Warning: Venus in Retrograde Ahead!

I know you're all used to my Mercury retrograde warnings by now. This is NOT a Mercury retrograde warning. This is, as they would say in the movie "Airplane!", "an entirely different kind of flying. Altogether." (If you haven't seen that movie, you ABSOLUTELY need to! But I digress.)

OK, so let's start off with some background. Venus is a planet that is extremely important astrologically, although many of us don't really pay much attention to it unless it's Valentine's Day. Here are some of the things Venus rules:

• Love and attraction
• Beauty in form
• Refinement of artistic tastes
• Our romantic, poetic, and artistic selves

Taurus and Libra folks, this is your ruling planet, the lovely and charming Venus. Some of you may also know her as the Greek goddess Aphrodite. 

Most people think about love and attraction only when it comes to romance. I'm here to tell you that Venus also has a financial role. Why? Because if we are in business for ourselves, for example--like yours truly--our ability to make money and succeed depends on our ability to attract and retain clients. So Venus has an often overlooked role in our financial success. Also, if you're looking for work, Venus is an important planet for you to attract the attention of the right employer. Problems with Venus in your birth chart and indicate both love and money difficulties.

So I hope I've been able to convince you that this lady is nothing to be trifled with. Venus goes into retrograde once every eighteen months, and before you open your mouth to complain, it's the LEAST amount of retrograde time of any of the planets in the solar system. You gotta cut the girl some slack; she's busy and needs a break! 

Anyway, when this planet starts to move "backward" in the sky, the focused is on unfinished business in our emotional and financial relationships. Here are some things to know about what you might experience, in both love and money.

Love and social affairs--Overall, relationships tend to slow down. This is not a good time to:

• Get married
• Go on first dates
• Have big parties
• Change your hairstyle
• Wear flamboyant clothing
• Buy a new wardrobe
• Re-decorate your home or business

Business--You may experience:

• Legal issues
• Problems with diplomacy or negotiations
• Enter into a new partnership or significant business relationship

Relationships that are already having difficulty may feel additional pressure. Venus retrograde often forces us to face feelings that we have ignored in the past, and re-evaluate those friendships and romantic partnerships as these emotions re-surface. 

Since Venus is retrograde in Gemini, the focus will really be on words and understanding how people are communicating with you. Words really can hurt, especially those closest to us, so in this position, be extremely careful as you talk to your loved ones and make sure that you mean what you say and say what you mean.  

Venus starts slowing down tomorrow morning, but doesn't officially enter retrograde motion until May 15, 2012 at 10:32am. So you've got a little time. It goes through the rest of May and almost all the way through June; it will be over by June 27, but the effects could be felt through the end of July. 

Good luck weathering the storm, folks. Drop me a line if you have any Venus retrograde stories I can share! :)