This year is all about coming to terms with what you really want in love and in relationships. This may mean being brutally honest with yourself, it may mean speaking up for yourself in your relationships, and it may mean giving (and asking) more that you have in the past. This honest assessment is due to Venus (love) and Saturn (structure) making three dramatic conjunctions this year: July 1, August 13 and October 13. That means this year there's no way to hang back without forethought and just passively letting things unfold.
The theme up to the first few days of July is being clear on what you want, what you're getting and what you're not getting from love. The questions that will bedevil you from the second week in July 'til mid- August will be about what you want and are/are not getting in love relationships. From the end of August through the middle of October you'll be considering whether to commit or to take your leave from a love relationship.
If you're single, you'll need to review how you've behaved in your past relationships and how to move forward differently as opportunities in love arise. If you're attached, you'll be reviewing the best and the worst of your relationship, your own behavior in it, and your ultimate commitment to it.
These are heavy questions, but the outcome in all scenarios is very positive, if you'll focus on the process of being honest and clear with yourself in respect to these issues. This is especially true during Venus' retrograde from July 27 through September 8. As you may know, retrogrades demand a revisiting, reviewing and renewing of the issues symbolized by the planet. In this case, it's Venus, so you'd be well advised to take advantage of the astrological forces of the retrograde to get the best results. In other words, review your love life and you'll learn a great deal, avoid it and you'll pay for it.
Saturn is the hard taskmaster of the zodiac, insisting on reality, plans and process; and with him and Venus conspiring together there's no avoiding paying attention to the realities of your relationships this year. The silver lining to all this is that you'll emerge from this year very clear on what you want from relationships and well equipped to bring that into physical manifestation, no matter what your current situation.
First, mark the above dates on your calendar. Then read below to understand how these powerful themes will play out for you personally:
Aries
You're always in a hurry, always wanting things to come to fruition quickly. Well, dear Aries, Saturn and Venus are going to force you to take a good long look into your love life. Are you getting what you want and need? Are you giving what's necessary? Whether you're single or attached, you've got some tough questions to answer before you can move towards your happiness. Saturn may seem hard-hearted forcing the issue like this, but he's determined to get you on the path towards fulfillment and that can only come from dealing with the truth.
Taurus
You love the status quo, even if things aren't nearly as good as they could be. Well, like it or not, you're going to have to be scrupulously honest about yourself, about your desires for love, about your love relationship. This means asking and answering some tough questions - when you don't feel like rocking the boat. Gird your loins and work out these questions as they arise and you'll be much happier for it. So too will your love because you'll be operating from a hard won position of truth and strength - and that's very sexy.
Gemini
You're naturally mentally active and this year, happily, movement is the key to your happiness in love. If you're single, go out and have fun whenever the opportunity presents itself; there are romantic possibilities galore. If you're attached go and have fun with your beloved, whether dancing, drinking or traveling you'll learn a lot about each other from being out and about. As the year unfolds, you'll find your truth; your heart will speak to you if you focus on being honest with yourself about love and what you want. This year will be one to remember if you stay true to your heart.
Cancer
If you've been turning away potential suitors because of dreamily unrealistic romantic ideas, or feeling dissatisfied with your partner compared with Prince Charming, this year is all about bringing some reality into your love life. It's about learning the difference between positive hopes and aspirations and destructive unrealistic ideals. It's always a bit sad to let go of protective, unrealistic dreams but the happiness found in a real, mature love is worth this minor, insignificant loss. This year you can help this process by being willing to ask yourself some hard questions about your ideas and ideals around love. Do it and you'll literally have the love you've always wanted - a real, steadfast love, not an illusion or a fantasy.
Leo
Lucky Leo! This year all you have to do is follow your heart, be truthful with yourself about what you want in love and act on it. While for other sun signs this clarity can be painful, you've got the support of the heavens in your corner. For 2007, resolve to enjoy yourself, to be open and generous and to share the fruits of your happiness with your love. What a stellar year this should be for you and your lover(s).
Virgo
Dear, sweet, worried Virgo. How you'd prefer to have your love life steady without surprises. It'll be an exciting year; it'll be a surprising year; but it won't be a predictable year. You'll have to keep asking yourself what you want from love all this year, and as the story twists and turns you'll see more and more clearly what you have. Look out for unrealized resources in yourself, a new or current relationship. As the year ends you'll have achieved a great deal and be ready to enter a new chapter, either with your tried and true love or a new love.
Click here to see what Venus holds for the second half of the zodiac....