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Venus

Affects relationships, finances, and values. Time to reassess what you love.

Detailed Description

Venus, the second planet from the Sun, governs love, beauty, values, and finances in astrology. When in retrograde, Venus appears to move backwards, creating a period where relationships, aesthetics, and financial matters often undergo reassessment.

This cosmic event occurs approximately every 18 months, lasting about 40-43 days each time. During Venus retrograde, we're encouraged to reflect on our relationships, values, and the things we find beautiful rather than making major changes in these areas.

Venus retrogrades are excellent times for reconnecting with old friends or partners, reassessing financial priorities, and rediscovering forgotten pleasures. Many astrologers suggest avoiding major beauty makeovers, relationship commitments, or significant financial investments during these periods.

Mythology

Venus (Roman name) or Aphrodite (Greek name) was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. According to myth, she was born from the sea foam (in Greek, "aphros") after Uranus genitals were cast into the ocean.

Notable myths:

  • Won the golden apple in the judgment of Paris, leading to the Trojan War
  • Her love affair with Mars (Ares) was exposed by her husband Vulcan (Hephaestus)
  • Transformed Adonis into an anemone flower after his death
  • Helped her son Aeneas escape Troy and establish Rome

    • As the embodiment of love and beauty, Venus represents our capacity for affection, attraction, and appreciation of beauty. The symbol for Venus (♀) is a stylized hand mirror, reflecting her association with beauty and femininity.

    Astrological Significance

    In astrology, Venus rules:

  • Taurus and Libra zodiac signs
  • The 2nd house of values and possessions
  • The 7th house of partnerships and relationships

    • Venus influence covers:

  • Love, attraction, and romantic relationships
  • Beauty, aesthetics, and artistic expression
  • Pleasure and sensuality
  • Personal values and resources
  • Harmony and diplomacy
  • Social connections and partnerships
  • Self-worth and what we find valuable

    • When Venus is well-aspected in a birth chart, it can indicate artistic talent, charm, loving relationships, and financial comfort. When challenged, it may manifest as overindulgence, dependency in relationships, or materialism.

    Astronomical Data

    Distance from Sun

    108.2 million km

    Orbital Period

    225 Earth days

    Rotation Period

    5,832 hours

    Diameter

    12,104 km

    Moons

    0

    Average Temperature

    464°C

    Retrograde Status

    Currently Retrograde

    Retrograde Frequency

    Every 18 months

    Upcoming Retrogrades

    March 2 - April 13, 2025

    Duration

    42 days

    Sign

    Aries to Pisces

    October 3 - November 14, 2026

    Duration

    41 days

    Sign

    Scorpio to Libra

    Effects During Retrograde

    Relationship reassessment

    Financial reconsideration

    Beauty and aesthetic changes

    Value clarification

    Return of past relationships

    Tips for Venus Retrograde

    Avoid major relationship commitments

    Postpone significant beauty changes

    Review financial priorities

    Connect with your true values

    Be gentle with yourself and others

    Softening the Effects

    Venus retrograde doesn't have to create relationship chaos! Here are some ways to work with this energy:

    Review the health of your relationships

    Reassess your financial priorities

    Reconnect with old friends and loved ones

    Rediscover forgotten talents or pleasures

    Avoid major beauty changes or makeovers

    Practice self-love and appreciation

    Revisit creative projects

    View relationship challenges as opportunities for growth