December 2021 – January 2022
Venus Retrograde Details
Pre-shadow period begins on Nov. 17 – Dec. 20, 2021
Stations Retrograde on Dec. 20, 2021, at 2:36 a.m.* (26°28′ Capricorn)
Turns direct on Jan 30, 2022, at 12:46 a.m. (11°05′ Capricorn)
Post-shadow period from Jan 30 – March 1, 2022
Love sometimes wants to do us a great favor: hold us upside down and shake all the nonsense out. ~ Rumi
The orbit of the planet, Venus, mimics a revered and divine feminine symbol. As the above illustration depicts, Venus’s heavenly dance represents the ancient symbol for the goddess — the pentagram.(2) A sacred-geometry symbol, the pentagram is a five-pointed star, which has a rich history as a celestial symbol for those seeking spiritual clarity and mystical knowledge.
Venus is the only planet (besides the Sun and Moon) that does not turn retrograde several times a year. Instead, Venus turns retrograde only once every 548 (or so) days. This marks a significant period because Venus retrograde periods become an opportune time to reflect on our values, the way we love, the beauty in our life, and the overall nature of our reality.
Relationships, commitments, and finances will likely be on our radar as we reassess matters of the heart, as well as our financial security. The intention of this cycle is for each of us to reckon with our values. Anything that is counterproductive to our personal wellbeing, valued purpose, or heartfelt destiny should become clear. During this Venus Retrograde, we are likely to see increasing reports of women (Venus) leaving the workforce (Capricorn) as they realize there is no value in working within a system that does not place adequate value on work-life balance.
Venus retrograde periods are not ideal for initiating activities associated with one’s appearance: surgery to improve our looks, change in hairstyle, etc. It is also not generally advised to make major purchases, renovations, and the like to beautify our home or office until the retrograde period ends.
Intimate relationships may find one or both partners questioning how they feel about the relationship and if their love or commitment is authentic. Because this retrograde cycle is occurring in the sign of Capricorn you will feel called to evaluate what is working and what isn’t. By itself, Capricorn is a committable sign so this will be a great time to recommit to an existing long-term relationship, but you may want to wait until the retrograde period is over before committing to a new one. If you do want to recommit, find ways to enhance what is working and/or improve upon what isn’t. Spending quality time (Capricorn) with a loved one is important to nourish a relationship.
Because the planet Pluto is closely aligned with Venus as she begins her retrograde, this will be a great time to deepen a new relationship if both parties are psychologically healthy and wanting true intimacy.(1) Otherwise, due to Pluto’s obsessive nature, compulsive attractions can lead to harmful and hidden agendas. Mindfulness and steadfastness of one’s long-term relationship desires is paramount.
It is also worth noting that Mercury will turn retrograde on January 15, also in Capricorn. All retrograding planets provide a suitable time for introspection on where we’ve been and where we’re going. Mercury retrogrades can create periods of serious contemplation in the area signified by the sign that it is in. With Mercury retrograding in Capricorn, we will have a twofold opportunity to revisit and reexamine how we take responsibility in our life.
Both Venus and Mercury retrograde periods can bring past lovers into our life and/or a new love that you are karmically destined to be with. This is an important time to be clear in all your communications regarding commitments and financial decisions. Those of you with Capricorn planets in your horoscope are sure to feel the effects of Aphrodite’s planet the most during this period. However, we can each use this period to reflect on the following:
- What is working and not working?
- What is needed or not needed?
- Where to commit, recommit, or make necessary changes in personal, social, and business relationships?
- Lastly, are you communicating your needs and values within your important relationships?
* Pacific time used throughout
Note and Reference
1. Venus will make an exact conjunction to Pluto on December 11 at 8:17 a.m. (25°19′) Capricorn.
2. Illustration credit: Tomruen, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
© 2021 by Linda Kaye
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