Venus and Chiron Have Joined the Retrograde Parade

As of last weekend, Venus stationed retrograde in Leo and Chiron (ostensibly Pluto's moon, but might be a planetoid in and of itself) stationed retrograde in Aries. We examine the takeaways from both as we prepare to enter the Harvest Season...

Whereas Venus in Leo is normally Loud and Proud, going retrograde in this sign sees her dialing back the intensity a notch or three. She is "descending into the Underworld" as she does every 18 months. Astronomically, Venus shifts from being regarded as the "Evening Star" to being the "Morning Star" through this period, as she is one of the brightest objects in the night sky. 

As she goes on her "invisible" journey, we can take the opportunity to consider our own loud and proud parts. Are we really trying to signal boost or are we covering up deep discomfort? Are we trying to out-shout quieter, softer voices because we don't want to hear their messages? Are we sharing the spotlight with friends and collaborators or are we trying to hog all the attention for ourselves? If there are some Shadows lurking behind the scenes, the trick is to make the appropriate adjustments, which is where Chiron comes in.

Chiron is found originally in Greek mythology as a centaur who was a great teacher and healer, but who could not heal himself when he was wounded - hence, the archetype of the Wounded Healer. The symbol of Chiron in a given astrological chart looks like a Key, for the specific healing we need stems from the type of wound we are carrying in our Shadow Realms. The Wounded Healer is actually an archetype of strength: having navigated through what wounded her, and learned the lessons from the experience, she is best able to heal others.

Chiron in Aries further customizes the healing experience we need, as Aries is very much about the Individual. Chiron retrograde will hear the softer voices and heed the messages they carry. Chiron will show us where we might be out of alignment and suggest ways to realign. Chiron reveals the Wisdom in the Wound and is willing to share that Wisdom with us to help us heal.

Retrogrades in general help us to Slow Down and Listen Within. With four planets (and a moon) in the Parade now, and some significant retrograde periods to come, we may find forward progress to be challenging at times, particularly as the planets exchange energetic influences with one another and as the seasons on Earth unfold. Adapt, Adjust, and Persevere are our keywords for this time. Let us be inspired to exercise our shapeshifting muscles.

Next week we will be getting Sirius with the full moon in Aquarius coinciding with Lammas, the first of the Harvest festivals. As always, Watch This Space for further transmissions...