Venus Retrograde Dec 23 - Feb 1

Here's a heads up for the Venus Retrograde, coming up on the 23rd, up until the 1st of February (roughly). As with most retrogrades, the effects of this retrograde have already been felt a little bit, so if any of this sounds familiar, you know why ;)

Venus retrograde isn't as common as the other planets, and we're lucky!

Relationships, especially love relationship - but including business partnerships and other close important relationships - will be at the forefront. It'll be on your mind during this time: relationships.

Single folks will ponder their single status, they'll start to think more seriously about where their love-lives are going, and where they have already gone. You may think of old flames, and old flames will also have a MUCH higher likelyhood of contacting you, or you might just bump into them. Basically, old flames will come back to haunt you. (I've had that experience recently). Even folks who are in relationships may be contacted, see, or hear about their exes, which may cause some problems in their relationships. During this time it'll also be easier to make a love connection, as singles are much more lonely during this time - and on the "hunt".

Folks in relationships/who are married, may find that there is a lot to think about in terms of their relationship. It's a time where people evaluate their relationship, what they want out of it in the future, and what needs to be done to make it better. This may either cause problems in relationships (fighting out the frustrations), or, in the case of communicative and emotionally secure couples - it can bring them closer together.

This time can also cause break-ups. If the communication isn't strong enough, and with Saturn in Retrograde, people trim the fat in their lives:if they see the relationship as superfluous or stale, they'll more than likely want to get to something better for them. We've all been in this retrograde several times, and it's normal for groups of non-singles to find more than half of their non-singles become single. It's all part of the "finding the right person" process, and as painful as this retro can be, it's necessary.

This retrograde does all these things because it rearranges our priorities, especially during the Saturn Retrograde, and holiday season. This time will cause everyone to think about what their hearts really desire, what they want physically out of a mate, what they want emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We'll take stock of what we've been through, and try to come to terms with the painful stuff, even though that means reliving some of it. Cherish this time, as it's an important part of finding your true match, or a true match - depending on your beliefs.

What if I'm Married/in a Relationship and my significant other wishes to break up?
Here are a few tips, just in case your mate is overwhelmed by the analyzing that takes place during this retrograde season.

• Don't pester your mate during this time! They'll take any unecessary negativity as a "con" on their pros and cons list of the relationship.
• Remind your mate about the good times you've shared
• Take out old photos of those good times, maybe frame one
• If they invite you to a holiday gathering you wouldn't otherwise go to - give it a shot! Do it!
• Don't remind your mate of past relationships.

Most importantly of all, remember that if there is a breakup, this is all happening for a reason. If the relationship you're meant to be in has a brief break up period - it'll only strengthen it in the long run.

(I'd write more if I wasn't so pooped...lol)