O’ love, wherefore art though? From December 21, 2013 until January 31, 2014, romantic Venus will be retrograde (backward), a challenging time for our closest ties. Venus, the planet of harmony, peace and affection, takes this six-week backspin every 18 months. This can throw all of our closest relationships into a tailspin, or at least, force us to reconcile the past in some way.
If you’ve swept issues under the rug, glossed over a hurt, or rushed into romance, Venus retrograde slams the brakes and forces you to deal. Brace yourself: the tabloids will be filled with celebrity romances on the rocks, perhaps even a “left at the altar” story or two.
This round, Venus is in Capricorn, the sign of ambition and long-term goals. Although Capricorn loves a good ten-year plan, retrograde Venus reminds us that relationships aren’t all about agendas and milestones. Enjoying the moment is equally as important, and this monthlong backspin helps us rein it in a bit. The monogrammed towels and china pattern selection can wait. Couples may struggle to align their individual quests with the needs of the relationship. Some tough compromises will be in store, and we’ll need to set aside those “what will the neighbors think?” worries in order to do what’s right for us.
On the other hand, perhaps you’ve been overly accommodating with your partner. Capricorn is the sign of boundaries, and you could be in need of some. At what price love? Venus retrograde demands that you examine. Ice-queen Capricorn abides by books like Why Men Love Bitches and The Rules (remember THAT one?), and can be a bit old-school about romantic roles. Without turning the clock back to Neanderthal times, there’s something to be said for the power of setting limits. If you’ve been a doormat, Venus retrograde says: “Show some respect…for yourself!”
Ex factor? Retrogrades bring back the past, so an old flame could reappear on the scene. Is it time to give an old love a new try? Possibly. This person might also just be a messenger, arriving to help you gain closure. Even if the chemistry is still sizzling, that’s not enough to sustain things for the long haul. Are your paths more compatible now? Do you want the same things from life, share common values?
Some astrologers even believe that Venus retrograde is a blackout time for weddings. While you don’t need to cancel the chapel reservation, if you’re getting married during this cycle, you might consider renewing your vows a year later, or even talking to a counselor ahead of time. As Capricorn Ben Franklin said, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For the happily coupled out there, use Venus retrograde to reaffirm your love, and to make a more dedicated effort to spend quality time IRL. Concrete date nights and non-negotiable nookie appointments might feel a bit like a business transaction, but if that’s what it takes to keep the flame burning, so be it.
To learn more about this retrograde and your love life in 2014, get our comprehensive ebook, The AstroTwins 2014 Planetary Planner.
Image via WeHeartIt.
