Venus Retrograde began on Friday, October 5, at 3:04 PM, at approximately the same time that Susan Collins began her speech supporting the appointment of Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. On the surface, the synchronicity of this alignment is so blatant it doesn’t need an explanation, but given the intensity of the moment, let’s dive into the deep anyway.
Not being angry about the appointment of Mr. Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court would be the exception. Anyone with a conscience and a moral compass aimed at veracity was and continues to be outraged by this blatant move on the part of Republicans to install a partisan on the court to solidify their conservative agenda. Yet, their blatancy will ultimately be their undoing—we are too far along the path of diversity to tolerate the GOP’s myopic vision of the world. For those still trembling with rage, Chani Nicholas channels it well on her site and offers a wealth of information about the myth of Inanna and her sister, Ereskigal, earlier names for Venus. In a nutshell, Venus Retrograde—Inanna’s Retrograde—was explained by the ancients as her descent to answer the call of her sister, who was the goddess of the underworld and as such, embodied the shadow—all the unconscious qualities that accompany the archetype of love and beauty. The suffering of Venus during this journey ripens into her fullness, and most importantly to the deepest quality of Venus, into ultimate value. chaninicholas.com/2018/10/venus-retrograde-october-2018/
Susan Collins’ retro-vote astounded, bewildered, and enraged millions of women and men because it was a clear vote to keep women subjugated, a vote that colludes with the prevailing ill-winds of Trump and his Gang of Hungry Ghosts. Perhaps Collins’ vote was supposed to signal a return to a “simpler” time, when women were expected to be demure and men ruled the world, a time when sexual assault wasn’t talked about and women simply kept quiet as they kept on cooking and cleaning. But her vote was actually worse than that more obvious interpretation, because with Kavanaugh installed on the Supreme Court, the deconstruction of the American justice system is just about complete.
From the beginning of his regime, Mr. Trump has purposefully dismantled the branches of government we rely on for information and protection. First it was the State Department and the firing of career diplomats, all of whom had the experience to anticipate and track the consequences of Mr. Trump’s disastrous and dangerous diplomatic agenda and sound an alarm, especially about Russia. Of course, the FBI was already on to him, which is why the FBI was next on his list. Then Trump moved on to the Department of Justice and to undermining its reputation to “enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic….” (www.justice.gov/about)
The last piece of this political push is the contamination of the Supreme Court. It can only be assumed that all of these challenges are preparation for the installation of another kind of government, a kind of rule that is incongruent with our existing principles and their abiding structures, which is why those structures must be undermined. What we are living through is not a random plan.
The good news is that the concerted efforts of the right wing are galvanizing millions of people to join the resistance. Do not succumb to despair. We are going through the most important time of our lives and participation is key to our success. Also keep in mind that viewing this latest episode of supreme injustice only as a #MeToo matter serves to obfuscate the blatant reality that the man just appointed to the highest court doesn’t feel that he needs to tell the truth. His appointment sends an alarming message: truth can be sacrificed if a lie gets you what you want.
As everyone points out every day, voting is the most powerful tool for change. But here is something to consider: Putin hasn’t given up or gone away, and the more he can destabilize our democracy or any democracy, the happier he is. In my Hollywood version of this epic moment in history, Putin has the dirt on all those GOP Senators and House representatives, which is why almost none of them have the courage to vote their conscience. In my real-world version (which may not be that different than the Hollywood one), Trump is smug in his certainty of winning the midterms because he knows that the Russians have already hacked the voting machines and made a blue wave impossible. We’d better print paper ballots—the trees might even willingly volunteer for that particular sacrifice because they know what hangs in the balance.
Again, do not despair. It’s important to remember that we are in the early throes of the American Revolution 2.0. Women were not considered equals in the original revolution, and neither were slaves of either gender, let alone Native Americans. Our current battle may be driven by women but this time, equality is a cause that includes everyone. Venus has been known by many names—Aphrodite, Ishtar, and Shukra, to name but a few. In the Mayan tradition, she was a he, Kukulkan, as was true of the Aztecs’ Quetzalcoatl. While Venus is best known to us as the goddess of love, beauty, and ultimate value, throughout history Venus has also been a fierce warrior—a female energy that’s best represented in our contemporary culture as Wonder Woman.
Venus goes direct on November 16, and as she emerges from her most recent descent, rested, renewed, and ready, she is sure to reveal much more information about Mr. Kavanaugh and what went on behind the scenes. This battle is far from over. But as always, what’s most important is the realization that the means never justify the ends. The means determine the ends, so do your best to be a compassionate, but nonetheless fierce and adamant, spiritual warrior.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Venus is retrograde in your Solar House of transformation, which put simply means you are going through a lot of changes. Be prepared for a wealth of growth opportunities—but don’t worry, that doesn’t mean this is a bad patch. You’re bridging patterns from the past and integrating them into the present. If you’re open to growing, those shifts will produce powerful beneficial results.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Venus is retrograde in your Solar House of partnership, and while this sector is almost always about romantic relationships or intimate friendships, it also includes professional alliances. Be willing to explore what relationships matter most and why. What’s more, don’t be surprised if previous significant others, maybe even some you are still holding a torch for, suddenly make contact.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Venus is retrograde in your Solar House of service, health, and work, which means you are reviewing all those areas. The only glitch with this process is that you can easily get caught up in negative thinking, especially if you hit a snag of regret about something said or done. Make a commitment to maintaining a positive attitude and use that perspective to solidify your mental resilience.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Venus is retrograde in your Solar House of creativity, which translates into an extensive review of projects and pursuits you might have thought were finalized. As part of this review, you might also need a lot of quiet time to contemplate how to best refine these various pursuits. Don’t be shy about taking the time you need; there’s absolutely no deadline for excellence.
Leo July 23-August 22
Venus is retrograde in your Solar House of the home, and that includes your internal center as well as your external, physical abode. Concentrate on what you need to feel safe and secure, inside and out. That focus could translate into increased meditation or a new lock on the garage door. From the mystical to the practical, this is an opportunity to create greater stability.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Venus is retrograde in your Solar House of communication and that means you are talking—a lot, with everyone, even strangers. I’m not sure it will be all that easy to be so gregarious—you do like your quiet time—but the gift of this retrospective is that you get to engage with others in conversation about what matters. If you listen carefully, you’ll discover new information about yourself.
Libra September 23-October 22
Venus is retrograde in your Solar House of resources, and while that means you’re likely to worry about money, be careful not to use that as an excuse to indulge in negative thinking. Instead, take an inventory of all those things that bring you joy, and then figure out how to harness that happiness so that it replenishes your enthusiasm for life and living it fully.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Venus is retrograde in your Sign, in your Solar House of identity, so don’t be surprised if you’re craving a makeover—hair, clothes, and even attitude—about how you want to be seen by others. This is all about a retrospective on your persona. Don’t worry; there’s nothing wrong. This is simply an opportunity for you to consider what, if any, changes you want to make in your appearance.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Venus is retrograde in your Solar House of psychology, and as she journeys into your unconscious, it might be wise to anticipate that your dreams might take on a deeper intensity—even a psychic quality that plays out the next day. You might also feel her presence as an increased desire to meditate more. Follow those urges and don’t be surprised if they shift your sense of what’s important.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Venus is retrograde in your Solar House of community, urging you to show up and participate in activities that most express your values. Whether it is volunteering to help others—children, seniors, or homeless people in need of comfort—or any other cause, follow your heart. More than ever the world needs people who will make a sincere effort to help their fellow travelers.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Venus is retrograde in your Solar House of career and reputation, initiating a review of recently made choices about how to handle professional pursuits. I’m not suggesting you’ve made mistakes that need correction. I’m simply advising you to use this phase as a retrospective on decisions you’ve made and whether or not you’ve been happy with the outcome.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Venus is retrograde in your Solar House of adventure, and as a result, you’re thinking about traveling to exotic locales. Regardless of whether or not you can afford these excursions, allow yourself to explore the possibility. Researching these diverse countries and cultures is sure to spark your creative passion, and that journey costs nothing and is actually priceless.