Venus Retrograde in Leo - Hearts on Fire ❤️‍🔥

Venus will station retrograde at 28 degrees Leo on Sunday 23rd July 2023 at 2:33am GMT, and will begin her 40 day descent into the underworld. These next few days are the last for observing Venus as an Evening Star in the skies, before the Sun Venus Cazimi on August 13, where she will then embark on her journey as a Morning Star until the next Venus retrograde in early 2025 🌟 

Venus is associated with love, intimacy and pleasure, our values as well as money matters. Venus Retrograde occur every 18 months and offer us a time to reflect, review, revise and reconsider our most intimate and personal relationships and what we value. Under the bright lights of Leo, themes of creativity, romance, sovereignty and self-expression come to the forefront, however in a more introspective way than when Venus is moving direct in this sign. Leo's love is big and bold, as well as being incredibly generous and affectionate people. However they are also immensely proud, opinionated and dramatic, so be mindful that when emotions are running high during this retrograde as you (or others) may be a little more dramatic and boisterous than usual, especially when it comes to the themes of your own Leo house.

The key dates for this Venus Retrograde are:
23rd July - Venus stations retrograde at 28 Leo at 2:33am GMT

27th July - Venus rx conjunct Mercury at 4:10pm GMT

This is a great day for heart-to-heart chats, as some previously hidden feelings and perspectives can come to light.

9th August - Venus rx square Uranus at 12:08pm GMT

This is probably the transit bringing the biggest potential challenge to this retrograde cycle, as Uranus squares can denote sudden endings and disruptions. However, the purpose of Uranus transits are to LIBERATE and FREE us from what no longer feels in alignment. This is a day where it's best to give others and yourself a little bit of grace, and to resist the urge to make major decisions just yet... that time and clarity will come when Venus is direct again.

13th August - Venus Cazimi at 12:16pm GMT

Today Venus and the Sun kiss at 20 degrees Leo, as they mark the halfway point of this retrograde journey. This marks a time where we can start to create new connections, stories and forge ahead with what does feel in alignment moving forward. Cazimi days are auspicious and can bring quite a revelation! 

14th August - Venus rx trine Chiron at 4:05pm GMT
This is a beautiful alignment that can offer some deep healing, especially if there was any discord that arose around some of the earlier transits mentioned. Another day where heart-to-hearts give fruitful yields. 

22nd August - Venus rx square Jupiter at 1:16pm GMT

This square is a lot more jovial than the Uranus one, because when the two benefics meet in square there is far less tension present than when facing off with the outer, transpersonal planets. This is a great day for reconnecting with loved ones, expressing yourself creatively and artistically, and to take a moment to reflect and be proud of yourself.

4th September - Venus stations direct at 12 Leo at 2:20am GMT

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I have created some journal prompts for you to work with during this Venus retrograde transit - I always find working with prompts like these to be a really supportive way to connect these collective cycles to ones' own personal timings, and to really hone in on themes that the retrograde is stirring up for you. Your own Leo house between 28-12 degrees is your hotspot, as well as any aspects you may have to other natal fixed sign planets! ❤️‍🔥

Journal prompts for Venus Retrograde in Leo:

1. What do I value in my Leo house, and is there a way I can spend more time engaging with these values - or adjusting them?

2. What attitudes and beliefs are holding me back from the deeper connections I crave?

3. What experiences may be revisited in my relationships during this Venus Rx in Leo? Some previous Venus rx in Leo cycles were in 2015, 2007 and 1999.

4. What does a healthy power dynamic within a relationship look like and feel like to you?

5. Are there any words that has been left unsaid with loved ones? If so, what needs to be expressed and released during this cycle? Speak from your heart.

6. What steps can I take to re-evaluate my relationship to resources and finances?

7. WHow can I best express my authentic self?

8. What did I learn about myself and my relationships during the last Venus rx in Capricorn (January 2022), and how I have grown and evolved between these retrogrades?

9. What do I want more of in my life for my intimate partnerships and how can I embody this post rx?

Tips and Tricks for Eclipse Seasons

As baby astrologers, when first introduced to Eclipses they’re often presented as rather frightening transits with a heaping of doom and gloom on the side, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had clients or students in freakout mode when eclipse season looms on the horizon. And doing a quick google search it’s easy to see why - tales of loss, endings, breakdowns - the outlook can be seem pretty grim.

However, eclipses hold the potential for great change and opportunity - and yes at times it may come through a shocking turn of events - but if an eclipse is directly impacting a natal planet, it can also be a fast-track of personal evolution, just with a few growing pains in the process.

Did you know Eclipses occur twice every 6 months - that’s 4 times a year! They are not rare events collectively (although some aspects within eclipses can be!), but having an eclipse aspect your natal chart is a more rare and important occurrence, and happens to everyone at different times in life. This is why astrology is an invaluable resource to support your own personal development and evolution as you get a glimpse into your personal rhythms and cycles within a great cosmic thread.

So I wanted to share some helpful tips for you when Eclipse season rolls around - to remind you to check your chart and see if your number is up this time or not for an incoming eclipse portal. Is it a time of personal transformation and regeneration for you? Or are you perhaps a bystander or support for someone else for their own transformation - an important distinction!

1. Not everyone is affected by every eclipse.

Yes you read that right! We may all feel the collective build up around the themes of the transit nodes and lunar cycle, but those who have planets or angles within 0-2 degrees of the eclipse itself will be experiencing the most pressure and urge for change. This is why it's so important to know your own chart to understand your own personal cycles for when eclipses do impact you directly.

2. There is no need to ritual!

The eclipse itself is the ritual. The nature of an eclipse is to begin or end something, so there is no need to try and force or work with "the energies" and spirits etc at this time - to be honest it's far too volatile in the cosmos to expend your energy trying to "manipulate" change - as this is often coming from your ego, and is not change that is initiated by divine, cosmic order. Step back, rest, reflect and allow the cosmos to make some stellar moves for you!

3. Eclipses come in series - look for the full story

Eclipses come in pairs, and being aligned with the nodes they follow an 18 year cycle or series of completion, requiring a look at the bigger picture. These are never just singular events, and often what shifts an eclipse may bring to you are based on a repeated cycle you have been experiencing long term, whether you are conscious of it or not! Look back 16-18 years ago to see what events were shaping your growth and evolution at the time, and see how far you've come and what foundations you can build upon this time around. You can also look at around 8-9 years ago for the nodal opposition - meaning that what you are now releasing is what you were initiating and beginning when the nodes were in opposite signs to now. Food for thought and a deeper dive for the cosmically curious!

4. Time feels warped during an eclipse

Especially in the voidal space between the eclipses. Things often don't make a whole lot of sense at this time - and that's part of the process. We need to let go of control as much as possible as this voidal space is where the magic actually happens! A lot is going on behind the scenes that is beyond your control, so trust the unfoldment of events. Clarity will come once the storm has passed.

5. Listen to the portents and omens

The cosmos is very revealing during eclipse season - Of choices to be made, of peoples' intent and true motives and ways to move forward. Trust what you feel at this time, as things shown to you around an eclipse have a spotlight shone on them. Just remember, these choices don't need to be forced, an eclipse has a way of playing a hand for you. and if there is ever a time to "trust your vibes", it's during an eclipse. If something or someone is "eclipsed" out, it is often unexpected and for reasons beyond your control - like a friend is moving away, a boss or colleague quits their job, you meet a new lover/partner etc. It all comes back to the first point about whether you are in the line of sight for the eclipse or if it's someone elses turn for change!

The Astrology of 2023 - Collective Liberation

When I think about the overall picture of the transits for 2023, liberation comes to mind - collective liberation. This may not come easily or immediately, but many of the transits this year and laying the groundwork for this liberation to come. After two challenging years of Saturn square Uranus, this year feels like pause and reprieve from that intensity - especially as these two planets eventually sextile each other in 2025. There’s actually SO much I could say about April 2025… but I don’t want to jump to far ahead! But for those of you who are curious with a keen astrologer’s eye, I definitely encourage you to take a peek at that month.

Below I have shared some insight into the major transits of 2023, including Mercury retrogrades and Eclipses. To personalise these transits, you always want to look at the house this sign corresponds in for you.

January 12th - Mars stations direct

Have you been feeling rather stuck, frustrated and like your wheels have been spinning since the 30th October? Mars has been retrograde in Gemini these past few months, and we’ve all been feeling a little flat, with low energy and even burnt out, particularly related to themes of our own Gemini house. Once Mars stations direct next week until 16th Mach, day-by-day Mars will begin to gain momentum again as it traverses back over it’s retrograde degrees. This will bring more clarity, more direction and more energy to take action and implement the change that this Mars retrograde cycle has instigated.

23rd January to 21st April - all planets direct!

That rare sweet spot of the year begins this month, with all planets direct until Mercury stations retrograde in late April. Everything is moving forward - often quickly - and we can really take the reign and make some exciting leaps into what we desire to experience and work towards in 2023, especially once the new astrological year begins on the 20th March at the Spring Equinox. 

7th March - Saturn moves into Pisces

Saturn begins a new cycle of mastery and self-discipline when it moves into Pisces early this year. After two consecutive Saturn cycles in Saturn-ruled signs, this change of pace is quite welcome. We tend to think that planets in domicile are all positive, but a planet in its strength can also exacerbate the shadow of the sign too, and it’s been a very harsh few years collectively. I feel with Saturn in Pisces we’ll be faced with how much we have been dissociating, and it will be a big wake up call to engage in the world in more meaningful ways - particularly with social media. Music, arts and culture will come into greater focus, as this transit is often a powerful time of seeding new genres of music and creative expression that has a lasting impact. 

23rd March - Pluto moves into Aquarius

A whole new 20 year cycle begins this year, when Pluto hits 0 Aquarius for a brief glimpse into what this next evolutionary cycle will bring to the table for the collective, before a final retrograde into Capricorn over the summer. Expect drastic change around technology and social media, science and revolutionary events.

I was part of a fantastic 2023 Astrology panel called “Spilling the Astro Tea” where I spent over an hour speaking on this very topic. I adore the transpersonal planets and their cycles, and you can watch the interview in full here for more insights into this powerful cycle.

16th May - Jupiter moves into Taurus

Honestly, I think this is my favourite transit for 2023! Our Taurus house has been absolutely slammed by the eclipses since 2021, as well as the repeated Saturn-Uranus square during 2021 and 2022. Jupiter arrives to bring us opportunities for growth and joy this year, and this will feel extra cosy and comforting being in Venus-ruled Taurus. Jupiter here loves to indulge and seek out sensual pleasures. Good fortune comes to making wise investments, taking the slow and meandering path and being resourceful. Jupiter will also conjunct Uranus during this cycle. This is an exciting, expansive yet somewhat unpredictable transit, but being in a Venus-ruled sign there is great potential for sudden financial and romantic blessings, enjoy!

22nd July to 3rd September - Venus rx in Leo

Venus is retrograde in Leo this year, and begins it’s 40 day journey through the underworld from 28 degrees back to 12 degrees, so locate this area of your chart to highlight and foresee how this retrograde will affect you in your Leo house, including relationship and financial patterns. Being in Leo, when can expect some high-key drama, theatrics and little dose of extra affection and validation needed. Just be mindful of letting one’s pride stand in the way of deeper connection - and hearing our partners needs as well as being upfront about our own. 

Mercury Retrogrades 

• 18th January - Mercury SD in Capricorn

• 21st April to 14th May - Taurus

• 23rd August to 15th September - Virgo

• 13th December to January 1st 2024 - Capricorn & Sagittarius 

Mercury retrogrades are moving through an earth element cycle this year, and I really welcome this after a year of air element Mercury retrogrades. Air can really whip things into a bit a frenzy, and those retrogrades last year really amplified a lot of the chaos and confusion that can come along with a Mercury retrograde if we’re trying to push, hurry and force rather than rest, reflect and pause. 

In earth signs, that frantic energy is really dialled down and it will be much more supportive for getting into that retrograde flow of going slow. Themes around finances, work, service and goals will be the main focus for these cycles in 2023.

The final retrograde also has a brief stop in Sagittarius, which begins the shift into fire retrogrades for 2024. The latter half of this final Mercury retrograde for 2023 will have you reflecting on your beliefs, and feeling rather restless and idealistic around the life themes of your own Sagittarius house as the calendar year comes to a close. 

Eclipses

• 19th April - Solar eclipse in Aries

• 5th May - Lunar eclipse in Scorpio

• 14th October - Solar eclipse in Libra

• 28th October - Lunar eclipse in Taurus

This year is the final year of eclipses on the Taurus/Scorpio axis as well and ushering in a new 2 year cycle of eclipses on the Aries/Libra axis - the first time since 2015. Most affected during eclipses are those with planets/angles at the specific degrees of each eclipse.

2023 eclipse season kicks off with a total solar eclipse at 29 Aries on the 19th April - opening the door to themes of self vs others than will be prominent between 2023-2025. Life will throw some curveballs on this axis for us to find balance in this area of our life, specific to where these signs show up for you by house. 

The lunar eclipse on the 5th May is at 15 Scorpio, and sees a culmination/ending of what you have been actively releasing during the past 2 years in alignment with your own Scorpio house. Be open to the transformation taking place.

The solar eclipse on the 14th October is at 21 Libra, and begins a new focus of healing, change and release particularly around relationship dynamics relevant to your own Libra house. This cycle of relationship healing will end in 2025.

The lunar eclipse on the 28th October is at 5 degrees Taurus, and is the final eclipse on this axis. What you have been working towards in your Taurus house will be fully in motion now, and you will see return for the effort made and chances you have been taking in this area of your life. It’s a great moment to recognise how much you have grown, integrated and evolved around these themes.