Venus stations retrograde on 3 October 2026 conjunct Mercury in the first decan of tropical Scorpio near the fixed star Khambalia (Lambda Virginis), the left foot of the celestial Maiden. Venus will station direct on 14 November 2026 in Libra III conjunct the fixed star Spica (Alpha Virginis), the Star of Prosperity and the Unarmed One. The constellation of Virgo holds ancient associations with deities of harvest and abundance, justice and retribution. The Eleusinian mystery rites of the autumnal equinox were timed to the dance of these stars, signaling the descent of Persephone into Hades and the initiation into the darkest months. Tropical Scorpio I confronts us with fleeting pleasures, hungry ghosts and the tolls of insatiability, while Libra III demands a reckoning at the crossroads and the restoration of harmonic stability.

Virgo is also the second largest constellation after Hydra. As a significant portion of the zodiac, the stars of Virgo are important for understanding why both the sidereal and tropical zodiacs were calculated as the even thirty degree divisions of the ecliptic. In our weekly gatherings we will discuss these topics by considering both the tropical alongside the sidereal in relation to Venus’ transit through the planet’s retrograde and Morning Rise.

The current synodic cycle began with Venus in Aries on 23 March 2025 and ends with Venus in Scorpio on 23 October 2026. Both Aries and Scorpio answer to Mars, and Venus in these martial signs grants a particular strength to her nature. In these signs of her banishment, Venus represents our most marginalized members of society: trans, nonbinary, queer folk, women, sex workers, people on the fringes of society, migrants under threat of deportation and death, the state-less and those living in exile, non-conforming artists who have no choice but to breathe ingenuity, and relationships that struggle to be categorized. While challenging, Venus in the nocturnal temple of Mars still holds dignity by triplicity. Venus in Scorpio is relentless in her devotion, finding beauty in decay, light in darkness, and power in the monstrous feminine.

What can Venus descending into the Underworld to meet with her sister Ereshkigal teach us about responding to the times we are living? Venus makes her final Star Point in tropical Scorpio this October. From 2030 onwards, Venus will begin dancing along the Libra Star Point, perhaps reflecting the movement to reinstate balance in a collapsing patriarchal social order. What does Venus reflect within our communities? How do we protect and take care of one another? Grief-work and death-work are intricately tied to community care and loving. Love, peace and equinimity are impossible without Justice. Justice is impossible without Repair. Repair happens through acceptance of responsibility. Through the sacrifices Ishtar makes in surrendering power to her sister and queen of the Underworld, Venus retrograde teaches us about true power and how to transform through death and rebirth by the restoration of cosmic order.

Venus retrogrades are the ending and beginning of new cycles. Ishtar’s death and resurrection. Join us in this astral-alchemical container to cultivate a community of compassion, resilience and empowerment by tapping into our collective power through ritual practice and the celestial wisdom we carry in our earthly embodiment.

Natalya Alas guides us through the astrological transits, lunar stations and fixed stars of Venus and Mercury retrogrades, providing a safe space to address remediations or reinforcements on an individual basis for each participant. We will cover alchemical concepts, plant medicine, folk magic and other spirit-remedial measures.

Nadia Betkoucharleads us through the Seven Gates of Kur, the ancient Mesopotamian underworld, by a series of guided meditations. We will explore this sacred ancestral cosmology through contemplative reflection and somatic practices to unlock our alchemical relationship with the Queen of Heaven and the Queen of the Underworld. 

WHO THIS IS FOR:

Anyone interested in learning more about the astronomy, astrology and cross-cultural mythos of Venus. Anyone processing heart-break, death or loss who is also seeking practical tools for integrating the changes and inevitable grief that arises through expected or unexpected life changes. Anyone looking for a safe container to hold space during challenging times. Open to all genders and levels of experience.

DETAILS:

• Dates: Every Monday and Friday in October (2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30) with a final integration session on Friday 13 November 2026

• Time: 20:30 UTC (21:30 BST / 1:30PM PDT / 4:30PM EDT)

• Cost: (10 sessions total + guidebook)

  FULL RATE is $240 USD

  DISCOUNT RATE is $140 USD UNTIL 4 SEPTEMBER 2026 with code CROWN2026

  PAYMENT PLANs available for those who qualify. Please contact natalya@orphicastrology.com to arrange payment installments.

*Every registrant will receive an invitation to our private space on the Orphic Astrology Mighty Network where they can access our guidebook along with the recordings for each meditation and session.

SCHEDULE:

• 2 Oct Fri - Introduction & Astrology Overview; Meditation at the 1st Gate

• 5 Oct Mon - Venus in Myth & Archetype: Cross Cultural Perspectives; Meditation at the 2nd Gate

• 9 Oct Fri - In the Garden of Ishtar & Ereshkigal: Plant Medicine for Venus Retrograde, Part 1; Meditation at the 3rd Gate

• 12 Oct Mon - Astrology Weekly Overview & Starlore; Meditation at the 4th Gate

• 16 Oct Fri - In the Garden of Ishtar & Ereshkigal: Plant Medicine for Venus Retrograde, Part 2; Meditation at the 5th Gate

• 19 Oct Mon - Astrology Weekly Overview & Starlore; Meditation at the 6th Gate (preparation for Venus Evening Setting)

• 23 Oct Fri - In the Garden of Ishtar & Ereshkigal: Plant Medicine for Venus Retrograde, Part 3; Meditation at the 7th Gate (preparation for Venus Cazimi)

• 26 Oct Mon - Astrology Weekly Overview & Starlore; The Shift in Venus Star Points

• 30 Oct Fri - In the Garden of Ishtar & Ereshkigal: Plant Medicine for Venus Retrograde, Part 4; Venusian theurgy, ritual hygiene and protocol (preparation for Venus Morning Rise)

• 13 Nov Fri - Final Gathering & Integration (preparation for Venus Direct)

*Each gathering will hold space for sharing & discussion

REGISTER: