Well, folks, we've taken media spin about as far as we can before the subtext starts to show.  As Venus begins her retrograde cycle from May 17 to June 29 and we have a rare transit of Venus across the sun June 8, it's becoming a lot harder to hide what's really happening in world affairs.  Like stuffing coming out of an overstuffed pillow, the unseemly underbelly of U.S. military actions in Iraq becomes more apparent.  Venus is trying to do us a favor here by airing the dirty laundry, though it may not be her usual modus operandi.  Normally ambassador for all things harmonious, charming and lovely, Venus enters her retrograde phase now, where she shows her dark side.  One of her messages is:  Don't mess with pretty, because it's more than skin deep.  In other words:  Don't expect image alone to provide protection, because eventually, if we're interested in truth, we all have to get down to coordinating image with reality.  Put another way, to quote an old American TV commercial, "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature."  Or as Martin Luther King, Jr. put it, "truth will out" eventually. Sometimes, under a Venus retrograde, things can get pretty ugly before everything is on the table.  We can probably expect the worst in terms of news and world events between June 3 and June 17.  One goal of the Venus retrograde cycle in Gemini is to bring the facts of a situation and their outer presentation into alignment. Let's see if the media can get a grasp of that idea.

On an interpersonal level, Venus retrograde signfies thoughtful review of romance, values and money.  To recap from last month, some possibilities for action during this period:  review insurance coverage, itemize reasons you deserve a raise (but wait until Venus is direct to ask for it), collect money owed to you or pay money you owe, reconnect with love relationships from the past (usually not for the long term but to reassess the relationship and what was learned), reconsider priorities and values in any current involvement.  Avoid putting substantial new effort into Venus-ruled activities during this time, including weddings or marriage proposals (not a good year for June weddings), the arts, fashion, stock trading, joining a dating service, investments, or purchase of high-ticket retail items.  Such actions initiated at this time will tend to get off on the wrong foot and reveal their basic lack of integrity or alignment with your values at some future point.  It’s not a good time to buy new clothing or get a new beauty treatment, though you might consider clearing closets of items no longer needed, repairing clothing and jewelry, or having some type of beauty or health treatment done that was done before.  Doing any of these Venus-related activities if you've done them before in some way may be acceptable, as that fits the symbolism of the retrograde.  

Also to recap from last month's forecast, Venus retrogrades this time around in Gemini, which could involve making a choice between two alternatives, or making decisions based on a coherent sense of meaning and what matters most rather than on cleverness or expediency.  It's a good time to make sure commitments really mean something, and are not mere playing with wind.  Paradoxically, it's a good time to apply the light touch of Gemini, not take things too seriously, keep some space in relationships, and play with possibilities, where appropriate. This period might also reveal where flexibility, variety of experience and conversation are useful in relationships and where these may be overdone.  Useful questions to ask oneself during Venus retrograde in Gemini might include:  How can I see the dualities in my life as two sides of the same coin?  How might they come together as one?  What are the different strands of thought from which my beliefs are woven? Do I want to change any of these strands?  On the Sagittarius-Gemini continuum of one-pointed focus versus duality, that unity is strongest which encompasses all opposites.

Anybody remember Tonya Harding, the ice skater who thought having her hoodlum ex-husband and his friends hit her competition in the knee with a lead pipe was her ticket to Olympic glory?  Tonya Harding was born November 12, 1970, during the most difficult part of a retrogade phase of Venus.  (An article at astrologer Bruce Scofield's web site brought this to my attention.)  Though one may appreciate how Nancy Kerrigan, Tonya's nemesis and often-dressed-in-white symbol of day-force Venus, could inspire Tonya Harding's jealousy, Tonya and her friends' behavior toward Kerrigan gives us some idea of how not to make friends and influence people.  Venus at her best would most emphatically not approve of such nefarious, back-door methods. Cultivating relationships openly and holding a "may the best candidate win" philosophy works so much better.  Not that any of us will be hiring hit men this month, but it can't hurt to be alert to where our own anti-social traits or impulses cause trouble.  Adrian Ross Duncan has another good article on Venus cycles for those hungry to know more.

The houses containing Taurus and Libra (the Venus-ruled signs) are where we may see more activity than usual this month.  Ditto also the house(s) where Uranus retrogrades June 10.  See sign forecasts below for further information.

DATES TO NOTE:

 ARIES (Mar 20-Apr 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Second House of earned money, possessions and values.  New work or income opportunities, especially from people or places you've worked in the past, may come your way this month.  Are you earning enough?  Do you like your work?  Questions such as these may be worthy of contemplation.  Considerable thought about what you need most in relationships will be on your mind as well.  Mine past relationships or past discussions in current relationships for meaning.  Look for surprises in:  friends, groups, long-term hopes and wishes, behind-the-scenes activities.  
Best days for Aries:  Jun 10-11

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20):  The New Moon occurs in your First House of action, identity and personal presence.  The spotlight shines on you this month, so use it to your advantage.  A modest personal makeover or attention to health matters boosts your self-confidence.  Avoid splurges on brand new items, but stick with the tried-and-true routines you've used before to better your health and beauty.  Look for surprises in:  relationships with supervisors or VIPs, public recognition, groups, friendships.
Best days for Taurus:  May 18, Jun 13-14

GEMINI (May 20-Jun 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Twelfth House of spirituality, retreat and behind-the-scenes activities.  You may want to keep a low profile this month and see what your nighttime dreams have to tell you.  Romance and children are on your mind also.  It's a good month to ask yourself:  How much fun have I created lately with children or a romantic partner?  If it's been a while since you planned a fun date or outing, now's the time.  Look for surprises in long-distance connections, religion and personal philsophies, air travel, higher education.
Best days for Gemini:  May 19-20, Jun 15-16

CANCER (Jun 20-Jul 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Eleventh House of friends, groups, business income, humanitarian causes, and long-range hopes and wishes.  Beginnings or changes in these areas may occur for you this month.  You're also concerned with home and family matters, including everything from the aesthetics of your environment to the depths of your family heritage.  Redecorating or planning a family reunion might be on the agenda.  Look for surprises in: joint finances, sexuality, investments, deep emotions.
Best days for Cancer:  May 21-22

LEO (Jul 20-Aug 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Tenth House of authorities, reputation and career.  You may be more professionally active than usual this month, especially with those in positions of leadership.  You may be more visible in some way this month as well, getting an award or some kind of VIP attention that puts you in the public eye.  Pay attention to your communication style so that it's not too overbearing nor wishy-washy.  Siblings or neighbors may play a role in helping you make valuable connections.  Look for surprises in: marriage and partnerships, professional associations (doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc.), sexuality, joint finances.
Best days for Leo:  May 24-25

VIRGO (Aug 20-Sep 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Ninth House of religion, philosophy, higher education, long-range plans and long distance travel.  New doors may open in one or more of these areas.  This may be a good time to travel overseas or take a class, especially if revisiting a place or studying a subject from the past.  Money and income are in focus for you as well this month; if things are a little slower than usual here, they should pick up by early July.  Look for surprises in:  work routines, office procedures, daily organization, health matters, co-workers.
Best days for Virgo:  May 26-27

LIBRA (Sep 20-Oct 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Eighth House of joint finances, sexuality and secrets.  Reviewing investments, evaluating partnerships, and considering counseling or therapy may be on the agenda.  New doors may open in how you approach these most intimate, private areas of your life.  Some attention to your body and personal appearance this month will enhance your personal presence, but don't pay for the all-day or all-week session at Sven's Swedish Salon just yet. Save that for October of this year, when you'll reach a 12-year peak in your confidence cycle.  Look for surprises in:  romance, relationships with children, creativity.
Best days for Libra:  May 29-30

SCORPIO (Oct 20-Nov 20):   The New Moon occurs in your Seventh House of partnership and marriage.  New partnerships or phases of an existing partnership may emerge at this time.  If you've been keeping any secrets, especially if these secrets are curvy and blonde or tall, dark and handsome, it may be time to consider bringing the secrets out of the closet.  We know how you like hiding in the shadows, but you like being psychologically integrated and whole even better.  Time to stop the two-stepping between people or projects and choose one dance partner worthy of your devotion.  Look for surprises in:  home and family matters, relationships with children, the inner ground of your being.
Best days for Scorpio:  May 31-Jun 1

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 20-Dec 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Sixth House of work, health and service.  You may want to review your health and fitness regimes or organize your work environment for greater productivity.  Changes in your work routines could enhance your well-being.  You're also reconsidering your friendships and group involvements -- just how long have you been President of Who's It What's It now?  I'm not saying quit, only rethink exactly how you want to be involved.  Look for surprises in: transportation, sibling or neighbor relationships, communications, home and family matters.
Best days for Sagittarius:  Jun 2

CAPRICORN (Dec 20-Jan 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Fifth House of romance, creativity, children and play.  Breakthroughs, changes or new beginnings may occur for you in these areas.  Launch a creative venture, or better yet, find one you started in the past and bring it back to life.  Remember that the key to getting your creative projects out there is making heartfelt connections with trustworthy people.  As Mom and Dad used to say, "You never know until you try."  You're rethinking your overall career direction, too, and just how you can get more of that creative juice into your daily activities.  Look for surprises in:  income, earning opportunities, writing and communications.
Best days for Capricorn:  Jun 4

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Fourth House of home, family and property.  You may want to move, reorganize or redecorate your living space.  You might even be contemplating a long-distance move, or at least wanting to bring a spirit of adventure into your home.  A library of National Geographic magazines or inviting friends over for Discovery channel viewing marathons might do it.  Family concerns take priority in some way this month.  Look for surprises in:  how people view you, opportunities for independent action, income and earning options.
Best days for Aquarius:  Jun 6

PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Third House of local travel, transportation, communications, neighbors and siblings.  Opportunities for changes or new starts may emerge in these areas. Get a good check up on your vehicle(s) and consider how you can more fully appreciate your mate and special people in your life.  Check investment balances and know where you stand financially.  Avoid being too stubborn (not usually a problem for you) in pressing your points. Look for surprises in:  dreams and visions, wishes (even small ones) coming true, sudden attention from others who consider you a person of progressive individuality.
Best days for Pisces:  Jun 8-9

For a more in-depth look at your unique horoscope or a compatibility comparison, contact Natori at (760) 753-4319 or by email.  Have a great month!