Hi Everyone,

Please note that this is part two of our look at the Venus retrograde cycle. If you missed part one, you can find it linked below:

• Understanding Venus Retrograde | Part 1

Where We Are in the Venus Retrograde Cycle

DATES: January 28, 2025 – May 16, 2025

While the Venus retrograde period itself has ended, the cycle itself has not. On April 12th, about two weeks ago, Venus turned direct at 24° Pisces and is now on its way to 10° Aries, where it originally turned retrograde last March 1st. This will occur on May 16th.

The archetypal meaning of the period after the retrograde itself is just as important as every other phase of the cycle. What this phase means is that the lessons one has hopefully learned must now be put to the test — how one is living now and with those people with whom one is in relationship. It does not mean one has mastered how to apply the new information or experiences. This is especially true given the fact that the retrograde period started and ended in Aries. Aries is the sign of the archetypal new beginning, with all the innocence implied by that.

Reaffirming Your Values

Venus is also connected to one’s values and the priorities associated with that. What one values is what one wants to attract by focusing on it, and what one devalues will be repelled. We will avoid or move away from it. The stage we are in now is new. We are just beginning to apply what we have discovered, and a big adjustment can be required. As I mentioned in the first article, the Inferior conjunction of the Sun and Venus occurred on March 22nd at 2° Aries. This is archetypally like a new Moon when a new principle is born.

Saturn’s Influence

Saturn is the principle of seeing something as it is, with all of its consequences. I mention this now for two reasons. Firstly, this is generally true, but as I’m writing this email, transiting Venus and Saturn are conjunct. A conjunction marks the period when a new cycle of activity begins… just as when a seed is planted in the soil. One cannot see what it will become, but it is incredibly full of potentiality. This is where we are now in the Venus retrograde cycle.

In other words, on March 22nd the new principle was born but without any context, clarity, or relevance. But with Venus direct now and in conjunction with Saturn, the new values we’ve discovered are just now beginning to become clear and must be applied in one’s life.

If the reader looks carefully at these stages, a holistic pattern that applies to all retrograde cycles is revealed. What makes the difference is only in what planetary pair is involved… in this case, the Sun and Venus.

The Superior Conjunction on January 6, 2026

The Superior conjunction, which is the halfway point in the Venus cycle, is about 9 months away. It will occur at 16° Capricorn. The nature of this conjunction is similar to a Full Moon in that it is a culmination of whatever was birthed at the Inferior conjunction at 2° Aries.

A cycle that began in Pisces, gave birth in Aries, now reaches a culmination in practical Capricorn. Pisces is the archetypal sign of endings, while Aries speaks to new beginnings. On the other hand, Capricorn is the sign of practical application and execution.

To me, this Venus retrograde cycle is unusually important in shifting one’s values from an old, outdated one (represented by Pisces) to a new cycle (represented by Aries) and then concretized in Capricorn. Also, with my Sagittarian optimism, I want to believe that the new cycle will be more progressive and compassionate, given that the entire cycle began in inclusive Pisces.

In transpersonal astrology, it is important how one uses the time period of retrograde cycles. This is our chance to look deeply at something and reboot our understanding and approach to the relevant issues in our life. But we must consciously choose to do so. It does not occur automatically. This is how astrology can be used as a spiritual path.

A National Reflection

I am aware of the significance of January 6th in our nation’s history, where an insurrection was attempted. This date coincides with the coming Superior conjunction. It is very possible that this Venus retrograde cycle will reveal more about this stain on our history, but also that some kind of healing might occur as a result of everything coming out into the open.

Right now, we live in a seemingly polarized country. I say “seemingly” because I’m not sure if it is truly as bad as it sometimes seems. When I talk to people “on the other side,” oftentimes people can begin to understand one another if they are civil and open in their approach.

The Sun and Venus planetary pair has the potential for bringing people together. Perhaps this Venus retrograde cycle will help us see this truth and begin to come together more as a people and nation. I think it’s quite possible for us to see this outcome.

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By Jim Schultz

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