If you place a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price.

Venus Story 2010

It's been eight years since we last lived through this part of the Venus cycle, and once again it is time to re-evaluate what is of true value and significance to us personally. The imagery of the cycle is a five petalled flower like the rose and a pentacle or pentagram. Venus cycles allow us to get in touch with our intimate desires—not merely in terms of relationship—but also about what we wish to have, do and achieve in the course of our lives in order to feel fulfilled and in harmony with our soul.

Timelines

• Venus in Libra August 6-September 8, 2010 and November 7-November 29, 2010

• Venus into Scorpio September 8 - November 7, 2010 and November 29, 2011-January 7, 2011

• Venus retrograde October 8-November 18, 2009 (detailed astro-facts)

To read your horoscope and skip the intro click on your sign: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces

The cycle of harmony

The Venus cycle, as it weaves in and out with the precision of a metronome, is perhaps intended to bring us internal harmony—allowing us to be at peace with our choices.

Venus with a Rose

Venus has a predictable rhythm, her eight year cycle during which she spends four months in each of the following five signs: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio and Capricorn. Venus travels plot an image of a rose with five petals in the course of those eight years. When we multiply that cycle the rose image becomes more distinct. We might experience eight of these complete cycles in the course of a long life. The image of the cycle is from an old astronomy text book. The rose is the uncultivated rose with five single petals. Its symbolism is present in the story "Briar Rose", which is most commonly known as the fairytale of the Sleeping Beauty.

Both the Lotus and the Rose symbolically represent similar concepts. Very briefly: attainment of perfection and fulfillment and often also an image of the soul, the chalice of life, the heart and, of course, love.

Each of the five parts of the cycle last about a hundred years, same as the eternal sleep in fairy tales. We might not live long enough to see a full cycle, however, the cycles occuring currently in are in perfect alignment for our story through this life.

These four month periods occur at 18-month intervals. We are currently in the Scorpio part of Venus' journey. This repeats from 2002, 1994, and eight years prior through about 1962 with this kind of intensity. 2002 was the last time when Venus was in Scorpio exclusively. This time Libra has entered the picture for the first time in over a century.

Each planet symbolically represents an area of life, events and moods. The Sun is the main object in an astrological chart, while it travels through the symbolic houses of the chart it brings a new area of life into focus for approximately a month. The Sun is a part of an annual cycle, the other players (that is the planets), however, are somewhat differently situated each year. We all mature and change, things that excite a teenager typically don't appeal to a mature adult. In this issue, the first in many months, I discuss the Venus cycle that is upon us.

The upcoming Venus retrograde cycle (October 8-November 18) is one of re-evaluation . The question Venus asks is 'do you love it' . Is it worth your effort, energy, and time to pursue what you are currently involved in? The details are to be found in our natal charts, and the suggestions in this column are based on Sun signs and the associated solar charts.

September 2010-January 7, 2011 is about taking time to reassess what is important to you personally in one or more areas of life. We are revisiting similar themes as in the prior years, such as September 2002—January 2003—the specific topics may be somewhat different, however these echo our past choices. We have the opportunity to reconnect with our inner desires, make new choices and let go of things that no longer belong to us or to our lives.

What to avoid

The period when Venus is retrograde is not ideal for purchasing something of value as in the final analysis it might have been overvalued. I personally might avoid buying a house or a business during those 5-6 weeks (October 8-November 18). On the relationship front it isn't a great time to begin a new relationship; we might begin one for all the wrong reasons. Neither is it a good time to end a long-term relationship, we might want out for all the wrong reasons, particularly when we decide during the retrograde period rather than that the decision was made and now you knew it was time. Read more about Venus at www.annemassey.ca

Links to horoscopes: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces

Horoscopes

Aries

March 19-April 19

Do your savings/investments meet your expectations? How are you handling financial matters?

18 months ago, in the spring of 2009, Venus spent four months in you Sun sign. Now she is doing a similar dance in Scorpio (September 2010-January 7, 2011), which for your sign represents shared resources and commitment. More specific information can be found in your time astrological chart. In November Venus returns to your relationship sector for three weeks, while moving backwards in her morning star phase. This could bring fleeting romance into your life; I think that while those May to November romances refer to a couple where one is young enough to be the child of the older one, the timing might have something to do with having found each other during Venus retrograde. Perhaps we fell in love with love rather than the person we met. This is not an ideal time to make big financial decisions, especially if these involve increasing your debt load. It is a great time to do research, learn to understand yourself better and count your blessings within an existing relationship and a wonderful time to rekindle the passion you and your partner shared before, which has perhaps faded...You may find that things and even people naturally fall out of the picture now. It is a great time to rediscover what you value in the now.

October 8-November 18 is the tricky stretch, when it is best to avoid long-term commitments, you are more likely to discover that you chose too quickly and it is typically harder to disengage from the person, project, or possession. Major financial decisions are best left to after these weeks.

The balance of the year is about finding the right balance with handling and managing any resources and obligations you share with another. Now is also a good time to re-evaluate how the give and take works within your intimate, committed relationship(s).

Note that horoscopes address potential issues in broad terms; we have our own horoscope with an array of variables, and these provide much more information than a generalized write up. I have numerous inexpensive astrological reports for sale on this site; ranging from personality analysis to annual predictive reports. Read about the reports. A sample report of each is available through links on that page. Some predictive reports, such as Starlight will offer good insights without a known birth time. The next natural step is to book a consultation.

Taurus

April 19-May 20

Does your relationship measure up to your expectations?

Scorpio is the sign opposite yours and therefore a symbolic representation of the partner you tend to seek and attract. The entire Venus story could play out more in the lives of your partner and people in your life in general. However, one of Venus' domains is our social interactions, which may be particularly strained during the retrograde period (October 8-November 18, 2009). Naturally the intent is to work on relationships in order to regain balance and harmony within that relationship. We humans do tend to postulate, lose our cool and speak without consulting the brain or taking the feelings of others into account, when we feel that we are not being understood, feel taken advantage of, etc. Relationships are typically the biggest challenge we encounter in life. We seek people who we think are most like us, and it takes us a long time to understand those differences we have about our priorities. It can be as simple as not understanding how someone can waste their money on... fill in the blank, when we personally don't find that in the least bit enticing to own or have. When we personally find an issue truly important and attempt to convince another, we tend to get into disagreements and might eventually find that we don't care enough to work on that particular relationship any longer. Yes, Venus is more than just love.

The people in your life tend to be intense to begin with, so during the retrograde period, life might get more intense than usual. Once every eight years, you work on these issues with the tools of Venus—co-operation and the goals of Venus are to achieve harmony and to keep everything pleasant.

Part of this could play out with co-workers, particularly during the time Venus slips back into Libra (November 7-29), you might find yourself in the role of the mediator. It might be a good idea to remember that not everything needs to be fixed and often others just want to be heard and understood.

Gemini

May 20-June 20

Does your work environment measure up to your standards and expectations?

Scorpio for you represents the work environment and the daily setting where you handle tasks, for a stay at home mother that might be the house and playgroups etc. Once every eight years you work with current issues using the tools at Venus' disposal. Those are co-operation, mediation and social interaction. Venus in Scorpio doesn't like anything superficial—it is all or nothing kind of energy—ove and hate are the two extremes in our emotional toolkit. Venus has been in Scorpio since September 8 and will not move out for quite some time yet and even then she will return for an encore. You might find that you are handling relationships with co-workers, acting as the mediator and having to learn patience in order to hear and understand the stories.

This might be a time when you choose that you won't be doing this job much longer and make strides to realign yourself with goals that you would love to be pursuing. That one question always is 'do I love doing what I do' and if not, what am I willing to give in order to gain something that I value most.

The touchiest time with Venus is while she is retrograde (October 8-November 7), those biblical forty days and forty nights. During this time we need to look deeply within our souls to understand what our highest priorities are. We are not human doings we are human beings, and shouldn't waste our lives feeling discontent with our job, our relationship, etc. Within us we have the resources and the courage to improve our lives and as we work on that, the world around us transforms.

Cancer

June 20-July 22

Does your romantic relationship measure up to your expectations? Are you expressing your creativity to personal satisfaction? What does your heart desire?

Scorpio energy is something that you understand instinctively; it is emotional but more controlled than your emotional makeup. This cycle in Scorpio is associated with romance and passion for you, and you are likely to be re-evaluating your most intimate relationship. The last time you handled these issues with the tools of Venus: co-operation and heart-to-heart discussion was back in the 2002 (September through the end of year). Life is cyclical and this Autumn and a few weeks into Winter you are likely to be examining not only your intimate relationships (partner and children BTW), but also your innate creativity.

It is a natural time to explore your creative ideas in depth, and choose one or more that you would like to see in a more concrete form. This is about what the heart wants. We all yearn to feel loved and appreciated for who we are and what we do. Once every eight years these issues are under the proverbial magnifying glass so that we can see what needs fixing and what is perfect. For example, when we have been a relationship for many years or even decades, we tend to begin to assume that our partner knows how we feel. However, all of us want to hear it in words and feel it in actions. It is amazing what a feeling a little compliment arouses in us.

During October 8-November 18, 2009, the need to scrutinize our relationship with partner and children feels more urgent. We examine everything in depth, all conversations take on added significance and we might even feel that Scorpionic sensation—it's all or nothing. It is a time to revitalize, to address any issues and work on things, rather than toss aside.

Leo

July 22-August 22

Are you content with your home and family life?

Similar issues were under scrutiny back in 2002 (the last four months of the year), what were you contemplating back then? Do you feel comfortable and content in your current setting? Do you have privacy (you do appreciate that) or are there issues you have to handle whether you like it or not? Should you see family members more often? What could you upgrade, improve, change around the house to make it feel the way you would prefer.

These months are ideal for having heart-to-heart conversations with family members. Facebooking, tweeting, etc. cannot replace face-to-face time (not on a mobile, by the way).

This might be the time you opt to rejuvenate your home, during the actual retrograde period (October 8-November 18) is not an ideal time to go buy all kinds of luxury items. We are more likely to throw caution to the wind and follow the desire to own something with little regard to whether we can comfortably afford the item(s).

You have strong feelings about family and security, and if you feel that those connections and the sense of security are not at a level you would like, you need to decide what has to change. Because Venus is in another fixed sign (read stubborn) you might feel that you need to become more accommodating and flexible, learn to accept that we can agree to disagree. What is it that you would like to change in order to feel more content with your lot in life?

November 7-29 is great for revisiting opportunities and offers from the past as well as reconnecting with friends and acquaintances from the past. Consider it networking time.

Virgo

August 22-September 22

Do you find that your everyday life meets with your expectations and feels rewarding?

Did life become too busy? Do you feel pulled in a dozen different directions? This Venus period, September through the end of the year, is ideal for re-assessing what you want to be doing, and what isn't that important after all. We tend to gauge our personal progress in light of the expectations of others and the society's—let's not. It is our personal journey, and these are unique to individuals. If we try to measure up to unrealistic expectations we don't feel content nor rewarded. Social media is replacing social gatherings in person; we are tied to our keyboards and other mobile devices. People consider emails a conversation rather than an exchange of information…Take time to truly connect with people in your daily life.

BTW it is a good idea to back up your data on your computer, etc. before this particular retrograde period begins (October 8-November 18)—wouldn't want to lose your photos, etc.

While most astrology columns talk about not buying a car with Mercury retrograde, I wouldn't buy one during Venus retrograde, it might end up being a luxury item or something of a money pit.

The balance of this year (through January 7, 2011) is a great time to reconnect with brothers/sisters, cousins and neighbours. Heart-to-heart conversations are important, in the end those matter. In life the most important thing are the people whose lives touched ours and whose lives we touched.

Libra

September 22-October 22

Are your efforts producing the kind of results you desire?

Venus already spent a month in your sign, wasn't it nice to pay attention to you and have attention paid to you. From earlier this month until early November, Venus will be in the area associated with money, the future and your priorities. Chances are you have planets in Scorpio and are feeling this energy rather strongly. We were here last in September 2002-January 2003 and even then Venus was in your sign for a month rather than the normal 24 days—an extra week with Venus is always nice. What is it you desire for the future, what gives you a sense of contentment? There are the upcoming 40 days, beginning October 8, when you are likely to ponder things in depth. We tend to make some big choices for ourselves with these Venus periods. And remember; now for the first time for a quarter of a millennium Venus incorporates the last few degrees of your sign into her dance. That dance of the seven veils is the Venus dance—letting go of what no longer serves a purpose for you and choosing something new and improved based on your desires.

It is about money, your values and priorities. How well do you stick to your budget? Now might be a good time to learn how to stay on top things. Ultimately it isn't about how much we make but what we manage to keep (i.e. not spend). The Rx period, in particular (October 8-November 18) is not ideal for any major purchases—you may regret your choices. This can also be a good time to find new ways to build your personal assets. I don't know that I'd choose to get new investments but explore different options. Now is the time for re-evaluation and re-assessment—always follow your heart and rely on your innate knack for finding co-operation, common ground and harmony. It is your second nature. Venus is your ruling planet after all.

Venus also returns to your sign for an encore November 7-29 and after the November 18 life falls into place and all the potential dramas are just a memory. 'Gotta love it, eh!' In hindsight we are happy with the result and grateful for the events that led us there.

Scorpio

October 22-November 21

How do you measure up to your own assessment of yourself?

Venus is in your Sun sign for an extended period of time; we were here last in September 2002-January 2003. What were the revelations you had at the time and what was it you were grappling with? Much of the outer planet energy has shifted since then and we are all eight years older and wiser now, however, the message is always simple. Align your life so that you feel happy and content leading it. All in all this is a hundred year cycle designed to awaken us to our desired aspirations in life. Looking at this from the perspective of the Sun and its role in the symbolic language of astrology, we are gauging who we are, who we have evolved into being in the now and then we question if we are living the life we always wanted and finding our life fulfilling. Big, lofty concepts and our inner voice as our guide, we have the option not to wander through life on a 'default' setting—we can make choices. This go around we have three weeks in November where we can seek guidance and counsel from friends and revisit ideas we put to rest (well, seemingly) in the course of the last part of summer. Scorpios born in October and early November are prompted to make changes more than the rest, but let's not forget and that we are more than our Sun sign and any planet in the early Scorpio will respond to the call of Venus. Listen to your heart.

From October 8 to November 18, Venus will be moving against the grain primarily in your sign and this is the time to take stock and re-evaluate our personal desires. That one question always is 'do I love doing what I do' and if not, what am I willing to give in order to gain something that I value most.

Those dates of Venus in Scorpio are September 8 - November 7, 2010 and November 29, 2011-January 7, 2011. During the in-between seven years Venus visits Scorpio all of about 24 days. Venus is always a beneficial influence, granted we tend to have to surrender something during this period when Venus is in Scorpio. This can also be a time to revisit places and people from our past. This gives us insights to how what we used to desire no longer intrigues or fascinates us. With Venus in your sign you are likely to be noticed more and appreciated for what you do and who you are. Throughout these months remember to stay true to your ideals.

Sagittarius

November 21-December 21

Do you have enough time and adequate tools to recharge your internal batteries?

Mediation, contemplation and ensuring adequate rest and relaxation are important to both our emotional and physical well-being. Are you leaving room in your daily schedule for yourself? In an attempt to convey how this Venus in Scorpio energy might play out I am reminded of the Indian Proverb on my home page: "Everyone is a house with four rooms, a physical, a mental, an emotional and a spiritual. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time, but unless we go into every room, every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person." It is time to air the mental and spiritual areas of your life. Your dreams might be rather profound or even prophetic now, might you benefit consulting a dream dictionary and journaling your dreams. The most profound answers to life's challenges are answered from within. Close friends—confidantes—may be able to offer suggestions, but ultimately we need to learn to listen to our conscience.

The chances are that you will encounter both people and places from the past. Relationships we valued back then may only return to remind us how we have grown and changed. October 8-November 18, 2010 is potentially the most profound time in this lengthy period. When all is said and done, you may have encountered many unfamiliar, new concepts and people—suggesting it might be time to step out of your comfort zone and do something new.

If you are feeling under the weather, don't neglect your physical well-being. If it is merely a rut, consider physical activity that incorporates a meditative component such as yoga, tai-chi or another form of martial arts.

Capricorn

December 21-January 19

Do you have enough time to spend with friends? Are you on track to attaining your goals?

This Venus cycle rolls around at 8-year intervals, there are familiar similarities however the potential events tend to be different. September through the end of year is a good time to work on your friendships and professional networking connections. You may find that some of these connections are not viable any longer and while fall by the wayside naturally, you might also have to deal with some that are a bit painful. It might be a time to get rid of a few goals that in the final analysis aren't that important.

Listen to your heart; choose those goals that you expect to be rewarding and worthwhile. Remove the expectations of others out of the equation and consider what will make you happy and what will make your heart sing. Remember how as a kid you felt that each day was new and exciting; that is how we are meant to feel as adults as well. When we don't it is up to us to implement changes—the biggest one of course is our attitude toward life.

October 8-November 18, 2010 is the retrograde period. This is when we revisit issues and people from the past and look deep within for answers. In order to take a step forward in our quest we may need to take two steps back. Think of it as distancing ourselves from the immediate and looking at it in terms of a bigger picture. Chances are that you'll receive plenty of assistance and help during this period. Perhaps too much, so you need to learn to say: I value your input, but...

Aquarius

January 19-February 18

What is the measure of success? Are you on track to attaining the results you desire?

We tend gauge success by our impression of successful people. A successful author, as an example, is the one whose name is known globally and whose books sell in the millions not in hundreds; a business owner who similarly brings in millions becomes the yardstick. Reality naturally is different, and it might be time to acknowledge your accomplishments, pat yourself on the back and to count your blessings. What are the goals that are closest to your heart? Are you on track to achieving those? Maybe you measure success in terms of money, and feel that you haven't had an increase in ages.

This Venus period (September through year end) may include strained interactions with bosses and people in authority. Our values may clash. We don't all appreciate the same things, and it is tough to understand how someone could feel so differently about something. It is a good time frame to get your relationship with parents onto a better level—co-operation, accommodating and showing appreciation are Venusian tools at your disposal. At times we also need to agree to disagree and move on.

If you are feeling dissatisfied with you career/avocation, now might be the ideal time to search deep within for solutions. Our choice is to change our attitude and approach or pick a new direction. Don't discard until you have examined for viability.

Pisces

February 18-March 19

What do you desire in the now and how could you attain your aspirations?

Scorpio energy is something you understand, even the need to have privacy. For you getting in touch with your inner goals and aspirations is easy—not always comfortable but easy. You can dream and plan readily it is the practical steps that can feel elusive or perhaps not worth the pursuit.

The challenging part may be dealings with in-laws and attempting to help people who live at a distance or choose to be somewhat hermit-like. You know you feel fulfilled when you help another gain perspective; simply remember others can be extra sensitive now. Themes and people return for a review so that you can re-evaluate your true goals and aspirations. This is a time to plan a different kind of future, remembering the importance of following the guidance of your heart.

When it comes to communication it is best to listen with heart, be extra accommodating and willing to find compromises along the way. It is also important to take time out to contemplate and during the retrograde period (October 8-November 18) avoid making rash decisions.

Ultimately the question is 'do you love it' and if not can you let it go.

Timeline details

Venus in Libra August 6-September 8, 2010 and November 7-November 29, 2010
Venus into Scorpio September 8 – November 7, 2010 and November 29, 2011-January 7, 2011
Venus retrograde October 8-November 18, 2009

Repeats from October 10-November 20, 2002
Previously from October 12-November 22, 1994
1986, 1978, 1970, and 1962

Venus Rx station at 13°Scorpio 14' October 8, 2010

previously at 15°Scorpio 37 October 10, 2002

Venus Direct station at 27°Libra 40' repeats from 251 years ago; the first Venus in Libra direct station in Libra in a century

Previously at 0°Scorpio 03' November 20, 2002

Venus Rx conjunct the Sun—New Venus at 5°Scorpio 30' on October 28, 2010

The previous one was at 7°Scorpio 53' on October 30 ,2002

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