The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - December 2021
As the year draws to a close, Venus is about to turn retrograde. Every eighteen months or so, and continuing for about 5 weeks, Venus appears to be moving backwards. This is less time than any other planet, making it a tricky transit to negotiate since we are not familiar with it when retrograde.. This is especially true because Venus pertains to harmony, especially socially, and when it is retrograde harmony is difficult to maintain. Remember, that when any planet is retrograde, we tend to experience and express its energy in more personal ways. Some of our typical or habitual behaviors change. Venus pertains to four areas of life experience, each of which may shift or cause some confusion during this period. Venus will turn retrograde on December 19 and continue to January 29, 2022. Those areas are values, relationships, aesthetics and money.
When direct, Venus will usually adopt values that are socially acceptable. What we consider important, both in terms of our life as well as how we interact with others in terms of fairness and justice, are norms established by social traditions. When Venus is retrograde, however, we might perceive these values differently. We may realize that how society defines significance and meaning may not coincide with our true feelings or beliefs. This provides the opportunity to both review what we value, and why, relative to societal expectations. We could alter our values, moving closer to social values. We could also have new insights into our value system and move farther from social norms.
This can lead to personal relationships. Especially in terms of primary or romantic relationships, it’s time for review. Start with getting in touch with what you need in the situation and the degree to which those needs are being met by your partner. This can lead to meaningful conversations in which you both reveal your frustrations. There should be no expectation that the relationship will become perfect in the 5 weeks Venus is retrograde. It’s one thing to get clarity and discuss the clarity. It’s something else to actually change behaviors. Sometimes one might perceive the partner in a different way. Instead of valuing their positive qualities while overlooking or at least being patient with their annoying ones, we reverse the perception. We might feel that the good isn’t that good and the bad is much worse. This can useful in seeing the relationship in a different way that could lead to the discussion about personal needs and frustrations. Remember, however, that many of these perceptions are part of the Venus relationship experience. After it goes direct we may once again have a more objective view of the partner. Hence, this is not a good time to decide to end a relationship. Or to start one, for that matter. Use this as a time to get clear about yourself and the relationship from your point of view. This can enable you to begin a dialogue that may last indefinitely during which the relationship gradually and harmoniously improves.
Each of us has a personal aesthetic. We know what is attractive and appealing, whether in terms of art, clothing, buildings or automobiles. When Venus is retrograde, however, that can change. What we normally find beautiful no longer is and what we may normally find distasteful may be suddenly seen as desirable. Thus, this is not a good time to make expensive purchases such as cars, art or jewelry. Nor is it a good time to paint the house. Purple may knock you out when Venus is retrograde, but painting your house that color may prove satisfying only 5 weeks every year and a half when Venus is retrograde. Otherwise, you may regret that choice.
Money is a commodity that has a lot to do with human interaction. When Venus, which pertains to currency, is retrograde, our connection to money may shift. This could be on a collective level more than individual, but change may occur nonetheless. This is often a period when financial markets jerk wildly. Venus retrograde may coincide with the markets changing from bull to bear, at least temporarily. So, like with relationship decisions or major purchases, this is not a good time for investment or major capital outlay. This is a good time, however, to review our personal financial goals and patterns of behavior. We could tighten up our spending, create a budget and learn to live within it. This can also help us to cycle back to looking at values. We could realize that a lot of what we thought was important really isn’t. We could discover that we have been putting our resources into projects that are not fulfilling. Similarly, we could find that much of how the government relates to money, what we prioritize as a nation and how we finance it, does not coincide with our values. This could lead to one becoming more politically active in a way that will lead our country back to what may be a sounder, more realistic and sustainable way to create an economy.
When Venus is retrograde its time to take a step back. Venus is a gentle energy. It likes to be thoughtful, diplomatic and kind. During the retrograde period we should focus more on ourselves, our perceptions, needs, values and resources. Making changes gradually and harmoniously both during and after the retrograde period is a good way to experience this transit.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: This month affords you the opportunity to do some inner work. Being able to have deeper insight and understanding into your drives and motivations can help with self-understanding. This is also a good time to be physically active. This can allow excess energy, emotional as well as physical to be discharged.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Venus is your ruling planet, so its retrogradation could impact you significantly, Especially since Venus will be conjunct Pluto all month. This can exacerbate tendencies toward relationship volatility that could result in extreme decisions and behaviors. Growth can come from being patient during this period and not expecting things to change quickly.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: The Full Moon will be Gemini on the 18th. This is a good time to get in touch with and express your feelings and emotional needs. This is the perfect combination with Venus retrograde. This could also be an event that helps develop or clarify your intuitive insights into others.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: Communication is key for you this month. Being open to new information as well sharing new and previously known knowledge can be fulfilling to you and beneficial to others. The New Moon Solar Eclipse on the 3rd in Sagittarius can reveal to what degree you emotionally identify with your beliefs and philosophy of life.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Adventure, social interaction and communication are strong themes for you, especially in early month. Focusing on outdoor activity and clearing up health concerns are also positive activities to pursue. Growth can come from tuning in to intuitive insights into people. This can help you avoid tendencies to be deceived by situations that may not be what they seem.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: This month is a good time to focus on home and family. You may feel particularly festive this year and may want to host a holiday gathering. The good feelings that you create through those events can help mitigate challenges and emotional volatility that could come up later this month into early January.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: This is a good time for introspection and alone time. Venus is your ruling planet, so take time to re-evaluate some primary priorities. This is also a good time for healing or renewing relationships with family members that have been difficult. The willingness to open up and share inner feelings can help that process.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Strategic financial planning for the new year can be a good way to take advantage of the transits this month. Transforming or reallocating resources could be part of this process. Learning more about current financial trends through reading, classes or conversations can be helpful in providing confidence and success.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius:. Early month is a time of introspection. Get in touch with the relationships or situations that trigger you to respond with anger. Alone time can help defuse the experience or help you to express your anger appropriately. From mid-month on stay active. The more physical, the better.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: The final exact square of Saturn and Uranus occurs this month. This year has brought challenges to change the parts or yourself or your life that was stuck, even as you maintain the parts that work well. This is good time to review your decisions and ensuing actions pertaining to that process.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: This year has challenged the basic parameters of Aquarius: the need for change and personal liberation within a controlled environment. Too much change can lead to insecurity. Too much control leads to boredom and stagnation. This month represents a time to make sure that balance is correct and appropriate for you.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: The connection to your imagination and intuition tends to be strong. This month is a good time to begin implementing ideas that have previously been dreams that may have seemed impossible or illusory. If you can’t manifest them, it might be best to let them go. If you can, this can provide greater confidence in your inner voice.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic, Astrology and Consciousness and The Astroreader. He offers both private readings as well as classes for both beginning and intermediate students. Call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.