Venus, the brightest planet in our sky, has captivated astronomers and astrologers for centuries. With her cycles dating back thousands of years, Venus holds a special place in our celestial observations. One of the oldest records of Venus’ cycles is the Venus Tablet of Ammisaduqa, which has stood the test of time for over 3500 years.
Throughout various cultures, Venus has been closely associated with love and beauty. Her astrological significance centers around the idea of unification – bringing things together in harmony. This energy stems from her physical allure, derived from her close proximity to Earth.
What makes Venus’ cycle truly magical is her transition from an evening star, visible in the hours after sunset, to a morning star, visible just before sunrise. During this shift, Venus occasionally disappears from our view, adding an air of wonder to her journey. As a morning star, Venus is known as Lucifer, while as an evening star, she is called Hesperus.
Venus’ retrograde cycle, which lasts approximately 40 days, holds a significant place in our collective consciousness. Interestingly, this duration can be found in biblical references, highlighting its timeless influence. While Venus retrogrades about every 18 months, she only returns to the same Zodiac sign every eight years.
In a lifetime, Venus will retrograde in only five Zodiac signs: Gemini, Capricorn/early Aquarius, Leo/early Virgo, Aries, and Late Libra/Scorpio. Each time Venus returns to retrograde in these signs, the retrograde occurs progressively a few degrees earlier. This movement traces out a powerful symbol – the pentagram or pentacle, a five-pointed star within a circle.
Currently, we are experiencing the Venus retrograde cycle in Gemini, running from May 13 – June 24. This particular retrograde occurs from 21 Gemini back to 5 Gemini, making it especially influential for those with planets between these degrees. If you’re familiar with your birth chart, pay attention to the house area that contains 5 – 21 Gemini. This is where you can expect themes of delays, review, revision, and second chances to emerge.
Venus retrograde also signifies renewal and rebirth, inviting us to embark on new adventures. On June 3, when Venus conjuncts the Sun at 13 Gemini, a new 19-month cycle begins in her visual sky journey.
Love and relationship themes may resurface during Venus retrograde. However, if one of Venus’ signs rules an important angle in your chart, such as the MC or career point, the retrograde cycle will bring themes of review and redo regarding your career. Individuals with a Taurus or Libra ascendant or MC may experience particularly potent effects in their charts.
Take a moment to reflect on how you’ve noticed Venus retrograde themes in your life. Are there patterns or recurring lessons that have emerged? Embrace the magic of Venus’ cycles and allow her energy to guide you towards growth and transformation.
(This post originally appeared on the blog in 2012 but I’ve updated it for now!)
