Venus

Venus is the Goddess of Love. In Astrology, Venus has dual rulership over Libra and Taurus. As a result, Venus represents two main areas of our life: love and money.

"Love and money" is actually a simplistic interpretation of Venus. Venus rules our sentiments, what we value, and the pleasure we take in life. Grace, charm, and beauty are all ruled by Venus. Through Venus, we learn about our tastes, pleasures, artistic inclinations, and what makes us happy. 

We look to Venus in the natal chart to see how we approach relationships of the heart, as well as what gives us pleasure. Do we enjoy the give and take of relationships (Venus in Libra), the security our relationships give us (Venus in Cancer), or the thrill of the conquest (Venus in Aries)? Its placement in the houses of the natal chart reveal which areas of life we seek to balance, refine, and derive pleasure from. Do we take particular pleasure in our day-to-day work and routines (Venus in the 6th house), in study and travel (Venus in the 9th house), or in taking care of our house and home (Venus in the 4th house)? We also turn to Venus to show how we spend our money, the types of gifts we buy, and how much we spend on leisure activities (not to mention the kinds of leisure activities we seek out).  Traditionally, astrologers have interpreted the position and condition of Venus in the natal chart differently depending on the gender of the native.  The reason for treating Venus in men's and women's chart differently is based on the idea that men may tend to "disown" the qualities of Venus in his own chart. Since the energies of Venus have to go somewhere, when a man doesn't "own", or identify with, his Venus, the energies would be projected onto the women he meets and relates with. Similarly, women are thought to more easily relate to and "own" Venus qualities.

The Birth of Venus (detail), 1480 Botticelli, Sandro Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com

The concept of projection is an interesting and valid one. However, while it may hold true with Venus to some extent today, we prefer not to attach gender bias to Venus and Mars. In our experience, men and women tend to take on the role of Venus in their relationships in equal measure.

Venus rules attachments to others. It rules attractiveness--both the ability to attract and attraction to others (and things). Venus energy is harmonious, and this is why people with Venus prominent in their charts are often peace-makers. In Venus, we find a need to be appreciated and to appreciate. Venus rules, amongst other things, the arts, love and romance, beauty and the beautifying process, money, entertainment, leisure, sensuality, and comfort.

Venus is never more than 45 degrees away from the Sun. Venus rules Libra and Taurus, is in detriment in the opposite signs of those it rules (Aries and Scorpio), is exalted in Pisces, and in its fall in Virgo.

When we are "acting out" our Venus, we compromise, make peace, are loving, and act with taste. On the negative side, we can be self-indulgent, self-centered, vain, and superficial.

See each position of Venus by sign:

Venus in the Signs 

Venus in the Houses

Venus in the Elements

Aspects of Venus in the Natal Chart:
Venus-Sun aspects | Venus-Moon aspects | Venus-Mercury aspects | Venus-Mars aspects | Venus-Jupiter aspects | Venus-Saturn aspects | Venus-Uranus aspects | Venus-Neptune aspects | Venus-Pluto aspects | Venus-Chiron aspects | Venus-Ascendant aspects

Don't know your Venus sign? Refer to this table.

Back to Planets & Luminaries in Astrology

Take a closer look at Venus' glyph, or symbol. It shows spirit (circle) over matter (cross). It is similar to the glyph of Mercury, but it is minus the crescent at the top, which reflects the evaluation of sensations and experiences through the feelings, as opposed to rational thought.

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