A Venus Toolkit
A new podcast devoted to Venus, & links to other my other Aphrodite-related offerings to prepare you for the upcoming retrograde
You’ve probably heard folks talking about the upcoming Venus retrograde. I’m not one to fear retrogrades, because I think they offer us a chance to lean into a different fractal face of the cosmos and get to know other, less appreciated, facets of a deity. But, let’s face it, they sometimes can be bumpy. The planets appear to be “walking backwards” across the sky, which doesn’t exactly offer the best conditions for getting places in straight or smooth paths. So…
I’ve put together a little “All Things Venus” toolkit for you! As I mention in the podcast, I like to approach retrogrades by asking the planetary deity what THEY need or want from me. Often, the answer is super simple, and comes in the form of a nudge or inkling of desire—to take a walk and look at the flowers in bloom in my neighborhood, to paint a picture or write a poem, to simply stand outside and look at the stars. Perhaps listening to the podcast, taking the class, or reciting some of Sappho’s gorgeous poetry can be part of your devotional work. Whatever the case, I hope you enjoy these Venusian offerings!
Venus/Aphrodite Resources
This podcast episode on Venus, in conversation with Carmen Spagnola (IG: (at) CarmenSpagnola) of The Numinous Podcast. A great way to wet your feet in Aphrodite’s foamy waves.
FREE translations of Sappho’s two Hymns to Aphrodite (from previous posts, linked below). These may be new to those of you who are more recent subscribers. Reading Sappho is the best poetic way I know to feel myself embraced in Aphrodite’s lap.
Link to my pre-recorded class “Erotic Cosmos: The Orphic Hymns as Medicine for our Times,” which explored the themes I touch on in the podcast in more depth—specifically around Aphrodite’s cosmic dimension. Visuals and art really help us grasp just how revolutionary this Orphic material can be: for our own personal cosmology, our astrological/devotional practice, and for the crisis we’re facing as a planet right now. The class makes it super concrete and easy to understand, and would be a great way to dive deeper into Aphrodite’s arms during the retrograde.
Have fun exploring! (You know that’s what Venus would want for you.)
Yours in Earth and Starry Sky,
Kristin✨✨
