posted July 17, 2007 03:57 PM              

What house(s) in your natal chart is Venus transiting when it is Stationing? Note the degree at which Venus turns Retrograde and find where that degree is found, by house, in your natal chart, then read the interpretation for Venus Stationary Retrograde below. Then note the degree at which Venus then turns Direct and find that point in your natal chart (it's likely to be in the same house or an adjacent one), and read the interpretation for Venus Stationary Direct below. These interpretations (source: Day Watch software) indicate the areas of life affected by Venus's stations.

Venus Stationary Retrograde in 1st House
You are moving into a period when you may spend some time rethinking what you want to get out of the way you present yourself. As you see indicators that you are not maximizing your personal image, you have the opportunity to prune, trim, reshape, or even redesign the way you appear both physically and personality-wise. There could be a new you in the making, or just a more refined and efficient version of what went before. Under any circumstances, give yourself a second look so you can decide if you appear to be living up to your maximum potential. Appearances can be everything, and keeping them up can be a personal statement of your inner value.

Venus Stationary Direct in 1st House
Over the past few weeks, you may have developed a bit clearer vision of how you would like to present yourself and how you want to benefit from the way people see you. As you fine-tune your image, you will also be impacting your ability to earn and benefit from the way you are viewed and judged by others (for the better). What you rearrange on the outside is just a reflection of what's going on inside, however, and the more consistent one is with the other, the easier you will be able get what you want, when you want it.

Venus Stationary Retrograde in 2nd House
You are entering a period when you may realize that you are not getting enough of what you want from your physical and financial resources. At least, you may feel that way, even if it's not entirely true, so you should take some time to sort out actually overlooked possibilities from simple discontent. What do you really want, and does what you possess really promise to deliver it? It may be partially that someone (or something) is putting up temporary resistance, or you may just be up for a change of attitude. Separating what you have and want from who you are and want to become may be the most important issue addressed.

Venus Stationary Direct in 2nd House
Sorting out your resources and prioritizing what you have in hand may have required some shifting over the past few weeks, but you'll find that plans can begin to firm up as you decide what you want to heat up and what should be put on the back burner. Possibilities that pay off short-term should be optimized first, but do not entirely round file potential moneymakers that take longer to mature. Knowing what you really want and who you want to deal with is the determinant -- indecision leads to undoing, so when you step forward, step with confidence and commitment. Indicate and you will vindicate.

Venus Stationary Retrograde in 3rd House
For a period you may find yourself wondering if the people you're involved with on an everyday basis are worth all the trouble, and you may consider doing a little pruning of timewasters and social situations that give less satisfaction than they promise. In fact, you may discover that less is more in terms of your social appetite and a breath of peaceful fresh air beats the excitement of a crowded venue. The issue is an internal one, and giving up at this point may actually result in getting more down the line as you resolve your priorities. In fact, in the end, you may find you save money in the process....

Venus Stationary Direct in 3rd House
You may have found some difficulty lately getting what you want across to others, making your desires and wishes known in ways that are not misunderstood. A period of clarification is now underway, during which you can clear things up and get what you need from the immediate surroundings without having to repeat yourself so much. Partially, that's due to general happenstance, but equally important is putting your own thoughts in order and being sure of what you want, so you can ask for it clearly and effectively. When you are coming from a solid place inside, your follow-through will take care of itself.

Venus Stationary Retrograde in 4th House
During this period, what you want to hold on to and what you want to let go can be a recurrent issue. Not so much in the outer world, but rather the inner. The set of circumstances that really makes you feel at home and well supported emotionally and spiritually ask to be defined or, rather, redefined. Are you where you would like to be? Are your values abiding or shifting? What is your personal bottom line? As you address these questions, you may find yourself redefined and more secure from within and therefore better able to go after goals on the outside, especially in you interaction with others.

Venus Stationary Direct in 4th House
Core values may have been at issue recently, with the need to take a second look at what is really meaningful to you and what is passing fancy. Such changes are now likely to solidify and give you a better sense of personal objectives and what your inner bottom line goals should be. Dispense with that which does not feed the soul but only gives temporary amusement. Quality, not quantity, should be the watchword -- follow your heart, not just your appetite, and you'll find that you will be well-filled. And don't forget that when you give, you get, so an open and generous hand now means instant good karma.

Venus Stationary Retrograde in 5th House
This may be a period in which you choose to refocus your creative impulse and redefine what truly satisfies, as opposed to what merely amuses. The appetite for joy can immerse you in flowing river, when you discover you only had your toes in the water before. When the muse ceases to inspire, be ready to try for another, either personally or artistically, so you begin to feel properly plugged in again. Who you want to play with and what you want to play at are particular reflections of who you are and who you want to be -- as you resolve one, the other comes into plainer view and the way is clear.

Venus Stationary Direct in 5th House
Stirred and circling creative urges start to take more concrete shape now, and it's time to select those projects that have real sex appeal and drop the humdrum. Conflicting desires begin to show signs of harmony, and spontaneity becomes its own reward. The essence of choosing is the sureness of your choice, and confidence in your decisions will now begin to pick up the pace. This actually impacts on your wellness, and the better you feel, the better you are -- and the more you will accomplish as a result. Take a deep breath of desire, and you'll find it satisfies.

Venus Stationary Retrograde in 6th House
The everyday care of the smaller necessities in life are highlighted during this period. First, you may feel you are not getting your daily due and proper attention -- but then you may discover it is because you haven't really asked for what you truly want. Learning new and more satisfying ways to address your personal habits and those of others will refresh once you take a closer look. This can mean taking better care of yourself, eating what truly satisfies, and turning the necessities of the daily grind into the opportunities of ever-evolving accomplishment. Life is one thing at a time, each well done.

Venus Stationary Direct in 6th House
Knowing what you want to get out of your daily routine is essential to making it work for you and not you work for it. That may have been something of an issue of late, but clearing things up is the order of the day now, so go ahead and prioritize. Setting clear goals makes the details of achieving them that much easier, so the more specific you can be, the better. By clearing your decks, you open up your path, so don't be afraid to dispense with time-wasters and overstated tasks. By sticking to just what is necessary, you lighten your own responsibilities and enable partnering to expand your horizons.

Venus Stationary Retrograde in 7th House
At this kind of period, the usual joys of partnership may appear to have become a bit tarnished, so it's probably time to get out the polishing cloth. In some ways you may be asking not for more than what you want, but what you don't want at all, and that cannot satisfy. If you depend on habit, relations cloy, for it is only what you know you want right now that ultimately fits the bill. So be willing to spend some time winnowing your relationships, keeping what really works and letting the rest pass. When clearly stated desires are again being addressed from both sides, that's when life begins again.

Venus Stationary Direct in 7th House
If you're not sure of what you want out of someone, it can be hard to get it, an ordinarily easy give-and-take lately may have become more like push-and-pull. First, refigure out what it is you want to ask of a partner, then put it out clearly so there are no mistakes. That means as much knowing what you aren't asking for as what you are. Imagined or illusory expectations can make a muddle of things, but as you focus on your real desires, the small stuff starts to fade into the background, allowing real dialogue to begin. When you know what to ask for, others become the resources you would like them to be.

Venus Stationary Retrograde in 8th House
During this period, you may feel a sense that there is something you forgot, something missing that used to make you happy and has somehow been left behind. That often happens when you move on to the latest promises and developments and inadvertently leave the reasons we used to have fun in cold storage. It may be time to trade some of the new in for the old, to revisit what worked before as well as what might be the wave of the future. There are some things money can't buy (or, you forgot you already bought it), so don't spend unnecessarily when you can fall in love again with what you already have.

Venus Stationary Direct in 8th House
Ask and you shall receive, but you've got to know what to ask for and who to ask, both of which may have been the subject of some confusion of late. After feeling around for the answers, resolution now becomes more accessible and the resources available for you to draw upon become a bit more clear. The key may be to focus on one thing at a time and not to scatter your shots and waste your powder. Pick a target and go after it until it yields up what you want. Besiege the objects of your desire until they surrender to your resolve. A
broadening of your vision will result from drawing intensely on your surroundings.

Venus Stationary Retrograde in 9th House
Big plans and ideal notions may seem to satisfy less during this period, or may seem less affordable. Satisfying a large appetite can tire you more than trimming back and tasting only what truly satisfies. You may find that what you really want and believe in is getting dragged down by what you used to care about but which no longer carries its weight. If you want it, go for it, but if not, let it go without regret. Enthusiasm requires focus, and this is a good time to regain yours. When you think you're being denied, it may be that you're actually sated. Time to tune up those taste buds in every sense of the phrase.

Venus Stationary Direct in 9th House
Portraying your overarching vision to others may have been hampered of late by uncertainties about just what that vision is. Once you have reconsidered where you'd really like to go, it's time to pick up speed and cut a broad swathe through life. You can pick up momentum by cutting away distractions and making a firm thrust in the direction of your choice. Knowing what you want involves knowing what you don't, but you needn't be too specific to begin with. You can iron out the details later, now is the time to point and go. Decide which way you future lies, then release the brakes.

Venus Stationary Retrograde in 10th House
What you would like others to think about you can become a focus in this period. What is your reputation worth -- and, in fact, what is your reputation, anyway? The surest way to attain success is to define it well to begin with -- you can't get what you want if you don't know what it is. You may discover that what you are worried about not attaining is actually not what you want to attain in the first place, clearing the decks for real personal success. In the end, willingly redefining goals and clarifying expectations can make this a time that will both bring forth fruit and plant the seeds for another crop.

Venus Stationary Direct in 10th House
Establishing yourself in others' eyes means making decisions about what it is you want said about you. If you're mixed up about that, then that will be your image. So after a recent period of uncertainty and changing choices, now is the time to start making your selections and letting them be known abroad. Rewrite your personal résumé -- whether for employment or just life itself -- to reflect not only who you are and what you have done, but where you're going and what you want out of life. Put the words into others' mouths before they do it for themselves, and you'll find yourself self-tailored for success.

Venus Stationary Retrograde in 11th House
Taking things (and people) for granted can be an easy slip-up during this period. Longstanding friends and situations should not be allowed to become simply a backdrop, but rather reinvigorated, separating the wheat from the chaff. That also means not allowing yourself to become backstage to others who may have forgotten your importance, so it may be a good time to sort things out. Problems most likely come from individuals (yourself included) thinking more about personal ends than personal friends. It's time to get personal again and play it like you mean it -- a sure recipe for heart and hand alike.

Venus Stationary Direct in 11th House
Knowing who your friends are is essential to that feeling of warmth and support that keep the life fires stoked. There may have been some shifting lately in this respect -- not so much from without, but from within. Who do you want to be really close, and who just a good acquaintance? Sorting out who's company and who's a crowd can be well-tended to right now, based on coming to grip with your real inner feelings. Sort out the emotional wheat from the chaff, but don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Don't take for granted options you may want to return to later, but treat them with respect.

Venus Stationary Retrograde in 12th House
At this period, it may be somewhat difficult to put a finger on exactly what/whom it is you want to get your hands on. The urgency of desire does not yield enough specifics, leaving you wondering what's going on. Final decisions are best not made, especially ones about how you feel, as there may be good things for you assembling in the wings that you don't know about and which you don't want to cut yourself off from. Time is not of the essence, even if it seems like it, and some retrospection on who and what has served you well in the past will serve you well now. Feel yourself out before you tie yourself up.

Venus Stationary Direct in 12th House
A period of being rather afloat in your desires is beginning to pass. You can't always get what you want -- but you generally have to know what you want in order to give it your best shot. Right now, however, you may find that the best decision is no decision at all. Leaving things alone to grow or to be handled by circumstance may be preferable to what might otherwise be uneducated guesses. It may be better to commune with yourself for a while and decide later. It can be better to be motionless and still, so you can feel the wind changing, than to row in the wrong direction.

Venus Retrograde Transiting in Conjunction to Natal Planets
During any given Venus Retrograde period, Venus may transit conjunct a natal planet or point (or more than one sensitive point in your chart). The interpretations below (source: Day Watch software) show what happens when Venus transits conjunct a natal planet or point while in Retrograde motion, and then returns to "revisit" the conjunction after turning Direct.

Venus Conjunct Sun (Retrograde)
Venus making a turnaround on your Sun introduces you to a few weeks of reevaluation about just how you want your personal sun to shine and upon whom. You may find you have been giving more than you've been getting -- or should get, in some areas -- this would be a good time to pull back a little and have a look. Perhaps you should wait until results are in before going that extra mile in hopes of greater reward. Don't give it away free unless you know it's from your heart, and then don't ask for payback. If you can't afford it, don't do it, wait until you can.

Venus Conjunct Sun (Direct After Retrograde)
Venus returning to forward motion on your Sun favors flashing some raw personality and being totally up front about what you want. Where there may have been confusion and uncertainty before about your aims, set your sights on your chosen desire and go for the gold. Don't be afraid to make the first move and swing your lasso as you close in on your quarry -- before

posted July 17, 2007 04:24 PM              

Aspects: tVen Quincunx NSun(in the 10th)(6 deg orb)
tVen square nMars(in the 7th)(2 degree orb)
tVen square nJup (7th) (1 degree orb)
tVen square nNep (7th)( 0 deg orb)
tVen BQ MC (1 degree orb)

Sounds wonderful

I *think* it goes direct in the 4th, but I have to check.

Cafe astrology doesn't list interps for any aspects besides the conjunction. Does this mean they don't count? I doubt that...

posted July 17, 2007 04:25 PM              

The phenomenon known as Venus Retrograde occurs approximately every 20 months when, for about forty days, Venus travels in reverse motion against the backdrop of stars. Of course, it doesn't really move backwards, but only appears to do so from our point of view here on Earth.

As Earth's closest planetary neighbor, Venus is the brightest planet in the sky. Visible in the western evening sky since December, she has become increasingly brighter since March.

Its motion slows until it appears to stand still on July 24 and then change direction. Continuing in its orbit, it disappears on August 13, then reappears as a morning "star" heralding the dawn on August 22. As Venus approaches its greatest elongation in the morning sky, it slows in its backward motion, stands still, then resumes its forward course on September 8, 2007, remaining visible as a morning star until May 10, 2008. The next Venus retrograde period begins in March 2009.

The Astrology, or what it means...

Mythical and astrological conjecture about the nature of the planet Venus has been prominent and consistent since ancient times. Her high visibility and her morning and evening phases have made her one of the most closely observed planets. Babylonian and Mesoamerican astrologers paid close attention to her cycles, particularly to her first appearance as a morning star, which was considered a dangerous time.

The Babylonians called Venus the double-phased Ishtar -- the morning star of war and the evening star of love. Greek astrologers called the morning phase of Venus Lucifer ("the light bearer") and the evening phase Hesperus ("setting in the West"). The Mesoamericans linked the morning phase of Venus with Quetzalcoatl, one of their major gods, believing that this was a time when leaders are struck down and natural disasters occur.

While Venus is retrograde, old friends and/or lovers may reenter one's life. During this period, financial returns are apt to be delayed and affection is more difficult to receive and express. Beginning a new relationship, buying luxury items and investing in objects of art or items of beauty is generally discouraged during the retrograde period.

Venus retrograde is a good time to reflect on your values, to review your relationships and to donate your energy to a charitable cause.

This Venus retrograde takes place mostly in the sign of Leo, promoting co-creativity, along with lavish and playful interactions. There is a yearning for attention that can leave you feeling unappreciated, even among your closest friends.

Love is highlighted with Venus in Leo, often leading to the formation of romantic relationships, with the retrograde they may end up offering more dramatic moments than playful ones. Loyalty and graciousness, easily degrades into possessive demands.

Be conscious of how you treat friends and loved ones. Your focused attitude may be perceived as selfish or prideful, and feelings could be hurt. This is an excellent time to review the amount of fulfillment derived from your recreational and romantic life and to consider how you can be more attentive and loving to others.

It might be helpful to look back to July through September 1999, the last time Venus went retrograde from Virgo to Leo, for clues to how events may manifest.

Important Dates:
July 27 through September 8 = Reevaluate your feelings.

August 17and 18 = Best days during this period for matters concerning love and money. Be attentive and receptive.

August 18 through 22 = Watch for impulsive activity that can cause upsets of an emotional or biological nature.

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posted July 17, 2007 04:31 PM              

Aries
Children and/or immature adults bend your ear with their ideas. Discussions are playful in nature and, because you do most of the listening, you are considered deep. Misunderstandings occur even in the most relaxed of atmospheres. Be clear about what you hear and say, especially if there is a risk involved. Communications regarding speculative ventures and investments are particularly prone to error. A good time to review your creative projects.

Taurus
Information regarding parental influence and your early childhood holds profound knowledge. Your sensitivity to unspoken nuances in conversations with family members generates subjective responses that will have to be addressed in order to avoid misunderstandings. Gaining clarity about your emotional foundations and family relationships has a far-reaching impact on your future. A good time to review your family history or current domestic situation.

Gemini
Remedial studies, neighborhood activities, travels about town and brief communications, especially with siblings or peers, are emphasized during this period. Lost messages, misdirected phone calls, letters sent to or received by the wrong person, computer errors, commuting delays and transportation glitches are among the many things that seem to go awry. You must be prepared to adapt. A good time for research to write an article or pamphlet for future publication.

Cancer
Your personal resources, values and self-worth become popular topics of discussion; misinformation about any of which is a problem requiring special scrutiny. Mistaken information can adversely affect your bank balance. Delay the desire to shop 'til you drop or purchase items by mail, phone or on-line. Items bought now will likely be returned. A good time to review your budget, reassess your assets and plan for future purchases.

Leo
Conversations seem to focus on your personality during this period, in particular how you express yourself and your desire to be of service. You have to repeat and explain yourself continually. It's so easy for you to be misunderstood that it's probably best for you to remain silent. Be as clear as you can when communicating who you are to others. A good time to review how you appear to others and make plans for improving or restyling your personal presentation.

Virgo
Psychic impressions contain information to be studied. Keep an idea book and put everything down that comes to you, but keep your plans secret. Speaking of secrets, expect to hear everyone else's as you are an excellent listener during this period. You will be prey to unfounded fears and anxieties, so make an extra effort to determine what's real and what's not. A good time to review your spirituality and belief system.

Libra
Social groups, clubs and organizations are a source of information. Contact with friends and supporters can help to sort out your confusion about your personal financial security. Listen to their advice but don't allow them to influence your decisions out of a sense of loyalty. Be careful about making commitments that could be misunderstood. A good time to review career benefits as well as your hopes, wishes and dreams for the future.

Scorpio
You'll need a lot of patience during this period because everything you say seems to be up for criticism. You feel urged to go public with some information even though your better judgment says to wait. As long as you've checked and double-checked the information, everything should be okay. This is especially true if you have presented the same information in the past. A good time to review your career goals and how you present yourself in public.

Sagittarius
Philosophy, religion and foreign studies contribute valuable information. Communicate with teachers, mentors and in-laws for advice, but in the end keep your own counsel. Be aware of saying things that could be misinterpreted. In fact, it's best to keep your opinions to yourself during this period. Go over all documents signed by others with a fine-toothed comb. A good time to study alone and review all plans in formation.

Capricorn
Hidden information becomes revealed, usually accompanied by a crisis. Conversations can be misleading and you might inadvertently betray a confidence. Be especially careful when filing tax forms and filling out insurance claims. Difficulties lie in the simplest of details. Important papers get mislaid, but you could also find papers that were lost in the past. A good time to review insurance policies, your will and all joint holdings.

Aquarius
Communications with doctors, accountants and attorneys as well as with your significant other have extra importance during this period. Take the time to restate what has been said to be sure that there are no misunderstandings. Papers signed will have to be re-signed. Let someone else prepare the contracts, but read them over yourself at least twice. Encourage your mate to talk and listen carefully to what they have to say. A good time to review partnership agreements.

Pisces
Conversations with coworkers or employees become emphasized. Miscommunications arise at the work place, especially in the areas of priorities and scheduling. It's the petty details that drive you crazy in your attempt to create order out of a multitude of unrelated information. Lots of list making and even with all that analyzing, there is difficulty putting your ideas into practice. Simple tasks have to be repeated over and over. A good time to review all your daily routines.

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