Venus in Leo Reflections (Part 1)
I have a thing for planetary retrograde cycles. Why?
Because there’s something about their being a time for reflection and heightened inner awareness that feels really rewarding.
They give us a time to pause, to slow down. The flow seems different; it feels like we are encouraged to orient from a more internal place when a planet—notably Mercury, Venus, or Mars—is in retrograde motion. Instead of being exceptionally active in doing, we may find ourselves drawn more towards a greater space of allowing. The movement is backward and inward rather than more focused on being forward and outward. We revisit people, places, and situations in our lives, and with that we can be gifted with gathering awareness that comes through re-attending to arenas we have already experienced, getting to re- experience them through another lens. From this, it seems that we can craft a more complete, and more holistic, understanding from which can stem a greater level of consciousness and empowerment that we an rely upon when the time is right to fully move forward.
My affinity for planetary retrograde cycles includes that for Venus Retrograde, an astrological invitation we are currently experiencing.
Since Venus symbolizes relationships, beauty, pleasure, and finances, the six-week period when the planet is in retrograde motion can yield great insights in related areas of our lives. With Venus representing what we value—as well as our self-value—it's the perfect time to re-evaluate who and what it is we treasure, as well as learn new ways to fortify our ability to treasure who we are.
Venus undertakes a retrograde cycle approximately every 18 months. And while there may be certain similar lessons that each of these cycles portends, each has its own special flair, a unique offering of awareness it can yield, owing to the sign/s in which it is traveling during its retrograde cycle. From this, it offers collective reflections as well as personal ones, since each of the retrograde pathways traverses different areas of our individual astrology chart.
This year, the Venus Retrograde that occurs began on July 22 and goes through September 3. It takes place in the heart-centered and creative sign of Leo. Eight years ago, and eight years prior to that, and eight years prior to that (etc.) Venus did its backwards jig around the same time in a similar zodiacal location as it is doing now. Therefore, looking back to the summer of 2015, 2007, 1999 etc. may help you to gain perspective on the themes and inspirations that are beckoning your attention now when it comes to a Venusian review. (Please note that if you’re interested in exploring what this Venus Retrograde is inspiring for you personally, we can do so in a Stellar Guidance Session.)
Retrograde Reflections
It is because of my belief that retrograde periods not only encourage contemplation but that we can gain so many jewels by being reflective, turning inward with our listening, and connecting into the depth our inner awareness, that I wanted to offer you Stellar Reflection Questions to work with as journaling and meditation prompts during this time.
I have focused these on eight themes that may capture our attention while Venus is in Leo. These include Beauty, Art and Creativity, Dignity, Fun and Pleasure, Artful Living, Courage, Generosity, and Sense of I. This article, Part 1 in this series, which is available to all readers, offers some musings and Stellar Reflection Questions on the first three topics. Part 2 of this article will focus on the latter five and is available to paid subscribers as a gift of gratitude to thank you for your additional support of my work. (Not a paid subscriber? You can sign up for as little as $5/month to begin enjoying features such as this other article, my monthly New Moon articles, and more in addition to the free weekly astrology articles you already receive.)
While I am noting that the retrograde cycle itself is a great time for self-inquiry, this doesn't mean that this is the only time in which you can do the journaling. In fact, you may want to see what awareness comes to you during the Venus Retrograde— July 22 to September 3—and then revisit these contemplations and journalling prompts when Venus is in direct motion in Leo, from September 3 – October 8. Doing so may help you further synthesize and assimilate the learnings you’re receiving through this Venus Retrograde period.
I hope that this bring you beauty and delight as well as clarity and confidence as you navigate these coming months.
June 5 – July 22: Venus direct in Leo
July 22 – September 3: Venus retrograde in Leo
September 3 – October 8: Venus direct in Leo
BEAUTY
There is beauty all around us. And yet, it's important to remember that beauty may truly be in the eye of the beholder. This notion seems to really resonate with Venus in Leo.
With Leo reflecting the unique self, when Venus is in this royal sign, we may find ourselves more fully embracing the notion that there is not one absolute definition of beauty, but rather numerous interpretations, including the one that is personally our own. What you find graceful, stylish, and harmonious is different than what others may...and that is just as it should be. Instead of trying to conform to what we perceive to be a universal consensus definition of beauty, we can navigate our values and aesthetics, staking our claim to what turns us on, what gives us delight.
With Venus in Leo, we can come to more fully embrace our inner and outer beauty, as well as gain greater clarity as to whom and what draws forth our heart.
Stellar Reflection Questions
• What does beauty mean to me?
• When I think of beauty, what are the first eight words or images that come to me?
• When I think of people who radiate beauty, who are the first three people that come to mind? What is it about them that I find beautiful?
ART AND CREATIVITY
Art can be thought of as beauty crafted and captured in a form that is experienced through the senses. The generation of art is a form of self-expression, the act of taking the visions within our self and casting them into shape and form. As such, we can look to art as a vehicle to stir and enliven our hearts and souls. And as we see what art we are drawn to, what resonates with us, we gain another glimpse into our inner selves, and with that, greater self-knowledge.
With Venus in Leo, it's time to explore our own artistry and generative abilities. During this time we can look to see what fuels our self-talk stories—such as "I'm not artistic" or "I don't have talent"—those that keep us back from creating from our heart's desire. Instead of comparing yourself to famed artists and then allowing self- criticism to keep your creativity stifled, remember that you can create something that no one else can. You can craft your own masterpiece because what you create is born and expressed from within the unique and beautiful you.
With Venus in Leo, it's a time for inviting more art into our lives.
Stellar Reflection Questions
• When in a museum or gallery, what style of artwork draws me close, having me stay with those pieces for a longer period of time than others?
• What music feels divine to me, striking a chord deep within?
• What is keeping me from opening up even more deeply to the Creatrix, the artist that resides within me, within all of us?
DIGNITY
The Leo spirit wants to discover a deeper embrace of Self, often finding a route to doing so through being recognized and received by others. Yet, Leo doesn't necessarily radiate its brightness unless there's an element of comfort in its surroundings, unless there's only minimal risk that doing so will cause embarrassment. And with that, the fear of falling from grace, of tarnishing one's reputation, may then end up serving as a barometer through which one's self- expression is metered, and possible withheld.
Of course, there may be benefits to this, to keeping one's status in check. And yet, there may also be times when the possibility that we will actually get egg-on-our-face is so small, yet the anxiety that the notion engenders so large, that it keeps us from cracking ourselves open to share who we are. This then leads to us not sharing our unique gifts, which not only activates a sense of inner frustration but also a collateral withholding of something special that may actually delight others.
With Venus in Leo, we can explore our relationship to dignity and what it takes for us to feel more comfortable sharing ourselves with others.
Stellar Reflection Questions
• What do I need from the people around me to feel comfortable expressing myself?
• What is the worst that could happen if I shared a piece of my creative spirit with someone?
• When do I feel most dignified?
As a reminder, inquiries and Stellar Reflection Questions related to Fun and Pleasure, Artful Living, Courage, Generosity, and Sense of I will be the topic explored in Part 2 of this article series.
Photos: Laura Ockel, Charlota Blunarova, and Dee Cooper and Wild, all via Unsplash