Venus Rx In Leo — Concept II. Embracing Your Dark Feminine & How Each Sign May Approach Love
Allow me to introduce you to the second concept of Venus retrograde. On July 22nd to September 3rd, Venus, the planet of love, values and self-worth, will go retrograde with a two-week pre-shadow period of 2 weeks and a post-retrograde period of about two weeks. Retrogrades represent regressive energy rather than a progressive energy. Opposed to when the planets move in a forward motion. The energy can feel stuck. This, in turn, can feel like time has slowed down and you are going nowhere. Of course, this isn’t true. Nothing is happening, but everything is happening.
Venus in Leo retrograde can bring about a transformative period regarding our relationships and self-expression. From a dark feminine perspective, this retrograde encourages us to explore the hidden or suppressed aspects of our personalities that may affect our intimacy and relationships.
Embracing the dark feminine is a concept that delves into the aspects of femininity often ignored or suppressed by societal norms. It encourages acknowledging and accepting the depth and complexity of the female experience. Drawing parallels to Venus, the planet known for its mysterious and enigmatic nature, we can explore the symbolism of embracing femininity’s dark, hidden aspects.
In the context of Venus, these thoughts may revolve around how the planet itself has long been associated with beauty, love, and harmony. However, recent discoveries have unveiled a harsh reality: Venus’s surface is shrouded in thick clouds, hiding a hostile and extreme environment beneath. This duality can be likened to the dark feminine, where the surface traits might be conventionally positive, but a profound and intricate existence lies beneath.
By embracing the dark feminine, individuals can strive to understand and appreciate the depth of their own emotions and experiences and those of others. It encourages moving beyond stereotypes and challenging the limited perception of femininity, allowing for personal growth and empowerment.
To get back in touch with yourself and address the dark aspects of your personality, inner work becomes crucial. The following approaches may help with this:
1. Self-reflection: Reflect on your beliefs, values, and past experiences that may have influenced your relationship with intimacy. Understand your fears, insecurities, and any patterns that hinder healthy connections.
2. Shadow work: Embrace your shadow self, the parts of you that you may have repressed or denied. This involves exploring and accepting your darker emotions, desires, and vulnerabilities. Seek support from a therapist or engage in practices such as journaling or creative expression.
3. Self-care and self-love: Cultivate a nurturing relationship with yourself. Prioritize self-care activities that promote self-love, such as engaging in hobbies, practising mindfulness or meditation, setting boundaries, and celebrating your unique qualities.
4. Communication and vulnerability: Work on expressing your needs, desires, and boundaries in your relationships. Practice open and honest communication and being vulnerable with your partners. This helps foster intimacy and deep connection.
5. Seek professional support: Consider working with a sex therapist who can guide you through this journey of self-discovery and provide tools specific to your needs. They can help you navigate intimacy issues and drive healing and personal growth.
Remember, the process of inner work is unique to each individual, and it takes time and patience. Embracing and integrating your dark aspects can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling relationship with yourself and others.
Love being conditional means it often depends on certain factors or expectations. (Have you read: Some Of Ya’ll Might still be Thinking Love Is Unconditional) While love can be a profound and beautiful emotion, its expression and sustainability can be influenced by various conditions. Here are a few reasons why love is often perceived as conditional:
1. Personal Needs and Compatibility: Love may be conditional based on how well someone meets our needs and desires. We seek compatibility in values, communication styles, emotional connection, and shared interests. Love can become strained if these aspects are not met to a certain extent.
2. Emotional Security: Humans have a natural inclination towards emotional security. We often seek love that makes us feel safe, supported, and understood. When these emotional needs are not met, it can impact the unconditional nature of love.
3. Expectations and Standards: Love can become conditional when we have specific expectations or standards for the relationship. These expectations range from personal growth and ambition to physical attractiveness and compatibility. Failure to meet these expectations may lead to a shift in love’s intensity or withdrawal.
4. Boundaries and Respect: Love can be conditional when there are breaches of boundaries or a lack of respect within the relationship. Trust and mutual respect are essential components of healthy love. If these aspects are violated repeatedly, it can strain the unconditional nature of love.
It’s important to note that while love may have conditions, it can still be a transformative and powerful force. Each individual and relationship may have unique needs, and it’s essential to communicate and negotiate these conditions openly and honestly. Building a foundation of trust, empathy, and effective communication can help create a more sustainable and fulfilling love that transcends conditional boundaries.
Unconditional love is a profound and unconditional acceptance of someone without expecting anything in return. It is a love that goes beyond conditions, limitations, and judgments. Here are some aspects that highlight the depth of unconditional love:
1. Acceptance: Unconditional love involves accepting someone for who they are, including their strengths, weaknesses, and imperfections. It goes beyond trying to change or mould them into something else. This level of acceptance allows individuals to feel seen, valued and loved for their authentic selves.
2. Non-Judgment: Unconditional love is free from harsh judgments or criticisms. It recognizes that everyone is human, with their own flaws and struggles. Instead of condemning or shaming, it embraces empathy, compassion, and understanding.
3. Forgiveness: Unconditional love often entails forgiveness and letting go of past mistakes or hurt. It acknowledges that people make errors and can grow and change. Forgiveness allows for healing, growth, and continuing love, even facing challenges.
4. Support and Empathy: Unconditional love provides unwavering support during joyful and challenging times. It involves being there for someone emotionally, offering a listening ear, and offering assistance when needed. Empathy plays a significant role, allowing one to understand and share another person’s feelings and experiences.
5. Selflessness: Unconditional love involves a selfless quality, where one’s actions and intentions are driven by the well-being and happiness of the other person. It goes beyond personal gain or selfish desires, prioritizing the needs and satisfaction of the loved one.
6. Timelessness: Unconditional love transcends time, remaining steadfast and consistent throughout various life stages and circumstances. It endures beyond temporary emotions or external events, providing a sense of stability and security.
While unconditional love is an ideal to strive for, it’s essential to acknowledge that we are all human and may have limitations. However, cultivating unconditional love in our relationships with ourselves and others can lead to deeper connections, emotional fulfilment, and a sense of profound connection.
Each zodiac sign has its unique way of valuing and expressing love. Here’s an overview of how the zodiac signs tend to approach love:
1. Aries (March 21 — April 19): Aries value passionate, adventurous, and exciting love. They appreciate a partner who can keep up with their energetic nature and provide a sense of challenge and stimulation.
2. Taurus (April 20 — May 20): Taurus values love that is stable, reliable, and grounded. They seek security and appreciate loyalty, commitment, and material comfort gestures.
3. Gemini (May 21 — June 20): Gemini values love that is intellectually stimulating, dynamic, and versatile. They enjoy mental connections, engaging conversations, and a partner who can keep them mentally stimulated.
4. Cancer (June 21 — July 22): Cancer values love that is nurturing, emotional, and deeply connected. They appreciate partners who provide emotional security and are attentive to their needs.
5. Leo (July 23 — August 22): Leo values love that is passionate, grand, and affectionate. They enjoy being in the spotlight and appreciate partners who shower them with attention and admiration.
6. Virgo (August 23 — September 22): Virgo values love that is practical, supportive, and detail-oriented. They appreciate partners who are reliable, organized, and attentive to their needs.
7. Libra (September 23 — October 22): Libra values love that is harmonious, balanced, and fair. They seek partners who appreciate beauty, have good social skills, and are willing to compromise and find a middle ground.
8. Scorpio (October 23 — November 21): Scorpio values intense, passionate, and profoundly transformative love. They appreciate loyal, trustworthy partners and are willing to explore the depths of emotions and intimacy.
9. Sagittarius (November 22 — December 21): Sagittarius values adventurous, free-spirited, and intellectually stimulating love. They seek open-minded, independent partners who share their passion for exploration.
10. Capricorn (December 22 — January 19): Capricorn values love that is reliable, responsible, and goal-oriented. They appreciate partners who are ambitious, supportive of their aspirations, and can provide a sense of stability.
11. Aquarius (January 20 — February 18): Aquarius values love that is unconventional, intellectual, and socially conscious. They appreciate partners who embrace their uniqueness, share their passion for social causes, and stimulate their intellect.
12. Pisces (February 19 — March 20): Pisces values love that is empathetic, romantic, and spiritually connected. They seek compassionate and intuitive partners who can connect with them on a deep emotional and spiritual level.
