2023 Venus Retrograde in Leo - Explore Authentic Creativity

by Kathryn Andren

© Kathryn Andren - published by The Evolving Astrologer, March 2023 / 04.07.2023

Kathryn Andren reviews the Venus Retrograde in Leo, July 22 - September 4, 2023. Learn the value of the Venus cycle and explore personal astrology affirmations for each zodiac sign.

The planet Venus is the brightest object shining in the sky after the Sun and the Moon. Venus is attractive and alluring. When you see her in the sky, notice if she speaks to you softly or invites you to pay attention to something new.

During the 584-day Venus cycle, the planet appears both as an evening star and a morning star. In the early evening, you may find her in the West just after sunset. Then during the retrograde phase, she seems to disappear, too close to the glow of the Sun. Venus then reemerges in the early morning sky, rising in the East.

Venus is a Goddess of Love and in modern astrology, known as the planet of priorities. The Venus retrograde cycle serves as a symbolic reminder to reconsider and reevaluate all matters of the heart. Notice your emotional space before, during, and after a Venus retrograde cycle. Retrograde cycles offer opportunities to retract, retreat and reflect.

What does it mean when a planet goes retrograde? A retrograde cycle is simply an illusion. From our view on Earth, when a planet stations retrograde, it appears to stand still in the sky, then move backward against the backdrop of stars. This illusion of a planet stopping, slowing down, and seemingly reversing before moving forward again is called retrograde.

When a planet stations retrograde, some astrologers say there is more power with this planet. Why?

Just like an acupuncture session that aligns the body’s meridians, imagine the planet energizing a particular region of the sky. When you look at your personal birth chart, the planets in transit touch or align a specific area of your life by house or other aspects. Planets in retrograde serve as a symbol for reviewing, reflecting, revision, reconsideration, reevaluation, or retreat. Give yourself extra time and space to reschedule, redo or repeat!

Venus Retrogrades Approximately 40 to 44 Days

Forty is a magical number in various traditions. Note there are 40 days of Venus retrograde and it takes 40 weeks for a child to grow in the womb. There are biblical stories of rain for 40 days and 40 nights and wandering for 40 years in the desert. In the mystical Kabbalah, 40 is a number of fruition and abundance.

As a goddess of love, the position of Venus in an astrology chart illuminates who you are attracted to in a relationship and why. The Venus placement in your birth chart also represents the inner feminine, an internal experience. Remember, when a planet is retrograde, some of the qualities are amplified. If Venus is about the internal experience, and what you innately value, then during a Venus Retrograde there is a calling to go deeper with inner self reflection on what matters most to you.

Since retrogrades are a symbol to reverse and reflect, when the love planet is retrograde, all matters of love are in your face for reevaluation. The Venus retrograde can be a healing time to reconsider your full range of experiences in your relationships:

• love and anger
• harmony or dissonance
• relationship harmony or lack of it
• finding beauty within
• self-worth and values

2023 Venus Retrograde in Leo

There are several phases of a retrograde cycle: the planetary station, apparent retrograde motion, and shadow periods where the planet passes through zodiacal degrees that will be revisited during the retrograde.

Venus enters Leo on June 6, 2023, and remains through October 8. The planetary station is July 22, with a retrograde motion through September 4, ranging from 28 to 12° Leo. The pre-retrograde shadow period begins June 19 when Venus crosses the 12-degree mark, and the post-retrograde shadow period ends October 7 when Venus crosses 28 degrees again.

Hot Hot Hot! Venus in Leo aspects with Mars, Jupiter and Unstable Uranus

Near the June Solstice, keep your eyes on the Western sky just after sunset for a magnificent meeting of Venus and Mars. Mars near Venus before the retrograde phase may bring added energy to this cycle.

Venus squares off to expansive Jupiter in Taurus three times: June 11 at 5° Taurus, August 21 at 15° Taurus, and September 17 while Jupiter stations at 15° Taurus. Jupiter amplifies whatever it touches. Venus is also squares off to exciting Uranus in Taurus, early July and late September at 21-22° degrees.

Square aspect patterns are 90°degree angles, symbolically representing turning a corner. Since Venus in Leo squares off to both Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus all fixed signs are energized during this aspect.

How will you turn a corner in life or love? Reflection rather than reaction is required.

What You Need to Know About the Leo Venus Retrograde

Venus is in Leo for over four months in 2023. When Venus is direct, it’s generally only in one sign for about 3 - 4 weeks. The Venus retrograde in Leo brings added attention to the Fixed signs in the zodiac. The Fixed signs of the zodiac fall in the middle of each season. Do you have planets and points in your birth chart in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius? Note especially plants and points that fall in the 12 - 28 ° range. This Venus cycle adds more energy to you and your chart.

Venus retrograde is the prime time to redefine and realign your relationships. Look at your chart for clues on how this potent planetary pattern energizes your life. First, find where Leo falls in your natal chart. Then notice the house where Venus stations and retrogrades to reveal what area of your life is amplified for reevaluation in 2023.

Venus Retrograde: Explore Your Inner World

Take some time out just for you. Sometime during the 40 day and 40 night retrograde, consider and contemplate:

• Who am I attracted to, and why?
• What is most important to me?
• How can I reevaluate my priorities?
• What do I find alluring?
• Who do I truly value and cherish?
• How can I deepen my experience of healthy self-love?
• How can I be more open and creative?
• How to best express my authentic creativity?
• Reevaluate finances, money matters, and access to resources
• Reflect on what you learned from former love relationships
• Reconsider a healthy sense of self-worth

Let’s Get Personal. Astrology Affirmations for the Venus Retrograde Cycle

How to make the most of this year’s Venus Retrograde? First, find Venus in your own chart. Learn your personal Venus placement both by house and zodiac sign to reveal clues to your innate desires. Then, note where the zodiac sign of Leo falls in your natal chart. The Leo Venus Retrograde will highlight this area for nearly four months, June til early October 2023.

The astrology affirmations below serve as an embodiment practice, to embrace the lessons of Venus, and bring her message to you down to Earth. Enjoy these phrases as personal touchstones for the Venus cycle, or be creative and create your own!

Venus in Aries or transiting the 1st House

Let’s play.
I love to create.
I am the part of you who loves to initiate.
I value enthusiasm and assertive action.

Venus in Taurus or transiting the 2nd House

Let’s slow down.
Comfort me, feed me, love me.
I love to receive.
I am the part of you who appreciates all the senses, touching, smelling, tasting, and seeing beauty.
I value safety.

Venus in Gemini or transiting the 3rd House

Let’s talk!
I am the part of you who loves to engage in brilliant conversation.
Share with me.
I appreciate multiple ideas and enjoy different cultures.
I value variety.

Venus in Cancer or transiting the 4th House

Let’s cozy up at home.
I love my family and community.
I am the part of you who appreciates connection and caring.
I value privacy.

Venus in Leo or transiting the 5th House

Let’s shine.
I want to know I am important to you.
I am the part of you who enjoys being the center of attention.
value heartfelt expression.

Venus in Virgo or transiting the 6th House

Let’s serve others.
I am the part of you who loves order, cleanliness, and focused attention to detail.
I value routine.

Venus in Libra or transiting the 7th House

Let’s do it together.
I am the part of you who loves being the peacemaker.
I love balance, beauty, arts, music and harmony.
I value partnership.

Venus in Scorpio or transiting the 8th House

Let’s go deep.
I am the part of you who loves magic and mystery.
I value intensely experiencing life force energy!

Venus in Sagittarius or transiting the 9th House

Let’s travel.
I am the part of you who enjoys adventuring, teaching and being the philosopher.
I love adventure, being on a spiritual quest, and exploring new worlds.
I value the truth.

Venus in Capricorn or transiting the 10th House

Let’s build something together.
I am the part of you who appreciates responsibility.
I respect rules and regulation.
I am the matriarch and the patriarch.
I value tradition.

Venus in Aquarius or transiting the 11th House

Let’s start a revolution.
I am the part of you who is a visionary.
I love humanity.
I am emotionally detached to see the big picture.
I value freedom.

Venus in Pisces or transiting the 12th House

Let’s feel the mystical love union.
I feel.
I am the part of you who enjoys being the poet, musician, and dreamer.
I value compassion.

Venus Retrograde in Leo: A Healing Initiation For Authentic Creativity.

In summary, I dare to share a deeper contemplation question for you during this powerful timeline. As more and more conversations are increasing around artificial intelligence these days, ask yourself: How may I increase my Authentic Intelligence from the heart? How can I find the strength and courage to express my unique creativity? Leo is the constellation of the Lion, a symbol of heartfelt leadership. Consider how you can bring more heartfelt expression to all the lives you touch.

Published in: The Evolving Astrologer, June 2023.

Author:
Kathryn Andren is a consulting astrologer, massage therapist and writer offering online private consultations and classes. Her holistic approach is inspired by a deep connection to land, sea and sky. She integrates astrology, art & energy healing bodywork in her professional practice now in the Hudson Valley, New York. She holds a BA in Psychology and gracefully integrates over 25 years in professional practice with heartfelt intuitive wisdom. To consult with Kathryn, email consultwithkathryn@gmail.com or simply phone 808-896-3982. Visit www.KathrynAndren.com and receive free access my recent recorded Women Of Wisdom program, a new virtual offering available now on my website. Find and follow Kathryn Andren on IG and FB @theloveastrologer.

© 2023 - Kathryn Andren - The Evolving Astrologer

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