Venus Retrograde: The Descent and Re-Emergence of Venus

This fall, Venus retrograde takes us on a 40-day journey (Oct. 8-Nov. 18, 2010) back through Scorpio territory. She’ll also take a short trip back into Libra for a few degrees. How we relate with others (Venus and Libra) and, in particular, how we relate intimately (Scorpio) is up for reassessment during this retrograde period. How deeply do we want to share with others and on what levels? How do we feel about our sexuality? In what ways do we feel empowered or disempowered? Are we feeling valued, appreciated, and supported? How are the unhealed wounds from the past impacting our current relationships? The deep waters of Scorpio are charged with tremendous power, emotional intensity, and passion. They also hold great potential for regeneration.

Venus retrograde, in Scorpio, can take us on a journey of descent...a descent into the dark shadows of our psyches. If we have hurt, or been hurt, through the abuse of power, the violation of trust, or the misuse of sexual energies, these wounds may be crying out for healing and forgiveness. If we carry feelings of shame, inhibition, or guilt about our sexuality, or if we struggle with issues of jealousy, fear of abandonment, or fear of merging, this retrograde period is an ideal time for inner work and emotional processing. And because Venus in Scorpio deals with intense interpersonal dynamics, our intimate relationships may be affected by what is revealed through this transit.

As Erin Sullivan writes, in her book Retrograde Planets, “More often than not, the area in the chart which is being examined by Venus retrograde has gone unattended for some time-certainly with this deep perspective. One tends unconsciously to withdraw, seeking hidden meaning in experience, hoping to draw value or deeper knowledge from one’s daily interactions.” Perhaps during this retrograde period, we may need some time for both our personal process and working on our relationships.

If we are willing to look within and shine the light of awareness into the shadowy places, Venus retrograde in Scorpio also holds the promise of rebirth and regeneration. She brings us opportunities to reclaim our power and passion, and our capacity for truth-telling. She opens us to the profound gifts exchanged through multi-leveled intimacy. A radiant Venus in Scorpio enjoys the sharing of sexual power and the beauty of the erotic arts. She values and appreciates herself and those she is in relationship with. She trusts in abundance and partakes in the eternal flow of resources between herself and others. As Venus dives into the depths of Scorpio, she may at first find herself swimming with sharks. But with a willingness to heal the past, she may ultimately discover a treasure-chest filled with jewels to share with those she loves.

May you be blessed with power, passion, and pleasure!
Sajit

Additional resources:
Empower Your Authentic Sexuality: A Movement Group for Women http://soulvisionconsulting.com/authentic.html

Laura Boomer-Trent blog: Venus in Scorpio & A retrograde dance of Magnetic Balance http://zodiac-heaven.blogspot.com/

Anthony Fiorenza article: The Venus Transits, The Pentagonal Cycle of Venus http://www.lunarplanner.com/HCpages/Venus.html

The Three Faces of Libra

Saturn, Venus, and Mars have an important meeting in the sign of Libra, this summer, and each has its own voice and its own role to play. They’re asking us to take a look at how we are doing in our relationships. Saturn entered Libra on July 21, 2010 and will continue its sojourn through Libra until October 2012. On August 7, 2010, Saturn, Venus, and Mars fill out the Libra portion of the Cardinal Grand Cross (see June blog post). Because Venus and Mars travel more quickly than Saturn, these two will adjourn their Libra meeting in September of this year. Let’s hear what these planets have to say about how we do relationships…

Venus in Libra (Aug. 6-Sept. 7) is sweet and genteel. She’ll invite you in to share a cup of tea and pleasant conversation and send you home with a bouquet of flowers. If you’re having troubles with your mate, Venus in Libra will try to help you work it out. She delights us with beauty and soothes us with peace, harmony, and balance. She wants to bring us closer to friends and loved ones and encourages us to communicate with respect and civility.

Mars in Libra (July 29-Sept. 14) is passionate about relationships and can be fierce when things are not fair. He is a warrior for peace and justice. Mars in Libra stands up for what is right. He motivates us to assert our needs and respect the needs of others. He knows that in healthy, stable relationships power and responsibility are shared equally. He calls for a balance between autonomy and togetherness.


Saturn in Libra takes a serious and realistic look at our relationships…
not just intimate relationships, but all kinds of relationships. Saturn asks: Is the relationship harmonious? Is there an equal balance of power? Are both people getting their needs met? Is the communication assertive rather than aggressive? Are both partners cooperating? Does the relationship have a firm foundation? What is the purpose of the relationship? Does the relationship call for more commitment? Do certain areas of the relationship need to be renegotiated? Is it time to complete the relationship?

With Saturn in Libra for the next two years, we will have many opportunities to evaluate our relationships. The old relationship paradigms are being broken down, and we’re experimenting with new ways of relating. The old ways of power plays, abusive relationships, co-dependence, male domination, and “don’t rock the boat” just don’t work. Relationships that aren’t balanced may tumble and break. Relationships that are harmonious, peaceful, and loving will be seen as worth an even stronger commitment.

Mars, Venus, and Saturn have different voices and different approaches, but while dancing through Libra, they will work together to rebalance our relationships. May they weave more harmony, equality, peace, and love through all of our relationships. May we have the strength to say “No”, the pleasure of saying “Yes!” and the clarity to know what brings us peace.
-Sajit Greene, MA, LPC

The Grand Cross: Invitation to Integration

A Grand Cross occurs when four planets are located 90 degrees apart from one another. Picture a cross within a circle, as seen in the Celtic cross, above. We will experience two Grand Crosses this summer--on June 26 and August 7. The energetic dynamics of this kind of alignment can provoke a feeling of inner tension, as we feel pulled in four directions at once. Yet, the upcoming Grand Crosses also hold great promise for evolutionary progress, if we work consciously with the diverse energies and learn to integrate them more fully. We can either get stuck at the crossroads, or we can set the cross into motion, like a windmill that generates energy. Over the next two months, we’re being presented with a cosmic invitation, and plenty of fuel, to take a leap forward with our collective evolutionary growth.

The Grand Cross of June 26 has the added potency of a Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse. On August 7, the Grand Cross is a Cardinal Cross, with planets positioned at each of the four cardinal points of the Zodiac: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. Let’s take a deeper look at the astrology of these Grand Crosses and the opportunities being presented.

The foundation for these Grand Crosses is a T-square that is already in place. This T-square is formed by the opposition between Uranus/Jupiter (in Aries) and Saturn (now in late Virgo, but moving into Libra on 7/21/10) with Pluto (in Capricorn) forming the perpendicular leg of the “T”. On June 26, the Sun and Mercury, in Cancer, will fill out the missing piece of the Grand Cross. At the same time, we’ll be experiencing a Capricorn Full Moon (with the Moon conjunct Pluto) and a Lunar Eclipse! This is an opportunity to make big breakthroughs and initiate radical changes in the status quo, both personally and collectively.

Jupiter/Uranus in Aries is a bold and courageous force that can also be wild, rebellious, and unpredictable. Saturn in Virgo provides some grounding and restraint, so that the revolutionary energies initiated by Jupiter/Uranus can be worked with in practical ways to improve our lives. Pluto in Capricorn assists this process of tremendous change by dredging up what needs to be reformed and breaking down what needs to be restructured. Add to all of that the emotional intelligence of Sun/Mercury in Cancer, to bring in a strong dose of love and compassion to temper the spirit of riotous upheaval. The Lunar Eclipse in Cancer/ Capricorn urges us to drop old, defensive strategies that we’ve used to mask feelings of insecurity. Instead, we are prompted to become more rooted in our hearts as we begin to build more authentic and sustainable ways of ensuring our stability and security, in our inner lives, our work in the world, and our socio-economic systems.

On August 7, the Grand Cross becomes a Cardinal Grand Cross with Saturn now in Libra, rather than Virgo. The planets involved in this Cardinal Cross are: Jupiter/Uranus (in Aries) opposite Venus/Saturn/ Mars (in Libra); and Moon (in Cancer) opposite Pluto (in Capricorn). The Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) are about initiating new things. Aries initiates our sense of being an individual who can assert him/herself. Cancer initiates us into experiences of the heart and emotional bonding. Libra initiates us into ways of relating with others that are fair and balanced, and Capricorn initiates the building of strong inner and outer foundations.

The Cardinal Grand Cross brings together all four types of initiation at the same time! Thus, it is a major opportunity to move into new ways of being. This fourfold initiation process calls for the integration of diverse energies and aspects of our selves. We are being called upon to stand strong and assert ourselves (Jupiter/Uranus in Aries) while also bringing our relationships into more balance and harmony (Venus/Saturn/Mars in Libra). This initiation requires us to stop abdicating our needs, yet be willing to negotiate and cooperate, and engage in relationships based on true equality. It’s also an initiation of the heart--becoming more attuned to the emotional needs of self and others and offering nurturance where it is needed (Moon in Cancer) while the world around us, including the Earth itself, is going through the initiation of a massive restructuring (Pluto in Capricorn).

The Cardinal Cross asks us to embrace passion and tenderness, rebellion and peace-making, sensitivity and strength. Our focus is drawn to the polarities of self/other, home/career, and inner life/outer life. It can feel very exciting with so many aspects of our lives transforming, rebalancing, and moving into greater alignment. Yet it may also feel overwhelming or confusing. Perhaps the best way to move through this kind of initiation is with willingness to let go of what no longer serves us and cultivate awareness of the deep, abiding peace in the center of one’s being.

Sajit Greene, M.A., L.P.C.

ARIES NEW MOON

Happy New Year…well, kind of. The New Moon, and Aries, both concern beginnings. Though the spring equinox is when the astrological year is renewed, the New Moon in Aries launches the first of twelve lunar cycles. It is the optimal time to launch new projects or to actively declare one’s intentions. Whatever is put into motion now will be growing on some trajectory towards its realization. Having passion, decisiveness and clarity are the keys to manifestation.
Maintaining this level of empowerment is crucial as there are plenty of challenges in the current astrological climate. With Saturn exactly opposed Uranus, structures are destabilizing in order to reform. New realities are becoming concretized; tensions between conservative and progressive are heightened. The old guard needs to make room for new innovations. Those who are able to light the way forward must summon the courage to lead. If not, we may feel anxious, disempowered, and find ourselves wondering what is going to collapse next. The wave of earthquakes happening around the globe reminds us that the ground is indeed shifting. We can approach it with strength or fear.
The North Node of the Moon tells us what we need to be striving for. As it currently resides in Capricorn, we are being called to get serious about creating new structures and to mature from emotional patterns that inhibit effectiveness. With Saturn in Virgo, this is a time to be focused, steadfast and specialized with honing new skills and potential contributions. Then, we can each play a part in creating more sustainable and conscious ways to live on this planet. If not, we may fear that it’s too late, we’re passing the tipping point, and only consequences and hardships await us.
With Pluto in Capricorn, the status quo of operations is ready to be completely transformed. This time frame will usher in complete facelifts to the dominant power structure. Outmoded methods, paradigms and even institutions will be collapsing. The question being asked is, "What do we want to build?" At this New Moon in Aries, the onus of responsibility is on every individual to play a role. What’s yours?
The times will be a’changin in a big way these next several years. At this moment in the process, we can meet these challenges with will, direction and power. It’s time to work hard and ultimately be satisfied with our efforts, or clamor in anxiety as the earthquakes continue to rumble the ground. Soul Vision is available to assist you in finding clarity of purpose in these most uncertain times.
Blessings,
Eric & Sajit

Pisces 2010: Wade in the Water

Slip in to the boundary-less ocean of Spirit, and peer through the veils of separation, as the Sun, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, and Mercury swim, float, and drift through Pisces, this month. The Sun, Venus, and Mercury are on their annual voyage through this sign of spiritual vision, psychic communication, and Divine union. For Jupiter and Uranus, their meeting in Pisces is much less frequent: the last occurence of this configuration was way back in 1334, and it won’t occur again until 2093! Uranus and Jupiter, together, can catalyze big breakthroughs. In Pisces, these breakthroughs may be of a spiritual nature.

In the past seven years since Uranus entered Pisces (in March 2003), we’ve witnessed a quickening of the spiritual awakening of humanity. Contemporary spiritual teachers have noted that spiritual awakening, once a rare experience even for sincere spiritual practitioners, is more common, now. More people are waking up from the dream of separation and fear, into the reality of unity consciousness, and fully embodying the True Self. For some people, like Eckhart Tolle and Byron Katie, awakening happens suddenly and unexpectedly. For others, awakening is experienced as a gradual process of unfolding, perhaps after years of devoted spiritual practice.

Now that Jupiter is adding its expansive energy and sense of purpose to support this global awakening process, should we expect everyone on the planet to suddenly become enlightened, in the next couple of months, while Jupiter and Uranus are connecting in Pisces? Probably not. These cosmic energies influence each person differently, and in accord with the current level of his/her soul development. Many people are still deeply asleep in the ego dream, hence the continued appearance of personal and political conflicts, religious wars, and destruction of the planet.

What we can expect from this wonderful influx of Piscean energy is the opportunity to become even more aware of our ever-present connection with Spirit, our immersion in the holy waters of unconditional love, and the eternal goodness of our True Nature. This month is a mystical time that encourages us to engage in meditation and prayer. The veil between physical reality and non-physical realities is very permeable, right now, so reach out to connect with your guides and helpers in the spirit world. The light, love, truth, and peace you seek are here, now, and always. And, right now is a time when you are more sensitivie and able to feel their presence.

We are Haiti

The stories and images of the suffering in Haiti are heartbreaking, and the grief can feel overwhelming. As our collective heart is broken open, awareness is growing that “We are the World”. We are Haiti. We are the grieving, the homeless, the wounded, the hungry and thirsty. And we are the hands that reach out to offer food, support, and comfort.

This month, humanitarian ideals come into focus, with Sun, Venus, Mercury, Chiron, and Neptune traveling through the sign of Aquarius. Aquarius attunes us to the energies of the collective. We sense the interconnectedness of all people, regardless of race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. Neptune elicits compassion and selflessness. Chiron brings awareness of what needs healing. And, in this time of great need, Aquarian modalities such as the World Wide Web, television, and cell phones are being used to share information, raise awareness, and gather resources from the global community. My colleague Amber Gray, a Somatic and Creative Arts Therapist who has worked in Haiti, suggests some ways to help the Haitian people: http://www.restorativeresources.net

Our Inner Resources

While Aquarian technologies can bring the suffering of the world so swiftly into our homes, we need ways to process the emotions that arise. The earthquake happened during the recent eclipse period, involving the Nodes in Capricorn (structural support and institutions) and Cancer (heart and home). Pluto was also a strong factor in these eclipses, bringing up themes of death, destruction, and regeneration. Let’s look at ways to cultivate the inner resources of our hearts and spirits, so we can tend to our emotions during this time of upheaval.

Prayer and meditation are two ways of connecting with Source/God/Spirit/All That Is and accessing inner peace, compassion, and unconditional love. You may already have a form of prayer or meditation that you are comfortable with, or you may want to try a Buddhist practice called Tonglen. Tonglen helps us connect with the suffering of ourselves and others, move beyond our fear and resistance to suffering, and create space for love and compassion to flow through us. Find instruction here: http://www.shambhala.org/teachers/pema/tonglen1.php

Our own bodies and our breath are also great resources. Take a few moments to breathe fully...following your inhale all the way to it's natural point of fullness, and then following your out breath all the way to completion. Use the exhale to let go...letting go of physical or emotional tension....letting go into gravity and feeling the support of the earth beneath you. Be gentle and patient with your breath...no need to force an extra large breath if that's not comfortable.

Physical movement is an effective way to move stuck emotional energy. Put on some soothing music, and allow your body to move with your breath...try extending your arms outward on the inhale and releasing with the exhale. Tai Chi and Qi Gong are examples of gentle movement exercises that coordinate with the breath. Or just put on whatever kind of music feels good, and let your body move with the rhythm and flow of the music. Feel free to make vocal sounds as you move.

Appreciation is another natural resource. Don't feel guilty that you have a home and food on the table while others are homeless and hungry. Rather, give thanks that you are safe and well-fed. Appreciate the small things in life...the everyday miracles...the smile of a child...the silhouette of tree branches against the winter sky...the tastes of a healthy meal. The more we are able to appreciate and cultivate our own inner and outer resources, the more love and energy we have to share with those who are in need.

So, eat, breathe, pray, smile, dance, make love, and share your love with the world, in whatever ways make sense to you. May all beings be free of suffering.
Peace! Sajit Greene, MA