Venus, the planet of love and beauty (among other things), is retrograde from 7 March until 18 April. (For more info, you might like to sign up for my free monthly newsletter and 2009 forecast.)

Some may overhaul their looks (hello, Katie Holmes), others may split up, some do both, many perfectly happy couples discuss old romantic issues that have not yet been resolved, while yet others may hear from exes (Rihanna, just run, girl), the Venus retrograde period is a great time to go through your garage, attic, junk room or third drawer for romantic gifts from old lovers which no longer need a place in your house – or your heart.

Without telling her anything, a feng shui consultant went through my house and correctly identified birthday gifts had been given to me by exes (no idea how she did it), other things I’ve kept that are not my taste (but felt too rude to throw out), and/or which had painful memories for me. She suggested I get rid of those things to have a new start. She pointed out that after a couple of years, hardly anyone can remember what they’ve given someone as a gift, so not to worry if it’s not on display when they visit. And hey, if they never visit…get rid of it.

The biggest romantic “reminder” has been a pine chest of drawers that I painted in a gloss enamel zebra-print pattern to occupy myself after breaking up with a long-term boyfriend some years ago. It has been a key piece of bedroom furniture and because it’s been perfectly useful and I’m kinda sentimental, I couldn’t bear to throw it away.

But I re-read her notes on the weekend of the 7th (when Venus went retrograde), and it suddenly seemed OK to part company with it.

Romantic gifts, like very pretty jewellery that another ex gave me – ah, well that’s next on the list. When I can bring myself to sell them or give them away…

When I read Prince William finds Mothers Day empty following the death of his mum, fellow Cancerian Princess Diana in 1997, I first thought, “poor guy”, then, “Mmmm, he is a Cancer with his Moon and North Node conjunct in Cancer, so no wonder” and then, “I had no idea Mothers Day was in March in the UK”. 

Mothers Day falls on 22 March in the UK (if I lived in the UK, I would definitely give my mum this as a Mothers Day gift!) while for the majority of countries it falls this year on 10 May.

Cancer IS the sign of home and family so Mothers Day would be a bit of a shocker day for him – every year. It’s interesting that his long-time girlfriend, Kate Middleton, also has Moon in Cancer (when people have the same Moon sign as you, you naturally feel right “at home” with them), and Prince Charles’ wife (and long-time secret lover) Camilla, is also a Cancer.

William and Kate are peas in a pod. They share Moon and North Node in Cancer, and Mars, Saturn and Pluto in Libra which points to some “interesting” times for their relationship in November-December 2010, September -November 2011, and June-July 2012 when William and then Kate undergoes their Saturn return.

They also have a pretty dynamic pair of aspects, Venus trine Mars, and Mars conjunct Mars, in their relationship, which makes for an irresistible tie. Sex is pretty hot! So if for any reason, Queen Elizabeth says he can’t marry her, William might just do what his Dad did, and see her regardless of whom he marries.

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Well, not by me but by the US gurus in the wedding industry. These are the predicted hot trends for weddings for 2009:

* Smaller weddings with fewer guests (great for ultra-private Scorpios or for Leos wanting to make an impact for the same money)

* Destination weddings (music to the ears of a Sagittarius) or destination type weddings closer to home (ideal for Cancerians)

* Accent colours on dresses and cakes with the most popular being greens and blues (those sea-greens are often beloved by Pisces)

* Increased reliance on family and friends to help plan, pay, and provide some of the services (money-minded Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn wouldn’t hesitate to get people to chip in or help in some way)

* Increased use of green and eco-friendly products and services (this will probably appeal to the Aquarians)

* Simplified decorations, centrepieces and wedding invitations (Virgo usually can’t bear fussiness and prefers clean and simple)

* Increased use of online RSVPs vs. traditional mail-in RSVPs (could appeal to communication-crazy Geminis or Aries wanting to know the answer NOW)

* Off-peak weddings: mornings, afternoons, Fridays, Sundays, not in March etc – great for Aquarians wanting to be different or Scorpios who don’t want the hordes looking on

* Buffet meals, hors d’oeuvre, and cocktail receptions (Both Aries and Geminis don’t like to sit around all night at a meal so this could be ideal while Librans do like elegant cocktail parties)

* Cheesecakes, cupcakes and miniature cakes (line up, line up Taurus and Libra – the sweet tooths of the zodiac)

* All-inclusive packages (the earth signs again – keeping an eye on budgets).

Whether you’ve been married for absolute ages or less than 3 years, please fill in our quick, fun anniversary gifts survey. How do you celebrate your annivesary? Do you go away? Did you get married on Valentines Day or your partner’s birthday? Have you ever forgotten your anniversary? Let us know of some of the more interesting anniversary gifts you’ve given – or received!

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, March is the most popular month for weddings. It’s past the downpours of January and February, Christmas craziness in December, and it’s still beautifully warm. So if you’ve got a wedding to attend and you’re trying to decide what to get them from their wedding list – or something not on the gift registry at all, here is a quick rundown to what the bride might like according to her Sun sign. Yeah, well, it’s an unusual groom who is terribly interested what is being put on the gift list…

Aries – buy them an adrenalin-pumping experience – parachuting, scuba diving, flying a helicopter, rally driving etc. Anything that makes them scream with excitement and generates a bit of sexy competition with the groom…

Taurus – they really love their food so a gourmet hamper would be great. Music soothes their soul as does something to do with the garden – a pair of topiary trees or perhaps a beautiful wire or stone wall sconce to provide candlelit dinners outside?

Gemini – they love their books and communication devices. What about a truly beautiful coffee table book? Or coffee table? Some Geminis might be excited to get a new laptop, mobile or iPod.

Cancer – these lovely homebodies really love their house. A snugly cashmere throw, a stunning framed photograph of their family or something to do with cooking – a large Le Creuset baking dish? – could do the trick.

Leo – they love glamour and often imagine themselves as a movie star ready for their close-up. Most Leos love mirrored items so a mirrored jewellery box could be ideal. A leather-bound guest book for the hallway? A couple’s glamour photography shoot?

Virgo – health and work are two of their twin loves. If your budget runs to it, a treadmill would be fantastic. They also appreciate self-help books. They also love a tidy house – what about going in with others on a professional cleaner?

Libra – these guys are the original romance junkies. They can never have too many candelabras, crystal cut vases, or chandeliers to set the mood. Or what about a year’s supply of fresh flowers delivered weekly?

Scorpio – these sexy sorts are notoriously private about their private lives (a home safe could be a cracker of a gift) but a set of exquisite Egyptian cotton sheets could be highly appreciated. A video camera to make um, home movies?

Sagittarius – if they requested no gifts, but money towards their honeymoon instead, I wouldn’t be surprised – Saggies lurrve their travel. Think about a set of Lonely Planet books to destinations they’ve long craved to visit, binoculars, snazzy backpacks or other travel accessories. Go on, give them a gift voucher for Virgin Blue.

Capricorn – keen on their careers and being a pillar of society, they want “establishment” items. If you buy only one thing, make it the very best, but not bling-y. Antiques often go down well.

Aquarius – their friends are their family so think about things that make it easy to have friends over all the time – it could be of those outdoor mushroom heaters you see at bars, a cool BBQ set or what about a great iPod docking station? Those with a humanitarian bent could appreciate a wedding gift whose purchase helps a Third World community.

Pisces – Mystical, musical and/or movie-mad – any of these interests are things Pisces usually likes. Give them a thumping great set of speakers and sub-woofers, a feng shui consultant for their home or what about a boxed DVD set of their favourite movie stars.