Venus Retrograde in Leo

On July 23rd, Venus goes retrograde in the sign of Leo. It will be retrograde in Leo until September 3rd.

Venus represents love, beauty, attraction, pleasure, harmony, art, aesthetics, and social relationships. Venus is often associated with the qualities of sensuality, romance, creativity, and the appreciation of beauty in all its forms. It rules both the zodiac signs of Taurus and Libra and is considered most potent in these signs.

The position of Venus at the time of a person's birth indicates how they express and receive love, what they find aesthetically pleasing, and how they approach relationships. A well-placed Venus is generally indicative of a person who enjoys harmony, seeks affectionate connections, and appreciates the arts.

 Leo is represented by the symbol of the lion. People born under the sign of Leo, are known for their charismatic and bold nature. Leo is a fire sign, which contributes to its passionate and enthusiastic qualities. Individuals with a strong Leo influence in their chart are often confident, ambitious, and natural-born leaders.

Leos love to be in the spotlight and are drawn to creative pursuits and activities that allow them to express their individuality. They possess a generous and warm-hearted demeanor, and their strong sense of pride and loyalty can make them fiercely protective of their loved ones. However, they may need to be mindful of potential tendencies towards being overly self-centered or attention-seeking.

When Venus goes retrograde, it appears to move backward in the sky from our perspective on Earth. This astrological phenomenon occurs roughly every 18 months and lasts for about 40 days. During a Venus retrograde, the energy of Venus becomes more introspective, and its usual influences on love, relationships, and aesthetics may be experienced differently.

Venus retrograde in Leo can have some interesting effects on our emotional and social lives. It may bring introspection and reflection regarding how we express love and affection to others and how we receive it in return. People with this placement may feel a desire to reevaluate their romantic relationships and creative pursuits. Some possible experiences during Venus retrograde in Leo include:

1. Revisiting Past Relationships: Old flames or unresolved feelings may resurface, giving individuals an opportunity to address unfinished business or find closure.

2. Self-Reflection: This period encourages self-exploration, leading to a better understanding of one's desires, values, and how they express their affections.

3. Reassessing Creative Endeavors: Artists, musicians, and creators may find themselves reviewing their artistic direction and seeking new sources of inspiration.

4. Seeking Recognition: There might be a heightened desire for attention and validation, leading individuals to question their need for external admiration.

5. Nurturing Self-Love: Emphasizing self-love and appreciation during this period can lead to personal growth and a more authentic expression of one's creativity and passions.

Venus Retrograde Dos and Don'ts

Dos:

1. Self-Love and Self-Expression: Embrace your individuality and unique creativity. Use this time to express yourself authentically in your relationships and creative pursuits.

2. Revisit Past Relationships with an Open Mind: Reflect on past romantic connections with an intention to learn and grow. Seek closure if needed, but avoid dwelling on past regrets.

3. Nurture Your Passions: Focus on activities that bring you joy and ignite your creativity. Engage in hobbies or artistic pursuits that help you reconnect with your true passions.

4. Practice Generosity: Show warmth and kindness to those around you. Be generous with your affection and appreciation for the people you care about.

5. Reevaluate Relationship Dynamics: Take a deeper look at your relationships and identify areas that need improvement. Communication is key, so engage in open and honest conversations with loved ones.

6. Reconnect with Old Friends: Reach out to long-lost friends or acquaintances and rekindle meaningful connections.

7. Practice Mindfulness in Love: Pay attention to your romantic choices and intentions. Be mindful of any patterns or behaviors that might hinder your ability to find genuine love and fulfillment.

Don'ts:

1. Rush into New Romantic Relationships: Avoid making hasty decisions regarding new romantic connections during this period. Take your time to get to know someone before committing.

2. Over-Seek Attention or Validation: While it's natural to desire appreciation, avoid being overly attention-seeking or fishing for compliments.

3. Ignore Past Relationship Lessons: If past relationships left unresolved issues or emotional baggage, do not ignore them. Face these challenges and work through them constructively.

4. Be Selfish or Narcissistic: Refrain from being too self-centered or disregarding others' needs and feelings. Balance your self-confidence with empathy and understanding.

5. Overindulge in Material Pleasures: Be cautious about excessive spending or seeking temporary pleasures to fill emotional voids. Focus on finding lasting fulfillment.

6. Neglect Your Creative Side: Avoid suppressing your creativity or ignoring your artistic passions. Embrace your creative energy and find ways to express it.

7. Create Drama in Relationships: Refrain from creating unnecessary drama or seeking attention through emotional theatrics. Instead, communicate openly and honestly.

 JOURNAL PROMPTS

1. How can I express more self-love and embrace my unique creativity during this Venus retrograde in Leo?

2. What past romantic relationships or connections are resurfacing during this retrograde, and what can I learn from them?

3. How can I tap into the confident and courageous qualities of Leo to express myself more authentically in my relationships and creative pursuits?

4.  What creative projects or hobbies am I most passionate about, and how can I dedicate more time and energy to them?

5. Are there any patterns or issues in my current relationships that need addressing? How can I improve communication and create more harmony?

6. What activities or experiences have brought me the most joy and happiness in the past, and how can I incorporate them into my life now?

7.  How can I show more generosity and appreciation to my loved ones? What acts of kindness or gestures of love can I perform during this retrograde?

8. Are there any emotional wounds or past hurts that still affect my relationships today? How can I work on healing and letting go of these old pains?

9.  How can I maintain a healthy balance between being confident in myself and remaining open to others' perspectives and needs?

10. What are my true desires when it comes to love, relationships, and creative fulfillment? How can I align my intentions with the energy of Venus retrograde in Leo to manifest abundance in these areas?