Summer ends and the rain falls. With perfect timing, on the day of the equinox, the bright and full sun hides away behind the clouds, and a week of rain ensues.
The summer was quite unlike any other. Full of separations and personal transformations. I met at least a half-dozen folks over the last few months who went through a breakup during the Venus♀︎ retrograde period (July 22nd–Sept 3rd, shadow period being June 19th–Oct 7th). Myself included.
Venus represents what we value. Those we love (romantic or otherwise), art, expression, money, and what we find to have beauty and worth. During the retrograde period, where the planet appears to be moving backwards from our perspective here on Earth, all that we value comes into focus. We are faced with what is unresolved, what has been avoided, and swept under the rug. These retrograde periods lasting symbolically 40 days and 40 nights are seen in astrology circles as the first big stress test for all new relationships.
Even though the ♀︎ retrograde occurs every 18 months, there are particular factors that make this one a little more special than most. There were other planets retrograde during segments of this time, as well as other astrological transits involved that can be used to explain what I will not get into here (though if you’re curious to learn more, feel free to send me a message and I’ll be happy to go deeper with you). Aside from the astrology, this was the first retrograde in the seemingly post-Covid era.
Of the people I met, all started their relationships before the pandemic or during lockdown. In this state of mass confusion and uncertainty, we found ourselves hunkering down and sharing tight spaces with those in our spheres. Since then, enough time has passed for things to have returned to normalcy. This is the first summer where many were escaping their inner circles and exploring the outer world again. But also the first summer in terms of what and who we value, where we are faced with what has been kept unexpressed or unresolved since the beginning of this whole fiasco…
What is kept in the shadows will grow, smolder, and transform continuously until it is brought to light. Uncontrolled. Unchecked. With the light of the Sun and Venus’ brilliance in tow, all that is hidden is revealed.
What we value, what we find worthy of our time, energy, and attention are reconsidered. Reflected upon. Remembered. Not only in terms of the other, but in all the ways we may express and create.
In the light of the longest day, we are asked to choose.
To choose what was, for what could be.
These are turning points in life. Points in time that shift our trajectory. That nudge us towards our true course. To narrow the path.
As Venus will soon leave the space in the sky where this all took place (on Oct 7th), you may want to ask yourself to take these remaining days to reflect on the season that is now behind us. What changed? What projects or new endeavors have begun? What was left behind? What remains?
Then take whatever decisions you may have made with pride and resolve. Accept. Look at the moment and see what is to come. There is no turning back.
🍂 Autumnal Blessings,
Marcos Del Valle