direction to harness the passion and power it represents. Standing still or avoiding issues is the least desirable tactic, since that increases the likelihood of being challenged by irritating individuals or tormenting tasks.

A key period every month is the Full Moon, when we are confronted by contradictions that either open minds and increase choices or stress us with opposing drives and points of view. This month's lunation is on April 9 with the Sun in independent Aries facing the Moon in accommodating Libra. Finding the right balance between self-interest and compromise can put pressure on partnerships. Yet, this could provide a valuable lesson in meeting someone halfway without losing touch with your own needs. Generous Jupiter forms a harmonious 120-degree trine to the Moon, which brings a desirable dose of open-minded optimism.

-By Jeff Jawer