In our journey of inner healing and individuation process, external cosmic events serve as powerful mirrors reflecting our internal landscape. Yet, the transformation ultimately begins within us. While Mars and Venus retrogrades offer symbolic invitations for review, it’s up to us to dive deep into our own psyche and face what needs to be healed. We can’t rely solely on the shifting cosmic energies to change us; we must do the work. As the ancient adage goes, “as within, so without.”
Mars Retrograde: Unmasking the Masculine Within
When Mars turned retrograde, it wasn’t just about external setbacks or delays - it was an invitation to scrutinise the areas of our life where our inner warrior, our drive, and our assertiveness have been misaligned or suppressed. Here are some key aspects that might have emerged during this period:
Revisiting Unfulfilled Ambitions: The retrograde phase may have forced us to confront the discrepancy between our dreams and the actions we’ve taken. You may have found yourself asking, “Why do I feel stuck?” or “What’s really holding me back from moving forward?” This was a call to re-examine our true desires, our goals, and whether our current path resonates with our inner truth.
Confronting Internalised Anger and Frustration: Mars governs our energy and assertiveness, and when its flow is disrupted, unresolved anger, resentment, or frustration can surface. Perhaps you encountered recurring conflicts - either external or internal - that made you question long-held beliefs about power, control, and your ability to assert yourself. This was a critical moment to learn how to channel anger into constructive action.
Healing the Wounds of Over-Responsibility: For many, the retrograde coincided with the pressures of daily responsibilities that weighed heavily on the spirit - be it a stifling job, burdensome relationships, or the overwhelming expectations of society. This period was a mirror reflecting the need to reclaim personal power and reassess what truly matters, even if it means letting go of roles that no longer serve your growth.
Reassessing Self-Worth and Boundaries: Mars’s retrograde may have highlighted where you’ve been compromising your boundaries or not asserting your needs fully. The discomfort felt during this time was a reminder that building and maintaining healthy boundaries is essential for your self-worth and personal evolution.
Venus Retrograde in Aries: The Feminine Call to Inner Reflection
As Mars’ energy readied itself for forward momentum, Venus is now retrograde in Aries (Mars' own sign) - a placement that calls for a deep dive into the realm of love, self-worth, and relational dynamics. Here’s what this phase might be inviting us to explore:
Re-examining Self-Love and Authenticity: Venus symbolises beauty, love, and our inner sense of worth. In retrograde, especially within the bold sign of Aries, you might find yourself questioning your definitions of love - both for yourself and others. This is a time to evaluate whether you’re truly honouring your needs or if you’ve been conforming to external expectations at the expense of your authenticity.
Healing Relationship Patterns: Retrograde Venus challenges us to look at the patterns we’ve repeated in our relationships. This may involve acknowledging how past wounds or unmet needs have shaped your interactions with partners, friends, or even family members. Consider whether you’re attracting the same types of relationships because of unresolved issues, and ask yourself what new, healthier patterns might look like.
Redefining Passion and Desire: Aries is known for its assertive, pioneering spirit. With Venus retrograde in this dynamic sign, you’re encouraged to boldly question what ignites your passion. Are you pursuing relationships and endeavours out of habit or societal pressure, or do they truly resonate with your inner truth? This phase is a powerful opportunity to recalibrate your desires and set intentions that are aligned with who you are at your core.
Integrating Both Energies Within: While it may seem like Mars and Venus represent separate energies - the masculine and the feminine - remember that these forces exist within every one of us. The introspection called for by Venus retrograde is as much about understanding your inner softness, vulnerability, and nurturing qualities as it is about cultivating strength and resilience. This balanced integration is essential for authentic love and connection.
The Imperative of Inner Work: It’s All Within
Both Mars and Venus retrogrades underscore an enduring truth: true transformation begins from within. External planetary movements may nudge us, but they cannot enact lasting change unless we are willing to do the inner work. This is a call to:
Face Your Shadows: Embrace the discomfort that arises during these retrograde phases. Whether it’s anger from unresolved conflicts or the pain of old relationship wounds, allowing these emotions to surface is the first step toward healing.
Re-evaluate Your Beliefs: Question long-held beliefs about your worth, your power, and your place in the world. Ask yourself if these beliefs serve your highest good, or if they are remnants of past conditioning that must be released.
Commit to Continuous Self-Growth: Recognise that ascension is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. Each retrograde offers a fresh opportunity to refine your inner world, thereby transforming your outer reality.
Embody Balance: Integrate both your inner masculine and feminine energies. Whether you’re feeling the assertive drive of Mars or the reflective call of Venus, remember that the harmony between these forces is where true magic happens. It’s not about choosing one over the other - it’s about embracing both in their full complexity.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey Toward Individuation
The recent Mars retrograde provided a mirror into the depths of our personal power, urging us to confront and heal the inner wounds that stifle our progress. Now, with Venus retrograde in Aries, the call is to address the emotional and relational aspects of our being. The essence of this cosmic dance is simple yet profound: nothing changes until we are willing to change within.
As you stand at the crossroads of these transformative energies, remember that the divine duo - like every part of your soul - are a reflection of the universal balance. In healing your inner world, you catalyse transformation in your external reality. Embrace the journey with courage and vulnerability, for the path to individuation is forged in the fires of inner work. Ultimately, when we truly embody the truth of “as within, so without,” we unlock the power to create a life of authenticity, love, and boundless possibility.
If you'd like a reading to explore this Venus retrograde and how to work with it, or to take a look back at the Mars retrograde to help you assimilate the changes He's been making in your the house Cancer lands in your chart, please book in with me online or get in touch for an in person reading at Essential Therapies in Sidmouth, Devon.
A note on AI & my writing:
I use ChatGPT as a writing assistant—not as a writer. These are my thoughts, ideas, and words, shaped by my lived experience and deep love for self-work, self-awareness, the spiritual journey, and astrology. AI helps me refine, structure, and occasionally nudge me toward better phrasing, but the voice you’re reading is mine. I use it as a tool to help me put into words everything I believe is valuable in sharing my insights. Honesty matters to me, and this is simply one way I bring my thoughts to life.
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