By Carmen Di Luccio, Collective Evolution

Venus is retrograde from March 4th until April 15th. It has been building up since January 30th, when Venus entered what is called the “pre-shadow” period. When a planet goes retrograde, our perspective here on Earth makes it appear to be going backwards in the sky.

Unlike Mercury Retrograde, Venus Retrogrades occur less frequently, every 19 months, but they last about twice as long. Although both retrogrades have some similarities in regards to how they might affect your social life, Venus still presents a much different vibe.

Retrogrades are a time to revisit, reflect on, and make adjustments to things represented by that planet. Venus rules over love, intimate relationships, friendships, values, money, beauty, and overall attractability. It is associated with our passions, creativity, pleasures, and tastes.

We had a Solar Eclipse in Pisces and a Lunar Eclipse in Leo in the weeks leading up to this Venus retrograde, which will also have a strong influence over the coming months. The Leo eclipse reinforces the potential shifts with the Venus themes of passion, creativity, and love. For some people, the Solar Eclipse in Pisces combined Venus could represent the need to move beyond an unrealistic outlook on relationships.

Intimate and Social Relationships

For many couples, though not all, it can be a challenging time. Whether challenging or not, however, Venus retrograde can deepen or shift the way love and/or pleasure are expressed between partners. Any new relationships — those shorter than 18 months — may be tested during this period, as it will be the first one experienced as a couple. It is common for weaker relationships to even break apart in the weeks leading up to the retrograde.

Any new developments or perspectives around relationships that have occurred since January 30th may end up playing out quite differently than expected over the next few months. Things may also come up that would push one or both partners to view the relationship in a different way.  Consider this an important step in the evolution of your relationship(s). If all is well, it will ultimately be strengthened. If not, Venus retrograde may shake it off.

Friendships could be affected in this way as well, minus the intimacy. This could also be a time when people reconnect with friends (or lovers) of the past to further evolve the relationship. It could bring some sort of closure and/or new developments.

This retrograde period is not necessarily ideal for entering new relationships with anyone you have just connected with for the first time; however, if it is someone you are already acquainted with, it could be worth exploring. If you do begin a new relationship during the retrograde, and if it has any merit, then it would likely play a role in the evolution of how you do relationships in general, whether or not that particular one lasts.

Money, Values, Beauty, and Material Things

Depending on what area of your natal chart it is occurring in, and while considering other factors, Venus retrograde could create a shift in what we value and/or how we are valued and what we are attracted to. For some people, there could also be a shift in financial matters that may have been developing as early as January 30th. If so, be mindful of the fact that things could still change over the next few months.

It would also be a good idea to be cautious when doing anything new that involves beauty, decorating, or buying any items related to fashion. There is a great possibility that eventually you may not be happy with these kinds of choices that you make.

This Retrograde Started in Aries and Travels Back to Pisces, Where It Will Meet Chiron Square Saturn

Venus has been in Aries since February 3rd, and in this sign it may express many of the Venus ruled areas (mentioned above) in an impulsive, assertive, and perhaps even aggressive way. Aries, ruled by Mars, is a strong masculine energy, while Venus is feminine. This combination is powerful for stimulating passions and desires.

Venus returns to Pisces around April 2nd-3rd. In this sign, Venus likes to express itself in a spiritual, creative, dreamy, imaginative, and even elusive way. This combination is also associated with unconditional love.

Considering that the recent Solar Eclipse was also in Pisces, this may indicate a shift regarding any sort of escapism associated with pleasures. It may also bring up any sort of delusional or deceptive behaviour in our relationships and/or in connection with other Venus themes.

As Venus slows down and then starts to move forward again, it will be conjunct Chiron, which will also be in a tight square aspect with Saturn. This will occur from April 11th-21st, and may be particularly strong on the 15th, when Venus goes forward again.

Saturn and Chiron in the mix may bring up old wounds over relationships, values, or pleasures that we need to get realistic about.  This could be great for any healing and valuable lessons to help us proceed forward in Venus-ruled areas of our lives.

Have you ever had an astrology reading based on your specific birth time? Get a more detailed personalized reading with astrologer Carmen Di Luccio based on your exact birth date, time, and location. Click here for more information.