What the direct/retrograde motion of Venus looks like

The new approach and insight in respect to the faster Venus and Mercury requires a really different perspective than the slower moving planets. One of the main adjustments puts the Earth's daily rotation at the service for telling what objects are to the left or right of the Sun.

After the observer has turned through the circle of illumination and the Sun is out of view, they see planets and stars to the left of the Sun whereas before they turn back through the circle of illumination at dawn, all celestial objects are to the right of the Sun. It is then easy to identify the beginning and end of an evening appearance of Venus (left) and the beginning and end of a morning appearance (right).

http://www.popastro.com/images/plane...ary%202012.jpg

Once this principle is adapted and to a large extent it really is,it is easy enough to apply the same principle to the Earth's orbital motion and setting up the Sun as a central reference for the transition of the stars from an evening to a morning appearance.

These things tell people about themselves so when they are faced with something beautiful and enchanting they discover whether they can be inspired and inspiring.