Dear Knowflakes,

The first thread has gotten too big, and all of the questions asked there have been answered, so I am starting a new thread.

As has been my policy, I am announcing another fairly major event that will be happening, and this one is that Venus will be going retrograde on March 8th at 5:06 PM PST at 17 Aries 44, and will last until April 19th at 9:34 PM PDT at 1 Aries 27. It will catch up to its retrograde position on May 24th.

Venus does not go retrograde that often - 5 times every 8 years, and they are almost always in the same place in the zodiac every 8 years, due to the fact that its orbit is nearly circular. The next one for example will happen in October/November 2002.

What does a Venus retrograde mean? I have mentioned many times that this and the retrograde of Mars (which will happen on May 11th) are the ones I pay attention to in a natal chart simply because I have found that the people born under these retrogrades are most likely to had some abuse of the Love Principle in a prior incarnation.

So, for those people who are born under such a retrograde, the retrograde will be very familiar to them, as it is how they feel the energy natally. For the people who have Venus direct in their chart, it is simply a time to sit back and reflect on the nature of their Love, paying attention to the house placement and the natal planets that Venus will aspect while it is retrograde.

In Light and Love

Dave

Dave

Thanks for the reply.

Love Sealion

I almost don't want to post this. I feel a little nervous about telling people. It's kind of sad, and I hate to be sad so much. So if you don't like sad, you can just scroll past me now cause here it comes.

I had this dream right before Venus went retrograde. There was this dainty brown haired astrologer. She was sitting on a great big white couch that seemed almost to be floating in the air above a not quite solid floor. I don't remember if, in the dream, she invited me to sit, but I did sit next to her, and she bagan speaking to me excitedly about my chart.

She kept going on about the Venus retro. It is transiting my 8th house trine my Moon in the last degree of my fourth house and my Mercury in the 12th. She said it fortold exciting events (though I'm not quite sure if aspects fortell events or just influences). She was very insistant that I not be afraid. It seemed to me that she was very worried I would be. I think even worried enough to interrupt my dreams and put me on the "couch" so to speak (although I also question that the word "worried" is the right word for a soul like her. She seems beyond that).

Now, I must say that I have loads of gratitude for any manner of spirit who would take the time to attempt to guide me. Still, there are two things bothering me.

One, I don't know what she was talking about or what kind of events I sould expect.

I got news about that time that one of the local art magazines wanted to publish one of my short stories, but for some reason after chasing that goal for more than one year, I find it about as exciting as waching paint dry. Yes, I know it sounds terrible. It sounds terrible to me too, but my heart just fell flat, and suddenly I can't seem to enjoy much of anything.

And two, I feel destined to let that visiting astrologer down. I'm so emotional lately. It could be work. I've been so busy, but I don't know.

It's terrible. I'm comming apart at the seems. I haven't been speaking to any of my friends because whenever I'm not working, I'm balling my eyes out, and no matter how determined I get to hold it together and get things done, something always happens and I just fall apart.

For instance, I found this pregnant, abandoned dog the other day. It was a busy day and lots of people were waiting on me. Yet, there I was sitting out in the grass for all the world to see weeping over this dog who was not only half starved but also very great with child. Now, I've moved her into Freebird's old room and we are waiting for the pups.

Still,I feel so tired inside, and the more time I waste on heavy emotional baggage, the less time I'm earning for relaxation. But evey time I turn around there is something else there.

I don't know what's going on -- not astrologically and not psycologically. I've thought of going to the doctor, but they have developed a strong leaniancy toward putting widows on prozac. Nearly every widow I know is on that stuff. I'm terrified of those people. I mean I know I am much younger than a lot of the other widows, but I don't think that will matter to them. And, it makes me mad cause I don't have a chemical imballace. The bad stuff is in my past not my blood stream. Yet, I know I've got to do something. If this doesn't stop, I'm going to start falling behind in my work. It's already not quite so neat or well done.

Still, I can't see how it's all Venus. Venus may be not retro every year, but it makes this aspect every year. Besides that, nothing exciting is happening to me, or at least not anything that feels exciting. (Then, add to that the fact that I suspect it's Pluto and Uranus that are pulling at my heart strings -- only me, I play like a rusty old victrola)

I guess I'm just looking for answers. I've run out of ideas myself, but then sloppy thinking is what I'm all about these days. Maybe it's what I've always been about.

Oh Yea. If you think you need to see my chart:I was born Aug, 24, 1966 at 5:19 am in Chicago Il.

Love,
borderCAT

borderCAT,

There is nothing going on by transit, but by progression there are two very major things - one is that the transiting Pluto is squaring your progressed Moon, which is the emotional thing and your progressed Ascendant is conjunct your Pluto - transformations in life!

Keep your chin up and help the pups come into the world.

Love

Dave

borderCAT,

Also Pluto is almost on your natal Moon and will start to back off as of today, and also your progressed Moon is going to exactly square your natal Moon in about a month.

Love

Dave

Dear borderCat,
So sorry to hear you have had the blues. Please do take care of yourself and just relax and let whatever it is ride out. I just know that YOU don't need Prozac or anything, you're a VERY well balanced person.

Like you, I too feel something is up with these planets for a while. I am not upset, I am just expecting I don't know what!

I can relate to your not feeling very creative or caring whether or not you get published right now--that is just not the part of you that needs attention right now.

I think your dream was very exciting and certainly a gift from "someone" who cares a lot about you. It seems that time will tell what it meant. It sounded very positive to me, but maybe you are just restless and impatient right now?

I'm sure I haven't figured out exactly how you're feeling and why you're feeling like you are, but if you feel like talking more I'd love to listen!

How are your children? Are they excited about the puppies?

Love,
Piscesdreamer

Dear Dave,
I wonder if you would help me in trying to find missing puzzle pieces? Not sure exactly what I'm looking for, but these Venus and Pluto retrogrades seem to fit the puzzle.
Could you look at a chart and explain the Venus retrograde in relation to house and planet placements? I would be grateful for any information you could give.
DOB March 31, 1953, 11:36 AM, Quincy, Mass.
Thanks Dave.
Love, Piscesdreamer

Piscesdreamer,

There are no major Pluto transits going on in his life, and the Venus retrograde will be in his 10th and 9th houses, so it won't affect him much personally. Now, he does have Uranus opposite Pluto, which is a 2nd-8th house transit (and Uranus just went into his 8th house) which could lead to some fairly major sudden events (both good and bad) with finances. In other words, especially with spending, this is not a good time to go out and do a lot of impulse buying, especially for items that are beyond one's easy obtainable reach.

Love

Dave

dear bodercat,

i hope you feel better soon. *hugs*

wuv,

amy

Dear Dave,
Thank you so very much. I guess I was looking for something that might be happening personally in light of the Venus retrograde. The note about finances is interesting because he always seems to be falling into money! I don't see that changing, even more prospects in the future. And he is always frugal, never spends impulsively, so I guess he's safe!
Love, Piscesdreamer

hi dave,

could you please tell me if this aspect has any bearing on my natal.....there is some exciting things going on around me at this time and an extreme boost to my own self confidence also......don't really know what it is but i'm enjoying life a whole lot better.......

gOOb

Thanks David, Piscesdreamer, and Amykins,

You all have been so kind.

I am expierencing a lot of emotional tension. My emotions, my children's emotions even the emotions of stragers. Sometimes all I really want is a little relief -- some rest from it all.

Right now I'm trying to find a comfort zone. Maybe that's why the dog got me so bad. I was sitting there watching her and I kept thinking about the last time I was in labor and how the only thing that kept me going was knowing there was another side, and when I reached it, I would have a brand new baby to love. Now, it's like I know there's another side, but the payoff isn't anything I want or value.

Yes, the kids are excited about the puppies. We can feel them kicking in her belly (sometimes even see them kicking). They're getting much stronger now that the mother is eating again, but she still doesn't look all that good. I'll send pictures as soon as they come (as long as everything goes well with the delivery). The one vet I talked to is trying to look on the bright side, but the conditions are not the best.

You are right Piscesdreamer. Work related rewards are not what I need right now. I need to deal with my personal problems and get my heart in a place where it isn't in quite so much pain anymore.

I guess I just thought that if I worked a little harder and got my career moving, I would feel a little less panicked and overwhelmed. I was wrong.

I met a guy yesterday. He's in even worse shape than I am. He lost his wife a few years ago. It left him financialy destitute. The situation he is raising those kids under by himself are enough to drive a statue to tears. His daughter is a good friend of my daughter and, from what she tells me, he blames his pain and misfortune on his lack of financial resources.

Still, I can't help but ponder which one of us is better off (in more than one way). At least he doesn't know that it's just as painful on the other side. At least he can still fool himself into thinkig that if he can only (fill in the blank) everything will get better. I can't.

Most of all, he scares the (fill in the blank) out of me cause I don't want to be where he's at in four years. Every time I see a widow or a widower who is still totally consumed by the pain years and years after their spouses death, I get another pannic attack. And, on top of that, here I am almost at the first anaversary of Robbie's death and I'm wondering if it's alright that I'm not dating or if that means I'm stagnating. Does it mean that in four years, I'll still be staring at pictures of my dead husband and balling my eyes out on Saturday night. The thought crosses my mind. I know I'm not that good at close personal relationships and I know I am capable of taking care of things on my own, but I'm not so sure if I'm one of those women who can be perfectly happy all by herself. I think it scares me. I think it brings back all the childhood fears I had because my father didn't want me unless it was as a weapon to manipulate my mother with, and that messes me up cause I know I can do better.

Listen, Piscesdreamer I don't know how we exchange e-mail adresses, but I would be more than happy to have yours. There's not much anyone can do to keep my pieces all together, but even when I can't make it to Linda Land (which has been happening a lot lately) we can still keep in touch. I'd hate to fall completely out of the loop, and I always have to check my e-mail, trust me.

I'll talk to you later, and thanks again,

Love,
borderCAT

I know this person who has Venus, Pluto and Saturn retrogate in his chart. That's major, isn't it? So, I guess there are some pretty 'interesting' times ahead of him this year.

Piscesdreamer,

I am glad your friend - it looks like he is taking the right Path!

borderCAT,

The progressed Moon is in Pisces - that is why you are feeling all of the emppathy that you are - and the squares are really making it somewhat miserable - it will pass in a month or so, and you will feel a lot better.

Love

Dave

Dear borderCat

I had a dream a few years ago, similar to your dream, I saw this woman with long curly gold hair and long light blue dress, sitiing up in a cloud. She told me she was my higherself and that she is always with me.
She also told me not to worry that things would start getting better, that I had to go with the changes instead of fighting them.
At that time I was having problems dealing with my separation and was taking medication for deppression and anxiety. I felt worse with the medication, because I felt numb.
I have seen this lady a few times since that time, she always tries to make me feel better and always gives me feelings of trust.

Now I can "access" her, she warns me about things, she tells me yes or no. I am trying to follow her advises as they are always true.

I wish I could say something to make you feel better, you are very brave and strong, a short time has passed since you being a widow, you have to give yourself time to heal, don't worry about it, just let it be.

How is the pregnant dog doing?

Take care,

Tish

Thanks you guys,

I don't know maybe she was telling me to have a little faith and let people in to help a little sometimes. It's a practice that is really starting to work out for me.

Yesterday, I was working on the school paper all day long. I've also taken a second freelance position and I had an interview scheduled as well yesterday, but I got so cought up in some of the problems we were having at the school paper that I missed it. I took off out of that place like the wind (in other words I was driving badly)

Anyway, as I was approaching my destination, I looked up to see Robbie's truck headed right at me. I haven't seen that truck move since he died. I suppose I was the last person they expected to be there at that time. I sold the truck and the guy that bought it had come to get it. I thought it had been gone for days now, but it wasn't.

I couldn't believe it. At first I jumped, but when I realized that I was't hallucinating, I started shaking. By the time I made it to my interview, I was just this side of out right crying (not quite the big bad journalists image if you know what I mean). I don't think anyone around here will be fearing me anytime soon.

The good news is that I did break down in a room with friends later that afternoon. Sometimes you really got to let it go to understand yourself.

Yes, it is empathy, but at the same time I take everythig too seriously. God didn't put me and that truck on that road at the same time in some childish fit designed to cause me pain. For all I know, it doesn't have all that much to do with me. And just cause that guy I feel bad for is having a hard time, that doesn't mean I have to feel bad for myself too. That's his life, not mine. I guess I just don't know when to let a feeling go (good or bad).

I once had friend who was molested as a child, and every time she came near me I would hear a man's voice in my ear saying the most awful, horrible things. I thought I was going insane. I had no idea where the voice was coming from, but she finally told me the whole story and things got better for me too, but it did make me realize that when I sense things I have a habit of taking them on like they are happening to me. It's the same way with empathy too. I guess it's just a lesson I must learn.

Well, take care. I'm off to finish my stories. Hopfully next week wont be so hectic.

Thanks again,
Love,
borderCAT

Hi borderCAT

I have only just seen your post. I am sorry you are feeling the way you are. I have had the feelings you are talking about. Just when you think everything is moving on - something hits you. But remember you are still greiving, one year is not long, when you have lost someone so close.

You are doing so well and I am sure you don't need Prozac. Instead of crying alone, have you tried talking to your friends and telling them exactly how you feel when you get low. I know that after a while you feel that they will think you should be 'over it' by now and if you don't tell them they will think you are.

And hey! Don't let anyone make you think as though you should be dating again, you will know when the time is right for that.

You are doing so well getting on with your life, but maybe sometimes you should take time to think about how things 'were', how they are 'now' and what they are going to be like in the 'future' - because there is a future for you and from what I have picked up from your readings you can make sure it is a good one.

It does get better honestly, I know.

Look after that dog and her babies and let us know how many she has and what they look like etc

Lots of love and hugs.
Sealion

Cat-
I just read this. My heart goes out to you. I can't even begin to comprehend life without my husband. I'm like that about dogs also - have 3 of them. Got the last one from the SPCA via my son - who joined the Navy and left the dog with me. He was found wrapped up in barbed wire on the side of a city street. They were going to put him to sleep. Know what kind of dog? A pit pull. Always had labrador retrievers with great papers. FURIOUS with my son. Was going to take him right back as soon as my son left. Well, that dog has wormed his way into my heart like no dog ever has. He must know that he was saved, because he is always appreciative. He spends most of his time trying to get as close as possible to me. I love him sooo much. I have learned a lot from him, too. I don't know when you will get better, CAT. Doesn't seem fair. My brother was killed when I was younger, and there is still a hole inside of me. But, still, I am happy. I think you'll get happy because you care about people/animals. It shines through. Your heart shines through.
Because you reach out, I think this means that people will reach back.
Lots and lots of love,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I wish I could give you a real hug. I want to. Joyce

PISCESDREAMER -
Quess what? I went to school in Boston, and lived in the area for about 10 years, Lexington and Winchester. Taught school for a while at Medford High School. Still have a lot of friends in the area. Going to see my daughter (school at MIT) for her B-Day and Easter. I loved it there. Got most of my clothes at Filene's Basement! Good luck with this guy you are dating. The Aries part sounds good to me!
Joyce

Tish,Piscesdreamer,Sealion,Joy and David,

Thanks for everything you said. It just helps that you listened (so to speak). I had to know what I was feeling -- especially since I'm feeling so much these days.

Now for the News:

I've had it said to me more than once to day, "I have good news and I have bad news." It seems to be the theme of my day.

Madonna (the dog) had her puppies. They are alive. They are also missing. She snuck off yesterday in the freezing rain and had them. I was terrified that she had done just that, and we were all about looking for them to no avail. I can tell they are alive though. She showed up today (puppyless), and then left mysteriously. We are waiting to see her again so we can follow her.

There are several abandoned farm houses near my home. This is an old farming community that was plowed under when Roosevelt brought in the "New Deal" and put a dam on the Cumberland River to bring in cheap electricity.

What I did find was two baby bunny rabbits. Their names are Rockey and Ginger (I sure hope they are not a boy and a girl). I may need to stop searching soon.

By the way Dave: Is there some kind of aspect that would impel a person to take in every living thing within one hundred miles of themselves? If so, will it pass before I have a pot bellied pig sleeping at the foot of my bed? LOL

Have fun you guys. I need to submit some writings and get back for my Madonna watch.

Love and Laughter,
borderCAT

Dave,
I stumbled upon this post, a bit too late, but was in for a surprise
I quote "What does a Venus retrograde mean? I have mentioned many times that
this and the retrograde of Mars (which will happen on May 11th) are the
ones I pay attention to in a natal chart simply because I have found that
the people born under these retrogrades are most likely to had some
abuse of the Love Principle in a prior incarnation." unquote
As both of my kids, and my ex were born with either Mars or Venus in retro in their birth charts, would you please be kind enough to explain what kind of abuse they might have been exposed to in a previous incarnation, and how does it possibly spell in this lifetime
Thanks

Im curious as why people I know who did the abuse in a past life dont have a venus retro in their charts in this life!! any explanations here?

Oh borderCAT,
Here you are! I couldn't remember where I last left you, and finally found it.
Yes, I would love to exchange emails with you and will try forwarding my address to you.
I am glad to read your last more-cheery-self post. I have always admired your spirit and strength and wisdom and don't like to think of life getting someone such as yourself down.
Talk soon,
Love, Piscesdreamer

Dear Joy,
Yep, that's my neck o' the woods all right! Hope you enjoy your trip.
Love, Piscesdreamer

Aries,

Two things very quickly, and I will get back when I have the time to explain it more - one - it is "major" abuse of the love principle. Two, look at the time between conception and birth and see if Venus is retro during that period - the closer to birth, the more it will show up...

Love

Dave