By now, some of you may have heard of Mercury retrograde – the nerve-racking three weeks when the planet symbolizing communication and technology goes bonkers, making the simplest things like sending a text message, using a laptop, or stringing together coherent sentences, some of the hardest things to do. Well, you may not know that Mercury isn't the only planet that goes into retrograde. There is such a thing as a Venus retrograde too.
Astrologically speaking, Venus is the planet that symbolizes romance and relationships, as well as self-worth, beauty, pleasure, and money.
And anytime a planet goes retrograde, it's considered to be moving backwards, which means that it's a time for us to go backwards too, reflecting on and reevaluating the areas in our lives that the retrograde planet covers. Between March 4th - April 15th, that planet is Venus.
As a rule, Venus represents what we want when it comes to finances and relationships; the things that bring us security, pleasure, and comfort. For romance and relationships specifically, Venus is also symbolic of our personal magnetism and style of relating. Currently, Venus is moving through the sign of Aries, a sign known for its confidence, passion, and epic clapbacks.
This means that while Venus is in Aries, we may find that we're more passionate about having what we want and who we want.
For many of us, this may mean taking a bold, fearless, or impulsive approach.
On April 2nd, Venus retrogrades into Pisces, which has a very different outlook when it comes to mating and relating. Pisces tends to put others first before its own needs, which makes for a more intuitive and compassionate relationship style. However, trouble can arise with Pisces when it comes to boundaries. Venus in Pisces can sometimes be too accepting or accommodating of others, which can be a recipe for lopsided or one-way relationships. Though over the six-week period that Venus is retrograde, when it comes to our relationships and our overall happiness – the biggest question is: are we getting what we really want? When it comes to Venus, we need to believe that we're worth having it.
[Tweet "We need to believe that we're worth having it."]
One last thing to note, is that while Venus is retrograde, this is not a good time for starting committed relationships, getting engaged, getting married, or drastically changing our appearance (like a new hair color or cut) as this is a time for taking things slow and getting clear about who and what we want, what we value, and what it means to be in relationship to ourselves, as well as to another human being.
Here's what Venus retrograde means for your sign:
Aries
It's time to cool your jets a bit and become more intentional with your desires. Just because something or someone is available, it doesn't mean it's for you. Also, does your personal style align with how you want to be seen?
Taurus
Deep down, what do you really want? Are you giving yourself space or permission to have it? Money and security are fine, but it's time to honor what your soul needs. With friendships, are you giving more than you're getting back?
Gemini
When it comes to certain friendships or associations, you may have a sneaking suspicion that you're outgrowing them. Know that as you grow, you need people alongside you that support that growth. Career-wise, are you getting your due?
Cancer
Are you getting the recognition you deserve in your professional life? Is there something else that you'd rather be doing? The lack of inspiration you feel may be because you're overdue for a new experience. Start with travel.
Leo
You don't need messy and dramatic emotional entanglements to make you feel alive. You can get that same thrill and heady rush by following a creative inspiration and daring to go, see, and experience somewhere you've never been.
Virgo
You don't have to give everyone you meet open access to your heart. Conversely, you don't have to be so guarded either. Find a healthy balance between how much you give and how much you take. Vulnerability can be a strength.
Libra
Whether you're single or not, it's time to get clear on what you really want from partnership. If you're not getting what you want, you may need to reevaluate your perceptions/values around love and relationships.
Scorpio
Are you feeling as physically good as you could be? To answer this question, you may have to reassess what your self-care routine looks like. Know that a big part of self-care is knowing when to ask for help and when to say no.
Sagittarius
You may find that what you used to be into or who you used to be into, has lost its allure. That's OK because you're becoming more discerning about what and who you give your heart.
[Tweet "If your heart isn't it, leave it alone."]
Capricorn
Honoring your feelings and intuition can be tricky for you because you tend to be a “facts-only" kind of person. However, you're starting to find out that you can ignore your heart for too much longer. You deserve to be happy too.
Aquarius
You're known for being rather free-spirited and independent, though you're recognizing that you can't always do it alone. You need people in your corner too. When it comes to your money, are you placing too little value on your worth?
Pisces
How much do you believe in yourself? Or do you believe in yourself at all? If you're ready to level up, it's time to show others (and the universe) that you're worth it. This means not settling for less than what you deserve.
What has Venus retrograde told you about the kind of changes you need to make in your life?
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Mecca Woods is a New York City-based Astrologer and Transformation Coach working to help others to claim and create a life they truly want. You can find her at www.mylifecreated.com
This Is What Your Astrology Says About Your Relationship Wants And Needs
If you're an Astrology buff like me, by now you may know the basics of sign compatibility. If you're a Scorpio, you should date a Cancer and avoid an Aquarius or if you're an Aries, you should get with a Leo and not even think about a Capricorn (or so they say). However, what if as a Scorpio you discover that you have an Aquarius Moon and find out you actually dig that rebellious Aquarius and Cancers may be a little bit too sensitive for you? Or how about being the Aries that's actually turned off by Leo, because your Venus is in Pisces and you're attracted to someone who makes you the center of attention?
Well, that's how Moon and Venus signs can work.
In astrology, just like we have a Sun sign (the zodiac sign indicated by the month and day of your birth), we also have a number of other signs (like a Moon Sign, Rising sign, etc.) that work simultaneously within our birth charts influencing what we like and what we don't like. When it comes to our love lives, our Moon and Venus signs are just two pieces of our birth charts that indicate what we need and desire in a happy, healthy relationship. By honoring or making room for these pieces of ourselves, we make less room for any one size fits all approaches to love. For me, finding out that my Moon and Venus were in two different signs allowed me to see that while what I need and what I want are seemingly dissimilar, it doesn't mean either choice is bad.
If you don't know your Moon and Venus signs, you can visit astro-charts.com, and enter your birth details.
Your Moon sign represents your emotional style, showing what you need to feel nurtured, loved, and supported while your Venus sign represents what you love, highlighting what you deem pleasurable, attractive, and valuable about someone else.
Read below to see what your Moon and Venus say about your relationship needs:
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Moon in Aries, you need:Authentic (translation: explosive) expressions of emotion between you and your lover. P.s. Your neighbors probably can't stand it.
Venus in Aries, you want: The person that can match your thirst for passion and balls to the wall adventure will keep your engine running.
Taurus (April 20 - May 21)
Moon in Taurus, you need:Someone you can build a home with is what moves you deep down at your core. That and cookies. Cookies are good.
Venus in Taurus, you want:That special person with whom you can wine, dine, and make it last forever like Keith Sweat.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
Moon in Gemini, you need: A partner (or several) who gets your innate need to experience, taste, and do just about anything (or anyone) that crosses your path.
Venus in Gemini, you want:The lover (or several) who won't bore you to tears.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
Moon in Cancer, you need:Someone you can share all the feels with—anywhere, anytime.
Venus in Cancer, you want:Someone who will share all the feels with you—anywhere, anytime. Warm couch and warm tea are a bonus.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Moon in Leo, you need:Someone who will put some respeck on your name and keep it there.
Venus in Leo, you want:An over-the-top romantic, a concierge, a dance partner, and a die-hard fan all wrapped up into one well-dressed package.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Moon in Virgo, you need: Someone who's willing to put some work into this relationship too (dammit).
Venus in Virgo, you want:An expert, caring, and capable Dom/Domme looking for the perfect submissive for long-term love.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Moon in Libra, you need:Your other half.
Venus in Libra, you want:The charming, witty, level-headed person who won't embarrass you in public. Ever.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Moon in Scorpio, you need: Let's just say that if you wrote a book about your ideal relationship, no one would be surprised at the title “F*ck, Marry, Kill".
Venus in Scorpio, you want:When it all comes down to it, only a lover you can possess will do. Collar optional.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Moon in Sagittarius, you need: A bae who feeds your sense of joie de vivre, s'il vous plait.
Venus in Sagittarius, you want:A lover who can continuously take you somewhere/teach you something new. Frequent flyer miles a must.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Moon in Capricorn, you need: A committed, lifelong partner that's willing to give 110% percent to the partnership as per your agreement.
Venus in Capricorn, you want: A committed, lifelong partner that's willing to give 110% percent to the partnership as per your agreement. See also: quality, class, and style.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Moon in Aquarius, you need:Someone that respects your need to do as you f*cking well please.
Venus in Aquarius, you want:An on-off romance with the weirdo of your dreams with whom you can rage against the machine.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Moon in Pisces, you need: Someone you can be vulnerable with, without fear or guilt. Okay, maybe just a little guilt.
Venus in Pisces, you want: A soulmate.
What does your Moon and Venus say about your relationship wants and needs? Let us know below!
Mecca Woods is a New York City-based Astrologer and Transformation Coach working to help others to claim and create a life they truly want. You can find her at www.mylifecreated.com