Venus in Virgo 2011

Venus Vaults through Virgo - August 21 - September 15, 2011

Venus, the planet of partnerships, value, good friends, income and beauty in the communal Mutable Earth sign of Virgo becomes articulate and concise. The unbridled affection that we felt with Venus in Leo is likely to be constricted now as Venus in Virgo can be considerably more discriminating in taste. We are more likely to refine our desires now, to seek out just the right person to fall in love with. Despite the change of attitude, the passion of Venus in Virgo is still quite intense! However, we may become so overly cautious that we not only narrow the playing field, but we also cast aside some of our best potentials. For some reason, we seem to focus more on the minor character flaws rather than looking at the overall person. Sitting around reading romance novels is certainly no substitute for real love.

We are more inclined to throw our energy into our business matters in an effort to get these affairs in tip-top shape. We are more likely to promote humanitarian concepts now as we feel a need to demonstrate our talents in ways to help others. We are no longer concerned with getting all the attention focused on ourselves, preferring to let the limelight shine on someone else.

Individuals who are born with Venus in Virgo are, quite possibly, reserved in the love department but have a keen awareness of money, value, ethics and loyalty. They are likely to have a flair for teaching, writing, and business analysis. They may not give their heart away to just anyone. That special someone will have to work hard to earn their respect and attention. They are drawn to people who treat them special. They need to be careful of the dubious con who plays with their heartstrings in an effort to take something important from them. Their love and affection comes across as mysterious to many, who make false assumptions about the best way to win their heart.

Some famous individuals with Venus in Virgo:

Anne Bancroft Antonio Banderas Catherine Zeta-Jones Colin Firth Eminem Halle Berry Heather Locklear Helen Hayes J.K. Rowling Jennifer Lopez John Lennon Julia Child Julia Roberts Kate Winslet

Lily Tomlin Lucille Ball Magic Johnson Mick Jagger Patrick Swayze Penny Marshall Robert de Niro Robert Redford Robin Williams Sarah Ferguson Scout Willis Sean Penn Sigourney Weaver Spencer Pratt

Retrograde Mercury August 2 - August 26, 2011

Mercury, like all the other planets that orbit the Sun, will be appearing to retrograde motion starting late in the day on August 2 for the western hemisphere and early in the morning on August 3 for the majority of the eastern hemisphere. Although Mercury starts the retrograde in Virgo, five days after retrograde begins, Mercury will egress Virgo for Leo.

Initially, the retrograde may bring about issues that develop as a result of missing the details. We could forget to pick someone up from the airport, or walk off leaving something of value on the counter. Initiating contracts or negotiations could simply backfire or blow up before it ever being finalized. After Mercury is in Leo, the energy shifts to having issues with creativity, romance and risk-taking. Finding new ways to express our creative side could end up as a reward, if this energy is dealt with correctly. Don't focus on the progress. Instead, let whatever culminates stand as is, until Mercury stations direct. Re-evaluate after August 26 to determine whether the project or situation is feasible.

Other dates to be aware of are the shadows on either side of the retrograde. The preshadow of Mercury's retrograde was July 15 to August 2. The postshadow will be August 26 to September 9. These are great times to gear up in preparation before and then wind down or clean up after the retrograde.

Another interesting perspective for the Mercury retrograde is where the Mercury transit is from the Heliocentric perspective as opposed to just the geocentric one. While Geo Mercury is transiting backward in Virgo, Helio Mercury will be in Capricorn. When we blend the two energies together, we can fuse the reduced analytical feature of Mercury's retrograde with the power driven workaholic Capricorn. This may well be a time of purging and cleaning. When Geo Mercury is back into Leo, the Helio Mercury will be in Aquarius until August 18 and then Pisces until August 25. The Aquarius influence will likely add in a layer of friendship with freedom. There could be a few sudden shifts in relationships. Not always in a negative way, but more "in a new way." The Helio Mercury in Pisces along with Mercury retrograde in Leo is likely to encourage us to pursue the pleasures of life. For some, it may be the guilty pleasures, while for others, it could be the simple pleasures. Either way, enjoyment is the main goal.

Regardless of where the Mercury retrograde transit moves through your chart, be prepared to re-do, re-think, re-group and re-strain. To learn more about Mercury's Retrograde, read the article in the Astrology section of Lunar Living.