Astrology by Mary MacLean

May I introduce a very interesting lady.  She is quite knowledgable about Astrology and has written an article for your pleasure.

Venus Retrograde

I want to thank Mary Maclean for giving me this opportunity to write about the upcoming Venus retrograde in the sign of Aries.  Her confidence in me and my abilities, along with my love and passion for astrology are the motivating factors behind this article, for I certainly wouldn’t have taken it upon myself if she hadn’t asked me to. 

This Venus retrograde really resonates with me, maybe because I have both my Sun and Mars in early degrees Aries.  Therefore, I thoroughly understand its energy and hope to shed some light for all you about its meaning and lessons that will hopefully impart on us when this cycle is complete.  To get the most of this Venus retrograde in Aries, we need to understand two things.  First, we need to understand the energy of Aries and Mars, along with Libra and Venus to see how this energy will manifest.

Let’s talk about Aries.  Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and the natural ruler of the 1^st house. Make no mistake about it, Aries love’s to be first!!!  After all, it’s our birth right.  Sounds a little selfish, doesn’t it!!!  Well, that too I’m afraid is an Aries trait.  It may not be one of our “best” qualities, but hey…someone’s got to be first.  Actually, there are no good or bad qualities…it’s just a matter of perspective and knowing when and how to express the energies inherent in any sign at the appropriate times.  Aries is ruled by the plant Mars and describes how we go about getting what we want!!! Aries can be a little bossy, impatient, impulsive, and aggressive. In Greek mythology, Mars was the God of wars…he’s the knight and shining armor who is courageous, bold, and direct!!! He will go to battle fearlessly and hates to lose…in fact, he loves a challenge!!!  Depending on where, when, and how this energy is expressed can it be seen as either positive or negative.  The trick with any sign is finding middle ground…it’s not healthy to live on either side of the spectrum.   What I mean by spectrum can easily be understood by looking at any sign 180 degrees away, an opposition to.  In this case the sign Libra is the polar opposite of Aries.  Libra is everything Aries is not.  Libra loves to lure and charm the opposite sex…they know just the right thing to say.   In fact, they have a knack for chirping birds out of trees into the palms of their hands.  So diplomatic too!!!  Their mission in life, love and peace at all cost!!!   For them, decision making is probably their hardest tasks and are often seen as sitting on the fence, unable to choose or decide between one thing or another.  Unfortunately, what often happens is that other people decide for them, so they inadvertently give away their power to others, along with lost opportunities they later regret.  I have a friend who is Libra rising with Venus in Aries in the 7^th house.  He is more concerned about the welfare of others then with himself and has totally sacrificed his own needs, wants, and desires for the sake of his relationship…thinking this will make him happy.  He keeps trying to get his needs met by projecting Venus and all its principles on to his partner, while unconsciously disowning what would actually bring him happiness… focusing more on him and being true to his self.  If we live too far on either side of the spectrum, we lose perspective and tend to express some of the not so great qualities inherent to that sign.  How interesting it is to me that Venus is set to retrograde in its opposite sign of Aries on March 6, 2009!!!  Perhaps both signs and planets have a little to teach the other about getting their needs met while still considering others.   

Libra, the natural ruler of the 7^th house, has a whole lot to do with love and relationships. It represents “others” in the birth chart; such as your spouse, partnerships that are legally binding, your best friend, people who represent you; like attorneys, and people you seek advice from.  What most people don’t know is that the 7^th house also represents our shadow…parts of ourselves that remain unconscious, disowned and hidden. It’s where we encounter ourselves through others.  We don’t recognize this energy or its characteristics as being part of ourselves which is why we tend to project it unconsciously on to others.  As the old saying goes, opposites attract…now you know why.  What we are initially attracted to, we eventually repel.  We are attracted to the sign on our 7^th house cusp so that we can heal and become whole through our relationships with others.  

We all know that Venus rules love, relationships, partnerships, legal and binding contracts, values, possessions, self-worth, money, earnings, investments, beauty, art, marriage, divorce, friendships, open enemies, and big ticket luxury items.  With Venus in the sign of impulsive Aries…you may find yourself making impulsive, spontaneous purchases or decisions with far reaching consequences you may later come to regret…like when Venus goes direct!!!  With Venus going retrograde soon, we need to force ourselves to stop, think, and mull things over, before acting just yet. This is not the time to get engaged, marry, or have plastic surgery.  Nor is it the time to sign legal and biding contracts!!!  Do not buy luxury items either…you’ll spend more money than you can really afford.  Make no decisions when it comes to love and romance…do not start or end a relationship while Venus retrogrades…you’ll have seconds thoughts.  Although, I have heard that fated events happen when Venus appears motionless in the sky just days before its reversal and again when she’s just about to go direct.  Perhaps some of us single people will meet someone new, like the love of our lives!!!  Just one word of caution…don’t rush or force things to happen.  The person you meet may be in another relationship which they will need to end first, so be patient.  That’s easier said than done for some of us, especially those with Aries strong in our charts.  In fact, we should all use this Venus retrograde to go back and straighten out any relationships in pearl, and re-evaluate our own needs, wants, and desires, and how we can go about fulfilling them in healthy ways.   It’s not always our relationship to others that needs attention…sometimes it’s our relationship to money; how we acquire it, manage it, and spend it.  Let’s not forget about our morals and values either, these are all up for review now. 

Venus retrograde brings up the past, and since this is a 1^st & 7^th house issue…it may very well bring back a relationship from your past into the present.  Apparently, we all have some unfinished business to attend to before we are able to move freely into the future.  The last time Venus went retrograde was July of 07, in the sign of Virgo and Leo…those were some trying times for everyone!  Many people got divorced and severed relationships without healing or closure.  Venus retrograde, along with the full moon on March 10 at 20 degrees Virgo, says maybe it’s time to bury the hatch, let bygones be bygones, and forgive those who have caused us the most pain and suffering.  It’s not an easy thing to do, that’s for sure, but maybe with Venus in the sign of Aries we can take the first step, be bold and courageous, and be first to say I’m sorry.  It’s time to end the cold war amongst our enemies and time for a little peace and harmony in our relationships.  Lead by example and extend your love to others…even those you love to hate.  Venus retrogrades all the way back into the constellation of Pisces at 29 degrees, the last degree of the last sign of the zodiac…the end of all things.  Again, we need to end something before we can move forward with the new…it isn’t over until the fat lady sings!!!  For those who are still clinging to a relationship that has served its time might see it end now.  Venus in Pisces can be a delusional, unrealistic, and seeing through rose colored glasses.  We go to great lengths to avoid pain and fail to see the writing on the wall. We may even resort to manipulative behaviors to get what we want.  It’s time to take responsibility for our own happiness and quit blaming others for our misery.  My first impression of Venus retrograde in Aries is “conflict resolution through direct confrontation.”  Venus in Pisces along with the sign Libra, avoids direct confrontations whenever possible.  With Venus in Aries avoidance behavior just isn’t going to fly anymore.  Mars will force a confrontation with Venus if necessary…it may be you or someone else who initiates the confrontation, but rest assured, yours and others feelings will be brought to the surface where it can be examined and reviewed.  Maybe you have been stepping on other peoples toes and pushing your weight around with no thought or consideration for others.  Venus is all about cooperation, peace, harmony, balance and diplomacy…and with her appearance in the Aries, she’s not going to tolerate such behavior for long.  She will start considering her own needs and start putting herself first which might trigger a confrontation with her lover, Mars, who is use to being in charge and calling the shots!!!  Mars, you need to give up some control and think about how your actions impact your important relationships. Venus, you need to stop letting everyone walk all over you and take advantage of your good nature.  This is a love affair that needs negotiating and cooperation if differences are to be dissolved and transcended in order to heal and move us forward into the future.

 Catherine Schultz 03/02/2009

This New Moon is in Pisces at 6 degrees.  For some of us, it will be Feb. 25^th, 2009 because of the time changes.  For my area it will be Feb. 24^th, 2009.  This also happens to be my baby sister Roseanne’s birthday.   Happy Birthday New Moon Baby Sister.  The world should be at your feet this year. (Pisces, feet, get it!) Another Birthday Girl in Las Vegas is glamorous Linda Crane.  Happy Birthday to you! I like wishing people Happy Birthday so I will continue to do so.   If you have someone you would like me to mention, please drop me an email. 

  Back to the New Moon in Pisces.  What house does it take place in for you?   Take note of this house because this is the area where the challenge appears.  If you have any planets in water at this degree, you will be floating in a sea of clouds.  If you have any planets at this degree in Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius or Pisces, pay attention to what is going on around you.  This will be a time of change.

I want to introduce you to one of my students, Vickie Kayser, who lives in Hartford Ct..  I love the way she writes and visualizes astrological aspects.  She is going to write an article this week on the constellation of Pisces.  Please read her article next Monday.  Thank you. 

Certain areas of our lives have slowed down a bit in order to give us time to breathe and catch up with life and current events.  After March 1^st, 2009 Mercury will be at the point that it went retrograde and we will be all caught up.  Mercury is the planet of communication; therefore, it’s no wonder that communications have been slow in coming.   For those of us that are anxiety ridden, please take a deep breath.   These last two Eclipses are in effect for 6 months.  The soonest possible date for things to turn a corner is April 29^th, 2009 or May 9^th, 2009.   Everyday you will be one step closer to your objectives.

Venus is going retrograde on March 6^th, 2009 and journeys back to Pisces where Venus is at its best when it comes to romance.  Venus rules Libra and Taurus.  Now take at look at where these houses land in your chart and you will see where to expect some delays or changes.  If you look ahead to April, you will see that Venus will conjunct Mars on April 22^nd, 2009 which is the ultimate goal of this Venus transit.  It’s connection with its cohort Mars creates a bonfire of a new beginning. 

Saturn is still retrograde and goes over the degrees of 18, 17, and 16 (in that order) this month.  This will take you back to the month of October 2008 and you will be asked to make decisions on events that are about to repeat themselves.  This is only possible if you have personal natal planets at these degrees in Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius or Pisces.  If this is the case, you will be letting go of your comfort zone to achieve new goals with new challenges. 

Uranus moves from 21degrees of Pisces forward to 23 degrees.  The Saturn Uranus opposition has now rescinded into the past but promises more to come later on in the year.  Uranus offers you a wonderful trine to any planets you have in water signs (Cancer Scorpio Pisces) at these degrees.  If you are looking for challenges, look at Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces at these degrees.

Neptune travels from 24 degrees of Aquarius to 25 degrees.  If you have any planets in Leo, Taurus, Scorpio and Aquarius at these degrees, you may find that events are not so crystal clear. 

Pluto, the planet of transformation, continues its transit thru Capricorn and connects for the first time with 3 degrees of Capricorn.   It goes retrograde on April 3^rd, and does not return to this position until the end of the year.   Pluto retrogrades to 0 degrees on September 11^th, 2009 and then turns stationary direct.  If you have any planets in this position in any Cardinal sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn), you are about to enter a time of transformation.  This can be intense but it will be well worth it. 

Now that I have given you the update, I hope you will get a little more information from the following monthly forecast.

Please be sure to read your rising sign as it will resonate with your personal chart.  

ARIES-(March 21-April 19)

This New Moon takes place in your 12^th house of the past, preparation and institutions, the subconscious and connection to the universe.   This placement is a concerted effort to get all your ducks in a row.  There is time to prepare for events that will be taking place in the near future.  This is also a time for meditation and connecting with the part of you that directs your future and personal goals.  Because of the Neptune haze that surrounds everything,  you will have to be extra diligent. 

TAURUS-(April 20-May 20)

This New Moon takes place in your 11^th house of goals, hopes and wishes.  ” The times they are a’changing. ” This placement reinforces the goals you have set forth to accomplish or helps you dismiss them if they are too lofty.  Your friends and fellow confidants will help you distinguish the real from the utterly fantastical that you may be hanging on to.  

GEMINI-(May 21-June 20)

This New Moon takes place in your 10^th house of career and standing in the community.  Your direction seems to be career oriented and I am hopeful that you will be pushing the envelope this month.  There will be challenges to what you do and how you do it.  It is all about how far you can stretch. 

CANCER-(June 21-July 22)

This New Moon takes place in your 9^th house of higher education, foreign affairs legal matters and philosophy.  The inference here is that there are new ideas starting to percolate all around you.  Your rising sign is in trine, thus, your thoughts are insightful and visionary. 

LEO-(July 23-August 22)

This New Moon in Pisces at 6 degrees takes place in your 8^th house of partnership finances, other people’s money,  sex, death and taxes.  (We are all getting ready for taxes. )   This New Moon is not as clear as you would want but it is clear enough for you to make some decisions.  It’s about what you want and what you will give to get it.  

VIRGO-(August 23-September 22)

This New Moon in Pisces takes place in your 7^th house of partnerships.  You are the constant romantic and this New Moon only increases your desire for romance.  I really think all you need is a long vacation.  Far be it from me to tell you to stop worrying. 

LIBRA-(September 23-October 22)

This New Moon in Pisces takes place in your 6^th house of everyday work and health.  The idea that you may not be doing what you should be doing in this life has constantly been going thru the back of your mind.  You may be right but the time is not now. 

SCORPIO-(October 24-November 22)

s New Moon in Pisces takes place in your 5^th house of children, creativity and love affairs.  The activity can happen in any and all of the above areas but I bet you are hoping for love affairs.  This New Moon has a romantic quality about it and offers you great ease in this month’s adventures.

 SAGITTARIUS-(November 22-December 21)

This New Moon in Pisces takes place in your 4^th house of home and core issues.  Take some time to organize how you want to do things and what is the most important goal you need to reach.  Compassion and feeling are the common denominators in this equation. 

CAPRICORN-(December 22-January 19)

This New Moon takes place in Pisces, your 3^rd house of communications and community.  Mercury retrograde will now be picking up speed and communications will be forthcoming.   The opportunities that come from this New Moon are a little bit gilded.  Look carefully. 

   AQUARIUS-(January 20-February 19)

This New Moon takes place in your 2^nd house of finances and love or what I call values.   You may have some choices to make.  Keep in mind that nothing is over until the fat lady sings.  Jupiter in Aquarius promises many opportunities. 

 PISCES-(February 20-March 20)

This New Moon in Pisces takes place in your 1^st house of personality and how people see you.  You may find there are changes in and around you this month.   This could be a month of celebrations and new beginnings.