Venus has been in ardent Aires since February 3, 2009. Usually Venus is in a sign for about 30 days, but this year it has an extended stay in Aires, as it went retrograde on Friday, March 6 through April 17th, when it will go stationary direct at at 29 degrees in Pisces. It moves back into Aires  on April 24 through June 5. So, with the exception of a 12 day period during the middle of April, Venus will have a 4 month stay in Aires this spring!
 
Aires is the first sign of the zodiac representing the self, and when Venus enters Aires our desire and love nature intensifies and we can feel more aggressive in the pursuit of love, fun and entertainment. We may also become more self centered or more interested in  seeking self gratification without taking the other person's feelings into account.With a retrograde Venus in Aires, we will get down to the nitty gritty of what it takes to make ourselves truly happy in the love department. In that respect we are searching our own feelings for that which makes us happy in a relationship. 
 
A retrograde Venus can bring back former loves from the past and we can reconnect with people from the past. Matters pertaining to money and love tend to slow down, and sometimes relationships can end, or take a turn for the worse, to regain a better perspective when Venus goes direct. A Venus retrograde is definitely  NOT the time to get married, become engaged, or make major financial purchases, undertake plastic surgery or any other extensive beautification process, or make major art or jewelry purchases, unless you absolutely certain of what you are getting.New relationships that begin under a retrograde will have to withstand the test of time when Venus goes direct, as at that time the energy will change again. Some astrologers believe that a love relationship started under a retrograde Venus will suffer or be restrained in the love energy that is usually expressed.
 
What I refer to as 'karmic drama' often plays out during a retrograde Venus.  If your relationship has been suffering, and you feel that you are not meant to be with the person you are with, sometimes the relationship may end, or an new one may begin.  As the love energy slows down, relationships may slow down to some degree, and we will become more acutely aware of the state our relationship is in--good or bad. If you are in a committed relationship that is in good shape, you will probably hardly notice the retrograde. If you are in a difficult relationship, further issues may arise.
 
April 24th begins a lucky period for Aires, as both Venus and Mars will be together in Aires from that date until May 31, 2009. All fire and air signs can benefit in terms of meeting significant others in their life at this time.. The significance of Venus and Mars being in the same sign is that it increases the possibility of meeting a true love if it is in your sign, or compatible with your Sun sign..It is rare occurrence to have Venus and Mars in your sign and sometimes it is years before occurs. Sagittarius is  especially affected as well, (Venus and Mars are in the 5th house of love affairs) during this period. Mars and Venus will not be together again in Aires until 4/22/11, 3/23/13, and 4/1/15.