Astrological Venus: a measure of desire

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When we think of Astrological Venus, whether or not we have much experience with astrology, we probably think what? That men are from Mars and women are from Venus? Yeah, and? Well… Venus is the female symbol. Yes. What else? Venus is one of the brightest “stars” in the sky, occasionally rising before the Sun (as Phosphorus) and sometimes setting after it (as Hesperus), the morning and evening star respectively. Venus is apparently a very hot, dry planet if you were able to peek through its thick cloud cover. But now let’s change gears and look at the esoteric interpretation of it’s symbol.

What is the symbol of Venus? We see a circle representing the spirit, the unborn and the unceasing over a cross of the material (form) realm. In Isabel Hickey’s book, Astrology: A Cosmic Science, she indicates that this symbol shows the ultimate power of unconditional loving-kindness and limitless compassion (the circle) to overcome anything worldly (the cross), which is Venus in its highest manifestation. I would happen to agree here, but I don’t think many of us encounter Venus in such a pure, ego-free manner.

Personally, I think of Venus as being similar to the concept of Yin (versus Yang which may be more aligned with Mars). Yin is an Eastern concept for the essence that is fertile, receptive, yielding and fluid. It is a very slippery dynamic, one that I believe must be felt, experienced, embraced before we can gain a fuller understanding of its machinations.

But, despite ancient Hellenistic astrologers calling Venus the Lesser Benefic, what happens when we have too much Venus in our charts? What happens when we have multiple transits and progressions activating Venus (or we have personal planets that GET activated by Venus)? At that point, we get the chance, if we are ready, and if conditions are ripe, to see how our mind deals with desire.

During these times, there might be a romantic, passionate tryst. There might be overindulgence in sensual pleasures such as wine or chocolate or furs or Ritz Carltons, etc. But what happens when we pause in the midst of this desire? What happens if we break up with someone during one of these heavy-Venus-laden times? What happens if Uranus gets involved and we lose everything (temporarily) in the midst of Venusian yearnings?

That is where the rubber meets the road my friends. That is the true chance to practice contemplation and introspection. And at this, you might say, “DUHH!!” And rightfully so. But what happens when we unpack those feelings? What happens when we sit with the raw element of an unpacked emotion – such as fear, or vulnerability, or shame? Allowing it to sweep over us, whether it takes three hours or three days? Have we ever allowed ourselves the time to feel something until it is completely exhausted?

No? Well neither have I. But I wonder what is hidden beneath those luxurious layers of Venus’ silkily sensual satisfactions. What pearls and gems await our discovery? What is our hectic, busy, discursive mind afraid of our discovering? Oh how I wonder.

What do I mean by seeing how our mind deals with desire? Well, if we have the positive karma for it, during times of heavy Venus (or Jupiter, the Greater Benefic, for that matter), we will be faced with abundance – possibly a poverty of riches (to borrow a phrase). What do we do at that point? Do we fall in head first, drunk with pleasure and constantly want more? Or do we stick with what we know, what is stable and steady (and what is actually Saturnian and disciplined)? How can we find a balance? This is the test actually.

This constant desire for more brings up an anecdote: there was once a monk who happened to come across a great treasure – an enormous, perfect sapphire. This monk said to himself, “I am going to give this perfect gem to the poorest person in the land, because they need it more than anyone else.” So do you know who he ended up giving that gem to? Well, to the King of course, the only man in the kingdom who had everything, and who still wanted more.

To conclude, I do not think of Venus or Jupiter for that matter, and not even Saturn, as challenging influences in the astrological chart. I feel that certain astrological dynamics will reflect various situations in our lives where we may have too much of a good thing (Venusian or Jovial abundance). Then we are tested – are we content? Can we let go and enjoy just a taste? Do we yearn for more, having tasted a little bliss, lusting ever further?

If you go back through my previous Spiritual Astrology posts, you will discover at least one post on the benefits of astrological Saturn. And here, I paint an abundantly-strained picture of what happens with too much of anything, even too much of a good thing. If and when you come across a really really good year (which probably has Venus and / or Jupiter functioning behind the scenes) what do you choose? Balance or excess indulgence? It is certainly possible, although for many of us, it can come as such a surprise that it catches us off guard. This is where a good coach or teacher can come in handy – reflecting our situations back to us, suggesting moderation and sticking with wise choices.

So yes, I suggest vigilance and mindful awareness even in the midst of positive transits. You might even say, especially in the midst of these blessed aspects. Keep alert to all the little tricks your discursive mind can play and then you will be on your way to equanimity and the middle way.

This was written by Spiritual Astrology Kirby Moore, an ordinary human being whose mind continues to amaze and surprise him with its layers of attachment and aversion. Thanks for reading.