Venus transits Virgo from July 18 – 31 and then from October 8 - November 8 due to a retrograde period
Click here to learn about Venus. Click here to learn about Virgo.
Venus moves from Leo into mutable earth Virgo! If Venus in Leo was the infatuation phase of a relationship, Venus in Virgo is the long-term humdrum. Virgo is masterful at keeping the train wheels moving by focusing on the importance of the day-to-day.
For the last month or so…
I feel that Venus in Leo was snuffed by all the Cancer energy in our skies. I was so excited about having some hot cat action that I completely ignored the other planets and the collective effect they would have on Venus. Normally Venus in Leo is a party animal: sexual, flirtatious, prowling around, mingling until dawn. This didn’t come through so much as themes of pride did - look at the Supreme Court decision on gay marriage! Perfect example. However, I believe our inclination to stay home and curl up on the couch was stronger than the desire to go out and get lit. In any case, we’ll have plenty of time for shenanigans when the rest of the planets move into Leo - yay!
Last year, Venus was the last of the inner planets to transit Virgo. This year, she’s the first. What to expect as the Goddess of Love makes her bed in the Virgo palace?
Channeling the Divine Virgin
The move now is from a hot-blooded heart to a reserved heart. The virgin typically represents purity and youth. Of course this does not mean that Venus in Virgo is innocent and virginal. This manifests as a confident self-image; buoyant optimism; curiosity; fearlessness in trying new things and meeting new people. When imbalanced, Venus in Virgo is critical, cynical, self-conscious. Virgo has a reputation in the astrology world for being a tad boring at times. I believe this stems from a need for control, but not necessarily in a domineering way. Venus in Virgo simply enjoys having control over her body and emotions. After the proud, fiery energy of Leo, Venus now encourages us to be practical (action –> thought). Retreat from the broiling sun to rest beneath a mighty oak. Feel the earth support your every need.
Although Virgo is an earth sign, the mutable modality puts an interesting twist on what is otherwise a very grounded sign. Virgo, unlike your typical Taurus or Capricorn, very much enjoys frequent changes in life. This includes changes in appearance, new activities, constant traveling and living in a way that might make other earth signs feel unstable. In Virgo’s realm, details are a priority, but their nature is always open to suggestion.
The service axis
The last time Venus transited Virgo was from September 5 – 29, 2014. Themes that surface now are a reflection of our progress since then. Studying the polarities of the zodiac wheel is an effective method to learn more about the signs. You may recall that Venus transited Pisces at the end of January. Pisces is Virgo’s opposite sign, 180 degrees across on the wheel. Venus in Virgo is pragmatic and organized; Venus in Pisces pensive, vague, abstract, mysterious. Both Virgo and Pisces tend to think a lot and say little - they are often shy, quiet types. Watch for the tendency to remain silent when it would be better to speak – Venus in Virgo internalizes! She is not prone to open or frequent emotional expression.
Unlike Virgo, Venus in Pisces would rather escape from the mind than try to analyze a troublesome situation. Venus in Virgo enjoys being rational, methodical, logical, particular. Both signs struggle to stay present as they are quite prone to daydreaming (Pisces) and over-thinking (Virgo). Venus in Pisces is not desperate for affection, as Virgo can sometimes be; Virgo often forgets, in the midst of endlessly working and preparing, that we are already directly linked to something impossibly beautiful and bountiful.
Selfless goddess
When the Goddess of Love seats herself at Virgo’s mirror, we show our love simply by being available, doing the little things for others. Venus in Virgo is selfless to the point that we may feel guilty if we focus too much on the Self. She is also cautious - our love is not given away to just anyone. We take our time to ask: is this sensible? Does this serve a useful purpose? Venus in Virgo is highly receptive. You’ll find that antennae have grown in your heart. You may try to make sense of your partner’s every word and action, wondering how their responses reflect upon you and your relationship. Increased sensitivity makes everything look like a sign, something to be picked apart. This is also because Venus in Virgo is so loyal - she operates with care, diligence and precision. When balanced, Venus in Virgo is modest and accepting of all.
Venus in Virgo is intensely driven to succeed and does not mind putting in the hours. She can be lazy, but the balanced Virgo will get right back to work without complaining or attempting to linger excessively in a state of leisure. Indeed Venus in Virgo defines herself by her work. Virgos have unmistakable pride here, especially when reflecting on all they had to do in order to achieve success. Venus is quite at home in Virgo, as she is accustomed to earth energy. I expect that we’ll find a groove quickly and with satisfaction, like sinking into a perfectly warm bath at the end of the night. However, Venus in Virgo can become trapped in ever-tightening circles of fear and paranoia – when imbalanced, it is not enough to simply be, to breathe and to love without questioning - she needs to know why and how.
If you were born with Venus in Virgo, this month is your Venus Return! If you don’t know your personal Venus sign, click here. If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.
Mantra: pure of heart