The Aesthete

What Goes Around Comes Around

This week Venus goes retrograde beginning a six week reversal; better to re-visit an old flame than fan the fires of a new one

by Shelley L. Ackerman

On May 15, at 10:33 a.m. EDT, Venus, that wonderful planet of love, art, taste and desire, stands still for a moment and begins her “backstroke” (retrograde transit) in Gemini for six weeks. And while Esther Williams and Daryl Hannah do come to mind, we’re reminded that this cyclical six-week retrograde (every 18 months or so) is meaningful and correlates to specifics in our lives. 

On the simplest level, retrograde Venus often brings old lovers back into our lives for either another chance at the prize or a review of what we turned down in the first place. Between May 15 and June 27, it is best to avoid cosmetic surgery, new beauty treatments, design or decorating projects, or buying very expensive art unless of course it’s a purchase that’s been in the works for a long time. Beginning a new relationship (or love affair) may not be the best idea during these weeks and diplomatic efforts may be compromised as well, especially with Venus in Gemini, which at its worst is rich with double-talk and double messages.

Finally, in this very celestially charged week the Sun enters Gemini on May 20th and a scant eight and a half hours later, there’s a solar eclipse at 0 Gemini 21 (zero degrees and 21 minutes), at 7:47 pm. Though this annular solar eclipse will be barely visible in the east (the northwestern US, Asia and Russia will have the best view), its impact will be significant. Eclipses correlate to beginnings and endings. Throughout history many monarchs and world leaders have been born and died, and/or had their regimes begin and end with an eclipse.    

In this week’s horoscope, we’ll look at what area in your life is due for some “out with the old, in with the new” energy. 

 

HOROSCOPES FOR MAY 14TH TO MAY 20TH

This week’s alliance between Mercury, Mars and Pluto guarantees that a clear head and razor-sharp thinking will begin this six week foray into assessing your relationship with siblings, cousins, neighbors and your 'hood in general. Retracing your steps (literally) and going over conversations in your head to make sure that what you said was actually heard (and what you heard was actually said) may be tedious but a good use of the energy. As you run into contacts you haven’t seen in a while, be alert as to why their reappearance is valuable NOW. 

ARIES DOS/DON’TS: With your mind in focus and an urge to make a difference in your neighborhood, get a front-row seat at The Future of Your Neighborhood: Who Decides at the Queens Arts Collective Flux Factory in Long Island City. It’s an informative how-to workshop series discussing how to actively engage in your neighborhood’s development to help you cut through the red tape. Don’t bring any sharp objects — other than your mind.

During the next six weeks you’re inclined to rethink everything about what you stand for, who you love, why you bother showing up for work in the morning – the whole nine yards. And while such review periods are valuable, know that there is such a thing as over-thinking to the point of driving yourself nuts. Balance out the mental by upping the physical (take the stairs instead of the elevator), it’ll help keep you sane.

TAURUS DOS/DON’TS: Honor the nostalgic longing of your ruling planet’s reconnaissance mission and dip into The Film Forum for a limited-time screening of the romantic 1958 Bonjour Tristesse through May 17. They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to. Don’t hook up with the sad-but -available kindred spirit the universe has placed next to you; it’s only a test.

The season of change is upon you but with just the sort of ironic twist that keeps it especially interesting: On the surface, Venus retrograde in your sign could bring you back to a “look” your loved but abandoned a while back. But on a deeper level, you’re preparing for a profound shift at the core. Interpret your interest in donning the fashions and accessories of your yesterdays as a way to access a part of yourself that lived (perhaps without a voice) back then, and see what he or she has to say about that time period (think 2004 & 1996). Sunday night’s eclipse will facilitate the release of the past as it ushers in a new era.

GEMINI DOS/DON’TS: Eclipses stir things up and the need to purge follows. Who better than the folks at Housing Works to benefit from all that you’ve collected? Tempting though it may be, don’t buy more stuff while you’re there. 

The weeks before your birthday seem to always, always throw you into My Own Private Idaho mode. Privacy and time to process it all are crucial for your well-being. During the next six weeks, you’ll run into a number of people both in your waking and sleeping states, though it may not be that easy to tell the difference between the two (talk about active dreams!). The good news: With little effort, you’ll be able to sign off on a long-standing “story” that has impacted your freedom. Good riddance! May you be stirred, not shaken during this poignant retrograde and eclipse.

CANCER DOS/DON'TS: Laughter is always your best medicine, and the banter you’ll hear at the debate comedy show Uptown Showdown at Symphony Space on Monday, May 14th is just the ticket. Don’t make it a family affair or community outing; you may dig this one that much more by your lonesome.

Should old acquaintance be forgot? Well, maybe some, but perhaps not before Venus completes her full backward cycle in your community-centric 11th house of groups and friends. Many familiar faces will be returning between now and June 27, as if in a pageant that you alone get to judge. Who is worthy of remaining in your i-phone? Sunday night’s solar eclipse marks a profound changing of the guard in this arena and before too long you may experience your best connecting moments in a totally new setting.

LEO DOS/DON’TS: Since you (and your ruler the Sun) light up the day, why not check out the night sky with some Tuesday evening Stargazing on the High Line? Hanging with those amateur astronomers could be fun, but keep mum about your day job…

Your career house is buzzing with activity, and if you can tolerate the fits and starts and bits of backsliding with grace and humor, some of it can be a gas. Venus retro here could bring a welcome reversal of an ill-founded decision that may have impacted finances. The review period could work in your favor as could the return of a female with clout in a position to further you. Dress for success but with pieces you already have in your stash but may not have worn for a while. Vocational changes are afoot, but there will be twists and turns to how it unfolds.

VIRGO DOS/DON’TS: Make sure you’re on terra firma, starting with your tootsies. Check out the new Manhattan Clark’s shoe stores on 45th and 59th Streets. The last thing you need to deal with is seven-inch heels while climbing the corporate ladder.

Without a doubt, having your ruling planet in reverse for six weeks is significant and the implications are BIG. Between now and June 27th, you’re likely to question the meaning of all of it- the people, places, and philosophy that drives your world. Adding a special pop of color, is Sunday’s solar eclipse which will mark a new era re: how you think and what you believe. Keep notes as you develop an entirely new take on things (more global?). By the end of June you’ll be asked to share what you’ve come up with.

LIBRA DOS/DON’TS: You’ve been so patient waiting for the return of the fundraising, interior decorating exhibition Kips Bay Show House and it’s finally here! Feast your eyes on the beauty of these designer rooms through June 16th. Look but don’t touch — at least until Venus goes direct at the end of June. 

Monday to Wednesday’s magical mojo between Mercury and your co-rulers Mars and Pluto, presents you with the option of either A) forming some unholy alliance or B) healing the world. No, you can’t do both, so how about “B”?. Adding spice to the story is Venus’ retrograde motion in Gemini (talk about multiple choice) in your 8th house of sex, death and rebirth, and other people’s money. The next six weeks should be quite the journey. But rather than sleep your way down memory lane, how’s about making nice to all of the hearts you’ve (inadvertently) broken along the way?

SCORPIO DOS/DON’TS: Take it all with a grain of salt (and some funny vampires) and drop in to a screening of Johnny Depp as a protector of his dysfunctional vampire family in Dark Shadows. Nobody does it better than Tim Burton. Not the best choice for a first date unless you want to let them know what they’re in for. 

It’s a planet’s prerogative to change her mind, and so it is in your relationship house as Venus mulls things over traveling backwards through June 27th. Perhaps more than the rest of the zodiac, you will be visited by lovers from your past and other partners who played a major role in your story. Anyone who appears will do so with purpose. Sunday’s eclipse signals the dawning of a new era relationship-wise. How might your “marriage” better serve you going forward, or if single, must your status remain as is?

SAGITTARIUS DOS/DON’TS: You’re of two minds this week: Should you need to soothe your romantic musical self, a musical performance of Clair De Lune by Debussy May 15th at St Stephen’s is a match. But then there’s your political self-- always hungry for the next installment. You won’t miss with the musical and comdey romp The Thalia Follies: The Road to the White House at Symphony Space May 17-19. Don’t try to explain all the extra activity in your apartment to your doorman (or neighbor) they’ll never get it, unless they’re into astrology.
 
Structures, schedules, and timing are what makes your world go ‘round and any disruption  can throw you off. However, adjustments are a part of life, and though annoying, Venus’ retrograde motion in your 6th house of routine and health (through June 27) will help you revisit and revise al that needs reworking in that department. The eclipse guarantees a change and that too is on schedule. You may be surprised by co-workers and or colleagues who show up from work situations from your past. One or more may be on board with a new assignment.

CAPRICORN DOS/DON’TS: Lover of structure that you are, what fascinates more than the wonder of bridges? It’s worth going to Brooklyn for the art exhibit “New York’s Golden Age of Bridges: Paintings" by Antonio Masi at the New York Transit Museum. You don’t have to walk the Williamsburg Bridge to get there (but get extra credit if you do).

A creative renaissance is in the offing, one with theatrical overtones and a touch of nostalgia thrown in for good measure. But first, a review of your romantic past is in order. Venus reverses herself in your 5th house of speculation, entertainment, and liaisons bringing you back to revisit and resolve content from 2004 and 1996. Whatever was going on for you in theme, may return - but in a new form. If you can’t quite remember, don’t sweat it. You’re smarter than the average bear and will have total recall the moment the info is needed.

AQUARIUS DOS/DON’TS: Beat the Monday blahs with a trek to the Village to hear Aquarian singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester in a rare intimate appearance at the Blue Note. She’ll transport you to the less complicated and very melodic early ‘70’s. Avoid major decisions and purchases on May 15 (till about 5:45 pm). As a matter of fact, play hooky after the show, there’ll be a lot to process.

Who says you can’t go home again? As a matter of fact, home is where it’s at for you these next weeks, and you’ll do well to make peace with your focus being there (make sure your home office is operational). Venus retro (through June 27th) suggests there‘s cosmetic work to do (fixes here and there) and family members who require attention. Sunday’s solar eclipse signals changes in the dynamics and/or the configuration at home base, but these should be welcome. Pay extra attention to vents and air flow.

PISCES DOS/DON’TS: This one was made for you: At the Museum of Natural History, “Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence”, features all that glows at the bottom of the sea. Keep your Kindle off, please.