Interview with Venus, Part 10

John: Well, Venus, we certainly have covered a lot of ground. Would you mind giving us a quick re-cap of what we talked about?

 

Venus: Sure. I’m the planet of desire and my influence is very broad—

 

John: [unsuccessfully stifles a laugh]

 

Venus: [glowers] REALLY? 

 

John: Sorry…I just thought it was funny that you used that term and that you're the planet of women…[chuckles again]

 

Venus: [annoyed and shocked] Did you just revert to being 12 years old? 

 

John: Sorry, Lady Venus. Please continue. [stifles smirk]

 

Venus: MEN! [fixes hair and takes a deep breath] As you stated, I’m the planet of women and femininity. I rule attraction and many people call me the pleasure center of the zodiac.

 

John: And love and relationships are an important part of your work, but so is money, right?

 

Venus: Yes, that’s right. I deal with money matters and anything with value, as well as the concepts and ideas that people value.

 

John: Could you give us an example of that?

 

Venus: Sure. You’ve got Venus in Scorpio, so you value loyalty and discretion more than most people. How’s that?

 

John: Good call! But one area we didn’t talk about much is creativity. You do that too, right?

 

Venus: Yes, I do, but Neptune also owns a part of creativity in an astrological sense. With that said, I show up importantly in the charts of many creative, artistic people.

 

John: I didn’t want to forget to mention that.[checks iPad] We talked extensively about your movement around the wheel.

 

Venus: Yup. Always close to the boss…never more than 48 degrees away. Merc and I often hang out together. And I do retrograde every once in a while, but not too often…

 

John: [consults iPad] 7.2% of the time, as I recall. Once every 19 months you go on your business trip backward through the zodiac, for about 40 days.

 

Venus: Indeed. I’m about to leave in a few days, so while I don’t want to rush you, I need to get home and get packed.

 

John: I understand. Just a few more questions and then we’ll wrap your lava cake to go.

 

Venus: Thanks! So, what’s left?

 

John: Well I won’t make you re-live the polite lie—I mean, the pleasant fiction—but can you tell us again which signs you rule?

 

Venus: I’m at my best in Taurus and Libra, and Pisces is also pretty amazing. Before you ask, I’m more of a challenge in Virgo, as well as Mars-ruled Aries and Scorpio. [smiles] Can you wrap my lava cake to go?

 

John: Absolutely! [closes iPad] You’ve done me a great service today, Venus. Thank you so much for your time and energy. Please enjoy your retrograde and we’ll catch you in late June when you return.

 

Venus: Thank you, John! I’m grateful for the opportunity. And maybe when I get back you can actually leave the house! [Pauses] I guess I shouldn't hug you, huh?

 

John: Unfortunately, that's probably not a good idea. And I’m not optimistic about being able to leave the house by the time you come back from retrograde, but let’s say “Here’s to hoping!”

Interview with Venus, Part 9

John: So now we must move on to…

 

Venus: [sigh] I’ve read the other blogs, so I know where this is going.

 

John: My apologies. Then you also know that I must, regrettably, press on.

 

Venus: [nods] What’s that smell?

 

John: It’s one of those chocolate lava cakes. I’m having it heated up now and you can have it before you leave.

 

Venus: [smiles] You are so thoughtful and kind.

 

John: I’m trying as hard as I can to make this easy for you.

 

Venus: [sigh] So I don’t do particularly well in Virgo. It’s a really fussy sign sometimes, and while Mercury’s influence is good for being discriminating, it has a perfectionistic streak that can be challenging to manage.

 

John: Do you mean that nothing is quite right for the Venus in Virgo person?

 

Venus: That’s one possibility. The Venus in Virgo person has to get just the right fit. And remember we’re not just talking about things but people as well. In the right context, though, it can be a very powerful force.

 

John: But Mercury’s influence over the sign of Virgo is the reason for the challenges?

 

Venus: Yes, that’s a good way of putting it. The bottom line is that Virgo is a cerebral sign and not really a sensual one, and as the pleasure center of the Zodiac a person with me in this sign has to work harder to perform well. And we’ve already talked about how I feel about work.

 

John: Four-letter word, right?

 

Venus: You catch on quickly!

 

John: So, Virgo is your fall position. What are your detriment signs? My readers will want to know.

 

Venus: Unfortunately, that’s all too easy. Any sign that is ruled by my male counterpart, Mars, can really force a person to push hard to work with me. Those are Aries and Scorpio.

 

John: Wait a second. I thought Scorpio was ruled by Pluto, so I’m a little confused.

 

Venus: It depends who you ask. In the ancient world, Mars had dominion over both Aries and Scorpio. They really are two sides of the same coin, but I don’t want to steal his thunder. I love that man but I can’t come close to capturing his unique…style and flair.

 

John: Not a problem. We have more than enough to discuss and he’s next on my list of interviews.

 

Venus: Excellent! [pauses] So Aries is a true powerhouse, but my energy requires more finesse. Aries is kind of a blunt sign, and they are not as concerned with the proprieties of balanced relationships. They want excitement and they want things to happen quickly.

 

John: What ‘things’ are you talking about?

 

Venus: Well…Venus in Aries folks can have a predilection toward the more physical aspects of love. They can find that activity endlessly exciting. While it is an important part of every relationship, when it’s the focus of any coupling deep development between the people runs into difficulty.

 

John: So, they want exciting, sexual relationships and are not as concerned about them lasting?

 

Venus: That’s one possibility. These people want to make an immediate impact, and on a creative level it may mean they lack the patience to let their true creativity shine through. In other words, they may throw something together to say it’s done instead of being patient. But boy…they do love the thrill of chasing new projects…and people!

 

John: Fascinating. And I see you saved Scorpio for last.

 

Venus: So, I’m in Scorpio in your chart. Why don’t you tell me what I’m like there instead of a theory?

 

John: I adore you, Venus.

 

Venus: I’m glad you led with that. I love you, too. That won’t change no matter what you say next.

 

John: [pause] I’m glad to hear that, because I have had my share of struggles with you. Dating was hard for me. Breaking up was even harder. I was your standard tortured soul. No one seemed right, looking for love in all the wrong places as the song goes, until I met Jen. And then, everything changed.

 

Venus: Interesting. She also has Venus in Scorpio, right next to your Sun, as I recall. That’s a serious love connection. I know we’re not talking about more than one chart so…

 

John: No, but it’s worth mentioning for people to think about it. With both Jen and I having Venus in Scorpio, it was a great match because this sign is looking for that ONE person. Clearly Jen and I have found that person, and her Venus being next to my Sun is a great connection for love. But I definitely went through some painful years.  

 

Venus: I feel you. But she’s amazing, so it was worth it.

 

John: I agree. What would you say to those Venus in Scorpio people who haven’t found the person who fits?

 

Venus: Stay positive. Don’t force anything. If it feels right, go with it. And if it doesn’t, don’t force it. There are always other relationships. And don’t forget how important your friends are, in these times and all times.

 

John: And I would add that being in a bad relationship is worse than being alone.

 

Venus: I TOTALLY DISAGREE!

 

John: Yes, I suspected you would, but we will have to agree to disagree on that point.

Interview with Venus, Part 8

John: We’ve talked about you a lot, and I can’t thank you enough for your candor. My readers will truly benefit.

 

Venus: Thank you. I’m honored. [beams] Any chance there are more cookies left?

 

John: [produces box] Certainly. [consults iPad notes] To finish out, we still need to talk about your favorite signs.

 

Venus: Of course! These are Taurus and Libra! I rule them both and I always have.

 

John: No modern planet has taken either of them from you? In other words, those two signs have always belonged to you.

 

Venus: [flat tone] Yes, they’ve always been mine. And no astrologer had better try to take one of my signs, unless they want to see a very pointed example of a woman scorned! My retrogrades will look like a damn picnic!

 

John: I’m hoping that doesn’t ever happen. [pauses] So tell me about Taurus.

 

Venus: Ah yes…the hobbits of the Zodiac! You won’t find a better group of foodies around. They have very sensitive palates, and they make excellent wedding planners and food critics! Then there’s the ultimate question for Taurus: “Food or sex?”

 

John: So…what is the answer?

 

Venus: Well, I’d say either, but it depends on the Taurus. Most would say, “Why not BOTH?” And didn’t one of your Taurus mentees say, “You never wake a girl up without food or sex?”

 

John: Yes, I believe that is a direct quote and there was a large plate of food in the picture, so her friend was smart enough to avert any potential crisis.

 

Venus: That makes a lot of sense.

 

John: Yes, I’ve been privileged to know many Taurus people over the years…my sister, my grandmother, and a few of my very best friends are Bulls. And man do they have staying power! You couldn’t ask for more loyalty and dedication. I’ve had one Taurus friend for nearly 40 years.

 

Venus: Taurus directs my energy inward, and you’ve described them very well. They have a tendency to be possessive of their people, but you won’t find a more solid friend or partner. Libra, on the other hand…

 

John: …is the outward manifestation. They focus on one-to-one relationships, right?

 

Venus: Precisely! You keep that up and you won’t need me around anymore!

 

John: [smiles warmly] I will always need you, great lady.

 

Venus: [beams] The Moon is right. You are SUCH a charmer! But yes, Libra focuses more on outer relationships. They often see themselves through other people, which can be a good or a bad thing.

 

John: The Libra people I have worked with in the past seem to help me with balance. As a Sun sign Scorpio, I have a tendency to go to extremes.  Libra people help me to even things out.

 

Venus: Yes, that’s exactly right. How many would you say you have worked closely with?

 

John: By my count, I would say I’ve worked with five different Libra women on topics as varied as leadership, spiritual development, teaching, and astrology. I count them among my most important mentors, and I seem to draw them for some reason.

 

Venus: Well, good sir, let me applaud you on your good taste! Libra is indeed the sign of balance, but sometimes relationships do get the better of them. They will often stay in a bad relationship longer than they should because the relationship itself is more important than their own growth or development. But don’t you dare insult a Libra person’s partner. You will get an earful!

 

John: Yes, I had that happen to me in high school and I learned the lesson very well. [pauses] So you rule those two. Is there another preferred sign for you?

 

Venus: Certainly! When I show up in Pisces, that’s a wonderful manifestation of my energy. These people tend to be exceptionally artistic, creative, or imaginative. They also do an excellent job of connecting with others on an emotional level.

 

John: And creativity is an important part of your job, right?

 

Venus: Indeed! I figure prominently in the horoscopes of many actors, dancers, artists and other creative people.

Interview with Venus, Part 7

John: So, when you go retrograde, we’re re-evaluating a lot of different things.

Venus: Yes, that’s right.

 

John: What if you are born with you in retrograde? I know it’s a rare thing…only 7.2% of people would have that, right?

 

Venus: [sigh] That’s true.

 

John: Why the sigh?

 

Venus: Because this can be challenging for people who have it.

 

John: [gestures] Go on.

 

Venus: When I’m retrograde in a birth chart, there can be some challenges related to me that the person is going to have to address. Usually it involves the person’s life purpose, so it’s pretty significant.

 

John: That’s a little vague and new-agey for my folks. Can you give us some examples?

 

Venus: Unfortunately, I can. This is a person who likely has a lot of work to do involving me. The whole idea of love for a person with me in retrograde in their natal chart may not be like that of many other people. What was that phrase you heard at that conference?

 

John: Ah yes. They said it was like “staying back in love school”, if memory serves.

 

Venus: That’s a great expression. It doesn’t mean that I don’t function, but it’s going to be very important for the person to work with me and try not to fall into some of the pitfalls that can sometimes occur in these individuals.

 

John: Such as…?

 

Venus: [sniffles] Give me a moment, please.

 

John: Of course [pauses and produces a tissue box]

 

Venus: [takes tissue] Thank you. This is an opportunity for people to work with my energy on a very fundamental level. These people might struggle with healthy relationships or self-esteem, for example. They might feel unlovable or undeserving of having good people in their lives.

 

John: And what if the person chooses not to work with you? I mean, they don’t HAVE to, do they?

 

Venus: I’ve found that the problem will continue to exist whether a person works to resolve it or not. In other words, the person may continue to struggle in areas I control if they ignore what is happening. And this is a hard thing to deal with, so we need lots of patience and encouragement to help encourage growth and spiritual development. But there is a bright side.

 

John: What’s the bright side?

 

Venus: By being forced to work with me, they will usually find that their lives are better, their relationships more satisfying. And I’ve gotta say that’s a great tradeoff!

 

John: Certainly!

 

Venus: Although it is true that you could say the same of any other planet: The more work you do with him or her, the more success you will have. But because I’m a personal planet, natal retrogrades require special focus and handling to overcome in many ways.

Interview with Venus, Part 6

John: But you don’t retrograde often, right?

 

Venus: No! Hardly ever. But with everything I’ve got to do I also need a break.

 

John: “Hardly ever” is a little vague for us. Could we have a timeframe?

 

Venus: About every 19 months I go retrograde for forty days or so. Mercury told me it’s a mere 7.2% of my time is in retrograde.

 

John: That sounds about right. [consults iPad again] So what would you say about how you behave during your retrograde periods?

 

Venus: Well, coming up in a few short days—May 14 to be exact—I’ll turn retrograde in Gemini. So, this is an excellent time to talk about it.

 

John: Great! Let’s drill into the details.

 

Venus: Hilary Harley did a wonderful job describing it on this blog a few weeks ago. Shouldn’t people just read that one?

 

John: Of course! Hilary is extremely talented. But we want to hear it directly from you, too.  

 

Venus: [hesitates] Well…to be honest, I am not at my best when I’m retrograde. I tend to be more like…well, Mars.

 

John: Could you explain that for us?

 

Venus: I know how it sounds. I’m a pleasant planet, usually, but when I’m moving backwards there is a lot more emphasis on the conflict than the cooperation. In other words, problems linked to me tend to be much more…apparent.

 

John: I see. So, if I know a couple that is struggling, when you come along and turn retrograde, what could they experience?

 

Venus: All of these impacts are individual, but I can say that both of these people might start to see even more problems than usual. There may not actually be more of them, but they might be highlighted or magnified.

 

John: If I can rephrase, it’s almost like they’re re-evaluating the relationship?

 

Venus: YES. That’s perfect! My retrograde periods are a time of reconsidering anything under my purview. Relationships are big one, but of course spending is another topic that can come up with my association with money.

 

John: Any others that come to mind?

 

Venus: Friendships. Fashion choices. Decorating. Our hairstyle and makeup habits. What we enjoy. And our tastes and values. All of these can be called into question.

 

John: Wow. That’s a lot!

 

Venus: It certainly is.

 

John: As we go through this period, what advice do you give to people who end up feeling like something isn’t working for them anymore?

 

Venus: Remember how I said, ‘Work is a four-letter word’?

 

John: [smiles] Yes, I seem to recall that exchange.

 

Venus: My job is not to do stuff, like I said. It involves work and I’m not into that. If someone is feeling like something isn’t working for them anymore, then you do what I do: NOTHING!

 

John: Wait a minute. You’re saying that if I’m realizing that I don’t…I don’t know, want to eat pasta ever again…

 

Venus: OK, who is unrealistic NOW? [laughs]

 

John: [chuckles] Touché, Venus. Of course, THAT would never happen. Let’s try something else. So what if I say I hate the way my bedroom looks and I want to redo it?

 

Venus: Good example! My answer is still the same. While I’m retrograde, DO NOTHING. Take a nap. Eat some good food. Whatever. But do NOT make any big decisions. Don’t call a contractor or an interior designer. Don’t look at paint swatches. But DO remember what you don’t like.

 

John: Why shouldn’t I act on these feelings?

 

Venus: Because when I go direct, people tend to change their minds! Again! So, you tread carefully until I go direct. THEN you act. But not before.

 

John: You said earlier that people who are having relationship problems should do nothing, right?

 

Venus: Yes, unless there’s abuse or another similar situation. In that case, you do whatever you have to do to keep you and yours safe immediately! But generally, the problems I’m referring to can wait for a few weeks since they have likely sat unaddressed for a long time. Re-evaluate during my retrograde, and then decide what to do for certain when it’s over—which, incidentally, is on June 25.

 

John: I’m guessing I shouldn’t choose to buy my dream car or any other big-ticket items in the next few months.

 

Venus: [touches John on the shoulder] It’s better to hold off to make completely sure it is really what you want.