May 12, 2020 — Venus stations retrograde in Gemini on May 12, an event that occurs about once every two years. Until June 25, we are entering a time of reflection, review, and recalibration in the realms of love, money, our values, creativity, and relationships. What is blocking us from healthy love and union? Where are we anxious or afraid of going deeper, of being seen? We are now considering more carefully how we communicate, gossip, and relate to one another. Our mental connections are becoming more important as we forge bonds through our humor, ideas, and shared interests, rather than solely focusing on the physical realm.

Curiosity, open-mindedness, and cooperation are strong themes this summer as we become more adaptable and connected, and less rigid, dogmatic, and divisive. We have the chance to unpack our relationship suitcases—to take inventory, noting what we need to mend from our past, and call in for our future. Often old loves reemerge during Venus Retrograde, so we can heal old pain, rekindle what we had, or complete unfinished karma.

With Neptune squaring Venus at the start of her journey, while conjunct Vesta, we also have the chance to channel sacred sexuality—seeing relationship as spiritual path, not only carnal pleasure. It’s time to redefine eroticism, and remember how deep we went in ancient times, before religious shame took hold. 

Neptune also represents unrealistic idealism, so we might be careful to avoid being swept away by illusion or fantasy. We would best harness these energies toward creative pursuits, while using the intelligence of Gemini to notice our patterns, old traumas, and ways of relating—applying our curiosity and clarity to glean new lessons and forge new paths forward.

We might ask ourselves: Where do we feel unworthy of stating our desires? Of believing we deserve what our souls yearn for? Where do we pull back from genuine connection because of fear of intimacy and commitment, or rejection and betrayal? As we do this, we can emerge from this period more mature, with a healthier sense of confidence, self-worth, and more fulfilling relationships. At the same time, we can build stronger communication and awareness.

In the realm of money, we may consider establishing multiple streams of income, or at least rethink the ways we earn a living and consume. As we learn how little we actually need, we can break out of a collective mentality that’s been ruled by materialism and consumerism for far too long.

Now it’s time to embrace and relish this period we are entering, harnessing the power of Venus to create art, complete unfinished projects, embrace new aesthetics, and pick up old or un-pursued interests. Together we can establish a more inspiring, diverse culture.

By the time Venus stations direct, we will likely experience a flood of original, rich, and varied art and music, that can only arise from a time of incubation, away from the eyes or judgement of others. At the same time, different types of relationships are ready to emerge—relationships that embody greater depth, stemming from an expanded sense of self-love, compassion, and respect. Our inner feminine is finding her voice, as we question her deepest longings and proceed from there.

As Venus turns around and plunges us into her depths of love and beauty, may we take advantage of this period to heal our relationships and open to greater intimacy, beginning with ourselves. May we ask what our hearts long to experience, finding the deep courage to create it—courage that can only come from knowing ourselves better and trusting ourselves more.

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