There aren’t any major aspects this week, so I thought it might be worth checking in on a couple of longer cycles.
Right now Venus is retrograde in Capricorn (until January 30). The exact part of Capricorn which Venus moves backwards through is 13 – 28 degrees. If you have planets or chart points in this part of the Zodiac you’ll be directly influenced by Venus retrograde.
Venus retrograde is a rather special cycle. As mentioned in this post, it does correlate to the 40 days/40nights concept, that of spending this amount of time in retreat, or reflection.
Given that a retrograde is about going back over the past, Venus retrograde can mean going back over your love past. This can be easy or hard, depending on what memories or experiences you have tucked away in the back of your romantic closet.
Another way to personalise this Venus retrograde is to consider the house in your birth chart that Venus is reversing through. If Venus is Rx in your 10th House of Career, this may be a time of slowing down, dealing with delays or reviewing your plans where work is concerned.
Another ongoing cycle is that of Mars in Libra. Mars is slowing down, in anticipation of his retrograde (starting 
March 2). Mars in Libra fights for peace, which sounds confusing. And in truth there is some confusion here – between the independent energy of Mars and the diplomatic, compromising approach of Libra.
But Mars in Libra can also stand up for inequality, and highlights the value in working together. Libra offers sweetness, like honey, to help Mars attract support for his cause. You too may find ‘honey’ helpful, especially if negotiating.
Again, you can personalise the cycle of Mars through identifying the house in your horoscope that’s ruled by Libra. That’s where the ongoing Mars cycle happens. However, you might also find it useful to consider the houses ruled by Mars – these are the houses that have Aries and Scorpio (Mars’ signs) on the cusp. These are secondary areas of life that are likely to be slowed down through Mars retrograde (early March – late May).
Over to you. What are Venus and Mars activating in your chart?