Venus in the Fire
The Transformation of Love, Power, and Desire
In every profound transformation, there comes a critical juncture where reality reveals itself in stark clarity. This is not merely a gentle unfolding of self-awareness, nor is it the idealised metamorphosis often portrayed in spiritual literature. Rather, it is the pivotal moment of fundamental change.
This moment represents Dissolution—the sixth stage of the alchemical process, wherein consciousness still resists, even as transformation proceeds inexorably.
Venus currently occupies this position. Many of us find ourselves confronting the dissolution of our illusions.
What we are experiencing is the conflict between fantasy and reality, between lingering attachments to the past and the emerging framework of our future. Many of us, before this point, may have felt that they had finally achieved an important milestone in their work, their health, their relationship or their home. However, this stage is forcing us to ask deeper questions that intend to burn away any leftover veils of disillusion or any denial of reality.
Venus retrograde in Aries is not a passive, contemplative transit. It functions as a catalyst for necessary endings. It illuminates the underlying fractures in our relationships, sexual expression, and sense of self-worth with undeniable clarity. What we previously rationalised as potential now stands revealed as fundamental misalignment.
Thus, we must inquire: What requires release? What connections must be severed? What patterns must we finally relinquish? What am I still not seeing clearly or justifying needlessly?
Dissolution: The Confrontation Between Illusion and Truth
The Dissolution stage represents a profound restructuring. It manifests as the moment when:
One recognises that a relationship was built upon projection rather than authentic connection.
One discovers that presumed autonomy was actually entangled in external validation.
One acknowledges that financial and energetic resources have been directed toward misaligned relationships, self-doubt, and undervalued contributions.
This represents the final resistance before complete transformation.
The mind attempts rationalisation:
"Perhaps this situation can still be salvaged."
"With patience, circumstances might improve."
"Eventually, they may recognise my value."
Dissolution Manifested: Alchemical Transformation in Contemporary Experience
To comprehend this stage fully, we must examine its manifestation across domains of intimacy, sexuality, and personal sovereignty.
1. The Deconstruction of Romantic Illusion
A defining characteristic of Dissolution is the deconstruction of false narratives surrounding love. This may present as:
Someone recognising that their former partner/lover remains attached to an idealised version of their relationship that never truly existed.
Someone realising that a former romantic interest never perceived their authentic self, but rather valued them for utilitarian purposes.
The recognition that what one believed to be a profound spiritual connection was actually a pattern of mutual dependency.
Realising that wealth and income are still not reflective of the amount of effort one pours into their work and profession.
At this juncture, reality becomes undeniable. The time for potential, for waiting, for someday has concluded.
2. Reclamation of Authentic Sexual Expression
The Kemetic Netter Amsu, the archetypal representation of sexual vitality, regeneration, and initiation, emerges as a significant archetypal symbol in this process:
Sexual energy requires liberation from unhealthy attachments.
Desire must be redirected from depletion toward creation.
The physical self must be honoured as sacred, not as a vessel for unworthy connections.
In practical terms, this manifests as:
Terminating relationships with partners who have taken without reciprocity.
Identifying where sexual energy has been invested in fantasy rather than authentic connection and creation.
Releasing the misconception that being desired equates to being valued.
Amsu reminds us: Sexual energy constitutes life force. When it flows toward unworthy recipients or purposes, personal power diminishes accordingly.
3. Restructuring of Financial and Creative Foundations
Dissolution extends beyond interpersonal relationships to dismantle unsustainable financial paradigms.
Sesheta, the archetypal representation of structure, documentation, and cosmic design, provides the second significant symbol in this context. She reveals:
Failing financial structures were inherently unsustainable from their inception.
Patterns of excessive giving, undervaluation, or dependence on unreliable support systems require immediate attention.
Work that does not receive appropriate compensation necessitates an entirely new approach to abundance.
Many individuals currently witness the collapse of presumed financial security. What appeared stable has revealed its impermanence.
This does not represent punishment but rather imperative: Create systems of support and abundance that cannot be externally compromised.
The Imperative of Dissolution: Conscious Release or Forced Detachment
Dissolution represents a threshold moment—a space where one maintains consciousness while foundations shift beneath.
The choice becomes evident:
Will you release attachments voluntarily, or resist until forced to relinquish them?
Will you sever remaining connections intentionally, or experience their forcible removal?
Will you emerge from this process as a sovereign individual, or remain tethered to outdated paradigms?
The process of transformation continues regardless of resistance. The previous paradigm is already dissolving. The question becomes whether you will participate consciously in your rebirth or remain attached to what must necessarily pass away.
The upcoming full moon on 14th March holds much promise as the Sun and Saturn trine Mars and Uranus trines the Moon. This is the energy of decisive action, structural transformation, and a radical shift toward true sovereignty. This is the path Venus is walking through her retrograde journey. Despite being in the Underworld, the cosmos is conspiring to bring her back into Aries at a new threshold of mastery and greatness. The time for reflection is now: between where you and your desires are now and where you’d like them to be, what is this gap telling you? What decisions need to be made? What baggage need to be dropped? What new habits must be committed to?
Conclusion: Transformation Precedes Revelation
For those experiencing this stage, understand that deconstruction precedes reconstruction of authentic identity.
Allow the dissolution. Accept the transformation. Permit the collapse of unsustainable structures.
What follows is Albedo—the phase where only essential truth remains.
This is where authentic power emerges.
Journaling Questions to Support You
I recommend that you attempt answering these questions in your journal either first thing in the morning or just before you go to sleep. Light a candle, have a glass of water nearby and set a powerful intention to allow your thoughts to flow:
1. What relationships, attachments, or beliefs am I still holding onto that are already dead? Where am I resisting their burial, and why?
2. Who or what still holds access to my sexual, emotional, or creative energy? Where do I still unconsciously allow others to siphon my power?
3. Where in my financial or creative life am I seeing the collapse of outdated structures? What system do I need to build that will guarantee true stability and sovereignty?
4. What story about myself, love, power, or success am I still clinging to, even though I know it no longer serves me?
5. This Full Moon is a turning point. What is one definitive action I will take to step into my new reality, fully severing ties with the past?
Continue This Exploration Through "Sultry & Sacred: The Art of Intimacy"
This alchemical process transcends intellectual understanding—it demands lived experience. On the podcast "Sultry & Sacred," we explore the practical manifestation of this transformation within relationships, sexuality, self-worth, and personal sovereignty.
Listen to "Sultry & Sacred" for deeper insights.
Though we’ve launched our first episode, How to Talk About Sex: East vs. West, less than a week ago, the response has been phenomenal. My cohost and I are cutting through the dense shadows where many podcasters and experts fall short. Sultry and Sacred is decolonising sex and relationships from hegemonic, patriarchal ideals, shaking off the focus on the performative aspects of sexuality and weaving in the spiritual dimension to fully understand how our erotic and sexual energies operate through us. Which could not be more timely with the Venusian retrograde where we are being asked to go towards.
Standby for the launch of the following episodes in the next 4 weeks:
6th March: The Real Love Languages
13th March: Understanding Attachment Theory in the Bedroom
20th March: How to Repair After Rupture
27th March: The Wildest Sex Myths Busted
Our podcast is still a baby but we have high hopes for it. We only get better each week but no matter how good we get, we cannot reach those who need it the most without your help. Please, please subscribe to our various channels (YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, Apple Podcasts), leave us a a review or feedback and email us any questions or suggestions for improvement. This podcast was made for you and we are pouring so much love into it. We hope it will be received in the same energy.
