Venus transits Libra from September 29, 2014 - October 23
Click here to learn about Venus. Click here to learn about Libra.
Venus will be the last planet to move into Libra until 2015 (with the exception of Mercury, who will briefly reenter Libra during a retrograde period next month). This also means that Venus is the last planet to transit Virgo until next year, so we can say now that the Virgo season is officially done. Time to become fully immersed in the magic of Libra.
The focus this past month was on practicality. We were asked to consider, which relationships serve a meaningful purpose in my life and which no longer make sense? Virgo desires, first and foremost, to be thorough and pragmatic. You might have felt more reserved than usual. This placement encouraged us to be cautious and calculating. The mutable aspect of this transit manifested in the speed and agility of the mental body. The energy here was mercurial, seeking, quick to conclusions. If imbalanced, you might have been anxious, judgmental, picky or neurotic.
Venus rules both fixed earth sign Taurus and cardinal air Libra. In astrology, we say that she is returning “home” now. What to expect with this auspicious placement?
The move now is from a reserved heart to a balanced heart. The energy of this transit is calm, agreeable, diplomatic and maybe even a bit indulgent. Our love is given away freely and happily, but not wildly. We stay grounded and reasonable. Herein lies the cardinal nature of this placement. Libra is the sign of the scale, representing justice and equilibrium. We are masterful now at weighing the pros and cons of each relationship, considering all sides and listening sincerely. Libra asks us to be fair-minded, both with others and the Self. Venus encourages us to consider – does this further peace? Do my surroundings, including my relationships, reflect inner harmony?
We show our love now with our ability to compromise. Libra energy is extremely thoughtful, but not in a detail-oriented way such as we found in Virgo. Libra strives to understand how it really feels to be someone else. This placement is not exactly selfless or self-absorbed, but rather perfectly between: we are encouraged to find the Self in others. Libra reminds us that we all have common ground, that to share and co-create is essential. If Venus in Virgo was akin to the long-term humdrum of a relationship, Libra is the expertise with which true lovers successfully wade through disagreements and differences. Libra is masterful at remaining clear, assertive and empathic all at once.
When taken to the extreme, Venus in Libra may have us spending too much money, eating lots of rich foods or being especially lazy. However, when balanced, this cardinal energy can also help you to launch new projects. The whole Libra cycle, as with every cardinal cycle, is the ideal time for initiating and moving forward.
Venus in Libra is lush, lavish, romantic, pleasure-seeking, luxurious, ravishing…! Expect to feel a deep sense of satisfaction if your heart is balanced. When a planet returns to its ruling sign, it operates at full strength. You may find that you feel like treating yourself and others for no particular reason. Maybe you spend lots of time at home, just lounging around. There is also a tendency here to buy more, so go easy on the shopping sprees. For the most part, this transit should be smooth and delicious, like your favorite chocolate bar. Just remember all that we have learned from Virgo about the importance of keeping up on our work!
Venus in Libra is majestic and sophisticated. The energy is less particular and more contented now than it was with Venus in analytical Virgo (thinking -> listening). I compared the last transit to an emotional retreat, a time of reflection. Now we open our eyes and return to the flow with a smile and warm heart. We approach our leisure and love life with ease and amiability.
Finally we no longer feel an almost overwhelming desire to love and be loved, as we might have for the last three months or so. We are eager to share our dedication, affection and devotion, but we are not desperate. With Venus in Virgo, we resorted to the utmost caution and precision when resolving conflicts. Now we are out of the mind, in tune with our surroundings. We truly see and hear, taking in information with a relaxed heart. Expect to feel more levelheaded if balanced, and otherwise indecisive or lethargic.
To find out your personal Venus sign, click here. If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.
YOGA CHALLENGE
Libra rules the lumbar spine. A friendly PSA about lower back pain: oftentimes the reason we have pain here is not because our back is tight, but rather because our hips and lower abdomen are tight. When the muscles in front become stronger than those in the back, they begin to pull, causing pain and misalignment to ensue. Likewise, if we overstretch the back, the muscles in front contract more, creating an imbalance. So - I recommend, next time you’re about to move into a forward fold in an effort to relieve lower back pain, to try a hip-opening pose instead. It can even be as simple as half frog pose (see Yoga Challenge here for more info).
Mantra: my heart is peaceful