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Nobody is safe.
By Christine Schoenwald — Written on Jan 22, 2018
By now, we've all heard of the nightmare that is Mercury retrograde. But it's not the only planet that goes retrograde! Don't panic, don't do anything rash, but this year, we'll also encounter Venus in retrograde.
Venus is in retrograde and it affects everyone, no matter what your zodiac sign is. Venus is the planet that represents love, attraction, and money, as well as our tastes and basic beliefs about the value of objects, and the people in our lives.
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While retrograde may sound as if Venus is moving backward, it's not. It's just an illusion.
When a planet is in retrograde, it gives us an opportunity to reflect back on unfinished business and tie up loose ends, but it's not the time to do any kind of radical change. When the retrograde is over, you may not be especially thrilled with the changes.
When is Venus in retrograde in 2018?
Venus goes retrograde every 18 months or so, and lasts around 40 days. The last time it happened was in March 2017, which means we can expect Venus in retrograde beginning again towards the end of 2018. The exact Venus in retrograde dates for 2018 are:
- October 5 - November 16, 2018
Venus in retrograde can be a challenging time, but here are some tips to help you survive:
1. Don't rewrite your romantic history.
Are you thinking about your ex and the many great and wonderful things they did? When Venus is in retrograde, unresolved previous relationships or issues with former lovers might unexpectedly rope back up, signifying a need for closure.
It's tempting right now to look at past relationships in a super positive way and want to rekindle that old flame, but don't do it. Try to learn from those relationships and remember they ended for a reason.
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2. Give yourself some breathing room.
With Venus flipping the script, we can find almost everybody annoying, especially those nearest and dearest to us (and that includes ourselves). We may feel extra needy, while at the same time, extra irritated.
To keep our relationships on track, we need to focus on how to feel complete on our own. Take a break from your loved ones and go on whatever kind of retreat that rejuvenates you. It could be anything from a writer's retreat to a spa vacation.
3. Look at your current relationship with a kind, yet honest, eye.
Back-pedaling Venus has a tendency to awaken old issues which may have previously been a source of contention between you and your partner. Now is the perfect time to get your feelings out and settle those issues that keep coming back and poking you in the gut.
Be honest about why your significant other isn't meeting your needs. Is it because you haven't told them? Depending on someone to read your mind is never good for a relationship.
4. Be careful with your money.
Venus in retrograde isn't a good time to start a business, make new investments, make any major purchases, or go on a spending spree. Venus has control over money affairs and financial activities. So, when Venus is in retrograde, be careful about what you do with your money.
Since our perception is off, it can cause us to make financial decisions from an emotional place rather than an objective one. Plus, during this time, investments can be over-valued, losing their value once Venus goes direct. In addition, postpone (if you can) any court dates involving monetary settlements.
5. Don't experiment with your look.
As you may know, Venus also rules beauty and taste. Now isn't the time to do anything drastic, like radically changing your hairstyle or having plastic surgery, as your emotional state will cause you to be less objective.
You'll also make stupid decisions regarding how to make yourself more attractive. Try to love what you've got right now.
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6. Don't overindulge your inner foodie.
Venus is the ultimate pleasure-seeker, and when she's in retrograde she can make your healthy eating and workout habits go right out the window.
7. Be creative.
One of the best ways to help you get through this time is to focus on a creative project, whether it's working on that novel you've always wanted to write, doing some fine art like painting, or even writing a song to express those feelings you never got a chance to tell your ex.
The most important thing is not to get scared by Venus in retrograde. It happens every year and a half (ish) and you've survived it a whole bunch of times before. You'll do it again.
Go along with this backward energy and take advantage of the retrograde to focus on the re-things in life: regroup, rethink, repair, revive, and restore.
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Christine Schoenwald is a writer, performer, and teacher who loves writing and performing personal narratives. She's had pieces in The Los Angeles Times, Salon, Woman's Day, Purple Clover, Bustle, and is a regular contributor to Ravishly and YourTango. Check out her website or her Facebook page.