I have never really understood why the “Rx” symbol, which has been used for hundreds of years in medicine as shorthand for “recipe” (i.e. prescription), is used to abbreviate Retrograde in astrology.  I suppose in medical astrology it might make sense. It is generally inadvisable to undergo any major surgery (particularly cosmetic) during a Venus Retrograde.

Since Venus stations retrograde (or seemingly transits backwards) every 18 months for about 6 weeks, it usually feels pretty significant here on Earth. People are often warned: “your relationship will probably end during this Venus Rx”, which isn’t often the case; however, it is often the case that issues surrounding love and finances are placed under greater scrutiny.

But what if you were born during a Venus Retrograde? How does that affect you?

Only about 7-8% of the population are born with Venus Rx. Being born at a time when Venus is slowly making its “descent” will feel like a permanent transit for the rest of one’s life. Not to sound overly dramatic. Similar to being born with Mercury Rx, there is a feeling of being blocked or held back in relationships; a hesitancy. Sometimes fear.

I was recently looking up the Venus Rx ephemeris for the last 100 years and discovered some friends and loved ones who have it that I somehow missed. It explains a lot.

Every single one of them has these things in common: a tender form of kindness, extreme sensitivity, trust issues, difficulty expressing feelings, frequent introspection, disinterest in small talk, serious about relationships, self-critical, care a great deal about money (is there enough?), express affection with gifts rather than vulnerability, have very deep feelings that are more easily expressed creatively, crave and enjoy solitude, use humor as a default, dramatic, excessively busy (either to ensure that they have enough money or to not have time to ruminate on feelings).

All of them are very dear to me but have often left it up to me to reach out. I have much greater insight now into these people I love. I understand now that their struggles are deeper than I realized.

All of them also happen to be immensely talented at one or more creative things. Most are musicians but a few are photographers and visual artists.

There is also a theory that those born with Venus Rx are carrying past life trauma. I understand how the nodal axis informs past lives but I need to do more research on Venus Rx in this regard.

In that vein, however, I imagine because these dark nights of the soul for these natives seem to come from a strange and illusory place, past life experiences could be indicated. Though I do think having planets in the 8th house can have a similar effect. What is lurking under the surface? The Venus Rx native can feel that something isn’t right.

Sadness, guilt and disappointment are feelings they contend with – and they often don’t come from a rational place.  Sometimes, unrequited love becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy when the native is too scared or too paranoid to reveal their feelings. Depression is an issue as well.

I will say that my Rx friends are close to me in age, so I’ve witnessed them let go of situations that might have sent them into a tailspin in their younger years. In other words, it gets easier.  One of them is happily married and has been for many years. It is certainly possible for these natives to have longterm, meaningful relationships.

If you’ve read my post on “Venus and Hell”, then you know how for thousands of years humans have created mythologies around Venus’s descent in to the Underworld. If you get a chance, google the work of astrologer Nick Dagan Best and his research on Venus Rx.