Shout it from the Rooftops
Venus Retrograde in Leo
I don’t always remember to enjoy my life.
Yes, there are those majestic moments where the world melts into a symphony of synchronicity and I can see nothing other than the divine perfection of my existence. And yes also, there are those times when I feel like I don’t even deserve to stop for a nice cup of coffee. There are voices that tell me that I don’t need it, that I can’t afford it, that I simply don’t have the time to waste. It’s like putting myself on emotional lock down; no joy can come in and no joy can go out.
In my heart of hearts, I know that this isn’t helpful. I know that the best thing I can do is to enjoy my life. I know that enjoyment is curiously contagious, and I know that my joy will bring joy to everyone around me. I know that shouting my joy from the rooftops will fill these city streets with joy, and I know that sharing my joy will only ever make my heart grow bigger and stronger. And yet sometimes I falter. Sometimes I forget that I am here to enjoy my life. Sometimes I forget that I am - now, always and forever - worth it.
When I look up in the sky, I know that now is the time for me to remember that I always have permission to enjoy my life. Next Friday, July 21, our brightly shining bundle of joy Venus will turn retrograde in Leo for 40 days and 40 nights. Venus looks after our worldly pleasures; it holds space for our values; and it governs the ways that we love. And in Leo, Venus will be lured into the limelight to help us find pride in how we show these parts of ourselves to the world.
This summer’s retrograde means that Venus will spend far longer in one place than it usually does, and it will be going over this section of your life with a fine-toothed comb. The shift in direction also represents a change in orientation from expressive to introspective, and backwards-looking Venus will not be shy in showing you the relational potholes you have neglected. Perhaps this retrograde is inviting you on a mission of delightfully dissonant self-discovery, an opportunity to smooth out the wrinkles in your heart.
You can look for clues about what this will mean for you in your experiences over the past month. On June 19, Venus passed over the point in the Zodiac that it will come back to when it eventually halts its retreat on September 3. This introductory “shadow period” sets the stage for your adventure, and it can offer invaluable insight into what is coming your way. To help you refine your gaze, allow me to share my own nascent inquiries:
How comfortable do I feel articulating my values?
Venus in Leo wants us to take public pride in what we value. As I celebrated Independence Day on July 4, I noticed that part of me had begun to associate the word “freedom” with oppression in the American political landscape. But if freedom means oppression and oppression also still means oppression, then we don’t have freedom.How comfortable am I accepting compliments?
Venus in Leo wants us to receive recognition for the beauty of who we are. If I get purely positive feedback about the way that I work, I have noticed that I dismiss it as untrue and respond with an even bigger compliment for someone else. But if I can’t accept that these things about me are true, I can’t be them.
How comfortable do I feel with luxury?
Venus in Leo wants us to put our unbridled love of life on display. When I find myself in extravagant environments, I have noticed that I feel out of place and become judgmental. But if I can’t relax and enjoy the show, I can’t appreciate the love and attention that people put into creating exceptional experiences.
I hope these questions help to light the way, and if you’d like to learn more about what this Venus retrograde means for you personally, I invite you to come say hi in a special drop-in session next Friday. I’m thinking of it like cosmic office hours; you bring your curiosity and I’ll cast your chart. We learn best when we learn together, so all are welcome - and if you can’t join in person, I encourage you to email me questions in advance and I’ll send you a recording. Full details on how to join below:
Venus Retrograde in Leo: Drop-In Session
Friday, July 21, 2023
3 pm - 5 pm Europe / 2 pm - 4 pm UK / 9 am - 11 am EDT / 6 am - 8 am PDT
Recording available
Learn with Me:
Come by and explore what this Venus Retrograde means for you personally, including the themes, topics and areas of your life that are in play. We’ll share our experiences and get a sense of how we can best embrace the experience.
How to Join:
Register through Zoom to let me know you’re interested
Bring your time/ date/ place of birth if you’d like personalized guidance
Attend live or watch the replay when the time is right
Donations:
Donations of all kinds are always welcome and never required. If you wish to make an offering, I’ll share details on how to do so over email with all who register.
Love,
Patrick