Venus goes retrograde, teaching a few lessons about love amidst a pandemic.
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Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19)
Aries, now is not the time to rush back to business as usual. Instead, the skies are inviting you to go inward, review, and re-evaluate your future pathways. I know this is not an easy task for you, dear Aries. It may even add anxiety, which I surely don't want you to experience. But May is pretty much demanding that you plan ahead. So, it's critical to use your calming tools. Reminder, marijuana stores are considered essential businesses. Venus, the planet of love and relationships, turns retrograde on May 13th. She lands in the sign of Gemini, activating your 3rd house of communications, attitude, and the local community. Think back to Spring 2012, the last time Venus was retrograde in Gemini. Similar themes will arise this go-round. Since you're older and wiser, it does not have to be a return to old patterns or fears; this is a time of growth and renewal. For those who have been sheltered in place with a partner, I don't care how solid your relationship is, I'm sure you got on each others' nerves. Venus going underground, bringing up everything which annoys you. Aries, you're fiercely independent, and when pissed off, everyone knows. Oh, your poor partner. Here's some astrologer's advice: learn to express your needs with clarity, boundaries, and self-regulation. You'll thank me. For those single, it's so challenging to date or find love in the time of Corona. The only way to do so is through communications, more swiping, Zoom dates, FaceTime, whatever platform you choose Venus in Gemini lined up perfectly to support you in this way; aren't the celestial skies wise? Smart is the new sexy; engage in witty banter in the chatbox, focus on verbal repartee, and you'll get hooked on someone new. During Venus retrogrades, take stock before you end a relationship or commit to a new one. It is always best to wait until she moves forward. We've had enough chaos. Gemini is busting and buzzing with possibilities and fresh ideas. The first germination may not be the best, like ingesting cleaning products to combat COVID-19; that advice came from a Gemini. Please indulge in a pandemic pause. Use this time to let your inspirations marinate and don't be too hasty moving forward. Here's to different ways of loving and communicating. Get creative, Aries.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20)
Taurus, wishing you the happiest of birthdays! I hope you can spend your special day basking in nature. A walk in the park? Maybe an ocean swim when the beaches reopen, safely socially distanced, of course. Nature revitalizes your soul; think simplicity a la Henry David Thoreau, and relish in all taken for granted before Corona. Taurus, your ruler, the planet of love, beauty, and relationships, goes retrograde from May 13th to June 25th. She retrogrades in the sign of Gemini, activating your second house of talents, self-worth, and finances. When your ruler goes underground, it affects you more than the other zodiac signs. Venus will retrograde for 40 days and 40 nights. Sounds biblical, right? Well, we are living during a plague, so it is astrologically apropos. Taurus, it is time to take that cliched pandemic pause; though we've collectively been on hiatus since March, I'm sorry to say that yours will continue for a while longer. The universe is asking you to reassess your skills, gifts, assets, and resources. Have you been creative about earning an income during these changed times? How are you spending money wisely or thrifty? Any online, binge shopping? Listen, this is serious. Something has likely shifted professionally for all of you in some way. While many are still working, others are unemployed or furloughed. Now is the time to be very mindful of your work. Does it fill you? And to focus deeply on what and where you spend your hard-earned money. Does it add value to your life? It needs to. If not, pivot in financial purpose. Venus will present challenging energies as the planet, Neptune, come into play. Neptune represents universal love, compassion, and spirituality. It sounds so healing and restorative. But Neptune is also vague and deceptive. As a result, disappointment and lack of uncertainly may prevail. Personal relationships, especially with those who sheltered in place, could also be changing or unstable during this Venus retrograde. Taurus, you are going to have to get comfortable with the uncertainty period. While the world as a whole faces the same situation, you'll just feel and be jolted by it more intensely. There is a resolution; by the end of July, Taurus, you'll emerge from this strange time with a clear and directed vision for the future. Heed the musings of Eckart Tolle: "When you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open up in your life." Embrace those infinite possibilities. It can be an ever more beautiful and meaningful birthday month than those in the BC era, dear Taurus.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Gemini, do you LOVE it? Whether referring to a person, place, or current situation, this is your existential question for May. Like that HGTV show, either love it or leave it! Venus is in your sign, Gemini, and will retrograde from May 13th to June 25th. She returns back to the same spot every eight years. So, think back to the spring of 2012, if your memory allows to get a glimpse of what Venus has in store this time around. The themes may be similar, yet the outcome does not have to be. Venus lands in your 1st house of self-identity. Love yourself Gemini, you are so easy to love. This is an opportunity to awaken, take stock, indulge in extra self-care, and then spread that Gemini lovin' out into the world. Are you getting all the TLC you deserve? Or are you giving out all your love? It's time to balance the scales. Give as well as receive, especially now. We all need each other and love truly is the great equalizer. Your relationships will now be under review. Venus retrograde invites you to clear the air, deal with issues you haven't wanted to look at or resolve. Venus revives a relationship on life support or unplugs you from it. What makes this Venus retrograde tricky is that she will be dancing with the planet Neptune. Neptune rules beauty, compassion, spirituality, and illusion. He can also be elusive and lacking in clarity. The celestial skies are a reflection of our world; we are living in the in-between; change is imminent, yet what that looks like is not known. It is the same with Neptune/Venus; times are uncertain. You'll have to accept this as temporary and understand that you may just not know the answers right now. It's okay. But it is best not to make any major decisions, especially when it comes to love until Venus goes direct. Like The Beatles sang, "In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." Be patient, Gemini, and let love lead the way.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Cancer, where are you? Venus is going off the grid this month. She's in retrograde and, you'll be hiding out in your 12th house. The 12th house is where you go to escape, retreat, meditate, and find inspiration. That probably sounds great if you've been cooped up with a full house during COVID. It is also where you store hidden secrets, unconscious behaviors, and self-sabotaging habits. Venus, meanwhile, lands in Gemini. Gemini is perceptive and insatiably curious. He is also fickle, flirtatious, and a quick-witted charmer. Being an air sign, Gemini is not sentimental. Rather, Gemini is ruled by knowledge, science, and facts! Yes, it's confusing. So are these unchartered times. Venus comes around every eight years to the same spot, so think back to May and June of 2012, similar themes will emerge. Old lovers often show up during Venus retrogrades. If there are any misunderstandings, scandals, or doubts in relationships, or if you have vices to address, mull them over in weeks ahead. Be mindful of illicit affairs that may entice you. If you can't abstain, at least be discreet. There are tons of online therapists longing for work who will confidentially help sort things out with you. Seriously, make sure you get the requisite space and alone time you crave this month. Yes, even after quarantine. You need it, no matter what your living and sheltered situation. Venus retrograde is not the time to make decisions regarding your relationships; wait it out until Venus goes direct. The skies are hazy with uncertainty. Neptune, the planet of mystery, illusion, and spirituality, adds more challenging aspects to Venus' retrograde. So, Cancer, it's best right now to just observe, imagine, flirt, and play in your own 12th-house world. By the end of July, the skies will clear, and clarity will return. Cancer, see you when you come out of hiding!
Leo (July 23-Aug 22)
Leo, I know you are longing to hang with your tribe, but please don't rush back all at once. May ushers in a much-welcomed reprieve from the intensity of the last two months. It is a slow-paced month, with three planets turning retrograde. Venus, the planet of love, the arts, and finances, will turn backward from May 13th to June 25. She retrogrades to the same spot every eight years. Think back to 2012. Can you recall what was happening in your world? Well, similar themes now emerge. Venus shines her focus on relating to others, romantically and socially. No, you haven't forgotten how just because of Corona. It's like riding a bike. Venus lands in the sign of Gemini and will activate your eleventh house of friends, community, and future aspirations. The eleventh house also rules technology. During these Corona times, technology has been our life support. Zoom, FaceTime, YouTube, virtual meetings, you name it, any tech-app which serves to connect is like a ventilator now. Gemini, coincidentally, also rules social media, along with communication, information, and knowledge sharing. Leo, Venus is inviting you to review these aspects of your life. It's a perfect time to be brave. Which friendships fill you? Which drain you? You have permission for honesty, especially after what we've all been through. Consider lessons learned from your tribe, your partner, your closest people. Use them to deepen the most important relationship: the one with yourself. Think airplane analogy about putting on your own mask first! It's tricky because the planet Neptune enters your celestial scene and creates havoc with Venus. Neptune is elusive, dreamy, and spiritual. Yet when these two planets are in a challenging alignment, the dialogue may be vague and oddly murky. So be very mindful of communicating with your friends, loved ones, and partners. Texts and emails can get easily misconstrued; a happy-faced emoji or LOL always helps. Take special care to support yourself through the learning curves that present during this strange time. By the end of July, you'll have the clarity to move forward. Hopefully, you'll have deepened your friendships and solidified your relationships. Rest assured and patiently, lovely Leo; your peeps can't wait to see you in person either!
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)
Virgo, as we ease back into the world, the cosmos are whispering, "slowly, slowly." Do not be in such a hurry to return to life BC -- that is, before Corona. It may feel as if nothing is moving forward. But It is, in a temporary, new normal. So please just breathe, adapt, and come up with plan B. We've all had to be flexible and resourceful during this pandemic. Virgo, flexibility, and adaptability are your strong points. You're sort of like the dream partner or employee, even if in virtual form for the moment. This month, three planets are going retrograde, all within days of each other. The most compelling and personally felt is Venus. She reigns over love, beauty, and money. Venus will be in Gemini, activating your 10th house of career and mission in the world. Venus retrogrades through the same part of the sky and our charts every eight years. That means this Venus retrograde picks up on a related theme experienced back in 2012. Now, you are being given another chance to reassess those life aspects ruled by Venus. What makes your heart sing? What pursuits have you so engrossed that you lose track of time? Where do you want to invest your talents and time? Pay attention to these questions; this is the time for reflection and self-assessment. With Venus in Gemini, the sign of knowledge, shared information, and quick thinking, it's also the ripe opportunity to look inward at your professional goals. The desire for connection and financial gain in your career is paramount in decision-making. Prepare now to make changes that will maximize your chances of success. You must also contend with planet Neptune, who is creating a stressful alignment with Venus. Neptune is the planet of inspiration and beauty. But the shadow side of Neptune alters reality and clouds perceptions. When Venus and Neptune are not in agreement, deceptions, illusions, and lack of clarity result. The antidote lies in Gemini. If you encounter obstacles, tap into the Gemini energy. Pause; think things through, get the facts, and then let go. By the end of July, the foggy veil will be lifted; you'll see clearly, and be able to move forward with a greater sense of direction and purpose. Delicate Virgo, find strength, take care, and stay malleable in the meanwhile.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22)
Libra, how are you holding up? Being in self-quarantine, especially those living solo, must be especially wearisome for you. We are getting closer to loosening restrictions; very soon you will be able to be out and about, of course, sporting a mask and rocking social distance. Libra, your ruler, the Goddess Venus, is going retrograde in Gemini, a fellow air sign. When she goes underground, it affects you more than other signs. Venus is encouraging you to reflect, review, and revise the area of your chart where she lands, which happens to be your 9th house. This house governs learning, future goals, long-distance travel, and belief systems. I'm hoping that you had time and inclination, during COVID, to contemplate these deep topics. Now, think back to 2012, when Venus was in retrograde in the same exact spot. Similar themes will emerge, but this go around, you're bringing the benefits of wisdom and gained experience. Lovely Libra, where do you see yourself a few years down the road? Which exotic location is calling to you? What do you want to learn? Which beliefs and values no longer serve? And is your partner sharing compatible dreams? Well, this pandemic should have us all seeking answers to these questions. Venus encourages you to find them. She is also inviting you to expand your worldview and cultural connections. During all of this serious thinking, you may hit a glitch. The planet Neptune, who rules inspiration, beauty, dreams, and spirituality, is in direct conflict with Venus. When this occurs, disappointments, deceit, and disillusion often result. No; we didn't need this right now. But you'll still be okay. You just need to tap into patience. Neptune is also imaginative; so you can use this odd lunation to set dreams and inspirations into motion. Travel far and wide, in your mind, just for now. You can use the extra money, I'm sure. Google the places you want to go, leveraging the restless and explorative energy of Gemini. Read, learn, grow, and prepare for positive life changes. By the end of July, you will have a clearer vision of your next journey, be it figurative or actual. The most valuable mission is one that adds understanding to you who are and your place in the universe. Libra, get out this month as the world slowly reopens. Oh, the places you have yet to go!
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21)
Scorpio, this month you have to dive into the deep end of the pool. As if the past few months haven't been challenging enough? Scorpio, you are the most resilient sign of the zodiac, I have full faith that you will emerge stronger, braver, and wiser on the other side of COVID. May is slower and less intense than the start of 2020. Three planets are turning retrograde, asking us to slow down and not rush into anything prematurely. If only those states opening everything at once would take pause to consult an astrologer. Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and finances, turns retrograde from May 13th to June 25th, in the sign of Gemini. Gemini is all about communication, sharing information, facts, and learning. Meanwhile, Venus' retrograde in your 8th house highlights shared resources, intimate relationships, and finances. Think back to May and June of 2012, Venus was retrograde in the same position, and similar themes will resurface. This time around, you're wiser, possessing greater maturity to handle difficult situations with grace and courage--and pandemic-forced patience. Venus will bring up issues that you haven't wanted to face, especially in your intimate relationships. You'll need to practice non-aggressive communications with partners and significant others in your life, especially after being around them 24/7. Shared finances and collaborations are also under scrutiny. You may choose to be released from a relationship, a business contract, or a deal that soured. You'll know which is relevant for you, and then you can tell me about it. For those relationships that survive this turbulent time, they are ones to last a lifetime. Though the pot will be stirred, please do not make any definitive decisions until the end of July. Neptune, the planet of illusion, dreams, and beauty, is wreaking havoc with Venus. Neptune is murky; you will not have the clarity or information to proceed correctly. I know you are incredibly intuitive, but try not to react or act impulsively. Scorpio, you are stubborn and resistant to change. These times are demanding that you learn to be flexible. Think of the palm trees that sway with the wind and withstand hurricanes. While this wasn't a hurricane, it uprooted us all. So, smart Scorpio, be like the palm tree in the wind.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21)
Sagittarius, our lives are in flux. May continues with the ebbs and flows of uncertainty. Restrictions should ease up each day, but please don't set off on a new adventure; the celestial skies are urging you to maintain a slow pace. Three planets will turn retrograde mid-month, the most influential one is Venus. She retrogrades on May 13th to June 25th, in your opposite sign of Gemini. Venus rules relationships, love, and beauty. She activates your 7th house of committed relationships, both personal and business. Think back to 2012, when Venus last retrograded in the same spot. While similar themes will emerge, you are being given another chance to review, renew, and reflect on your life. It's like a pandemic-spurred reboot. Venus retrogrades are turning-point cycles; the question is, how will they play out? Venus can deepen partnerships or break up those on shaky ground. Gemini lives in the sign of communication; you have a chance to learn more effective techniques, think non-aggressive and mindful communications--to talk and work out issues. Venus retrograde allows you to face ones you've swept aside, maybe issues that living in quarantine has brought to the fore. Sag, now is the time to address them. It will be liberating and growth-oriented. We've all changed in some way as a result of what's happened globally. Your call is to heal and do even better. It can get a bit tricky with Neptune's entry. Neptune, the planet of illusion and creativity, can also be deceptive and seductive. I'm giving you fair warning. Neptune may show up with its shadow side of disappointments and disillusionment. And when Neptune and Venus are at odds, nothing is definite. So hold off on making definitive decisions about your relationships. Do the work, but do wait till the end of July for action when you will have clarity once again. For single Sags, if you start dating during this cycle, try not to have expectations, just enjoy the moment. Dating in the time of Corona, and mostly via technology, emphasizes the allure of scintillating conversations, charming wit, and intelligent banter. Meeting in person, for now, donning masks, will be the true sign of chemistry. So, sweet Sag, hang on; nurture those relationships, and wait for positive changes to come!
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19)
Capricorn, the pandemic pause getting you down? Do try to enjoy the lull rather than fight it, Cap. May is a welcome reprieve from the intensity of the past few months. While states and countries are gradually opening up again, there is no need to rush back into life BC, before Corona. This month, three planets turn retrograde; the universe is insisting we still take it slowly. When planets move retrograde, there is a shift of energy, and it becomes a more introspective time. Use it wisely. Sort through all that has occurred with mindful attention. There are like a zillion online apps, yogis, and happiness gurus to help guide your way. You'll be able to soar forward again soon. Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and finances, goes retrograde from May 13th to June 25th in the sign of Gemini. Venus returns to the same spot every eight years. So, think back to 2012; old themes related to Venusian energy may surface. Now that you're older and wiser, you can welcome and deal with them on your terms. As Venus retrogrades through your 6th house, you are encouraged to review relationships with work, daily routines, and self-care. Former bosses, colleagues, friends, or loves may reappear during this time. This pause allows you to dive deeply inward, something that you may not have had time before the pandemic. Gemini is the sign of communication. Cap, this is also a time to reflect and enhance your interpersonal relation skills. You know there are apps and gurus for that too. Go check them out. The difficulty with this Venus retrograde is that planet Neptune is blurring the picture. Neptune and Venus come at odds. Though Neptune deals with illusion and mysticism, he can be deceptive and elusive. Be patient Cap, you are going to have to shift through what is true and what is not. I know this won't be an easy task as you are the most straightforward, no-nonsense sign of the zodiac. The fog will clear at the end of July; please do try not to make any significant decisions in love and work until then. Cheers to a calmer and more relaxed May, Cap.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)
Aquarius, how have you been dealing with this reality of Corona? Venus has been holding court in your 5th house of love, creativity, romance, and kids since April 4th. Usually, this is a fun, romantic, and creative time; but we are not living in normal times. May ushers in a welcome reprieve from the intensity of the past two months. The celestial skies are urging us to still maintain a slow and steady pace. Three planets will turn retrograde mid-month; the most personal is Venus. She will retrograde on May 13th to June 25th, in the sign of Gemini. Think back to May and June of 2012, when Venus last retrograded in Gemini; similar themes will occur. It does not have to be a repeat of the past; you've got more wisdom and experience on your side. This 5th house retrograde showcases play, creative energy, romantic entanglements, and kids. It also brings to light the risk of challenging emotions and unmet needs around these aspects. Venus wants you to examine the ways you use your creative energy, parent, and date--all without drama. Do I dare ask how homeschooling is going? Are you finding artistic expression via an online app? Being in the sign of playful Gemini, whose energy aligns with yours, slow doesn't mean this has to be a heavy time. You just experienced one. Gemini is the communicator who knows what is going on in the world all the time. He is relentlessly curious and quick to learn. Tap into it and have some fun Zoom dating, doing at-home projects, and finding creative outlets with your children. Be aware that there is also a tricky and confusing aspect to the month. Venus is square to Neptune which often leads to confusion and questioning--what you want from yourself, your relationships, and life in general. Old lovers may reappear and you may seek solace in time alone, just to think. Let things mull. This is not the time to make any decisions with Neptune in the mix. Things are not what they appear to be; all that glitters is not gold. Use this rare opportunity to go within and find what makes you you truly happy. By the end of July, you will know, dear Aquarius.
Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)
Pisces, my sensitive one, I hope you are holding up ok! May offers a welcome reprieve from the relentless intensity of the past two months. While the world is starting to re-emerge, the universe thinks otherwise; so proceed with caution. Three planets will retrograde mid-month, the energy shifts, ushering in an invitation for introspection. This is not the time to push forward. Please continue with the pandemic pause, no matter how restless you feel. Venus goes retrograde from May 13th to June 25th in the sign of Gemini. Venus rules love, beauty, and the arts. Gemini is the purveyor of information, thinking, facts, and playfulness. Together, Gemini and Pisces are very flexible and adaptable signs, precisely what's needed during these uncertain times. Venus retrograde will be moving through your fourth house of home and hearth. Pisces, since you've been in quarantine, I know you have been cleaning out closets, rearranging the furniture, painting walls, and creating DIY projects. Take a break now (you back will thank me) until Venus goes direct. She dwells in beauty, but when in a backward motion, you may end up needing a contractor to fix your mistakes. Think back in time to May-June of 2012, when Venus was last retrograde in this spot. Similar themes will resurface, but now, you've got life experience and wisdom on your side. Those of you who have elderly parents or relatives are worried about their welfare. Healing and honoring familial relationships is of the utmost importance right now. Family dynamics were likely highlighted if in close quarters during Corona. Repair what was damaged. Use Gemini's rational, cerebral energy to communicate effectively and with compassion. Maybe add a little bit of playfulness. Venus is love, and what is more beautiful than a home filled with love? Also, be aware that your ruler Neptune is in Pisces, causing a confrontation with Venus. Neptune is elusive, dreamy, and spiritual. Yet when these two planets are in a challenging alignment, the dialogue may be vague and oddly murky. So be extra careful with your words and actions around those loved ones. When feeling weary or on edge, Pisces, listen to music; dance--it heals your soul. Wishing you a month filled with healing love!
