Approximately every 2 years the planet Venus appears to move backwards in the sky before resuming its forward motion. This year’s Venus retrograde period will last from July 25 to September 8, 2015 and will occur in the sign of Leo. When planets are in the retrograde phase, their energy is amplified in our consciousness. Retrograde periods are times for reconsidering, and are correlated with re-view, re-evaluating and re-visiting matters concerning the themes symbolized by the particular planet. At the end of the period, revised approaches and directions can be undertaken which reflect the changes of heart experienced during the retrograde period.
When Venus is retrograde, there is energetic support for reassessment regarding relationships with self and others, sexuality, our ideas about beauty, what we value, our personal and material resources, and the Feminine.
This year’s Venus retrograde will take place in the sign of Leo, which is associated with the heart and respect, with self-expression and creativity, with what we are emotionally invested in, with children and our legacy, with leadership and play.
We may find that some of these themes will be very much emphasized during this time period, and that there will be opportunity to reconsider our values, investments and approaches to these matters. What do I really feel about my relationship? Do I feel satisfied in what I have chosen to invest my resources of time and energy? Do they reflect what I truly value? How is my relationship with my self going and what about the way I care for myself? What do I feel about my relationships with my children? Does something need to shift? What about my creative projects and the way that I am expressing myself? Do I feel good about it? What about myself as a leader? As a woman? What about how I feel about my body? How about my sexual expression? We are invited to meditate on these Venus in Leo questions and potentially to manifest the answers differently come September.
Last night I saw a poignant, honest and hilarious movie, Trainwreck, starring, produced and written by the tremendously gifted comedienne Amy Shumer. The movie begins with a very funny flashback to Amy’s father explaining to his nine and five year old daughters why monogamy is simply not realistic, as a justification for divorcing their mother. This legacy translates into adult Amy’s fear of intimacy and commitment, and her conflict when she finds herself falling for a truly nice man who likes her back. The plot of this heartfelt film and Amy Schumer’s signature concerns, are iconic examples of Venus Retrograde in Leo.
Celebuzz “Part of who she is includes not apologizing for her body or her sexuality and encouraging other women to feel the same. Referencing her Glamour Women of the Year Awards acceptance speech – during which she proudly proclaimed she’s 160 lbs. and can still “catch a dick” – she reveals the difference between her saying it and a man saying the same thing.
“If a guy was like, ‘I can get p*ssy whenever I want,’ that guy would be a dickhead. But to deny that there’s a major difference is ridiculous,” she explains. “For women, we’re taught to eat less until we disappear. And trained to believe that if you don’t look like everyone else, then you’re unlovable.”
“Men are not trained that way,” Schumer continues. “Men can look like whatever and still date a supermodel. I’m proud of what I said. I think it’s good to see somebody saying: I have a belly. And I have cellulite. And I still deserve love. And to catch the old D. And to not apologize.”
With the being said, Schumer has one goal in mind with her continued rise in power and fame: “I want to make women laugh. I want to make them feel beautiful in their own skin. I want to empower them to use their voice and not apologize. And I want a jet.”
Here is a sketch about football and rape culture and a link to a wonderful interview with Amy Schumer on NPR’s Fresh Air.
Dear Dr. Judy, I resonate with you on the audience, Amy Schumer and Venus Rx. I visited in-laws of 20+ years this past weekend, and whoa -finally saw dynamics clearly without feeling unsafe (most of the time). It has always been a Achilles heel. That’s a huge Venus Rx, and Saturn’s last visit to Scorpio (in a while).
We also resonate and live vicariously through Amy S’s heart, fearless energy -if not now then when. Speaking as a moon Aries woman. 😉
I love the psych meanings of astrology, along with health information. I appreciate your wisdom, always.
I love you, Sue. The reading I did for you and our connection was a very memorable experience for me. It’s great to be a passionate moon Aries woman.
I love you too, Judy. I still (and will always) remember the paper crown on your sagely head when you did my astro reading. It was Halloween 🙂 I had gone to a house to meet Maurice and he sent me to another home, where you and I met. Like it was meant to be. I love what you do, integrating knowledge in medicine, psychology, astrology, and natural wellness -for healing our humankind.
I remember that. I felt the same thing. Meant to be. I felt so moved by you. I forgot about that crown. Hope you are having a good summer and that our paths cross again soon.
Thank you for this post. A bit of our culture and Venus Rx. I appreciate Amy Schumer’s candid humor and pushing the envelop. My Mars in Libra is happy to see her doing the equality thing out in the open, with yang energy. Yes to women-hood!
Thank you, Sue, for taking the time to write. Whenever I write about Spirituality or Astrology, very few people comment. When I write about the body, there is much more interest. I appreciate you letting me know that the post spoke to you. I believe we are already in the Venus Retrograde season, even though it has not yet officially begun. I am seeing so many stunning examples of it in my own life and the lives of my friends and patients. I love Amy Schumer’s authenticity and her lack of apology. Also so much heart. A good Venus in Leo symbol, shining forth with her self expression.