VENUS

The clamshell used to depict Venus is in reference to the famous painting of Venus's birth by Botticelli. Venus was born out of conflict, at least mythologically. Cronus castrated his father Ouranous, and then threw his genitals into the sea. From the foam, Venus was born. How can her origin story help us understand the archetype connected to the goddess?

At the time of this posting (October 2025), we just had a Venus opposite Saturn transit in the sky. Then Venus came into Libra, a sign she rules, so essentially a homecoming. After that, she opposed Neptune. So these transits may help us understand Venus's orgin story in some way. Cronus is often connected with Saturn. He crastrated his father's genitals and threw them into the sea, which has to do with Neptune (also Venus in Pisces is in her exaltation). What does all of that mean though?

Consider some questions: Where are relationships reflecting back responsibility and commitments? Are they feeling solid and supportive or more like a burden or maybe even lonely or isolated? Those questions could be connected to the Venus/Saturn dynamic. Venus and Neptune may remind us to bring vulnerability to the table when we look at all our relationships. Is there a sense of gentleness and receptivity? Do we have our rose-colored glasses on? Are we missing the signs that show a co-dependency or boundaries being crossed? What is dissolving? We could also feel the acceptance and grace we need after having some kind of conflict. Look at what is underneath all your connections. What is driving you to seek these relationships?

As an archetype, Venus is connected to love, relationship, beauty, value, worth, and aesthetics, to name a few. Our desire and love nature is complex, it's not one simple thing you can narrow it down to. Let's start by focusing on what you desire? What feels like a siren's call? If you've read any mythology you know that the Sirens were women who sang beautiful songs that acted as a lure to sailors that usually brought them to their death. That doesn't sound so Venusian when we think about desire or what we are seeking when it comes to connection, friendship, intimacy, beauty and art. But, it is a reminder to look at what you are drawn to and whether it brings you a sense of connection or conversely, leaves you feeling "wrecked".

Venus wants us to consider love, harmony, beauty, creativity, and aesthetically pleasing experiences--everything sensual or opens us up to the senses. It's way more than connecting on a human level. How does nature speak to you? What animals are you attracted to and why? What creative processes connects you to the flow? What senses are you most attuned to? How does that bring you comfort and support? If you're trying to connect to the Venusian principle, contemplate whether it's through music, the arts, food, nature, books, people, conversation, intimacy and the like.

Venus rules the signs Libra and Taurus and is exalted in Pisces. What do these signs offer to deepen our understanding of Venus? In Libra we learn the importance of communication, diplomacy, and tact. Taurus may encourage us to enjoy and explore the senses, and like the oxen in the field, who are you yolked to? How does having a partner help you reach your goals? Pisces can remind us to immerse and surround ourselves with grace, love, and compassion. Where are your Taurus, Libra, and Pisces houses? How can Venus offer some succor to these areas of life? But, in general, how does love, peace, equanimity, and connection bring us contentment and perhaps closer to our loved ones?