Guess which planets in retrograde are the theme of 2020? Not Mercury, that’s part of our astral rhythm. And the Outer Planets spend a significant amount of time retrograde every year.
Next year features Venus and Mars Retrograde. That’s good for weird but enticing relationships and encrypted attractions. And it’s going to be a far stronger year for love – in general – than 2019. Why? Because we’ve been under the chilly rays of Saturn, Pluto, and the South Node Pluto since April. It’s been personally heavy and running in tandem to the global economic fuqery. But next year?
Venus is going to spend from early April until late August in Gemini, with May 13 until June 25 being the official Venus Retrograde.
Planets In Retrograde – Mars + Venus In 2020
Venus was last Retrograde in Gemini in 2012 and before that in 2004. Each such cycle links back to the previous ones in the same sign. If you want to go astro-sleuthing for cute connections, this list of Venus Retrograde dates goes back to 1801.
We will discuss the beautiful pentagram pattern that Venusian cycles create in the sky or the more mystical aspects of it later. And the Love Warp Astrology Report delineates your natal Venus, Venus Return, and the best Venusian dates coming up. So investigate that, if you would like more. If your Venus is in Gemini, you will probably have three Venus Returns in a row next year: Ultra-magic.
But for now: no, it is not suitable for risky ventures like investing in a long-distance flirtation without any real concept or triangulated love situations. Nor is it optimal for hooking up with your ex from when you were at high school (though everyone ignores me on that one) impulsive commitments, cosmetic surgery, or weddings.
Mars Was Last In Aries For This Long Over 30 Years Ago
And, this gets better: Mars will be in Aries for over half the year. Mars loves to be in Aries, but it’s a hot-zone. Mars rules Aries and is mighty strong in that sign. I couldn’t remember the last time Mars was Retrograde in Aries, and so I looked it up, wondering how the hell I could have forgotten something like this. It was in 1988. So, wow. Pluto was in Scorpio and Uranus/Neptune in Capricorn.
Back then, I was reading all the Martin Schulman Karmic Astrology books. I couldn’t have cared less about Mars Retrograde. I wanted Tantric nebulosity and to understand the secret fate lines. I still do, of course. But I don’t like dictatorial definitions of people’s evident destiny or the outdated attitudes that seep through some of the older astro books. There was one passage in particular that said something about the woman being a holy crucible through which to strain the man’s karmic impurities and that she would redeem him via her suffering. Maybe it was not that bad, but you get the idea.
Risque, Surreal And Encrypted
Anyway, Venus in Gemini will add a risque, surreal rom-com energy to romances and perhaps some style bi-polarity. It will also be fantastic for writing and levity in mating or dating. Mars in Aries will work for missions, marathon training, and daring deeds that require precision planning. But the Retrograde phase of it will be intense; October 1 until November 14. It won’t be optimal (this is my polite understatement) for aggressive expansions, litigation, and starting Mars type enterprises.
It would, however, be excellent for putting old injustices to rights. But not if it involves a hostile action. It’s complex. Now that I have my voice back, I think I will do a 2020 rant Mp3. As we also have Saturn in Aquarius to think about. Yes! You can also get an instant year ahead report if you want to see where these funky planets in Retrograde will be falling in your birth chart.
Thoughts?
Image: Theda Bara
Wow, just wow! I have both Venus and Mars in Gemini in the 8th house. In 2004 – I gave the 2nd chance to my ex and got pregnant while being on the pill. My son is 14,5 now and his father accused me back then of deliberately getting pregnant to get him back and was the end of it. He left and I raised my son on my own. While I am not in child-bearing stage of my life anymore, I am feeling this retrograde “might’ bring some skeletons out of the closet.
2020 is going to take the cake. I am about to single for the first time in 12 years. The last time I was single is when I was 21. Neptune will begin seriously squaring my natal Uranus Venus conjunction in Sag, while Uranus conjuncts my natal North Node. Meanwhile the south node is going to transit my natal Neptune, Sun, Venus, Uranus……..while Jupiter and Pluto hang out on my IC. I see friends and lovers from past and future lives showing up, showing off, etc etc. Everything will fall to pieces and I’ll be oceanic and at risk of… Read more »
ohh wait, in 1988 my parents separated and i was in primary school. I still remember the day i told my best friend in class. No zombies there. just sad, and a bit lost. Checking an ephemeris for that year i see that outer planets were changing houses in my chart, notably saturn and uranus over my Dsc and pluto leaving my 4th house going into my 5th. I think most relevant though was Chiron was transiting over my asc and squaring my sun. Adolescence was where I realised that real happiness was the freedom of being on a horse… Read more »
Oooh! Going over my natal Venus in the 8th house, and Mars running through my seventh, plus the beginning of my Saturn return!
It’s all happening, folks.
Peeps please send your thoughts and prayers to the people, animals and firefighters caught up in Australian bush fires.
xoxoxoxo.
Prayers & good thoughts going out. xo
My 1988 story is similar to Gemyogi’s… all about the travel. I chucked in my job, sold my merde-brown Datsun 1200 and headed overseas to meet a Kiwi backpacker whom I’d fallen hard for the year before. A multi-Leo with a spectacular mullet, he went by a cool nickname that even his parents and employers called him by. I bet the ATO has him listed – on their wanted list, but whatevs – under that name too. We met up in London, where I stayed with a relative (this multi-Cap does NOT do seedy accommodation) and he was one of… Read more »
Had a LZ episode last week – first time since 2012 when I had the LZ’ds bad, but 2012 was the last time. I think it’s just about acknowledging the feeling of attraction but stopping the thought pattern from spiraling out of control. Noting what it is I like (tall, good bod, good mind, nice manners, thoughtful, nice smile) and leaving it at that, especially when they are unavailable…
This is a tad freaky …. I’ve been dreaming a LOT lately about an old flame. Well he wasn’t really a flame, he was a long time partying buddy whom I ended up have a hot one night with and after that there was always this …. frisson. I sorta turned my nose up at him a bit because he was into punk and a bit dorky, but now at 48 I’ve recalibrated it as he had a whopping big bank balance and a whopping big … you know what. These things become more important later in life rather than… Read more »
Dorky taureans are among my Top Three bedroom options. Like a Chesterfield armchair, they are comfortable, reliable and timeless, although a little hard to shift sometimes. Hahaha;) xo
Bahahaha .. that’s funny. Pity we don’t live in a matriarchal society where it’s normal to have a Top Three bedroom/interpersonal range of male companions.
I’d probably have:
1. A Gemini to sit about debating god knows what without the actual sex (but that seems to be a form of sex for Gemini)
2. A Taurus for reliable shagging and mutual enjoyment of couch potato-ism
3. My Cray Cray Cap because he’s my soul mate despite his many irritating habits
No need for a matriarchal society? I mean we make it a norm first, the analysis & history books simply follow… 😉 Mind you the odd papal decree in our favour wouldn’t hurt every now and then I like this list thing. Talk as seduction (or the main event ha) is suuuuuch an air thing omg lol. My other contenders would be aries sun/mars, and or Scorpio sun/mars Although thanks to online dating and such, I am developing an appreciation of the Ways of the Libra Man, which is interesting and educational. They do love lovin’. Preferably in long-format sessions.… Read more »
Oops was asleep at the wheel over Halloween & missed discount membership BUT did get the new 2020 MP3.So prepping & promising to be more alert.Will take advice & not marry teen sweetheart for his shabby Steptoe & Son’s decor house that went from 38k to 1 million dollars.Yes bought in ‘88 when thoughts of Harmonic Convergence were in the air along with ‘how to have tantric ecstasy & can U do it alone’ & no I didn’t go live with him due to it being in a ‘slum’..This is being typed on my new iPhone XR that was got… Read more »
Cool so career energy very much stirred, Mars Aries in my 10th house! I shall ready my synapses and Resume lol.
Venus 12th house and ASC, on I’ll check the degrees likewise Mars,
Just promise us mystic that it won’t be anything like that angle-grind that was Mars Retro in Scorpio in 2015
Also why do those 1920s era photos make me shudder? I just recoil. The clothes, pasty powdered skin, uncle fester facial expressions terrible makeup everything. Gives me the creeps.
But don’t you think it looks like a photo of a Rx Helena Bonham Carter & Rx Alfred Molina?
Rx as in suffering from retrograde FX? I can see the resemblance.. nothing against either of them of Course (actually the bloke looks like Gabriel Byrne! Ha) but it doesn’t make me warm to the image :/
This certainly makes it seem like there’s something to look forward to after the big Conjunctionacalypse! I, for one, am PSYCHED. I am now entering a VERY long period of what I would like to be a montage scene…but will have to do the actual work….and with my own natal Mars in Aries, and that work being a major artistic venture involving multi-media, hybrid schizz, these retros bode well for helping me slog through the work that a montage scene only implies. And seeing as how my flirtation with a Gemini *should* be weird because I’m Uranian Bats, I welcome… Read more »
Ha, can nominate my Gem as a case study for Venus Retro in Gemini. He has Merc, Venus, Saturn, Hekate and Sun in Gem. Is this going to be a world of pain for him? Or just uncomfortable moments with ex girlfriends calling…
It’s my mars return! I can feel it.
Risque surreal rom-com is my favourite genre!
I’m looking forward to the sexy dating in 2020 but I am THRILLED about putting injustices to rights. That would be a good day.
Was Venus in Rx in 2017 as well?
Yes but not in Gemini
I mind gagged on holy crucible
Fo shiz. Lol.
That list of past retrogrades is illuminating! The past two times Venus was retrograde in Gemini, I solidified the plans for a big move: in 2004 it was to go to France for a year of study, where I ended up meeting my now-husband; in 2012 he got a job offer in California that prompted a cross-country move for us and ended up launching a new career for me. My north node is in Gemini, and natal Venus in Aquarius. Excited for this air energy in 2020!
2020 new voice is excellent Mystic. Thanks for your return with style.
thank you! I was a bit self-conscious about it as it is still not quite there, so I appreciate this!
1988 wasn’t great for me. I returned from travelling the world (the young aussie world trip) and ended up getting a job back at the same public service department I left… and falling unrequitedly in love with my married boss… ugh. Now I’m in a good space, and somehow I think 2020 will be a better year than 2019 (but maybe I think that about every year?) Gem sun, taurus moon, mercury, mars, jupiter, aries rising.
It would be hilarious if the boss pops back up
Happy to hear you are well and getting your voice back . Sending Healing Thoughts that Strengthens you where You excel in your Excellence. Peace
Next year’ s Venus in Gemini transit should complement the Eros & Psyche in Gemini,of my natal chart, & perhaps my natal Venus in Aquarius. NOW though, I’m already looking forward my Mars in Aries returning to the natal position of my chart; shit gets DONE!
*retires to cottage to write erotica*
LOlL, no seriously, good to know!
I’m mad keen for the 2020 rant!
I am really looking forward to having something other than Saturn-Pluto-SN on my moon. It has been a hard and joyless six months, longer if I’m honest, finishing this legacy project that belongs to the old era but Cap moon-stellium in 5th can’t leave anything unfinished. Doing lots of soul mining about why I stayed in the not-right relationship with the Toro for much longer than I should have. It’s been brutal but enlightening. Defying all Merc retro protocols, I’ve put myself on a dating app, prompted in part by irritation at the Toro parading around his rebound girlie, but… Read more »
Hey Chryalis I have been in my new cottage for 3 weeks . I was in that crazy, feral small town for 6 years.
I spent the first 2 weeks just resting and sleeping. I was traumatized and exhausted. My spine released huge amounts of stress.
The last week has been full of huge regrets. Why the fuq didn’t I move earlier? Because I was the boiled frog (google this analogy).
But the regret passes and I am getting glimpses of the old me but better.
Hey Wish I’m so pleased the move is working out for you – no wonder you have been resting and processing, you went through so much. xxx
Thanks Chrysalis.
x.
Yes to epsom salts baths. Take care of you and be well, Chrysalis xx
Thank you lovely. Booking myself into a hotel this weekend to get some much-needed soaking time xxx
You and be both, sister!!! I feel breathless thinking about it!
My natal Moon is in Gem, & I have natal Mars conjunct Venus in 3rd H Leo. 1988, 2004, 2012 — All epic failures on my part by choosing handsome but extremely shallow partners.
Fortunately, I’ve learned a thing or two about wrong target cock-blocking from 2012-2015, in addition to earlier phallic follies. Here’s hoping, anyway.
What I’m seeing is the degrees are Venus retro from 21 to 5 and Mars retro from 28 to 15. Is this accurate? My Venus & Mars in Gemini and South Node in Aries need to know, haha.
How exciting!! Those last two years you mentioned Venus in Gemini was retrograde 2004, and 2012, are significant for me as the first was the year I met and had the most gorgeous love affair with a man I reconnected with in 2012, and who reentered my life again a month ago. He’s moving back to the area next year. I have Saturn and my Ascendant in Gemini so I am very interested to find out what this means for my chart, but it already feels good. It’s been four and a half years since I’ve had any tangible love… Read more »
Oh dear. Mystic, do you have any advice for those of us in long distance relationships? (the comitted ones with something of a future concept). Venus Retro in GEMINI sounds like it could be nightmarish for clear communication (via technology!) with a romantic partner.
My birthday is today
Many happy returns!
Thank you
Happy Birthday !
Oooh Mystic! I would love a rant. I have natal Venus Rx in Gemini in the 5th (woof). I was freshly married in 2012 & in 2009 ended a significant relationship. Saturn will also be coming for my Asc next year as well. I would loooooove an mp3 from you. I feel like this is sexy Phoenix awakening energy for sure.
This could be a beautiful thang! I’ve lived this experience! So in 1988 i must have been exuding freakish amounts of pheromones, coz by the time Venus went Rx in Gemini, I was being hotly pursued by 4 guys. Unlike my previous boyfriends, these guys were considered serious marriage material (if you live by the ol patriarchal paradigm / are a Bride of Saturn ). They were all hot & successful in their well paid careers – and they made it clear that they wanted me to share their future. And the future was sitting heavily on me, as i… Read more »
Oh!..That is so beautiful!<3
This is like a prequel to The Bachelorette 🙂
Oh wow I love this xxx
Uranus has been hanging over my Mars in Taurus, and Saturn in Capricorn has put the kebosh on my Libra stellium for almost 2 years. This has been the lowest traffic my love life has ever seen, and it looks like if it doesn’t continue into 2020, then the relationships I’m able to attract come with caveats. I guess this is the time to devote to my career and ambitions isntead!!
Venus retrograde also means I’ll probably encounter a joker I dated starting with one Venus retrograde in 2010, and our relationship came to a climax in 2012 (during a Venus Rx). I better sprinkle the epsom salt around everything in advance!!
Same as you! Uranus on my mars+ Venus, and Saturn trine Saturn in Virgo, making gran earthy trine for last two years. The quietest time of my life in the love departement!
Will have to read and re-read but OH MY GOODNESS!! So terrific. Love the part about “women being the holy crucible … good grief” — I’m going through my own “sort out of spiritual gurus/women and men who somehow THINK they deserve sainthood” – it’s a mess.
So again, thank you.
Quick thing — typo
Venus was last Retrograde in Gemini in 2012 and before that in 2012.
With great admiration and love,
Windhorse11
Oh goodie. I got all the teeth out this year.
Ok, I know this tone, “it’s fine, it’s all good” well I’ve gone back 50 years and I’m yet to experience even a reasonable Venus or Mars retro. What’s that saying ? How can something so wrong feel so right ? I’m thinking the reverse of that is probably more the way it’s going to play out for this 10th house Aries sun, Venus in Taurus, Gem Asc. Thanks for trying Myst x I do hope you’re right and that I’m wrong, or is that reversed ? whatevs ..
What are your experiences with Venus & Mars retrogrades so far then? Girding my loins here, LOL
I have Venus in Gemini 🙌 what does that mean for the three Venus returns please?
That’s one way of looking at it.
Yikes. Saturn all over my ascendant, Mars all over my moon, and Venus Retro all up in my fifth house. Can’t. Hardly. Wait…
Saturn in Aquarius! You mean Saturn on my Venus, when i am a natal Saturn square Venus??????? Oh GRAND. Venus conjunct IC, too. Super.
“Nor is it optimal for hooking up with your ex from when you were at high school (though everyone ignores me on that one)
– Read more at:
/”
Haha, Mystic, I read your grimacing pain! The objective super-take backs up hard against a Merc Aries, for one type of looking-upon-others astro 🙂 There’s also a part of ourselves that looks on horrified at our weirdest impulses, and the nooooooooo gets drowned out in varying degrees, right?
Earlier this and last year, I remember that Trump’s regime had seen an upsurge in certain acknowledged minorities of varying 20th century events, seeking personal psych care. Both older layered traumas ancestrally passed down (such as Holocaust survivor adult children) and current community/public incidents (racially motivated) were directly recorded as triggers. Perhaps Mars/Venus will result in more personal relationship/relating triggers. 1988 was the last time with spookily similar heavy hitters transiting? My immediate take, just using my own personal stuff, no geo-politically interesting or globally relevant reference, was: OMG, psychologists, counsellors, healers, shamans and ‘wellbeing’ health group leaders are going… Read more »
Yes, 87 was when I and many other tech and banking entrepreneurs got a terribly rude shock in the October stock market crash. I was selling my wares in the US when it occurred, here I was all Italian suits/ doing coke in the board room and then bang. Lost my harbor view apt in Elizabeth Bay, my antique Merc, my darling fiancé, everything… moving forward to 1988 saw me head north, where a seemingly infinite group of new age evangelists we’re starting their rise to fame and fortune. Feeding off the infinite no. of lost souls who no longer… Read more »
I just got an “A-HA! astrological moment.
I just realized I got married on the verge of Venus Retrograde in Gemini 2004 and it didn’t go well.
I am a Gemini Sun too, so twice stupid I would say, but back then I had no knowledge of retrogrades so I’ll forgive myself. After all, VR wasn’t the worst part of that marriage.
As for the year 2020: I have great Astro prospects for love (we’ll see how those play out) so why not making them more “interesting” with a bit of Venus Retrograde spice? 😀 😀
I will be responsible for a school timetable in 2020 so daring deeds and precision planning for sure!