For the entire month of August, Venus will be retrograde. Unlike the more frequent Mercury retrograde periods, this event is less frequent and usually not very prominent on the collective astrology radar. This does not diminish it's importance -- quite the contrary. Since Venus is only retrograde about 7.7% of the time, the rarity of the event makes it more outstanding.

Seen with its rulership of Taurus and Libra, Venus pertains to our relationship with the physical world and to others. Often the word "values" is tossed around when discussing Venus -- not moral values, but the idea of worth. Can you imagine putting a price tag on your possessions and the people in your world? We hardly ever stop in our tracks to ponder how much everything means to us. Well, Venus just stopped in its tracks and is asking us to make this assessment.

What do you want? I mean really want? Does your life reflect this? If not, this is a great time to make the necessary adjustments in order to have things in place that are truly supportive. Clear out the garage or cluttered closets -- have that heart to heart talk with the friend that just can't meet you where you need to be met. Perhaps its time to take inventory on the state of your marriage or relationship. Done well, the Venus retrograde period will fine-tune these areas and allow for true happiness to manifest.

Venus turns retrograde in early Virgo and will be in Leo for most of this period. Since Leo and Virgo are relational signs, this particular Venus retrograde is asking whether relations promote growth (Virgo) and are they fun (Leo)? Is your work fulfilling? If not, then take measures to align with your creativity. This Venus retrograde also occurs near Saturn, so issues pertaining to career advancement and the quality of serious, long-term committments are particularly emphasized.

Venus retrograde is a rare occurrence -- a time to take stock on how we are living life. Most of the time we face forward and engage the opportunities that present themselves. This month, it's appropriate to reflect and review the choices we have made and find the best ways to plan for what's next. It's truly in our best interests to consider what we really want...