A Trauma Informed Look at Working With Venus Retrograde
Venus Retrograde: delving into love and value, wounds and strengths
Venus Retrograde is here. In our very consumeristic patriarchal society sometimes this transit is feared. There’s an element of slowing down, which in a world of progress and faster is better can lead to impatience. But perhaps even more fragile, is Venus’ relation and representation of love and self worth and self value. This is possibly one of the most vulnerable and tender aspects of being human, and many people avoid delving into truths about relationships, self worth and their relationship to how love currently is expressed in their reality versus their hopes and dreams. As an astrologer people always ask about love and money - and Venus rules both.
Some of us may walk around with a shield that we use to push down our hurts around love, and during Venus retrograde when truths no longer hide we may feel vulnerable.
But like all things in astrology, and the Venus Myth of descent, it’s only through delving into the depths that we truly find our light.
Let’s look at the Venus myth first and then we’ll ave more context to speak about the retrograde.
The Mythology of Venus: Evening Star and Morning Star
In mythology, Venus is associated with the Roman goddess of love and beauty, also known as Aphrodite in Greek mythology. Her origins are linked to powerful stories of creation, desire, and the transformative nature of love. One version of her birth story describes Venus emerging from the sea, born from the foam created when the sky god Uranus was overthrown. This image of Venus rising from the ocean reflects her connection to the depths of the subconscious and the power of beauty and love to heal and transform.
Venus’s dual role as both the Evening Star (Hesperus) and the Morning Star (Phosphorus) deepens her symbolic complexity. These two phases represent different aspects of love, desire, and self-worth.
Venus as the Evening Star (Hesperus)
When Venus appears as the Evening Star, she shines brightly in the western sky after sunset. In this phase, Venus embodies a receptive, reflective energy. This is the phase of self-worth, inner beauty, and contemplation of relationships. The Evening Star represents the more introspective side of love—where we assess our values, reflect on our desires, and seek harmony in our connections.
In mythology, this phase is associated with the descent of the goddess into the underworld, echoing the story of Inanna or Persephone, who undergo journeys of transformation and return empowered. As the Evening Star, Venus invites us to explore our shadows in relationships and to reclaim parts of ourselves that we may have hidden or suppressed.
The descent myths of Inanna or Persephone teach us that true power comes from embracing our shadows rather than avoiding them. The descent represents a surrender of the superficial identities we wear—the masks, defenses, and illusions we create to feel safe in relationships and in the world. The eventual ascent symbolizes rebirth, returning to the surface with deeper self-awareness, authenticity, and empowerment.
During Venus Retrograde, we are invited to undertake our own descent. This period asks us to confront the parts of ourselves we hide or reject, especially in matters of love, self-worth, and desire. Just as Inanna and Persephone emerged transformed, this retrograde offers the potential for profound inner growth if we have the courage to face what lies beneath.
Venus as the Morning Star (Phosphorus)
When Venus shifts to become the Morning Star, rising before the Sun in the eastern sky, she takes on a bolder, more active energy. The Morning Star represents the initiation of new cycles of love, the courage to pursue desires, and the emergence of a renewed sense of self-worth. In this phase, Venus embodies a warrior-like quality, much like the goddess Inanna after her ascent from the underworld—transformed and empowered.
The Morning Star phase is about declaring what you value and moving forward with clarity and passion. It is the energy of beginnings, of claiming what you want without apology.
Where Are We Now in the Venus Cycle?
Venus's current retrograde from 2nd March at 10°50' Aries to 13th April at 24°37' Pisces is a transition phase between her roles as the Evening and Morning Star. Venus is completing her phase as the Evening Star and is about to begin her transformation into the Morning Star. This period of 43 days is like a liminal space—an in-between that offers a powerful opportunity for reflection and release before new beginnings.
This part of the cycle is often called Venus's "underworld" phase, where she disappears from the sky for a time. In this hidden phase, we are invited to go inward, to confront the shadows in our relationships and values, and to shed what no longer serves us. It is a time to reflect on the themes of self-worth, love, and desire with compassion and honesty.
When Venus re-emerges as the Morning Star, it will be a time to move forward with a renewed sense of clarity and empowerment in matters of the heart. This retrograde is preparing us for that rebirth by encouraging deep, transformative inner work.
What is Venus Retrograde? The Invisible Phase of Venus: The Underworld Journey
When Venus is retrograde, she transitions between her roles as the Evening Star (visible after sunset) and the Morning Star (visible before sunrise). During this transition, Venus moves too close to the Sun from our perspective on Earth and becomes invisible. This invisible phase usually lasts for about 8 days, but the entire retrograde period spans about 40 to 43 days.
In ancient astrology, this period of invisibility was seen as Venus's descent into the underworld—a time when her light is hidden and she undergoes a symbolic death and rebirth. This aligns beautifully with the myths of Inanna and Persephone, who both descend into the underworld and return transformed.
Symbolic Meaning of Venus's Invisibility
Inward Reflection: Just as Venus is hidden from view, this phase encourages us to turn inward, reflect deeply, and confront parts of ourselves that we usually keep in the shadows—especially in matters of love, self-worth, and desire.
Letting Go: It’s a powerful time for releasing old patterns and attachments, shedding what no longer serves us before Venus re-emerges as the Morning Star with renewed clarity and vitality.
Transformation: The invisibility period is a cocoon-like phase, symbolizing the process of inner transformation. When Venus reappears, she does so with a fresh perspective and a new cycle begins.
When Venus emerges as the Morning Star after the retrograde, it symbolizes a rebirth, bringing a newfound clarity and the courage to pursue what we truly value.
The Archetype of Venus: A Multivalent Goddess
Venus embodies more than just love and beauty. She represents harmony, self-worth, creativity, and the sacred connection between the senses and the soul. In astrology, Venus governs how we attract, what we value, and how we experience pleasure. Her influence teaches us to cultivate relationships that feel authentic, nourishing, and in alignment with our true selves.
The Shadow Side of Venus: The Wounded Lover and People-Pleaser, LOVE ADDICTION
From a trauma-informed perspective, the shadow side of Venus can reveal wounds around self-worth, codependency, and the fear of rejection. This can show up as people-pleasing, compromising personal needs to avoid conflict, or seeking worth through appearance and external validation.
This can more than often relate back to childhood experiences and how we perceived ourself receiving love then. A popular way of looking at this is noticing anxious or avoidant attachment styles, or noticing love-bombing in the early stages of narcissistic relationships because our inner child craves love so badly we miss the red flags.
Another common example is Love Addiction and going from one relationship to the next chasing the newness, and excitement of being showered with love and finding it incredibly difficult to be alone.
The Healthier Expression of Venus: Embodied Love and Sovereignty
Venus’s healthier expression teaches us about boundaries, authentic self-worth, and embodied love. Sovereignty in love means knowing your worth and making choices that reflect it. Authentic expression involves sharing beauty, creativity, and affection freely, without fear of judgment or rejection. Balanced pleasure allows us to enjoy life’s sensual experiences without attachment.
Often people change and relationships change, and something I see so many people struggle with is finding the courage to leave a relationship when they know it’s not working because of fear. However, often when people have done their inner work, and make decisions from a healthy place they tend to find healthier relationships.
What’s the Technical definition of Retrograde in Astrology?
In astrology, retrograde periods offer opportunities for introspection and revision. The term "retrograde" comes from the Latin retrogradus, meaning "backward step." When Venus is retrograde, the usual outward expression of her qualities turns inward. This phase urges us to reevaluate our relationships, values, and unresolved emotional patterns around love and self-worth.
During this time, it’s helpful to reflect on past experiences with compassion. In my sessions, I often use a combination of astrology, somatic practices, and reflective journaling to help clients navigate these themes. This phase encourages us to pause before making big decisions in relationships or finances and to ask: Where have I been neglecting my own needs to keep the peace? What would it feel like to honor my desires without guilt or fear?
How Often Does Venus Go Retrograde and Where Is It Retrograding Now?
Venus goes retrograde about every 18 months for 40 to 43 days. This year, Venus is retrograding from 2nd March at 10°50' Aries to 13th April at 24°37' Pisces.
This journey moves from the bold, independent energy of Aries to the compassionate, boundary-dissolving energy of Pisces. It invites us to reflect on how we express our desires with courage and how we connect with others from a place of wholeness rather than woundedness.
If you know your chart, look to see which Houses these signs are for you, for extra clues. eg. if it’s your 11th house can also be values around wider community and friendships and 10th house about your career and soul work or 4th house values about your home and family life.
If you’re unsure, this is where having a reading can be really helpful.
The 8-Year Venus Retrograde Pattern: The Pentagram of Venus
Venus creates a beautiful 8-year pattern in the sky—a pentagram or five-petaled rose. This pattern is not only visually stunning but also symbolically significant, representing harmony, balance, and the divine feminine.
Understanding this pattern helps us see the recurring themes in our lives. In my mentoring sessions, we explore these patterns and create personalised practices to release old cycles and embrace new ones.
The Dates Venus Went Retrograde 8 Years Ago
To understand this retrograde, it is helpful to look back to 8 years ago. Venus retrograded on 4th March 2017 at 13°08' Aries and went direct on 15th April 2017 at 26°54' Pisces.
Reflecting on what was unfolding in your life during that period can offer clues to the lessons being revisited now. In my astrology-informed mentoring, we explore past cycles to uncover repeating patterns and gain clarity on what needs healing now.
What is Venus Retrograde Good For?
Venus Retrograde is an ideal time for inner child healing and releasing beliefs about love formed in early relationships. It supports revisiting creative projects, reassessing financial priorities, and exploring shadow work around love and self-worth.
In my Spiritual Nutrition® sessions, I blend trauma-informed approaches with astrology to help clients uncover and transform these patterns. This period is a time to soften into self-compassion and remember that real beauty and love start from within.
The “jewel” of each Venus Retrograde - The Venus Cazimi
At the middle point of the retrograde, Venus will make an exact conjunction with the Sun - a day for clarity - I have a full blog with Venus Cazimi dates HERE.
The Challenges of Venus Retrograde
Venus Retrograde can bring old wounds to the surface. Relational tensions and financial uncertainty are common, and past loves may return to test our growth or provide closure.
If past wounds arise, somatic grounding techniques like deep belly breathing or placing a hand over your heart can help soothe the nervous system before responding. For personalized support, my trauma-informed mentoring sessions can help you navigate these challenges with compassion and clarity.
Checking Other Transits for a Holistic View
To get a full picture of how this Venus Retrograde will impact you personally, it’s important to consider other transits. Aspects to your natal Venus, key transits from Saturn or Neptune, and the houses in your birth chart that Aries and Pisces occupy will all add layers of meaning.
In my astrology readings, I help clients explore these influences to provide a clearer understanding of the cosmic weather and how to navigate it with intention.
Venus Retrograde invites us to move beyond superficial beauty and love to discover what truly nourishes us. It is a chance to peel back the layers, release old patterns, and reclaim your worth. By approaching this period with self-compassion and curiosity, you can transform challenges into opportunities for profound healing.
For deeper support, you might consider booking a session with me, where we can dive into your birth chart and uncover the unique gifts and lessons Venus has for you.
Light a candle, grab your journal, and ask yourself: What does my heart truly value? The answers might surprise you.
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