Venus arrived into the Underworld - A time for reflection and exploring the shadow self 🖤
Hello beautiful soul,
Thank you for being such an integral part of this journey and our tribe. If you are new here, welcome! I'm thrilled to share insights into the Leo Venus cycle, which has captivated my interest for some time. Since August of last year, when a new Venus cycle began, I've delved deeply into understanding and experiencing the profound impact of celestial event. In this newsletter, I'll discuss the Leo sign in more detail later, but it's worth noting how this cycle has helped me gain confidence in sharing my sacred work. It has also supported me in loving and accepting myself and my body more fully.
Currently, we are in the midst of the Venus in Leo cycle, lasting from August 13, 2023, to March 22, 2025. Yesterday was a crucial moment in this cycle, as Venus began its Underworld phase, a period that will continue for nearly three months. This is a time for profound reflection, where you will confront your innermost self and release what no longer serves you. As Venus emerges from this transformative stage, you will feel revitalized and renewed.
In this newsletter, I'll guide you through the Venus cycle, helping you understand the important timings and what they mean for you.
When we recognize the natural cycles of the Earth and the sky, we can choose to move with them and stay in tune, rather than being caught off guard and overwhelmed. I believe that aligning with these cycles encourages self-growth and development.
Understanding The Venus Cycle & The Story of Inanna
The Venus Cycle
Venus, known as the planet of femininity, completes her cycle approximately every 19 months, which we can break down into three distinct parts:
Morning Star: Venus is visible in the sky.
Underworld Phase: Venus moves behind the Sun and disappears from view.
Rebirth: Venus reappears from behind the Sun, visible once again.
This cycle mirrors a journey of death and rebirth, much like a shamanic rite.
The Story of Inanna
The Venus cycle is deeply intertwined with the myth of Inanna. The story of Inanna, the Sumerian Queen of Heaven and Earth, is an ancient tale from Babylon, written around the third millennium B.C. The tale describes Inanna’s descent into the Underworld, ruled by her sister Ereshkigal, who mourns the loss of her husband.
Inanna decides to visit her sister in the Underworld despite their strained relationship. To enter, she must pass through seven gates, giving up her possessions and clothes at each one, ultimately arriving naked in the Underworld. There, her sister betrays and kills her. Before her descent, Inanna had instructed her servant Ninshubur to seek assistance if she did not return. Following these instructions, Ninshubur appeals to several gods for help. Inanna is resurrected when her body is sprinkled with the water and food of life. Though allowed to leave the Underworld, a replacement is demanded. With a heavy heart, Inanna chose her husband, Dumuzi. As a result, Dumuzi was bound to spend half of each year in the Underworld, returning to the living world for the other half. This arrangement echoed through the earth, marking the changing of the seasons with Dumuzi’s comings and goings.
Important Dates in the Current Venus Cycle
August 13, 2023: A new cycle begins in Leo, with Venus still hidden.
August 17, 2023: Venus reappears as the Morning Star, leaving the Underworld.
April 28, 2024: Venus starts her descent into the Underworld.
June 4, 2024: Venus and the Sun align in the sky.
July 10, 2024: Venus emerges, beginning her phase as an Evening Star and marking her rebirth.
March 22, 2025: The Leo Venus cycle concludes.
This cycle isn’t just an astronomical phenomenon; it's a powerful metaphor for transformation and renewal, particularly resonating with feminine energies.
Leo Venus Cycle 🦁
Venus rose as the Morning Star on August 19, 2023, marking the beginning of a vibrant new cycle in the sign of Leo. The planet of love stayed over four months in this sign, guiding us on a journey of radiant self-love and authenticity.
In this Venus cycle, the energies of Leo shine brightly, encouraging us to embrace radical self-love, self-worth, self-confidence, and self-acceptance. Leo, represented as the Queen archetype, teaches us to express ourselves boldly and unapologetically, to speak our truths, and to radiate confidence like the Sun.
This cycle is particularly significant for the empowerment of women, offering a chance to showcase our true selves, shine brightly, and embrace our fierceness with pride. As we move through this cycle, let's celebrate our inner strength and the beauty of being authentic. Let Venus in Leo inspire you to live freely and love yourself wholeheartedly.
To truly embrace the empowering energies of the Leo Venus cycle, it's a great time to engage in deep reflection. Here are some thought-provoking questions to help you connect with this celestial influence and allow its transformative power to enhance your life:
Shining your light: Where might you be dimming your light or keeping yourself small? Consider the areas in your life where you could shine brighter.
Authenticity: When do you feel your most authentic self, and how can you bring that authenticity into every area of your life?
Self-Love and acceptance: Do you fully love and accept yourself? If not, what steps can you take towards nurturing a more loving relationship with yourself?
Feeling confident: Reflect on the moments you feel most confident. What does that confidence feel like, and how can you cultivate it more regularly?
Speaking your truth: How often do you speak your truth? Think about ways you can more frequently express your true thoughts and feelings.
Even if you're just starting to think about these questions now, or if you began the cycle with similar reflections, it's a perfect time to revisit your thoughts and feelings. Regularly checking in with yourself can help you stay aligned with the transformative energy of Venus in Leo, fostering growth and self-discovery.
Exploring Shadow Work during Venus's Underworld Phase 🖤
Venus is currently in its "Underworld" phase, from April 28th until July 10th, during which it is invisible to us. Ancient civilizations believed that when planets like Venus disappeared over the horizon, they had entered the underworld. This period is considered one of transformation. We can either choose to dive into the Underworld with Venus, embracing this time for deep personal growth, or resist and remain unchanged. Surrendering to this process can help us change and let go of what no longer serves us, while resisting may leave us feeling stuck. This is an opportunity to reflect on our lives, consider who we want to become, and determine what changes are necessary to achieve that transformation.
What is Shadow Work?
Shadow work involves bringing to light the parts of ourselves that we have ignored or not accepted. It shines a light on these hidden aspects and asks, "What are you here to teach me?" Our shadow selves often emerge when we are triggered by others or struggling with our mental health. The first step is to become aware of and acknowledge these shadow parts. From there, we can transform these painful past experiences into greater understanding and perspective. Engaging with your shadow self means gathering these fragmented past pieces and holding them with compassion, releasing any associated negative feelings like shame or anger. Shadow work does not mean reliving past trauma or re-victimizing yourself. It's about healing and letting go when you're ready, not when you're still emotionally unstable. It's crucial to first check in with yourself to see if it's the right time for this work. The aim is to heal, not to re-traumatize yourself.
Shadow Work Exercise
Here are some journal prompts to help you start with shadow work. Journaling acts like a form of meditation, making these prompts powerful tools for gaining deep insights, healing, and releasing the subconscious impulses and reactions you’re ready to let go of.
Before you dive into these questions, create a comforting space for yourself. Ground yourself by feeling safe both in your space and in your body. You might like to light a candle, play some soft music, enjoy a cup of tea, and surround yourself with cozy items like cushions or blankets.
What are the stories you hold onto that no longer serve you?
What qualities in others annoy, irritate, or trigger you, and why?
Are there self-sabotaging behaviors you recognize that can be traced back to your childhood?
Who do you want to become, and what beliefs or habits are stopping you from being that person?
