The Goddess of Love Takes a Tour of the Underworld to Unearth What Really Matters
Venus retrograde, a celestial event that only happens once every 18 months, is highlighted in October. As the planet of love, money, and beauty moves in reverse (Oct. 5-Nov. 15), first through the deep waters of Scorpio, then back into the rational sign of Libra, the days ahead pose a conundrum: How do we find reason in the midst of our passions? This personal planet stirs us to realign our deepest values, relationships, and desires. Venus retrograde also encourages us to transform our love lives. If you’re not getting what you want, maybe it’s time to delve into the depths of your values and revisit the underlying principles of the sign of the scales, that of give and take. It’s time to do the work to find your proper balance.
By Lisa Lisa and the Star Jam*
LIBRA (Sept 23-Oct 22) The time is ripe to take a second look at your money, deeper resources, and how you earn a living. Are you doing what you love? While the get rich track is seductive, the deep longings of your soul implore you to stay true to your values. This month calls you to strike a graceful balance between the mundane and the sublime. In other words, paying the bills and following your heart. The cosmic omens are in your favor: you, more than any other sign, are poised to find a beautiful equation. Do what you love and the money just might follow.
SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21) In honor of the goddess of love revisiting your house of the self, these lines seem fitting. In his poem, Love After Love, Derek Walcott writes, “Give back your heart to itself, to the stranger who has loved you all your life, whom you ignored for another, who knows you by heart. Take down the love letters from the bookshelf, the photographs, the desperate notes, peel your own image from the mirror. Sit. Feast on your life.” You get the picture, Scorpio. No matter who comes into (or exists) your life, it’s always down to you. What’s the quality of your relationship to yourself? Take this time of healing introspection to retrieve precious parts of yourself you may have lost while wrapped up in another.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21) You’re retracing the steps of your deep unconscious this month, terrain that’s best viewed at night. Keep this in mind as you experience this nocturnal light show, all with your level-headed intellect intact, as you unearth your most wild and fantastical passions. The stars support the possibility that at least some aspect of your dreams can become a reality.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19) This month we’re reminded of that old Groucho Marx joke, “I don’t care to belong to any club that will have me as a member,” as goats are nudged to reassess their associations. You know it’s true, you really don’t want to be part of some of the groups you’ve been hanging around with. Now’s a good time to phase out any relationships that no longer serve your higher self. There’s more divine support for you to find those people who share your interests and your goals for the greater good.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18) Water-bearers usually march to their own drum, and this month is no different. You know you’re in need of a career change, but what’s needed first is a fresh perspective. Take that trip and cross a long-awaited destination off your bucket list. Come back inspired with a different outlook that could change not only your career path but your living situation, too. If you get a great job offer while you’re on the road, take it. It could lead you closer to what your soul craves. By the end of the month, you could be settling into new digs far from home but closer to your heart’s desire.
PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20) Fishes swimming this way and that might find some needed direction by touching base with a symbolic source. What is your equivalent to locating your deepest truth? At month’s end, pay attention to any and all unexpected pieces of information that turn up; it might be an important clue in your search.
ARIES (Mar 21-April 19) It’s time to take a deep dive into your shared resources, finances, and intimacy, as in, your sex life; yes, they’re related. You’re deciding what you like and what you don’t like. If you’re going through a divorce, focus on the details of the settlement agreement, as your ruler, Mars makes a challenging aspect to Venus (which rules money) mid-month. If you’re buying property, beware of money pits. A remedy: instead of acting on impulse, practice your new found interest in meditation and take a breath. Better yet, wait until after mid-November before making any important financial decisions or investments. Remember, you’re worth it. And having a clear sense of what you want is a good start towards getting your needs met.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Your romantic yearnings need some slow consideration before you commit. With your ruling planet moving in reverse most of the month, it’s time to assess your most intimate relationships. Are you being taken for granted? Has your relationship become an albatross? There’s more: A full moon near the end of the month in your sign further shines a light on the balance between thee and thou. Changes are imminent. For unattached Bulls that could mean love at first sight.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) You know that friend of yours who’s leading that self-compassion workshop, which just happens to coincide with the entire Venus retrograde? Well, sign up. This month’s a great time for Twins to recommit to self-care on all levels. Rid your routine of poisons, literal and figurative. While you may be feeling a bit detached in the romance department, there’s a new moon in Libra (sign of love and marriage) which could signal a fresh start in your romance sector. You know what they say about finding love? It often happens when you turn your attention elsewhere. And if a romance truly is the last thing on your mind, your creativity is in for a boost; so sharpen your pencils.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) Crabs, it may be high time to retreat into your shells and reevaluate what love looks like for you. Put the romance novel aside. We’re talking about the kind of love that keeps the universe churning and humanity moving forward, a kind of love that involves the deepest reaches of creativity. What do you say, dear crustaceans? Are you ready to birth that humanitarian project that not only helps lift up the underserved of humanity but also goes a long way toward healing the planet?
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) This, my lavish Leo, is a clue to this month’s musings around home and family. If your home space has grown stale and you’ve been thinking about a remodel or your living room has been invaded by social events, draw the curtains and unleash your creative mind. There’s gold to be mined from all your activities via work and travels. Inspiration awaits.
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 22) This month, Virgo, affords the opportunity to immerse yourself in local haunts and unearth inspiration from unexpected sources. Your discoveries could catapult you farther along your path to release more of your creative ideas, spreading the word not just about what you know but what you love; and perhaps even fueling a new income stream that stems from connecting with your community through your creativity.
If you know your rising sign, read that, too; it’s often more relevant.
*Lisa Awrey and Lisa Carroll
illustration by @boccaccinimeadows
