Venus Retrograde in Scorpio and Libra in October-November 2010 Pt 1 - Connections To Be Made, So Communicate, Deepen, and Purify

by Robert Wilkinson

Venus has now gone retrograde as it does every 19 months. When any planet goes retrograde, there is an inward turning, a greater receptivity to unconscious factors, and a retracing of steps already traversed. When Venus goes retrograde, we are enabled to find a new appreciation and admiration for whatever Venus touches or symbolizes in our charts and lives, or find a new value in old interactions and things.

Venus in general symbolizes our likes and dislikes, our vanities and attractions. It is said to be associated with our aesthetics, pleasure principle, and social emotions, attitudes, and behaviors. As it rules the signs of Taurus and Libra, it measures our values, how we use what we have, what we wish to capture that we can "possess," and all our equal relationships, including both personal and business partnerships.

Any time Venus goes retrograde it's a great time to reflect on values, relationships, and why we like or don't like whatever or whoever. This includes our relationship to money, wealth, and things in general, as well as why we value what we do in our relationships, and whether we're working off of old tapes, old hurts, old attachments, and old aversions in relationships that bear no resemblance to what we're living with today.

Venus went stationary retrograde at 13 degrees of Scorpio at 0:06 am PDT, 8:06 am Greenwich on 8 October 2010. This retrograde period will last until 18-19 November 2010, when she will go stationary direct at 28 Libra just hours after Jupiter goes stationary direct at 24 Pisces.

This will mark a "sea change" in how alone or connected we feel, and become the centralized "point of consciousness in time" when very sound innovation is in the air, along with an intensification due to the forming Mercury conjunct Mars in Sagittarius, paving the way for greater truths, realizations, and futures once Mercury goes retrograde at 6 Capricorn in December, moving back to 20 Sagittarius just before New Years Eve.

Once Venus goes direct, it forms a septile to Mars and a biquinitile to Jupiter through the end of November. As it again moves forward, we'll get a final review of the Venus in late Libra and early Scorpio energies that will activate the growth potential of that span in our lives through December 20-21, just before and during the Winter Solstice.

Most of this retrograde will be in Scorpio. The beginning of the period shows Venus in the Scorpio zone of the Grand Irrationality, septile biseptile Neptune and septile Pluto, making no other significant aspects. In late October it conjuncts Mercury at 8 Scorpio followed by the Solar conjunction at 6 Scorpio. More on this "inferior conjunction" between the Sun and Venus later in this article.

That Venus is in the Scorpio zone of the Grand Irrationality shows this will be an extremely important fork in the road in all our relationships, where old ways are about to be left behind after the inward-turned, reflective period between now and mid-November. These changes have already been anticipated by Mars in early October, and they will be given vitality by the end of October.

I discussed Venus triggering the Grand Irrationality in numerous articles in late September. By consulting those articles via the site google box, you can learn more about what the Grand Irrationality is, and what zones of influence are most highly activated at present.

Venus' stationary RX point marks a threshold that primarily affects areas ruled by Taurus, Libra, and Scorpio. However, as it triggered the Grand Irrationality during its recent conjunction with Mars, other signs directly affected include Aries, Capricorn, and Aquarius, along with our most spiritual Sagittarius and Pisces potentials. Thus half of our reality will move through decision points that mark a turn toward a better destiny and away from old illusions and traps.

The inferior conjunction between Venus and the Sun occurs at 6:10 pm PDT on October 28, 2:10 am GDT Oct 29 at 6 degrees of Scorpio. The degree of the inferior conjunction is one of "A gold Rush."

Rudhyar says it symbolizes our capacity to tear ourselves away from the known and familiar and avidly move into a dream of a better life. He goes on to state that this degree is "the passionate quest for universal values, destructive of cultural ease of living," and a "leaping to opportunity."

Dr. Marc Jones says this degree shows us how to exploit "natural resources through personal initiative or intelligence," where we can become independent of the "limitations or superficial inadequacies of life." He states there are major rewards waiting as we improve our conditions through our skills.

He says the keyword is AMBITION, and when positive it shows "instinctive self-dedication to the unseen potential of everyday existence." So get it on, use the skills you have to improve what needs improving, and let go of the need for comfort as you spur yourself toward rewards!

Why is the Inferior Conjunction degree important? As with Mercury retrograde, the inferior conjunction involving Venus (relating and valuing) conjuncting the Sun (life) while retrograde, indicates that values and relationship issues from either outer sources or subconscious sources will fuse with the life principle, setting the tone for the lessons involving how our relationships and values are relating to our lives during the next 19 months. Since Venus is retrograde, the degree of the inferior conjunction shows how our lives will merge with our values and relationships and bring forth a enjoyment and "liking" of our light.

This is the second step in a two-conjunction process. The first step is when Venus conjuncts the Sun in forward motion after its retrograde period. As Venus is faster than the Sun, after this values and relationships again outrace Life, exploring these before the actual experience when the Sun moves through the span after Venus.

Then Venus goes stationary retrograde, and moves into the second step when it again conjuncts the Sun while retrograde. This is when ways of relating and liking things and people are absorbed by Life, or Life takes on the results of subconscious or collective interpersonal feelings returning to source. Eventually Life gets as far from relating and liking whatever as it can, Venus goes stationary direct, and begins to speed up preparing for the first step anew in a different part of the zodiac.

Venus began this retrograde span by going stationary retrograde at 14 Scorpio. This is the threshold point from which we will "go back" for awhile. This retrograde shows we will all experience a new potency and magnetism by going deeper into our connectedness within and without. This is a review, reflection, and remembrance time in the realms of past values, resources, opportunities, and relationships.

Some will reconnect with old friends, while others will remember old losses as precipitating new values, new ways of regarding money and things, and new ways of relating to, or communicating with, others. This is a time to dig deep into old social hurts and wounds to discharge them by seeing what they communicated about our inner nature.

What are you holding on to and why? Why do you choose to hold to old corrosive memories? This is the time to shift the magnetism, and purify what needs purifying while consciously bringing in a regenerative force that can fill the void with more "affectionate" or "valuable" feeling-substance.

According to Rudhyar, this degree requires that we build, maintain, and use lines of communication wisely. This is a degree of "the will to association regardless of time and space," "linkage of separate realms," and communication for better comprehension.

Dr. Jones says here we find "the interconnection which links all phases of existence with all other," as well as our genius for linking up widely separated parts of life. He says the keyword is ATTACHMENT, and when positive, "an effective penetration of human competence into each pertinent complex of everyday living."

Venus now retrograde has begun an inward turning around these themes, as well as our relationship with pure energy and seeing what needs eliminating from past memories and values to attract those which are more appropriate to who we are now. This should lead us to renewed magnetism in the areas Venus touches and rules, as well as better possibilities to fill our newly created psychic and material space.

On November 7-8 Venus retrogrades into Libra where it stays until going stationary direct at 28 Libra at 1:19 pm PST November 18, 9:19 pm Greenwich. When it enters Libra it again occupies the sign it rules, making it very strong in a natural way. The intensity of Scorpio will give way to new perspectives, new sense of balance and proportion, and a new rhythm to the Venusian parts of our lives.

Going direct at 28 Libra, Venus begins to finish the "dues paying" time of late Libra. Obviously we'll get a look back at old "expiations," and find a new awareness of our connections to visible and invisible life that is all around us. This can bring new perspectives and a new sense of what sustains us as humans.

This degree where Venus goes direct is a baseline from which our Venusian ruled experiences move forward. Rudhyar says this degree is the "spiritual sustainment" given to us when we open ourselves to our "full destiny," and "unsolicited help" that can assist us to a sense of community and a better life. Here we can find the "inner assurance" from overcoming any sense of isolation and separateness that keeps us from experiencing our "belonging to a greater whole."

Dr. Jones says this degree, "A Man in the midst of brightening influences," symbolizes our need to accept the friendliness of the world. and show courage in "pressing forward on (our) pilgrimage from darkness to light" to guarantee that we will achieve our potential. He says the keyword is RESPONSIVENESS, and when positive, "a complete spiritual fellowship with human kind."

When it goes direct, Venus will make very strong favorable trines to Neptune and Chiron, a quincunx to Uranus, a biquintile to Jupiter, a move quickly into septiles with Mercury and Mars. I'll write more about those influences in mid-November.

So look back, be willing to examine old internalized hurts from a different angle of perception, and see what was being communicated so that you can use those skills more effectively in the future. Here we can heal old misunderstandings, and replace old negative imagery with much more positive vibes. Clean up, clear out, reverse magnetism, and focus on connections and communications, whether building, renewing, or sustaining.

As with all Venus retrogrades, find the internal imagery with which you would reshape your outer reality. If "character is destiny," then find your self integrity and value this self-discovery on the deepest levels. It won't take very long to see manifestations of the shifts in your images, values, and relationships, as long as these are true for you and an expression of your integrity.

In Part 2 I'll give you how this Venus RX will affect each individual sign.

© Copyright 2010 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[Jorge Torres]

ThankYou Robert Wilkinson !!!

Wherever your heart is, that is where you'll find your treasure. Paulo Coelho

Blessings !!!

[Lainie]

Thank you Robert! I have the sun at 5'20 Scorpio, so I'm paying attention. I always appreciate your wisdom, and hope you're enjoying these fall days.

[BritLitChik]

Just got to reading this article this morning; funny, had a dream on Sat night/Sun morning - was watering beautiful, lush plants and patches of green, healthy grass. Then I found a box - a rectangle box with a lid. I looked inside and all the plants were dead, dry and yucky. I sighed and shut the lid, realizing I don't have to water all that old stuff because it's not going to help anyway.

It's interesting when we are so spiritually moved that our dreams feel and show things to us, too.

Looking forward to part II, Robert. Peace to you all.

[Claudia Lientz]

Would you comment on Venus Rx in "via combusta"?

[Sue Moon]

Great stuff Robert, I just put a link to this article on my blog! I love these energies, I feel like I've emerged from a dark tunnel of whatever karma was needing to balance and now the accolades for a job well done and just surviving! Whoooo Hooooo

[Amy-Julia]

That was just an incredibly cogent article. I am really living this Venus Retrograde period as consciously as possible. Thank you!

[caliban]

Busted but good! That darn flying spaghetti monster.

[william]

all this libra stuff so gay (not that anything wrong w that) I don't like people
who does man? relationships are you kidding? omg Venus just a pain too - never got any love or money from that thing for sure!
I wish saturn was in scorpio omg... that would be less of drag than
libra this, libra that, mars in drag, Libra so "balanced" yada yada
p on libra! (just my opinion, I could be wrong...)

[Wild Horse Running]

Hola Roberto, and all in the Cantina....

ref venus rx...the last time it was in Scorpio Oct 2002, a past lover came back for unfinished
business, and I wasn,t awake, and continued old patterns of behaviour.... now 8 yrs later, it is again in Scorpio...and Saturn is in my 12th house, and Im waiting for another (dreams have
shown another ex-returning) chance to "get it right"....

I noticed that the last 3 full moons of this year are all in the 29 degree....
Aries/Libra-Oct Full Moon
Taurus/Scorpio-Nov Full Moon and the Gemini/Sag Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse on the Winter Solstise also
at 29 degrees. Major changes/endings/........beginnings??????

Blessings to all....

[Orenda]

Very nice. This was a good easy to read post.
I enjoy how specific ramificatons are pointed out in laymen's terms.
I can relate to "reconnecting with old friends and ways of regarding money."
I have recently joined Facebook and also started to fix a hidden "habit" of compulsive spending. Amazing how dead-on your observations are.
I can't wait to see what this next phase will mean for me as a Double Aquarian.
Thanks again Robert!

[Robert]

Hi all - As some of you know, I've been out with the flu. I'm just strong enough now to try to answer some things, but cannot overdo it as I'm still weak. It's been interesting to look at the dreams I've had lately, given the weakening of the web between consciousness and subconsciousness during this flu. Dreams do show us how we are processing some past and present experiences. Thanks to all for the kind words, and letting me know this material assists in getting through this period.

As for Venus RX (or any other planet, for that matter!) via combustia, there are several possible ways to interpret that ancient term, which makes it impossible to answer with specificity. For one, the span of Fixed Stars the ancients thought defined it are now in Sagittarius. Others thought the span to be "the last half of Libra and the whole of Capricorn," while others thought it was from 15 Libra to 15 Scorpio.

Hi Sue - Thanks for the link.

Hi william - Venus is allowed its influence, just like all the other symbols of that which is within/without us. Don't knock Venus or you may find yourself "paying the piper" for not honoring that part of you and "All-That-Is."

For everyone, to quote a previous article, remember Venus represents:

Venus - Wisdom/Folly. This is the aspect of consciousness describing our subconscious response to self-consciousness, affecting our "mental offspring."

By our Venus function we live our vanities, selfishness, or narcissistic ways of relating, and thus come to know how to capture at just the right times more beautiful forms of our inner picture of a higher, refined, elegant life and relationships.

Hi WHR - Yes, Venus RX is a good time to review old Venusian things to "get it right" inside of us so that in the future it can manifest in better ways. The Full Moons being late in signs is just part of the larger precession of where they fall in the signs. Not that long ago they were in the very early degrees of the signs. At least we're back to the Suns in New Moons being in the same signs as Full Moons.

And now I get to go back to bed. Still not up to par energetically....

[Heli]

Robert: Get well soon! :)

All aspects ask me to make changes.
But nothing really changes.
Values?

What are the things which gives me a stress?

Lack of money - because I fantasy too much or I have all too big dreams.
Or am I just too much in hurry?

Venus RX have given me just additional delays.
But Saturn transit is near my first house: All for a good reason...?

I am positive - often without no reason.
I feel indecisive and lazy: "Best part" of Libra and Taurus in myself?

Quiet before a storm?

[Alii]

Hi Robert, I hope you are much better now! I was hoping you would have part 2 of this piece posted, as I'm curious to know how it affects my Scorpio rising (Gem sun, Sag moon). Blessings and health to you!

[Robert]

Hi all - As you know, I'm about to go on the road for two weeks. Will try to check in but it's looking packed. That brings me to the mixed news - I was not able to compose part 2 since it would require way too much work and I'm racing the clock to get everything done. If I can compose it when I get back I will. But for now, don't expect it in the next two + weeks.