Venus, the brilliant yellow-white Morning Star, is retrograde in Aries until April 17. Venus is retrograde every 20 months for about 40 days and nights (like Lent).

What does Venus retrograde represent and signify? Venus, on the personality-building level, influences money, possessions, values and relationships (lovers and friends). When a planet is retrograde, the past reappears, decisions must be delayed, plans set aside for the purpose of reflection and assessment. All areas and subjects associated with that planet (in this case Love, intelligence, money, relationships, possessions, values) need review in order to either renew, revitalize or place them aside forever.

On the Soul level, Venus represents the intelligent heart and the emergence of the Love principle. Venus turns knowledge into wisdom. Venus coordinates our intelligence so we can choose to act with Goodwill, which creates Right Relations - a new concept of Love, wherein there is sacrifice and service. As the Aquarian Age unfolds, Venus will bring forth the appearance of expanded consciousness throughout all mankind - the consciousness of group responsibility.

We’re preparing now for Easter, the Resurrection (of all Life on Earth) and the three Spring solar (Full Moon) Festivals of Aries, Taurus and Gemini. From these three signs and through multiple other cosmic spiritual centers flows a pathway of light containing Love, Wisdom, Intelligence, Information and Will. The first solar festival is on Holy Thursday prior to Easter, April 9. It’s also the day Passover begins. Aries is the Light of Life itself and says, “Let form itself be sought.”

We invite everyone worldwide to participate in these festivals for they create the template of spiritual influences that will direct future world affairs, the complexities of the earth’s weather and all human endeavors for the complex times to come. Each year they create the foundations for the new world religion, which is based upon astrology (timings) and the new and full moon times (when pathways of specific light form around the earth to aid in its evolution).

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 20) Although you’re considered rather wild, there’s a traditional, stable and responsible aspect of yourself that helps you be successful. Few, if any (except astrologers) know this about you. Those qualities are now internalized so you can assess your personal value and worth. You know it’s not how much money you have. It’s more about perseverance, reliability and being steadfast in adversity and challenges.

TAURUS (Apr. 21-May 20) With patience and deliberateness you assess anything new, moving step-by-step, thinking everything through with care. You’re also visionary, continually developing an illumined mind, bringing forth the wisdom of the Buddha. When faced with a monetary situation you’re quick and instinctive. These are your gifts. Ponder them with a partner.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) It’s important that your work in the world aligns with your sense of self and values. Gemini is a complex, dual sign, with a fluid mind. Information is filtered through your emotional field; therefore that field must be clear and pure, with no judgments or opinions. You’re the sign of hidden treasures. Security for you isn’t money or wealth. It’s emotional ethics and who/what you love.

CANCER (June 21-July 20) You’re challenged to emerge from under your Cancer shell, have a sense of adventure, step beyond comfort and tend to things more edgy and cultural. What would that be? Build your sense of charisma (heart-self) with others. It furthers self-expression and creativity, things you deeply seek. Above all, have fun.

LEO (July 21-Aug. 20) Most Leos are charming. Some are hidden. But all are magnetic - an important quality to understand because it attracts others to you. When you’re aware of this you’ll either be kind and compassionate - or you’ll create fear, if your power doesn’t include equal Love. In their hearts, what are people seeking from you? Light, intelligence, vitality, discipline, direction, guidance and the willingness to Love. Do you understand and have these qualities?

VIRGO (Aug. 21-Sept. 20) Within your excellent qualities of order, discipline and lists of organized ideas, you also seek diplomacy. All Virgos are also learning tact, refinement and how to relate with sophistication and Right Relations. These are the seeds planted within all Virgos, leading to the art of cooperation - conciliation through negotiation. You’re learning how to be a Libra.

LIBRA (Sept. 21-Oct. 20) Your smile and eyes invite others to talk about themselves, share their joys and sorrows and be friends with you. Libra on the Soul level creates Right Relations, fairness, justice, openness and kindness. If you’re not yet within this expanded Soul reality, visualize yourself stepping into it. The results will diminish your fear and vulnerability around money and resources, and the boundaries you have created to protect yourself will be less critical and more loving.

SCORPIO (Oct. 21-Nov. 20) You’re aware that whatever you do often challenges others. This is your task. As your life is ceaselessly challenged to transform and regenerate, you also ask (demand) this of others. Because your life has such intensity, you must schedule consistent times for rest and retreat - to gather strength and rediscover inner meaning and purpose. Vision is here, too. Only a few know, through constant little deaths and phoenix-like flying out of the fire, that you’re also a visionary.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) You usually view life with optimism and a broad hopeful vision, and because you’re an imaginative thinker who sees signs and reads oracles in every situation, you also have a sense of being duty-bound, responsible, traditional and conservative. Most aren’t aware of this as it hides behind your constant enthusiasm. You have a serious side which you must begin to value. It’s your discipline and your wisdom.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 20) You exhibit great control, discipline, structure and reserve, often playing the role of the eldest child, parent or wise one. Traditions are very important, either following them or creating them. But you’re also progressive and inventive. Through these you enter the future, making you quite different than most. Often people can’t quite figure out who you are, with your ability to change quickly and offer everyone the freedom to be.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 20) Like the planet Uranus, you’re distinctly different than most. Do you know Uranus is tipped on its side, its atmosphere is arranged in layers of clouds, its magnetic field’s source is unknown, it’s blue-green in color, has a moon, many rings and satellites, and is the third largest planet in the solar system? This unusual planet rules your entire life. Value your differentness. It’s unique and beloved.

PISCES (Feb. 21-Mar. 20) The two signs most misunderstood are Scorpio and Pisces. Often the fish is seen as wandering about, a bit too idealistic for most and too sensitive for everyone. You can seem lost and dreamy, if not confused. But there’s more to you. You’re very brave and courageous when someone’s in danger. You’re independent and reward others for their innate gifts, which you see while others cannot. When you’re spontaneous a light fills the air; when you’re sad you fall into despair. Always take action. It brings you freedom.

Risa D’Angeles is the founder and director of the Esoteric & Astrological Studies & Research Institute in Santa Cruz, California. Read more at www.nightlightnews.com. Questions, comments? Contact Risa at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .