Radiant Living

At the end of July’s e-news I mentioned that Venus shifted into retrograde motion on 28 July. And what an interesting shift it’s been. I’ve noticed more people going into hibernation over the past couple of weeks than over the whole of winter so far. If you’ve found yourself backing out of social events, there’s a good chance you’ve been bitten by the Venus Retro bug. When planets go retrograde their energy is often felt more internally than usual, and given that Venus represents the social and relating archetype, it’s not surprising that instead of relating externally (i.e. to others), many of us have been drawn to relate internally (i.e. connect more deeply with ourselves).
 
Another impact of a retrograde planet is an intensification of its themes. Therefore many of us have also been experiencing heightened relationship issues. Being a feminine planet, these issues might well relate to women in our lives - e.g. mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, girlfriends, daughters, female bosses - or to the feminine side in men. As Venus is also the planet of love, beauty and self-esteem, we might find ourselves assessing how attractive or worthwhile we feel, especially if we are having difficulty in lover or partner relationships. Under the influence of Venus retrograde, it’s generally beneficial to reflect on all relationships, past and present, plus feelings of self-worth in matters of the heart and body. Don’t be surprised if loved ones from the past get in touch - it’s a time for completing unfinished business and moving on, or for finding new ways to relate. Perhaps memories will emerge that help us gauge how much we’ve grown on a relating level so that we can make peace with our young, less mature selves. Venus retrograde provides an opportunity to forgive ourselves for past relating blunders.
 
Most of all, Venus retrograde asks us to assess our relationship intentions, promises and contracts. Often we make silent contracts with others (known as the ‘left-handed handshake’, due to the unconscious or hidden nature of some of our agreements). The challenge under Venus Retro is to discover old ‘toxic’ agreements (whether they be with a partner, friend, sister, parent), bring them to awareness and release them. New intentions can then be set for fresh forms of relating that more fully embrace and allow creative expression. It’s a perfect time for addressing unhealed relationship wounds. Venus is retrograde all through August and doesn’t move direct until early September. We therefore have ample opportunity to detach past relationship hooks and build new relationship agreements. If you are single, this is a great time to clarify relationship goals and plan how to bring romance into your life.
 
In mid-August, Venus pairs up with Saturn for a couple of days; this is a time to keep an eye on our inner critic. We could be too hard on ourselves over past mistakes, or encounter hurdles with our loved ones. It’ll be important to remember that all good relationships take effort and to put hard work into overcoming any current hurdles. Hardships are sometimes opportunities dressed in disguise, and with Saturn and Venus paired up, there are opportunities mid-month for deep and lasting commitments. Straight after her connection with Saturn, Venus moves into harmonious alignment with the Galactic Centre. This truly is a time for significant soul connections to manifest; the kinds of connections that lead us toward desired futures. Yet it’s also a significant time to honour and let go of many relationships, or to find new ways to relate to old loved ones.
 
On 13 August, a New Moon in Leo challenges us to build confidence with career or creative projects. Venus represents relationship confidence and self-worth, whereas Leo represents career/creativity confidence and self-worth. August then is a month for shedding self-doubts and building self-esteem. Another confidence booster happens in August when Jupiter, planet of adventure and abundance, shifts out of its 4-month Retro phase on the 7th. It might take Jupiter a week or two to yawn, stretch and fully limber up, but you can bet this planet of good vibes and fun times will then make the most of its remaining months in its home zodiac sign, Sagittarius. In general, spirits are likely to lift and optimism increase under Jupiter’s influence, and this could be particularly evident in the lives of fire signs (Sagittarius, Leo and Aries). In December Jupiter will shift into Capricorn, and it will then be the earth signs’ (Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo) turn for a bit of a spark up.
 
Last but definitely not least, on 28 August, a total lunar eclipse happens at the time of the Full Moon in Pisces at approximately 8.30 pm. This eclipse will be visible along the east coast of Australia. To check out its visibility in your area, you might like to scroll down to the visibility table on this web page from an amateur astronomer’s assocation in Australia: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?id=63,409,0,0,1,0 . Being a lunar eclipse and being in Pisces (both very watery energies), this eclipse is likely to trigger floods of emotion. Either yourself or those around you might become emotionally overwhelmed. To avoid this, plan ways to direct any emotional build up at the time of the eclipse. One way to direct the energy could be to watch the eclipse and marvel at the wonder of the universe. Pisces is a spiritual zodiac sign that encourages us to appreciate our soul-connectedness to all of life. Should your emotions become agitated at this time, perhaps try grounded meditations, deep relaxation, guided visualisation or other spiritual/intuitive activities that feed your soul. Ensure you ground yourself because the Pisces energy could contribute to forgetfulness, confusion or uncomfortable out-of-body feelings. Eat and exercise well, spend time in nature and protect your aura so that you can fully enjoy your intuitive experiences.
 
Wishing you a wonderful experience of moon magic during this month’s eclipse and many fruitful relationship developments while Venus is retrograde.