Cultivating a Relationship with Your Own Heart
Venus Retrograde is a period when Venus appears to be moving backward in its orbit, as observed from Earth. Metaphorically, it represents a time of introspection and reevaluation relating to love, relationships, values, and aesthetics.
Even if you don’t ‘believe in astrology’ – we can use the stars as a map to navigate our journey.
This period encourages us to reassess our relationships and values and reconsider what and who we love and how we express these sentiments. It’s a time to delve into the inner workings of our hearts and explore our deepest desires.
Somatic Self-Love is a methodology that encourages us to delve deeply into our bodies to explore, understand, and be with ourselves – even our emotional and psychological wounds. It is a practice that promotes love, acceptance, and compassion towards our entire being, focusing on the physical and emotional sensations that arise in the body.
During Venus Retrograde, practicing Somatic Self-Love can be particularly powerful. As we reassess our relationships and values, we may uncover neglected parts of ourselves that need compassion and love. The introspective energy of Venus Retrograde aligns perfectly with the self-exploration that Somatic Self-Love encourages.
During a Venus Retrograde, you might feel an increased need for self-care and introspection. Here’s a simple yet powerful Somatic Self-Love Ritual you can practice during this time to help you tune into your body, understand your emotions, and cultivate self-love.
Cultivating Inner Relationship with Your Own Heart: A Gentle Somatic Self-Love Ritual
Materials Needed:
- A quiet and comfortable space
- Comfortable clothing
- A journal and a pen
- Essential oils or incense (optional)
- Relaxing music (optional)
Steps:
- Prepare Your Space: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. You might want to light some incense or use essential oils to create a calming atmosphere. If you like, put on some soothing music.
- Grounding Exercise: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Feel your body connecting with the surface beneath you. Visualize roots extending from your body into the earth, grounding you and providing stability.
- Body Scan Meditation: Starting from the top of your head and moving down to your toes, slowly scan your body. Pay attention to any sensations, emotions, or thoughts that arise. Don’t judge or try to change these feelings; simply notice them and move on.
- Heart-Centered Breathing: Place your hand on your heart and imagine your breath flowing in and out of this space. As you inhale, visualize love and compassion filling your heart. As you exhale, imagine any pain or tension being released.
- Ask Your Heart to Express Desire: As you breathe gently with your heart in this way, see if you can become very still, notice and track your own heartbeat. And in this tender noticing, ask your heart for its desires. Whisper that you hear your heart and honor its wisdom.
- Affirmations: Close the ritual by saying some self-love affirmations out loud or in your mind. Some examples could be: “I am worthy of love and compassion,” “I listen to my body’s wisdom,” or “I honor my emotions and needs.”
- Closure: Take a few moments to thank yourself for taking this time for self-care. Slowly bring your awareness back to your surroundings and gently transition back into your day.
Remember, this ritual is not about achieving a specific outcome, but about deepening your relationship with yourself. Practice it as often as you need during Venus Retrograde, and let it guide you towards greater self-understanding and self-love.
So, as you navigate through this Venus Retrograde, take a moment to delve into your body and heart. Listen to your parts, offer them compassion and allow the practice of Somatic Self-Love to guide your journey towards inner healing and self-discovery.