On Wednesday, we have retrograde Venus square Uranus. Normally Venus square Uranus would bring up discomfort surrounding relationships or matters to do with Venusian topics, such as art, beauty, harmony etc. 

This Venus is retrograde though, which makes it even more interesting. so this is actually the second of three squares that Venus is forming with Uranus in a short period of time.  Venus last squared Uranus around the 2nd of July, when both planets were in direct motion. 

Venus will once again square Uranus on the 29th of September when Venus is moving direct again, and Uranus is retrograde.  You may find that events around those dates are somehow linked together and may incorporate changes or re-evaluation of topics such as relationships, beauty, art or values. 

Also on Wednesday, we have Mercury trine Jupiter. Mercury trine Jupiter is an expansive, enthusiastic aspect to do with communications, thinking or learning, among other subjects. Mercury will be in Virgo at the time of the aspect, a sign which it rules and where it is domicile; so Mercury is very comfortable and able to do what it wants (communicate, learn, think etc) in this sign.

However, Mercury is also getting ready to station retrograde from the 23rd of August, and we are already in the shadow period of the upcoming Mercury retrograde.  The Mercury trine Jupiter could be a time of some great ideas, but it may not be possible to put them into effect right away. The upcoming Mercury retrograde is likely to be a good time to really go over the details of these ideas and test them out for their practicality. 

On Sunday, we have the Venus cazimi, where the Sun catches up to retrograde Venus. Cazimi is an older term for when a planet is conjunct the Sun, and roughly translates to “in the heart of the Sun”.  When a planet is cazimi, it is said to similar to having the ear of the King. Many believe that it confers extra benefits that strengthen the planet. 

This is interesting, because when a planet is within 15 degrees either side of the Sun, it is said to be under the beams (unable to be seen, as it is too close to the Sun), or combust (burnt up from being too close to the Sun, from our perspective on earth) when it is within 8 degrees of the Sun. 

That cazimi though, gives the planet a type of respite. I quite like what the Medieval astrologers say about the cazimi being like a man on his sick bed, who turns a corner. He may no longer be at death’s door, but he is still not in peak health.  

In any case, as Venus is retrograde during this cazimi, it will have been re-evaluating subjects to do with values, affections, relationships, art, beauty, etc.  The cazimi may bring some clarity about what you want to do going forward regarding Venusian matters. It may take until after the Venus retrograde before you are able to really put any of these epiphanies into motion. 

All times and dates given are for United States Central Daylight Time (C.D.T.)