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The Power of a Venus Retro Rant

By Dana Gerhardt

Venus just stationed retrograde in Scorpio (October 5 to November 16).   Venus retrogrades (occurring every eighteen months) are high holy days for the Divine Feminine.  For these six weeks, Venus is at her most powerful in the inner world.  She is preparing to make herself new again.  She is gathering her resentments, her foiled desires, her missed opportunities, her delusional poverty consciousness and her memories of indignities and victimization and throwing all of this into a great Scorpio bonfire.

When she emerges in mid-November, she’ll be the Morning Star–the goddess most associated with war.   Here in the US, many of us are hoping (and expecting) to see a tidal wave of newly empowered women entering congress.

Although, during retrogrades, all plans are easily overturned.  The power in these periods lies elsewhere.  It begins underground, in the unconscious. Like a volcano readying to erupt, there is a kind of rumbling in the personal and the collective psyches.  It’s been an exhausting year.  Since Jupiter entered Scorpio a year ago, in this sign of sex, death, and power, he’s raised the awareness of gender power imbalances to a fevered pitch. I suspect with retro Venus now in Scorpio too, this will only get louder.

Yet it’s also important to attune to the retrograde more personally. Think about your experience of Venus joys in the last eighteen months.  You’ll find this Goddess in the love, money, pleasure and beauty your life is bringing you.  If any of these areas is in neglect, this niggling absence will become more and more intolerable.

In fact, you don’t have to think too deeply about it.  What has been neglected will make itself known.  Over the next six weeks, there will come a morning, an afternoon or a weekend when you’ll find yourself at a breaking point.  You can’t stand it.  Life is no fun. You’re angry.  You’re lonely.  You’re disappointed.  You’re overwhelmed.  Whatever it is, listen. And don’t just politely  listen.  Give your Venus a pen or a keyboard and let her go to town.

Let her rant and rave. Ask her to articulate everything. All the unmet desires and needs. Make a long list. An impassioned list.  Begin each sentence with “I want,” or even better, “I demand.”  (“I demand more attention, I demand more money, I want my voice heard, I want Greg to kiss and cherish me, I desire more time to do my own thing.”)

Save this rant.  Frame this rant.  Keep it someplace special.  Later, when the passion has cooled, take it out and have a clear-eyed look.   These are messages from the Venus locked in your subconscious.  Her complaints are a minefield of unpolished gems.  They are your deepest Venus secrets, what you need for happiness now. The words may be a little rough or even childish–but the power behind them is true.

Cherish these complaints. Consider how you can honor these deeper needs, especially when Venus goes direct.   Venus went retrograde on October 5 at 10 Scorpio; she goes direct on November 16 at 25 Libra.  To deepen your meditation on this particular retrograde, notice which house(s) of your chart she is touching. Eight years ago she was retrograde in this same part of your chart. What happened then? How are those themes playing out now?

Give yourself a gift to inspire your pleasure and love.
Venus retrograde is the ideal time to order my Venus Unleashed report! 

 

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About Dana Gerhardt

A popular columnist with The Mountain Astrologer since 1991, Dana Gerhardt is an internationally respected astrologer. She has lectured extensively and written for astrology publications on several continents. Her ongoing passions are the moon and living the intuitive life. Dana worked for many years in the corporate sector, where she observed the undeniable influence of natural cycles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles and did graduate work in literature at Columbia University and CSULA. Dana can be contacted by email.

Comments

  1. Neeti says

    Oct 8, 2018 at 8:38 pm

    Wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Nancy E. Wood says

    Oct 8, 2018 at 4:49 pm

    Ohmigod, Dana, you are SOOO amazing, so expressive, articulate, and perceptive… The richness of your messages to us about what’s passing through our lives continues to be a huge and wonderful light and balm in my life.

    And every time I give someone the gift of one of your astonishingly excellent (and beautiful) Moonprints reports, I get such delighted and grateful responses and thanks back… so I want to pass some of that back to you now, Dana. Thanks so much… AGAIN… –Nancy

    Reply
    • Dana says

      Oct 9, 2018 at 5:34 pm

      Aren’t you a sweetheart!

      Reply
  3. Dana says

    Oct 8, 2018 at 2:20 pm

    In my birth chart Venus is in 28 degrees Scorpio. I don’t know what that means but I can tell you that this girl is on fire right now! Laying down the law and making the changes in my life that should of happened years ago. Frightened but not so much that I will back down. Dana I always look forward to your News letters and this one has empowered me to stay on task. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Oct 8, 2018 at 3:05 pm

      Love it!

      Reply
  4. Donna says

    Oct 8, 2018 at 5:56 am

    Just simply the best advice/suggestions. Really, the BEST. The ‘eight years ago’ thang….wham. Have blanket and candle, off I go…..

    Reply
  5. Patti Burgess says

    Oct 7, 2018 at 9:16 am

    Hmmmm….dealing with a mass in my lung. Her last Scorpio rx I was dealing with my brother’s fatal cancer diagnosis. Scorpio 12th house opposes my 6th house Sun and now uranus. Again, hmmmm

    Reply
  6. Carol says

    Oct 7, 2018 at 8:52 am

    WOW!!! My Libra Venus was all fired up even before the retrograde! My husband’s is too since he has Venus in Scorpio in his natal chart. She went retrograde on my Scorpio Sun and will go direct on my Libra Moon and his Libra Mars. I’d better pay close attention! Thanks for your powerful explanation.

    Reply
  7. Ellen Fabiano McPherson says

    Oct 6, 2018 at 5:27 am

    This post has facilitated my understanding greatly. I am in the throes of this process just now, but could not articulate what is going on. I picked up my pen this past month and began writing and will continue to do so incorporating your suggestions. Very helpful, thank you.

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Oct 6, 2018 at 11:35 am

      Yay!

      Reply
      • Carolyn Cornish says

        Oct 7, 2018 at 1:11 pm

        Just excellent advice and information, Dana. I, too, will continue journaling with your additions.

        thank you,

        Carolyn

        Reply

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The Moon is in its
Full Phase

in the
Sign of Scorpio


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon opposite Uranus, 2:35am  May 13 2025
  • Moon trine Saturn, 6:37am  May 13 2025
  • Moon trine Neptune, 11:29am  May 13 2025
  • Moon sextile Pluto, 4:11pm  May 13 2025

Venus is currently
The Morning Star

in the sign of Aries


Enroll in Dana Gerhardt’s Moon Workshop!
Your Venus Unleashed!
Moonshadow Eclipse Report
Moonprints Lunar Report
Steven Forrest’s Transit/Progression report
Mary Shea’s Solar Return report
John Townley’s Lunar Return report

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Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.