Dear Stargazers,

Approximately every 18 months, Venus goes retrograde for about six weeks, and during this time it's energy is turned inward, which means you its influence is best used introspectively.

That time is once again upon us. On December 19, Venus will station retrograde at 26° Capricorn and will continue to backpedal through the sign of the Seagoat until it stations direct on January 29, 2022 at 8° Capricorn.

Since Venus represents relationships, money, possessions and beauty, it's considered an excellent time to evaluate their true worth in your life, as well as review your overall value system.

In short, who and what do you value the most... and why? While the various relationships in your life account for the who, the what is a little more complicated. While money and possessions are often the first things that come to mind, it also includes intangibles such as beauty, loyalty, independence and knowledge (just to name a few).

When you're considering the who, be sure to remember that it includes you and how much (or how little) you value yourself, your time and your energy.

Getting clear on who and what you value paves the way to greater self-understanding, which in turn enables you to make better choices, especially concerning who you spend time with and what you do with your money. In many ways, Venus retrograde can help you clear the clutter out of your life.

Love

As the planetary ruler of love, whenever Venus backpedals the odds increase that you might hear from (or hear news about) an old flame. I personally don't subscribe to the theory that engagements and weddings that occur during Venus retrograde are doomed to fail, but I do feel that if a new relationship begins under this cycle, it's best to take it slow until Venus is out of the post-retrograde shadow.

Beauty

When it comes to beauty, besides being in the eye of the beholder, the fact is that some people value appearances or enjoy beautiful things more than others. However, when it comes to Venus retrograde and beauty, it's an established astrological rule that you should avoid making changes to your physical appearance during this time, because you'll be disappointed with the results.

Money

Finally, Venus is the Queen of Cash and during this time it's best to avoid financial investments, luxury purchases or big ticket items of any kind. The reason why is that whenever Venus is backpedaling, her sense of value tends to be off. As a result, you may not be that happy with your purchases and/or will feel that you overpaid.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn

Collectively speaking, since Venus is retrograde in Capricorn there is a focus on reevaluating one's career, calling, reputation and status. For that reason, many of you may find yourself questioning your career choice. If so, this is the time to think about what you value. Is it a certain salary or title? A flexible schedule? Is it important that feel you make a difference? This cycle can help you find the answers.

On a personal level, the house that Venus Rx is transiting in your chart describes the life areas that are due to be examined in terms of what and who you value. If you don't know which house Venus Rx is visiting in your birth chart, you can use the list below to find out which house it's visiting in your solar (sun-sign based) house. If you know your rising sign, you can read that sign as well for added insight.

If your Sun sign is:

Aries, Venus is retrograding in your solar 10th house of career, reputation and one of your parents.

Taurus, Venus is retrograding in your solar 9th house of in-laws, grandchildren, foreign travel, higher education, legal matters and media.

Gemini, Venus is retrograding in your solar 8th house of trust and intimacy, estates, jointly-held assets and transformation.

Cancer, Venus is retrograding in your solar 7th house of marriage and committed relationships, business partners, adversaries, clients and all one-to-one relationships.

Leo, Venus is retrograding in your solar 6th house of work, service, health, co-workers, employees and pets.

Virgo, Venus is retrograding in your solar 5th house of romantic partners, children and creativity.

Libra, Venus is retrograding in your solar 4th house of home, family, real estate and one of your parents.

Scorpio, Venus is retrograding in your solar 3rd house of siblings, neighbors, short trips, transportation and all types of communications.

Sagittarius, Venus is retrograding in your solar 2nd house of money, income, possessions, values and self-worth.

Capricorn, Venus is retrograding in your solar 1st house - it's all about you, including your attitude to life, your physical appearance and your relationship with yourself.

Aquarius, Venus is retrograding in your solar 12th house of solitude, secrets, past lives, healing and psychic abilities and hidden enemies.

Pisces, Venus is retrograding in your solar 11th house of goals, casual friends, colleagues and group relationships.

I'll be back on Sunday with insights into next week's planetary energies, including the winter solstice and the final Saturn-Uranus square.

May Jupiter's blessings be your constant companion,

Debra