AstroLink, October 2010
Forecast Overview: Venus Retrograde
If the end of September put you on a wait or brought you to a wall, the first couple of days of October could flip a sudden switch and/or put you on a sudden go.
The momentum continues to intensify as October rolls along and Venus begins a retrograde cycle (Oct 8 – Nov 19). This is a much less frequent occurrence than planet Mercury which averages three retrograde cycles a year. (Venus retrograde occurs about every 18 – 20 months.) You will feel the potency of this essential re-group/re-prioritize cycle as a game changer influence, especially re key relationships and relationship dynamics. This particular event is even more confronting and metamorphic because Venus travels retrograde in the sign of Scorpio. When Venus goes retrograde, you are compelled (or forced) to shift your point of reference, to peel back the veils and to pull back from the external wrappings, trappings, distractions, etc. It is time to look deeper within, to commune with your soul, to question your choices, ambitions, behaviours, and strategies. How do you refortify from within? What needs to change? How can you replenish the coffers, emotionally, materially, spiritually? How do you empower yourself now? Are you giving your power away? Do you self sabotage by holding on too tight, by resisting, or by not showing up enough? Of course when you need the extra help, the universe will oblige your unspoken request by carving an extra degree of separation between you and your over-investment. Relationships or circumstances that can’t withstand this pressure test are likely to come undone. Venus retrograde advances the script on our current play, but also it will re-animate a specific agenda of unfinished business from our past lives. As such, know that you now face a karmic intersection, one that must be confronted before you can move forward. A compelling draw, a strong sense of déjà-vu, or fated-ness is your clue to this past life recalling. Venus is the planet of materialization and of magnetic attraction. When Venus turns retrogrades, we animate that which we are ready to take-on, whether or not we are conscious of what we are getting ourselves into. Confronting Scorpio themes, this Venus retrograde cycle will animate some of our tougher shadow work. What lives, what dies, what is reborn? Survival, power play initiatives, sexual needs, sexual politics, scandals, issues of betrayal, manipulation, abandonment, violations of trust, when Venus tours Scorpio and especially when it is retrograde, we become more acutely aware of these soul dramas and more; of our have, our have-not, and our obsession/addiction re got-to-have. Make no mistake about it, it is big agenda season. (Among the headline political debate now: the controversy over Canada’s oil sands operation, so apt a reference for Venus in Scorpio’s extractions, our collective addictions, and Pluto in Capricorn’s corporate and government history of end-justifies-the-means greed.)
Both Venus and Mars ramp up now and for the next couple of months. As of their Oct 3 meet (by conjunction), Mars takes the lead on Venus and will continue to be in forward thrust mode through May of 2011. August through October 3 we have been put through an information gathering, observational, build-it phase. Oct 3 through the end of May of 2011, delivers what I call Venus/Mars “phase two”, an implementation phase. Watch for the script to develop, (- and the plot to thicken) much more quickly from this point forward. When Mars takes the lead, is a break-away time, a time to try a new approach and explore in a new way; in other words to try on a new you. Mars leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius on Oct 27, the day before Venus and the sun team up. Oct 28 is the turning point of the Venus cycle.
Note that in the days just before the retrograde cycle begins, something that seemed full of promise can stall or lose its life-force altogether. If it isn’t destined for you, you can’t push it into being. The best policy is to stay receptive and non-attached to outcome, and to resource as best you can from your present circumstances. Oct 28, Venus and the sun conjoin; this is the synthesis peak for destiny’s draw. While the cycle is not yet complete, Venus retrograde aligned with the sun begins the process of emergence toward the “light of day”, it speaks to a new cycle of self honouring and of self worth, and also sets the stage for a new net-worth chapter too. Watch for someone or something significant to show up, they are a karmic link to your past and a key to your next phase of actualizing. Nov 18 brings the end of the refine, regroup, and reprioritize cycle; with both Venus and Jupiter ending retrograde on the same day, watch for a significantly energized momentum to build, it will be on a fast-track growth curve.
Activation dates: Oct 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 16, 19, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28
Oct 7: Super New Moon in Libra: 11:44 am (14 Libra 24)
Oct 22: Full Moon in Aries: 6:37 pm (29 Aries 33)
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Oct 3: Mercury enters Libra; (Venus/Mars new phase)
Oct 8: Venus stations retrograde: 0:06 amct 22: Mercury enters Scorpio (2:19 pm)
Oct 23: Sun enters Scorpio (5:35 am)
Oct 27: Mars enters Sagittarius
ARIES (March 21- April 19)
Start of the month can put extra on your plate, perhaps unexpectedly so. Oct 1, 2, Mercury can side track you, or provide you with a glimpse of a potential waiting in the wings. Impulsive action or words spoken could get you into more than you bargain for. Have you recently witnessed a circumstance, relationship, or idea beginning to percolate? It is likely to grow more important, empowering, or confronting for the next couple of weeks as Venus embarks upon her retrograde tour. Strategies for success become a more potent brew now. It is now lay-it-on-the-line time, especially re career, finances, and relationship matters. Definitive action is called for, by all means, take a stand, and risk your all. Of course, with Mars (in Scorpio to Oct 27) so intensified, you may find your hand is forced by fate. Watch the few days before Venus turns retrograde (Oct 8), if it isn’t meant to be, it can stall or disintegrate. When Venus is in retrograde and especially when it is in Scorpio, we find ourselves confronting our shadow work and more urgent needs of our soul. Replays run the gamut; they can deliver empowering moments and harsh losses too. Do you self-sabotage? As is typical of the Venus retrograde unfinished business cycle, a lover from the past can reappear, whether they do so within the workings of your own consciousness, or whether they show up as a welcome or unwelcome delivery to your inbox. When Venus is retrograde, the new can offer a particularly potent brew, but the fact of the matter is that it is not new to your soul. You are likely to feel a compelling sense of déjà vu that thrusts you into the thick of it right from the very get-go. Regarding financial matters, the now can deliver wise timing to revise or write your will, research financial options, amalgamate your debt, and develop a relationship with your bank manager. Regarding people matters, strengthen your relationship those in positions of authority, go to bat for an elderly parent or family member, show your significant other how much they mean to you. Regarding personal matters, face your addictions, hedge your best bets, and above all, do not put off what you know is ultimately in/for your best interest.
TAURUS (April 20 -May 20)
Start of the month finds you moving past an actual or psychological impasse. If the latter, note how quickly you can shed previous resistance and excuse making once you get a better feel for what is to come. (Don’t you wish you had figured it out earlier?) Venus retrograde and the new Mars initiative suggest you are primed and ready to make a more significant impact; yes, it is high time to change the way you move through the world. This month’s “take-offs” are linked to highly desirable future potentials. Put concentrated effort into it and watch for substantial benefit to build in the months ahead. Projects that can occupy your priority attention during Venus retrograde may be in this list: re-establishing trust in another or yourself, working to better your self-esteem, changing your appearance, grooming professional in-roads, dramatically altering your relationship status, whether to have another child, adding more hands-on, in-the-field experience, building your professional reputation or material advantage. When it comes to the job market, financial gain, and general navigating in the outside world, the competition can be fierce; you will need to sharpen your wits in order to play your game to your best advantage. If it a relationship is not delivering for you, it can be time to severe ties. If you haven’t figured it out yet, the universe can oblige you by creating the necessary circumstances to force your hand. Of course, once Venus turns retrograde, the tides can shift and you could feel betrayed or let down. Or you find the necessity to abandon something or someone, most likely because a more urgent need takes over. Another typical occurrence of Venus in retrograde is that you may not have as much accessibility as you usually do. Others can be too busy elsewhere or too focused on themselves to address your wants and needs. You can be forced to fend for yourself more or to work around others. Still as the month advances, you should find that things are working out well, especially so Oct 16 onward. Social opportunity abounds near month’s end. Get out, introduce yourself, promote yourself and network all you can.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21)
Change is good, in fact it is a catalyst for your betterment and you know it well. October’s start positions you at the launch of a new actualizing and manifesting chapter. Your present agendas and the reforms they dictate hold the promise of delivering substantial results and long-lived benefit. Put the effort upfront, solid gold awaits you. Venus (to Nov 7) and Mars in Scorpio (through Oct 27) find you busied with implementing necessary improvement strategies. This full plate month can toss one thing after another at you. Just when you thought you had enough to cope with, Venus retrograde can pull an important plug, or challenge you with a particular health or work-related issue. Among the more critical can’t-put-it-off-any- longer thresholds: repairs, debts, financial drains, a self-sabotaging habit/routine or addiction, or an unhealthy relationship (personal or work-related). When the deterioration becomes too obvious to ignore, the answer should become glaringly obvious too. When you find yourself irresistibly drawn to someone or something, know that great potential can be uncovered. Whether Venus retrograde points you in the face of the confrontational or toward a juicier prospect, don’t waste a moment, get down to business. The stars deliver an especially productive backdrop mid month forward. November’s stars, notably, Venus (retro and direct) in Libra, Nov 7 -29 and Jupiter direct, Nov 18 can see that good thing get better yet.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
A new home and family chapter claims your priority attention this month. Enhancements of all kinds, (comfort zone upgrades, home renovations, material and business pursuits, safety and security measures) are well-timed now. Let your passions and creativity be your driving force, and aim to make the utmost of the here and now. Results can be powerful, profound, and even life-changing. Venus and Mars in Scorpio are especially transforming, empowering, and igniting for your sign. Re pleasure, play, romance and career, there is wonderful opportunity building now, watch for synchronicity to become more evident and to generate for you well, especially mid-month forward. A key person can factor strongly in the learnings and opportunities ahead. Whether it is a new love or some other newly created momentum, Venus retrograde spins that déjà vu or destiny feel. The days just before Venus turns retrograde are energetically saturated, which suggests added dynamism to your calling forth. Of course if you come to a plateau or stall-out around Oct 8, it is all a matter of timing. Have patience and make productive use of the Venus retrograde cycle as best you can. Reassess your career or financial strategies, or carve personal time-out in order to re-juice your body, mind, or soul. Once the retrograde cycle ends, things can not only resume, they can soar. Your actions and responses can be especially well timed from Oct 19 – 24. Trust there is a reason behind everything, and allow yourself dive in full tilt to whatever lays claim on you.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
End of September has likely put a new status or new agenda into play. Singled-out attention, an award, or contract may have come your way too. Take your new ticket and ride it as far as you can. Mars and Venus in Scorpio call for bottom-line reforms and revisions, re financial, emotional, family, and health safeguards. It can be a key time (both critical and opportune) to renovate your home, your business, your family situation, your lifestyle, your assets, your attitudes, your viewpoints. Time is precious and you can feel under added pressure to make good use of it. You will naturally find yourself being more selective re your output/who and what gets a piece of you. Your personal questioning and self-examination can submerge you into cave dwelling and soul searching cycle. Venus retrograde can uncover deeply rooted feelings, sensitivities, needs, resentments; a circumstance or relationships from your past (this or other lifetimes) can be up for processing now too. Watch for that strong feel of destiny at work. Too, Venus retrograde can make you especially astute and sensitized. Stay observant and you should find you have a special talent for spotting loop-holes, seizing advantages and turning the tables to your advantage. Mars in Scorpio aligned with Jupiter and Uranus (by trine) can uncover lucrative opportunity and deliver good especially good timing, Oct 18 – 26. The advance of Mars into Sagittarius Oct 27 and Venus aligned with the sun on Oct 28 puts you on the upswing. Mid November forward can be a harvesting or reaping time.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
The swift one, Mercury in Virgo is highly activated in the first few days of the month, so you can expect a lot to come at you at once. There can be a dilemma to get past too, and it’s likely one you have been confronting for some time. Saturn in Libra puts added pressure on you to re-evaluate financial commitments and priorities, and that which tugs on your heart and soul too. Have you situated yourself well enough? Are you paying too high a price? A review of what you can and cannot handle is never a bad thing. Saturn in Libra prompts productive re-structuring and provides you with the stamina to take a tougher stand where necessary, with yourself, with others too. Discipline, mature decision making and good organization are chief among Saturn’s attributes and they are your best resources now. When it comes to facing the necessary re physical, material, emotional and relationship improvements, avoidance does not spell power play. Of course, in many ways, you may not feel you have much choice but to undertake the agendas set by destiny’s hand.
Considering this next stage of the Venus/Mars in Scorpio cycle is now animating, it can be a critical time to reconcile the score sheet with a particular individual (a sibling, friend, neighbour, colleague, or co-worker). This may be long standing issue, from the current life or from lifetimes past. Issues of betrayal, compromised trust, use/abuse, enmeshment or abandonment can prompt a critical line-in-the-sand reckoning. On a more basic note, you may feel the necessity to revamp or withdraw from a study program, or to revamp your marketing strategies, job search or expectations. It can also be time to revise official paperwork, renegotiate a lease, or other such commitments. Oct 8 can bring you to a confirmation, conclusion, or a contract signing of significance; it is the start of a new chapter for you. Oct 16, 18, 19, 27, 28 are key threshold-crossing/put-it-into play dates.
LIBRA (Sept 22-Oct 22)
Start of the month can right a wrong, take you out of stall or stuck mode, and/or can set you on a new train track. Thanks to Mercury in Virgo, once the light peaks through, you can find the pace picks up quick, especially in these first couple of days. Of course, the unexpected can happen. Positively, you could suddenly stumble upon something that fills a missing blank or that provides a more workable solution to an issue or dilemma that has plagued you as of late. Overall, Saturn in Libra launches a gaining ground cycle now. Venus retrograde and Mars in Scorpio can provide fertile ground for personal mining/self exploration. You will discover a lot about yourself and your personal capacities in the process. This is an appropriate time to get obsessed about your personal passions, ambitions, projects, and intentions. Aim to take better control and to stop self-sabotage routines. It is a time to empower yourself more, to establish yourself in some more significant way, (especially professionally and materially) and to put better boundaries in place. Throughout it all, the gain of a bettered perspective will help you to clarify when it is time to quit, or when it is time to deepen your commitment and to forge ahead. For some, Venus retrograde delivers a heightened fertility cycle. Relationships (and relationship dynamics) that are compelled into being now come with that strong sense of fated-ness or destiny attached. Those born at the start and end of Libra can feel the strongest impact of this Venus retrograde cycle. The full moon Oct 22, could deliver opportunity to make significant change and advance, where you desire it most. Things could work out even better than anticipated. Watch November to be beneficial, generating, lucrative, and enhancing, especially so as both Venus and Jupiter complete their retrograde cycles (Nov 18.)
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
There is no loss of mojo here! Something or someone new could completely overtake you as Mars assumes the lead on Venus in Scorpio. Once you fire it up, you are likely to be an absolute dynamo. Then again, if you have already put it into gear, it is time to drive it to the next level. Lay it all on the line, yes, you have arrived at a pinnacle moment. Define yourself in a way that puts everyone else on notice. You know no one can touch you/compare with what you have to offer, and it is time to prove it in no uncertain terms. The month ahead also places you at an advantage observation of the building trends, thereby helping you to forge the inroads that can fast track you. Your popularity and visibility is on a growth spurt. Venus in retrograde (Oct 8 – Nov 18) turns you into attraction magnet; everybody wants you – or perhaps they all want a piece of you. While people can “show up” and circumstances can animate on their own, it is also to your benefit to play the strategic lead so you maintain the control you desire. Venus in retrograde can also find you driven to put an added degree of separation between you and everybody else. You want to be recognized in a category all your own. Even if you already enjoy this status, now is the time for enhancements. You can always make that good thing better yet. Of course, Venus retrograde in your sign can be exposing too. You could gain added attention from something they uncover about you. Maximum freedom and independence is an intensified drive now; whether a trial run or a complete severing of ties, Venus in retrograde can deliver a cycle of separations too. Mars leaves Scorpio Oct 27, but it will continue to benefit you and help you to spread your creative and financial wings through the beginning of December (it creates fertile staging for intimate encounters too.) Outside of the dip back into Libra (Nov 7 – 29), Venus, will tenant Scorpio through Jan 7. With Uranus and Jupiter also in optimum position, know that you have an extended opportunity cycle re love, money, fame, professional and creative endeavor. Those born Nov 18 – 21 can gain the most from Uranus, Jupiter and Venus direct.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22~Dec. 21)
It appears you have something good brewing on the back-burner as October gets underway. Creativity is particularly energized now and will continue to be throughout this Venus/Mars cycle (through May of 2011.) While both planets tenant Scorpio, (Venus to Jan 7, Mars to Oct 27), choice or circumstances could keep you somewhat out of sight or undercover. Too, you could be in the dark; there may be more building than you are aware of yourself. Venus retrograde (Oct 8 – Nov 18) can be likened to a psychic tuning fork, so when thoughts pop into your head, give them due consideration, it can be wise or even necessary to take action. Pondering, conjuring, and soul searching can be particularly productive in the month ahead. Juicy mysteries can be in wait for your discovery. For some, Venus retrograde can deliver “bun in the oven” time. Ceres moves out of Sagittarius and into the manifesting sign of Capricorn on Oct 8, the same day that Venus turns retrograde. Something or someone from your past can be a springboard to this next leg of the journey. These influences suggest there is a lot riding on the line and that tangible results are now a more urgent drive. Through March of 2011, Ceres is set to help you to reclaim important ground, materially, professionally, relationship, and health-wise. Today’s efforts are essential to your long term stability and security. Keep working ahead; get committed and stay committed. Ceres and Pluto enter a new phase Oct 19/20, Mars fires up a fresh momentum in Sagittarius, Oct 27, and the Sun and Venus start their new phase Oct 28. Incentive abounds, what more could you ask for?
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22~Jan. 19)
A new actualizing chapter begins now. It is one that is already in play, perhaps it has been building for sometime. There are two components to it, what’s going on inside of you, and what’s going on around you. Inside of you, ambition has been building. You want more, a lot more, starting with attention, recognition, and respect, and rounding off with more love, happiness, and prosperity without the familiar high price tag you are so used to paying. You want your accomplishments to add up, to matter, and you want more control over the direction of your life. You want what you do to define you in a way that makes you feel proud and purposeful. You are placing a tall order, yes, but in reality, isn’t it everyone’s bottom line? It is what you deserve; it is what we all deserve. Venus and Mars in Scorpio suggest a growing awareness of new goals and the equations of your life that need to be recalculated. These planetary positions increase your ambition and force you to re-address who you are and what you have become. Something or someone in the periphery can claim your attention now; this distraction, competing dynamic, obsession, hunger, etc, will grow in importance. Venus retrograde can make you feel like you have been pulled into a fated intersection involving team, group, tribe, community, or a social, professional, or political association. As is typical of Venus retrograde, you’ll be pulled in deeper, or you’ll feel the need to pull back, (or perhaps to extricate yourself altogether.) A key friendship could go through a significant metamorphosis now too. The play that is both current and ancient; as stated in the intro, Venus retrograde animates unresolved priorities from past lives. You have called forth this key circumstance or relationship for a specific reason. How you respond and act, the choices you now make, they are the key to your evolutionary forward. Aim to implement the strategies that will liberate you/set your consciousness free. Accomplishment can feel absolutely exhilarating.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20~Feb. 18)
Now through the end of the year, you are in a heightened profile chapter. It’s an ideal time to make your professional presence better known. Publish, perform, teach, advertise your products or broadcast your expertise, apply for that job upgrade, etc. Venus and Mars in Scorpio suggest now is the time to implement the changes you have yearned for, so don’t hesitate to redirect your professional or personal life ambitions. Change some of it, change all of it. Take on the commitment. You are in a lucrative window of opportunity chapter. If you are offered a temporary job or position, know that the likelihood of it building to something more substantial appears to be virtually guaranteed. Legal matters/requirements can take your priority attention now too (i.e., filings, claims, petitions, official negotiations, and contract revisions, etc.) In some cases, you can do it yourself, but know when it is wise to have legal council represent you – it will be well worth the money you invest. For the most part, you should find that your previously established relationship with the bank, a credit institution, a boss or authority figure places you at an advantage. Noting this, Venus retrograde in Scorpio delivers bring a critical time to address your essential bottom lines; revamp/refortify your investment portfolio, consider adding another degree to your name, branch out into a new line of work (perhaps your own business) or change your social status in some significant way (relocate, get married, fly solo, etc.) This is a set-up month. Do as much as you can to clear away, groom the stage and/or reposition yourself now (especially so mid month forward) and watch for mid to the end of November to deliver wonderfully.
PISCES (Feb. 19~March 20)
So good, so far, and you can look forward to more of that top of the world feel. Venus (to Jan 7) and Mars in Scorpio (to Oct 27) splash more opportunity and go-get-‘em in your stellar booster juice. Then again, is taking on more truly a blessing? It depends on the price tag. You may reconsider your options once Venus turns retrograde. Too, you could become especially driven to resume a project, ambition, or lifestyle that you have been considering for some time. Ambitious undertakings can be a matter of spending or delivering it first, but when there is so much to gain, it’s pretty much a no-brainer. Venus retrograde can also busy you with unfinished business that requires legal advice or steps (especially so next month when Venus dips back into Libra.) Someone from your past can reappear, they may be someone you have placed great faith or hope on. If they came through for you previously, they will again. Of course the opposite may be just as true. Venus’s retrograde cycle is well timed for revising finances, (professional contracts, investments, settlements, leases, mortgage, credit terms, and bank arrangements.) Single folk may be happy to note that this Venus retrograde cycle has the potential to you thrust you back in the game re intimate relationships too. An overwhelming obsession or compelling urge is your clue that a significant life chapter is about to play out. Those born Feb 23 – 25 are especially primed for destiny’s hand; end of the month could deliver a pinnacle moment for you personally, professionally, or romantically. Someone special/significant could appear. Should you choose to end a relationship, do it because your current set-up is a done deal, not because you see opportunity budding elsewhere. (In other words, separate the two.) Oct 16 forward, you should find yourself well on the move; things can fall into place quite readily and quite well.
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