Dec 30, 2015 – Jan 23, 2016

Click here to learn about Venus. Click here to learn about Sagittarius.

Venus in Scorpio has been just as inspiring as it has been challenging. Scorpio is the sign of transformation and rebirth, but we are graced by this new light only after the wounded heart, the spirit’s agony. Under this influence, Venus is suspicious, probing, beholden to compulsions. So the Goddess of Love will now burn through Sagittarius for a little pick-me-up. Although the Sagittarius season has just ended, we’ll revisit the party to catch his luckiest stars. Venus last transited Sagittarius from Nov-Dec 2014. Themes that surface now are a reflection of our progress since then.

Dialing back for a moment, I remember the day Venus entered Scorpio. I had an energetic release that left my entire face numb and tears leaking into my ears. This was the first whisper of the scorpion’s ultimate lesson: not until we break down do we break through. At the beginning of this transit, the scorpion unsheathed her stinger, poised to destroy, but just as Shiva rebuilds the world from utter ruin, so too does the powerful scorpion. In the end, this transit was less about sex than it was healthy self-discovery. The passion we sought in interpersonal relationships was really intended for fierce Self-love. I learned once again that the most meaningful and important connection we’ll ever make in life is with the Self.

Now we have Venus in Sagittarius where she’ll be in great need of stimulation. Time to go out meeting people and mixing it up. Sagittarius is a restless beast who must wander freely, dashing this way and that, excitedly and endlessly exploring.

I’ve learned by now that Sagittarius is not all sunshine and rainbows. The centaur archer’s ultimate lesson is justice and Truth. You may run until you can’t breathe anymore, but these horse legs do not tire, my friend. Speak your truth now lest it rears its magnificent head in the middle of a would-be sparkling holiday chit-chat. Venus in Sagittarius glimmers and gleams beneath the light, so that’s where she prefers to stay. Forget grand ideals and fairness for all; if Truth abides somewhere cold or dark or desolate, Venus in Sagittarius will immediately speed off toward the nearest star. Resist the urge to flee. A few lines from Jelaluddin Rumi’s poem titled Tattooing in Qazwin: “Brother, stand the pain. / Escape the poison of your impulses. / The sky will bow to your beauty, if you do. / Learn to light the candle.”

I visualize Venus in Sag as a party to which everyone is invited. Sagittarius is a web of acquaintances; abiding faith in humanity; spontaneous conversation with a stranger; good vibrations; a carefree attitude. We are determined to expand now, particularly through higher learning. You may talk more about philosophical subjects, for example. The centaur archer is not known for being deep or intense, but that does not mean that he is not profound or insightful in his own lighthearted way.

Bumps and bruises sustained during Venus in Scorpio will heal now. Take a deep breath and relax, ascend from the scorpion’s deep black cave. Venus in Sagittarius draws us out and into our surroundings. Suddenly the gigantic supernatural whirlpool in the heart bursts forth with a sigh of relief (feeling -> moving).

What do we gain by focusing on the negative? Nothing! I find it helpful to illuminate what to watch out for, but I really hope you just climb on the centaur’s back without a second thought and rocket toward the next brilliant horizon.

You have a choice, standing here with nothing left between you and Truth. We fool ourselves into believing otherwise, but there is no separation. May you feel empowered, may you hold strong. Say it kindly, whatever it is. Step in to the light without guilt or judgment and don’t look away. I suggest a ritual involving fire and/or some Sagittarius Yoga.

If you were born with Venus in Sagittarius, this month is your Venus Return! If you don’t know your personal Venus sign, click here.

Mantra: expand