Francesca Oddie

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Lent and Venus Retrograde

Hello and Happy Pancake Day!

I love living here in the UK and I love our British customs but I think palming us off with ‘Pancake Day’ when so many other countries enjoy carnival is a real cop out!

Venus goes retrograde on Saturday the 4th at 13 degrees Aries and moves back to 27 degrees Pisces on April the 15th, Easter Saturday.

Last time Venus was Retrograde was August 2015 and I posted this...

 

Let me bore you!

The word Lucifer is taken from the Latin Vulgate, which translates הֵילֵל as lucifer, meaning "the morning star, the planet Venus", or, as an adjective, "light-bringing."

Venus goes retrograde for 42 days (and nights) every 2 years, Venus is retrograde about 7% of the time.

Interesting because "the number 40 shows up often in the Bible. Because 40 appears so often in contexts dealing with judgment or testing, many scholars understand it to be the number of “probation” or “trial.” This doesn’t mean that 40 is entirely symbolic; it still has a literal meaning in Scripture. “Forty days” means “forty days,” but it did seem that God has chosen this number to help emphasize times of trouble and hardship."

When I was studying Theology were were told that 40 can simply mean "a long period of time."  However, what I've subsequently learnt about the qualities of Venus make more sense. I think that Biblical terminology uses "40 days and 40 nights" because there was an association with Venus Retrograde that has been erased over time.

There is a connection between Venus retrograde, temptation, lucifer, 40 days and also the number 6.  Everything, literally everything has an astrological connection and rulership.  The number 6 is ruled by Venus.  666 indeed is not actually the number of the devil.  

Just as Friday the 13th represents the divine feminine but the patriarchy polluted it's power with fear, the repeating number 666 is actually connected to Venus and love; not impending doom and evil spirits.

For the uninitiated, many believe that seeing repeating numbers demonstrates that angels are close by and that's why lots of people enjoy seeing 11.11 on their phones etc...

 

Venus

What does Venus represent?

Venus is the Goddess of Love. In Astrology, Venus has dual rulership over Libra and Taurus. As a result, Venus represents two main areas of our life: love and money.

“Love and money” is actually a simplistic interpretation of Venus. Venus rules our sentiments, what we value, and the pleasure we take in life. Grace, charm, and beauty are all ruled by Venus. Through Venus, we learn about our tastes, pleasures, artistic inclinations, and what makes us happy.

Expanding on this; where the Moon is what we love and need, Venus is what we love and desire.  Lust falls into this category.  Venus can be LAZY and indulgent.  Venus enjoys chocolate, red wine, sensual pleasures and is talented at the art of seduction.

 

Retrograde Venus

When Venus goes retrograde, these desires go wild.  We can become impulsive, blinded by rose tinted spectacles and throw caution to the wind.  During the solar eclipse last Sunday, Venus was unaspected.  She's shedding restraints and off on a journey!

Anyone who was born under Venus Retrograde can be quite unpredictable, rash and desirous of others.

What can we do now whilst Venus is Retrograde?

I think most people have heard of Mercury Retrograde and know the score.  Mercury rules travel and communications so expect misunderstandings, cancelled trains and lost post.  With Venus retrograde, expect any unresolved relationships to bubble to the surface, money troubles to come to focus and new relationships to be approached with caution.

Last Venus Retrograde I had lots of ghosts to lay to rest... this year I don't have any so I'll be interested to see what happens!  This isn't a time to part with lots of money, unless it is something you have been considering for a long time!  Any thing retrograde involves a RE - a revaluation, recommitment, reconsideration and I think a relax and rejuvenation.  Venus is pleasure focussed and commitment to focussing on your own VENUSIAN traits at this time is no bad thing.  What is it that you love?  What brings you pleasure?  Take time to indulge in your own particular brand of Venus and attract more of what brings you happiness into your life.

What is your Venus asking for?

As always, you must look at the aspects of your chart to really understand your horoscope, but knowing your Venus sign at this time is a good place to start.  Here are some suggestions of what you might focus on over the coming 6 or 7 weeks.

If your Venus is in Aries...

Venus is in Aries now, so this will possibly impact you somewhat!  Your independent streak is clamouring to shine.  If there is a project you want to start, reflect on it.  An adventure or a conquest you have in mind, take time to plan it properly and try not to be too impulsive.  Venus in Aries and Venus in aspect to Mars possesses a charm that enables you to get your own way without appearing too pushy, but at this time you could get carried away with yourself.  Take your time!

If your Venus is in Taurus...

You perhaps love the sensual slow life, La Dolce Vita is your scene!  I would focus on not over-indulging at this time and instead connect to your other love, nature.  Spend time outside and try not to let laziness set in. Venus in Taurus is very peaceful and content.  Take time to have some massages, and nurture your physical body.

If your Venus is in Gemini...

Communication is your best friend.  You probably love social media, phones, news-papers and having a good gossip.  As always my Gemini posts come with a warning of not over thinking. Gemini frenzy is not ideal.  How about putting your phone away and reading a book or writing a letter.  Venus in aspect to Mercury too has a love and talent for communication, are you using this talent for something you love, or for work?  What would you write and learn about if you had more time?

If your Venus is in Cancer...

Perhaps you feel a little sentimental, a desire to go home and be with your family could be strong now.  Aside from your need for togetherness, how can you boost your home life or make yourself feel more at home wherever you are?  Eat well, look after yourself and take time to indulge in some memories.  Make that photo album you've been putting off for ages!  This is a good time to bring the people you love together, or to plan a family reunion.

If your Venus is in Leo...

It's time to SHINE!  Venus in Leo belong on the stage, or in the art studio or in the classroom teaching little ones.  Venus in Leo wants to be seen and appreciated for being fantastic leader and a creative talent.  If your talents are going unnoticed, this is the time to join your local Am Dram society or volunteer in a school.  What is it that you love to do?

If your Venus is in Virgo...

Man alive you know how to organise this place.  Venus in Virgo longs for good food, good health and all round good order.  If you aren't taking the time to get all your ducks in a row then this is the time to focus on bringing clarity to your life.  Let your loved ones know you're not nagging them, you are helping them, then they will appreciate that you are telling them what to do because you care.

If your Venus is in Libra...

Venus ruled Libra loves to look BEAUTIFUL.  Vaguely superficial, the need for beauty and harmony in your life is being hammered home.  If you are a chaotic Sagittarius with Venus in Libra it's time to slow down, look in the mirror and brush your hair!  Take the time do make sure your surroundings please you and that you are looking after yourself properly.  A Venus in Libra that is out of balance can become very indecisive and no one wants to deal with that!  How would you like to appear?

If your Venus is in Scorpio...

SMOKE, you're on fire.  Your desires could be simmering and it's time to connect to someone or something you love.  Your focus and commitment could be in question now, if your relationship isn't authentic and if you're not being true to yourself then I think this could be a real test.  Venus in Scorpio is intense and feelings cannot be forced.  Pretending doesn't work with this uber authentic energy.

If your Venus is in Sagittarius...

Freedom and adventure are calling!  That doesn't have to mean packing your bags and embarking on a trip, it can be reading a philosophy book or starting a new course.  Venus in Sagittarius takes pleasure in other cultures, other people, far of places, ideas and beliefs.  This is a great time to reassess what you believe and where you want to go.  Consider planning a big trip but don't book it until after May 15th.

If your Venus is in Capricorn...

Hard work gets results and real love is hard won.  Venus in Capricorn and Venus with Saturn aspects is rather serious and can seem quite cold.  That's not the case.  People with Venus in Capricorn are simply cautious in love.  Make sure you're not fearful and stay focussed on what you want to achieve.  Witnessing the fruits of their labour makes these people very happy, climbing to the top of an organisation (or mountain) and knowing that they have stood the test of time provides Venus in Capricorn real pleasure.

If your Venus is in Aquarius...

Freedom is for you!  An unconventional lifestyle, a long-distance lover, an unexpected romance or some online dates will light your fire!  Change is your friend.  Unless your moon is in emotional Cancer it's quite easy for your to both connect and disconnect with other people.  Take some time to explore what you love and make sure you're not stuck somewhere you shouldn't be.

If your Venus is in Pisces...

Venus is swimming back to you to bathe in her natural waters. Venus is very happy in Pisces, creating, connecting, dreaming, healing and loving endlessly.  If your Venus is in Pisces you are probably either very gentle or attracted to gentle types.  Listen to music and connect to your intuition and it will be easier to understand what you are looking for in life whilst Venus is retrograde.  Try not to get bogged down in the feelings and lives of others, take this time to work on what you want to develop in yourself.

 

Lent - Venus Retrograde

As usual I'm out of here for Lent! As much as I love social media, it takes time and I have so many books to read! Plus I'm about 55% Saturn so like to deprive myself of everything.  I'll update my website too so stay tuned!

It's increased focus and mountain love is for this Capricorn Venus... You'll find me at the peak!


The resemblance is uncanny!

I'll still be doing charts, so hit me on hello@francescaoddie.com!

http://francescaoddie.com/shop

Big mountain love,

Frank xxx

P.S. Going back to this image and Venus Retrograde 2015:

Deep down we know what we are doing, listen to yourself to know if you're pursing the right direction.

Remember to see the best in others and trust your instincts. Alchemy is change and improvement, that's magic. 

 

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