The Truth About Venus Retrograde

It’s officially “retrograde season” - the time of year when several planets all retrograde at the same time. It happens every year, even though not all planets retrograde annually. Venus is one of those, as “she” only retrogrades every 18 months or so. (Mars retrogrades every 2 years). The less frequently a planet retrogrades, generally the more potent the retrograde period. So, sure, Mercury retrograde is a pain in the ass at times. But it moves into retrograde 3-4 times each year, so it is more a part of our “norm”.

When planets like Venus retrograde, everyone assumes that their love relationships are all going to go backwards as well. Take a deep breath and unclench your fists...it’s gonna be ok.

Art by Christiane Vleugels (christianevleugels.com)

Let’s look at this…

Venus rules love and beauty, and also the things we value and the ways that make us feel valued. She rules the signs of Taurus and Libra, the 2nd and 7th houses of earned money and partnerships, respectively. Established relationships and partnerships (including business) will not necessarily derail during this time. But what is true is that during Venus Rx we tend to not see things as clearly around Venusian issues. So if you just met someone during a Venus Rx who you think is the Cat’s Meow, there’s a strong possibility that when Venus goes direct motion, you may not see that person the same way. The same is true of new projects, new contracts, new haircuts, new tattoos, etc. Your perceptions and feelings about anything regarding love, money or beauty could shift during and after a Venus retro.

So let’s have some rules of thumb:

You just met someone and Venus is in retrograde. You’re pretty sure they’re the one, so you want to propose, or jump their bones, or otherwise nail it down. Chill

You have been in discussions for a few weeks or months about a project or contract that seems very lucrative. Should you stall signing it until after Venus is direct? Nah. This is not something you just started, so go for it.

You have a wedding planned and it falls during Venus retrograde. Crap. Cancel it! Call Aunt Sherry! Pump your brakes, Bride-chilla. It was already planned. Get hitched and be happy.

You’re in a relationship and you’re pretty sure this transit is going to ruin you. So you break it off in anticipation, rather than have your heart broken. Oh honey, don’t.

Venus repeats transits every 8 years, and the last time it was in Gemini was the Spring of 2012, so theoretically you could spend a day trying to remember all the romantic crises of that time. Or not. Every one is new, even if certain patterns do exist because its hitting the same part of your chart. Where is your Gemini. That house will see some energy. This particular retrograde squares Neptune, suggesting we may get caught up in a non-reality, and then have a reality check. Its important we stay grounded and have good boundaries, but also that we don’t bail on a situation prematurely. Because retrogrades provide us with insight..they don’t seek to torture us.

Venus’ ultimate message to all of us: love yourself and be true to yourself and your values.

Dear Karen

I’m watching Mrs America on Hulu. It’s a mostly true depiction of the fight for women’s rights in the 70s...the ERA, Roe v Wade, etc... proponents...and opponents. 

It’s not a documentary, but y’all, not much has changed.  We still don’t agree on this shit!  Even women don't agree on women's rights!

I am thinking of a lot of people who don’t agree with “those kind of women”- and they’re all over my Facebook feed.  I’ve mostly unfriended and unfollowed these people that I don’t align with.  And trust me, I went through a period where I judged myself for that. Why? Because I am an intellectual, and I value information and the burden of educating ourselves. I value opposing arguments.  I love a good debate.  My fucking brand is based on the word “bitch”!  So I had to really examine myself when I started to put distance between myself and people who offend me.   Am I becoming that person who only associates with other people like me? (I’m pretty sure that’s called a “Karen”. )  What about the value of other values? Am I a hypocrite?

That answer is for me alone.  You should examine this in yourself too. But rest assured, remaining with people who don’t actually support your rights is a disservice to yourself.  People who care about what you have to say won't trample your words.  I have decided that if you don't agree with me, and you have no interest in learning anything about anyone else or a point of view other than yours, you can go.  To be in alignment with myself, I need to have a tribe of people that aligns with me and I with them. Bye Karens.

 The last few years have been a total rehash of the 70s and 80s, socially, politically, astrologically.

I guess we will keep having this Dejavu until we pull our heads out of our asses.  

And until then I guess the hypocritical patriarchy and it’s people will keep calling all of us “angry snowflakes” and a lot of other things.

I know it’s a touchy subject because I’m white, and somehow in recent times that makes my outrage less valid.  But I truly believe in equality for ALL people.  And I am outraged at every assault against black people, children, impoverished people, women, gay and trans folk, people of all colors, shapes and sizes. I hurt every time one of these people is trampled upon.  I do the best I know how, and its tricky to know how to do it.  But I do try.

The fight for equality is an active and ugly war, still. It is the fire that burns, even though the people with power hide us under a bushel, continually.  Civil rights, women's rights, gay rights  of any substantial sort only go back to our grandparents.    

• It was during our grandmother's lives that women had the national right to vote (1920)
• The ERA was proposed in 1923 but didn't pass until 1972.  
• In 1948 the military was de-segregated, and in 1954 the schools were. And even still, Ruby Bridges had to be escorted into school in 1960....this was just during our parents' lives.
• It was also during our parent's lives (1955) that Rosa Parks, and countless unsung, unnamed heroes stood up for equal rights for black citizens.
• It wasn't until the 1950's, and tenuously at best, that gay rights even dared to take a breath.
• A Commercially available birth control pill was first available in 1960. And you had to have your husband's permission to use it...
• In 1963 was MLK's "I have a dream" speech.  in 1964, we got the Civil Rights Act.  
• Equal pay only became a law in 1963, but  we're still a far cry from that being a reality for most women. (Ask me how I know!)
• Countless other Civil Rights Acts were signed into law in the 60s, thanks to LIGHT workers who FOUGHT for justice. 
• In 1973,  Roe v Wade passed. And women gained full control over their reproductive rights. Sorta. 
• That same year, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from a list of mental disorders!
• The first woman served on the Supreme Court in 1980. NINETEEN EIGHTY! 
• Also in 1980, was the first mention of "gay rights" in an election
• in 1994 Clinton signed the Violence Against Women Act to work to end domestic abuse. 
• 1997 - Ellen came out. 
• 1998 - Matthew Shepard was murdered
• 2003 and 2004 - Gay marriage begins to be legalized.
• In 2007, Pelosi became the first Speaker of the House. Two Thousand and Seven, y'all.  
• 2011 - the Military allows openly gay members (My children were school aged!) 
• 2013 - the Military removed the ban against women in combat.
• 2016-  we almost had a female president, but nope, I guess we weren't ready. 
• Its 2020, and instead, we have a President who proudly proclaims things like "bleeding from her whatever" about an outraged journalist, "grab them by the pussy", and openly mocks, women, disabled people, and name calls anyone who disagrees with him.  He has a sexual crime history which we just can't bring ourselves to give a shit about. He was a close associate of Epstein, and countless other degenerates.  He's an affront to women and minority rights in every way.  But by God, Make America Great Again. 

Yep. I said it and I don't care anymore who doesn't like it. It's true. If you voted because you think he represents your values, that's fine.  I don't want those values around me. And that doesn't make me a Karen, or a hypocrite.  It makes me aligned with my beliefs.  It makes me a warrior for what I know is true - that we are ALL equal in the eyes of Goddess.  

When I first learned what a “light worker” was, I thought “well that’s lovely.  Like angels. Peace and love and light. Amen”. I have since realized that being a light worker is far from fluffy and love and light all the time. I’m a warrior.  I was born that way.  It was smooshed out of me for many years and  I acquiesced.  But when I had my awakening, it wasn’t about being a peace loving hippie.  It was a spark of righteous rage that grew inside me.  I was angry that I had been trampled, and I couldn't help but start to see everything differently.  I didn't want anyone to feel that way. And I knew that my journey was just a little blip compared to the hell some people live through.  I have no delusions of victimhood.  But I can't go back to sleep, nor would I chose to.  So  I point out hypocrisy, speak the ugly truth...(usually with science and facts, but also with love, and empathy and compassion and knowledge and passion) in the hopes of achieving peace eventually.   That peace starts within and spreads outward.  But don’t be fooled.  It spreads like fire, not like fairy dust.  

2020 has lit me up.  

Don't like me?  I'm used to it. I'll still be here fighting for equality, in every small way I can think of,  even for you. I love you, even if I think you're a misguided asshole. 

Because I am a light worker, and I'm not afraid of the dark, Karen. 

BitchScopes for May 4-10 - Love Her Madly

I am hopeful that this week we can collectively feel some soothing energy, hear some good news, and feel more deeply connected to ourselves and others. There are some beautiful transits this week to create this vibe. Mercury is still strong and very active this week, making deep connections for potential breakthroughs and insights. Mercury can also make you feel jittery and nervous, depending on how it lands in your personal chart. Neptune is available to help with that, but be aware that Neptunian paths often lead to dissociation by use of substances. Soothe yourself consciously.


But the big news is the full moon in Scorpio on Thursday. I generally don’t love the full moon energy but this one may be an exception for me. We’ll see. But if you are a full moon-o-phile (something I’m sure there is an actual word for), you’re sure to dig this. Scorpio full moons are deep and intimate and bring feelings to the surface. This moon trines Mercury and Neptune, offering compassion and words that feel good to us. During this time of pandemic, dischord, disagreement, dystopia, disease, and economic disaster, we really need to be soothed. No one agrees on anything right now, it seems. So let’s be very conscious this week to be very loving toward each other and really take advantage of this lunation. We need each other. I would also be lying if I didn’t tell you that this moon is pretty sexy. It’s probably not a great time to get busy with someone you don’t know (for OMG so many reasons) but if you’re in a relationship, this could bode well for deep intimacy and some steam-releasing kink. Just sayin’...sexual healing, y’all. If you’re not connected with a partner, give the gift of Scorpio to yourself!

For some reason, maybe because I made a joke with someone about it earlier this week, I keep hearing The Doors music in my head as I write this. It does embody these vibes accurately for me. Dig?


This is for you, Greg. Thank you for everything you taught me when you were here. I'll forever be naming imaginary bands... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCX8VJIYgM8



May 4 – Sun conjunct Mercury strong mental connections and energy

May 5 - Moon nodes shift into Gemini and Sagittarius.

May 7 – Mercury sextile Neptune (same time as the full moon) - soothing words, spiritual energy

May 7 3:45 am pst – Full Moon Scorpio - will be the opposite bookend of the tense new moon on April 22nd. This moon offers compassion, healing, and insight galore.

May 9 – Mercury trine Pluto - powerful mental energy, but watch for obsessive thoughts.

May 10 – Mercury trine Jupiter - great insight, research vibes, optimism

May 10 – Sun sextile Neptune - heightened intuition and spirituality


Weekly scopes by sign, with the return of nicknames…*


ARIES

This moon, and its Neptunian influence, will have you in your feelings, Clark. You may feel compelled to express yourself more during this time, maybe even verbally, which is a change up for you, since you are generally more physical.

This week offers you time to think about your financial and business goals, and the partnerships you have in place to achieve those goals. Trust is a key component for your growth in the coming days and weeks, and that means a certain amount of vulnerability. This brings us back to the feels, and the importance of intimacy with those you wish to grow alongside with.

TAURUS

Wally, this moon may tickle your urge to merge.

Wait, that’s every day. Ok well...more than usual...

This moon represents intimacy, although not just sexual. How you relate to the people around you will be highlighted by this moon. If you allow it, this moon will actually merge with YOU, and become a part of you going forward. It has the potential to really strengthen your most personal relationships, and to change how you approach these things from deep inside you.

Also, you in particular could have some great sex with an established partner during this time. So cheers, lucky Bull!

GEMINI

Jimmi, you might feel best in a bit of a cocoon this week. The isolation is somewhat forced upon all of us during this time. But you can also choose to disconnect from social media for a few days this week in order to quiet your mind. If you give yourself this time, you might uncover some career insights that could not have otherwise broken through the noise.

This moon highlights your 6th house of work, routine, and service. You could best grab hold of this energy by making some small changes to your lifestyle during this time. Whether its your morning routine, or the elimination of a particular food, this moon will help you incorporate this with more ease than usual.

If you do not currently volunteer or donate, you might consider even a small regular donation during this time. This will do more for you than you realize.

CANCER

I think you’ll feel pretty great this week, Cancer. This Scorpio moon is nestled in with Neptune, so it doesn’t get much more watery or homey for you.

Your creative streak may feel very comfortable strutting about this week, Patty. So let it run amok.

Your creativity will benefit not only you, but also your tribe. Those around you have much to learn from your “hobbies”. The things you do to cope, and feel better, have the ability to heal others and help them grow. So basically, the world needs you to enjoy yourself.


LEO

Fluffy, You may not be the biggest fan of this lunation, but then again, maybe you will. It depends on how comfortable you are with your own emotions and your ability to be honest and vulnerable. (hint: your feelings don’t have to make sense or be logical.)

Your home or personal life will ask for, if not demand, attention. But you may be more comfortable hiding in a project, a daydream, or a pint of ice cream, and that’s ok too. Ask yourself if you’re hiding from doing the work, or you’re just not willing. Relationships that have gone off track a bit can be course corrected this week if you put some energy there. On the other hand, if your gut tells you that you’re done with whatever that is, then use this time to build something new. Express yourself and your feelings to the people you trust, and nurture and soothe yourself. Build the life you want, not just the one you inherited.

VIRGO

This week is about connecting dots, creating, and communicating, Virg. You live to serve, but your best service this week is to yourself. Tap into your knowing, your gut, and explore your creative side.

Its to your greatest benefit this week that you use your words. Use them carefully, as they will have more potency than usual. But if there is something that you have not been able to resolve, this could be a week that progress is made. This is where the creativity could come in. Brainstorm on paper and see what new info might come out of your cranium. You are likely to find a creative solution and the ability to express it.


LIBRA

Libby, this week is a great time to bust out a spreadsheet and look at your budget, your long and short term goals, and the money that you share with your partner(s). Your earned income will be highlighted by this moon, but that same 2nd house also rules how you value yourself.

You don’t give yourself enough credit for how stable you are, or how hard you work. Your tendency to compare yourself to others really undermines the strength of that 2nd house. Spend some time thinking about what you have, and instead of berating yourself about what you don’t have yet, write down some of those goals and the steps needed to get there.

SCORPIO

This full moon is all yours, Sting. Its likely to be an emotional one, so try to surrender to what comes to the surface. This week your heart will have plenty to say to you. Allowing creative energy to flow through you will go a long way to making progress on anything that you haven’t yet been able to seal a deal on.

As mentioned, which I’m sure you did not miss, this is a pretty sexy and romantic moon. You are the master of sex magic, even if you have no idea what that is. Lean into that energy this week and see what can be created.


SAGITTARIUS

Not gonna lie, Terry, this week may not be super awesome and comfortable for you. Nothing to dread, per se. But you should expect the unexpected feeling to randomly ping you throughout the week. Some of what comes up may be old, and strange and hard to figure out. Don’t try too hard to solve any of it. Just be with it.

This is a great week to give yourself a break. Take a breath, give yourself some space. Chances are you’ve been quite busy lately, but you will benefit from a break, even if it seems counter intuitive.

CAPRICORN

This week might bring you into contact with people who could turn out to be important, Billy. Keep your business cards on hand and don’t be shy about making connections. Some of those connections are likely to happen online, or virtually. So when a video, or conference, or class piques your interest, jump on that. There’s a possibility that your new tribe is calling to you, so listen, and follow your gut this week. It will mean letting go of certain notions of “this isn’t practical or the right time for this”. So when your pragmatism gets in the way of a new experience, this week, just acknowledge the note and proceed with the flutter in your gut.

AQUARIUS

It IS your time to shine, Barb. Take some time to get clear on what you want to do with your gifts. The fact is, you could do just about anything, and that can create some confusion. But what do you really enjoy doing? Get clear on the steps around making that a reality. The full moon is a great time to shed things we are done with. For you, consider letting go of the expectations of others. You benefit the collective most when you are feeling your best.

PISCES

You, of all the signs, may really love this full moon week. Your feelings will be in full bloom and you will radiate strength and compassion. You give so much to others, Gill. This week, take a moment to give yourself some credit. Reflect on the importance of your presence in the big picture...it is OK to feel important, because you are.

This moon might encourage you to share some of your personal truth and wisdom, or knowledge about a project, or a technique you are really vibing with right now. . And while you might feel shy about it, lean in to the idea of sharing it. There is something waiting for your energy and it will find you when you shine your beacon.

*Guide to sign nicknames (welcome to my mind)

Aries = Clark, as in Clark Kent. Because you’re an unstoppable badass
Taurus = Wally, because you are strong, sturdy, and rather immovable, like a wall
Gemini =Jimmi, because it reminds me of Jimini Cricket, because you have many voices in your head and they’re all yours
Cancer = Patty because of Crabby Patty
Leo = Fluffy, because its a cute cat name and because your ego and your hair are fluffy
Virgo = Virg, because you’re a difficult sign to nickname
Libra = Libby because I was getting tired by this point
Scorpio = Sting because you have a powerful stinger, and he’s an amazing musician
Sagittarius = Terry becuase I was getting tired of “Sadge” or “Sag” which just means droopy, which is not you
Capricorn = Billy because you’re a goat scaling the mountains of life
Aquarius = Barb, because you can be a little barbed, and because “Barbara Wawa” from SNL is funny, and you’re a water carrier, and I’m an Aquarius so this one is as complicated and convoluted as I am.
Pisces = Gill, becuase...fish..gills...sorry?