Venus is the planet of love, beauty and harmony. In just a few days, she stations retrograde in earthy Capricorn where she will embark on a deep and winding underworld journey. On December 19th, Venus begins this voyage while conjunct the underworld king Pluto. The retrograde journey lasts until January 29th, but Venus will steadily occupy Capricorn and the realm of Pluto up until March 5th.
What can we expect during this celestial voyage? Venus is in Saturn’s sign and is exploring the architecture of the heart. During a Venus retrograde cycle, hidden yearnings and desires can surface or be released. The planet of love may be seeking to restructure the foundations in a certain area of life, and this often includes the basis of our relationships and values.
In the archetypal hero’s journey, or passage through the underworld, it is an iconic component for the hero’s process of transformation. Entering the underworld is entering a state of darkness of some kind. We are able to see and explore what is typically not visible. With Venus exploring these shadows, we can expect to see ‘subconscious’ or hidden relationship patterns more clearly. A deep investigation takes place which allows for the necessary transformation. What is ready to be let go of will be pushed and will make space for renewal.
If you have Venus or other personal planets in Capricorn, this may be an especially eventful retrograde cycle for you. Also, if you have a cardinal rising sign (Capricorn, Libra, Cancer, Aries) this cycle will have more intensity. Pay attention to what house Capricorn rules to see what area of life this is likely most impacted. The underworld journey can be utterly destabilizing, but I can tell you from experience, it can produce intensely positive results.
As Venus stations direct on January 29th, she will be making a supportive trine to Uranus. Thus, we can expect a liberation from past constraints or a cathartic release. Something about this direct station is surprising and exhilarating. Venus will join Pluto once again, along with Mars, in early March. I see this as another final step of deep transformation in this Venus cycle — where we consciously internalize our power.
The last Venus retrograde in Capricorn occurred almost exactly eight years ago in December of 2013 (December 20th - January 30th). Take a moment to reflect on what was occurring in your life at this time, especially pertaining to your relationships. In my own chart, Capricorn rules my 7th house of partnership and marriage and is home to my natal retrograde Venus. It seems as though I am karmically an expert on Venus retrogrades in Capricorn! Thus, I will tell you a bit about my own retrograde experience 8 years ago.
In the summer of 2013, I suddenly met my ‘soul mate’ who is now my husband. The Capricorn Venus retrograde was our first Venus retrograde experience together. In general, I see this time tested the structures of our relationship and our commitment to one another. Thankfully, we passed whatever tests came our way without much trouble. It’s honestly too long ago for me to remember all the details, but I think we were still learning how to live together. I was used to having lots of space and alone time and my partner was not. During this period, I was learning to let go of past relationship trauma that kept me from getting close, but I was also recognizing the space that I needed.
Leading up to this Venus retrograde cycle, I was also visited by an ex-boyfriend who I hadn’t seen for quite some time. I remember being shocked at how skinny he was. Later, I learned he had lost so much weight due to battling cancer. He had intended to tell me about his cancer situation when we met up, but he was too scared to tell me in person. Later that spring he suddenly died from complications due to his treatment. It still breaks my heart to think of him dying at the young age of 33, and I will never not feel sad about that.
I cannot say for sure how my ex-boyfriend’s visit impacted my Venus retrograde cycle from 8 years ago. It did seem to initiate letting go of old chapters with past partners and to more fully embrace my current relationship. It was necessary to let go of past restrictions and longings to more fully show up for a relationship worth committing to. My relationship, with my now-husband, continued to grow stronger through a very turbulent time of transformation for myself. In retrospect, perhaps the most important lesson I learned is that life is short, and living fully and happily is important.
I hope this upcoming retrograde cycle offers you a time for reflection, refinement and deep positive transformation. Best wishes to you on your journey of the heart.
-Suzy