Planetary Remediation - Venus
Venus
In astrology, Venus represents the principles of attraction and harmony. Venus is the attraction we feel to those objects and individuals which we find desirable and our ability to draw them into our lived experience. Different sounds can be combined in infinite combinations, but not all of them elicit an equally pleasing response from the listener. Dissonant notes repel or provoke tension, while harmonious notes sooth and stimulate the mind, create pleasure, and beckon our affirmative attention.
If you haven’t done so already, you may want to read Building a Better Birth Chart - A Practical Guide to Planetary Remediation before diving into this material.
Healthy Venus
Those graced with the influence of a Strong and healthy Venus naturally gravitate toward and attract people and experiences which are easy to enjoy, and have an easy time focusing on the positive elements of any person or situation. They find it easy to see the beauty in their environment, in others and in themselves, and are skilled at finding ways to cultivate beauty and joy in their lives. People tend to enjoy their company and they likewise enjoy the company of others, not because they are universally charming and appealing to everyone (though Venus can help with that), but because they attract and are attracted to compatible people. Wealth and abundance flow naturally in and through their lives, without becoming overly attached to money or the things it can buy. In matters of romance, they often enjoy stable and fulfilling relationships. They possess the skill to address conflicts as they arise, seeking amicable resolutions, and gracefully parting ways when it's time to move on. Laughter is a frequent visitor in their lives, though it never comes at the expense of others but serves as a testament to their joyful spirits.
Excessive Venus
Those born to under Venus when her strength is overwhelming have a penchant for overindulgence in life's sensual pleasures. This can lead to a fixation on aesthetics and physical perfection, potentially resulting in shallow and superficial relationships. Even a well-developed artistic sensibility can take on a tinge of snobbishness, and they can easily become offended by stimuli that clashes with their refined aesthetic tastes or sense of propriety. They are often quite allergic to physical labor and in some cases experience a strong aversion to anything which might resemble work. While they typically draw in easily the resources to necessary to support their taste for the finer things in life, they easily slip into decadent and wasteful lifestyles which can contribute to health issues. Opportunities for romantic liaisons abound, but their aversion to conflict and adversity may incline them toward pursuing attractive alternatives rather than investing in the hard work of a committed, long-term partnership. On the flip side, they may become excessively attached in relationships, prioritizing the maintenance of harmony and opting to appease or overlook mistreatment instead of asserting themselves or severing ties when necessary.
Identifying Excessive Venus in a Birth Chart or by Transit
Venus is very strong in her domiciles, Libra and Taurus. While she can become prone to over-doing things in both signs, negative consequences will tend to be somewhat less pronounced when in Taurus due to the compatibility of Venusian activities with the nocturnal nature of Taurus. In Libra, Venus might be a touch more prone to indiscretion. While Venus finds significant potency in her exaltation in Pisces, her expression remains balanced and less prone to excess, unless other factors indicate otherwise. She generally fares well in Earth and Water signs. While not in formal dignity in Air (other than Libra) or Fire signs, Air signs are generally more supportive of Venus’s natural significations, Gemini somewhat more so than Aquarius. When supported by other planetary influences, Venus can manifest excessive tendencies in any element. However, she's less inclined to become overly conciliatory or attached in interpersonal relationships when placed in Fire signs. Further conditions which might suggest “too much” Venus include….
In one of her minor dignities such as bound or Decan.
In mutual reception with another planet, especially with an applying aspect.
When received by an aspect with the planet ruling it’s sign, especially when the aspect is applying.
Ruling the 1st or 10th house (Taurus, Libra, Leo or Capricorn rising)
On or close too one of the four angles of the chart, especially the ascendant or midheaven.
In the 1st or 10th house.
Rules over several planets in Taurus or Libra.
Is conjunct, or sharing a sign with the north node.
In the 5th house, especially when closely aspecting the ascendant or midheaven.
Making a helical rising or setting (emerging from or about to go under the beams of the Sun, so if Venus is approximately 15 degrees on either side of the Sun.)
Aspects with Jupiter, especially a square or opposition, will contribute to a taste for the luxurious and extravagant, and will often grant the means and privileges which supports such a life style. However, Jupiter tends to be a moderating influence, and can help temper a tendency for over-indulgence and superficiality, but can exacerbate an inclination toward vanity and pomposity. When Venus is already strong, aspects with the Moon can accentuate the indulgence in creature comforts and foster a conflict-avoidant disposition, along with a reluctance for strenuous physical activity. In contrast, Mars's influence on Venus can amplify pleasure-seeking behaviors but generally acts as a counterbalance to some of the passivity of Venus. Mars’s influence can add passion and excitement to one’s romantic escapades, but can be conducive of unnecessary drama, scandal and unwanted attention.
These conditions can have a similar temporary influence when experienced as transits to your natal Venus.
Venus Under-Strength
For those whom Venus bestows only nominal favor, the capacity to derive pleasure from everyday activities is stunted. It becomes challenging to recognize the inherent worth in oneself and others, often contributing to reclusiveness or anti-social behavior. Life for them often lacks color, perceiving the world in tones of muted grey which their choices of dress and décor often reflects. The understand the world in functional terms, leaving little room for the appreciation of beauty.
Financial difficulties may loom large and objects of value and the means to acquire them are often in short supply. Relationships will tend to suffer due to lack of desire by one or both parties, poor comparability or lack of empathy. They often have a harder time acclimating to different social environments, occasionally resulting in behavior that others deem impolite or tactless. More commonly, a pervasive sense of not fitting in prevails, frequently accompanied by anxiety or discomfort in social settings. Laughter is a rare visitor.
Identifying an Under-Strength Venus in a Birth Chart or by Transit
In the signs of Aries and Scorpio Venus is said to be in her determinant. Aries is a particularly challenging sign for Venus and she generally struggles to deliver harmony and joy of lasting value unless supported by other conditions. Venus enjoys a fair amount of strength in Scorpio despite being in determinant, so while some strengthening can be helpful this placement tends to require more of a clarifying approach. As with other planets in the sign of their fall, Venus should not be considered generally weak in the sign of Virgo. In fact, she should be considered quite strong in most cases, as she rules over the second Decan/Face of Virgo in the Chaldean order method of rulership (10°-19°59’) and the third Decan/Face in in the Triplicity method (20°-29°59’), the Egyptian Bounds/Terms also grant her additional strength from 7°-16°59’. As a result, general strengthening practices are not recommended for Venus in Virgo in most cases, and remedial measures should be carefully considered and geared toward gaining clarity on the specific needs suggested by the placement. Venus will tend to be weaker in Fire and Air signs, but other conditions include…
Peregrine, or not in any of its major or minor dignities.
Lacking an aspect or other form of reception with its domicile lord.
In the sixth, twelfth or eighth house, especially when not in a degree based aspect with the MC, a planet in the tenth or forth house
Conjunct or sharing a sign with the south node.
Combustion, within 6 degrees on either side of the Sun and not within 1 degree of a conjunction
Under the beams of the Sun, between 6 and 16 degrees of the Sun.
Aspects with Saturn, especial hard aspects, tend to diminish or create obstacles around most of Venus’ significations. Hard aspects with Mars, and to a lesser degree soft aspects, will tend to disrupt the harmony which Venus seeks to create. If Mars is especially powerful in the birth chart, even if not configured to Venus, it may diminish the strength of an otherwise serviceable Venus placement. Aspects with Pluto will create complications for Venus and sometimes block her expression for periods of time, at other times intensify it. When Venus is afflicted by an aspect from Saturn, Mars, or Pluto, clarifying and healing practices will need to be incorporated into remediation.
These conditions can have a similar temporary influence when experienced as transits to your natal Venus.
Remediating Venus
Like most planets in a birth chart, you are going to want to pair some cleaning and tuning along with any strengthening or mellowing practices. If Venus is no essential dignity but not unaffiliated by hard aspects from Mars, Saturn or Pluto, direct in motion and does not rule the 12th, 6th or 8th houses (unless it also rules the 1st/Taurus and Libra rising), then you're likely in a good position to benefit from straightforward strengthening practices with minimal adverse effects.
Below, you'll discover a toolkit that equips you to craft a remedial practice tailored to your specific needs. Remedial measures tend to yield the best results when aligned with the day and night of Venus (Friday and Monday after sunset), as well as the hour of Venus. For those seeking assistance in tracking planetary days and local hours, I recommend utilizing the Planetaro App to help you track the planetary days and hours.
Strengthening Venus
Charity - Volunteering or donating time or money to organizations and causes associated with the type of people Venus signifies is an excellent way to support and nourish your own, as well as the collective Venus. It can be quite helpful for more complex afflictions as well. These might include organizations that benefit Sex workers such as the Sex Workers Outreach Project, clinics that support sexual and reproductive health like Planned Parenthood, organizations that promote art and/or support artists such as Americans for the Arts. You can also donate or volunteer at local theaters, community gardens, clothing donations or art museums.
Colors - Green, Turquoise, Beige and Pink. Waring or working with these colors is especially beneficial on Friday, or Monday after sunset. Venus generally favors harmonious color schemes, so even if you are not wearing or surrounding yourself with the specific colors of Venus, you will benefit from incorporating elements of color theory into your outfits and interior spaces.
Gemstones - Wearing jewelry with stones or other materials that are associated with Venus (especially on Friday an/or Monday Night) is a reliable and relatively low input way to beef up Venus. These include Malachite, Rose quartz, Green Aventurine, Sea Shells, Copper, Aquamarine, Emerald, Jasper and Turquoise to name a few. Quality matters, and the prevalence of imitation and synthetic gemstones on the market can make it surprisingly difficult and time consuming to find jewelry suitable for remedial purposes. Included below are some recommendations that will strengthen your connection to Venus and which fall within a price point that should be amenable to most budgets.
Malachite has deep ties to Venus and has been valued throughout human history for its beauty and use as a mineral pigment. Malachite veins were always a welcome discovery to ancient miners as it meant that Copper, the source of Malachite’s green color, was also close at hand. The green-hued stone has long been worn to promote fertility, strengthen bonds of affection and as a ward against the ill-intentions of beings both corporeal and otherwise. I find Malachite to be especially useful for fostering an overall sense of ease and encouraging feelings of joy.
Rose Quartz’s use as a “Love Stone” stems in part from its origins in at least one version of the Greek myth of Aphrodite and Adonis, in which the stone acquired its pink color as the result of staining by the blood of the Goddess herself. Rose Quartz’s much attested to affinity with the relational side of Venus and low-price tag make it a trusted staple for anyone seeking to gain Venus’s favor.
Green Aventurine is one of the more affordable stones known to fall within Venus’s sphere. One of its more popular uses is in the attraction of objects of value (such as money) and in improving the value which one places on themselves. Green Aventurine beads are easy to obtain in quantity and are a great choice for those who like to make their own jewelry.
Copper’s alchemical correspondence with the goddess Aphrodite/Venus was a near-universally understood notion in the Greco-Roman world. One can look to any number of uses of copper, from the manufacture of mirrors to its role in collagen production, to find parallels with copper and the astrological significations of Venus. While it is the metal of choice for pairing with other gemstones, Copper’s resonance with the Venusian sphere is strong enough to be used alone for remedial purposes and may be especially suited to those with more understated tastes.
Aquamarine has long been ascribed the power to turn enemies into friends, reconcile damaged relationships and reinvigorate the romantic entanglements of those who wear it. Purer specimens of Aquamarine come with a hefty price tag compared to many other Venusian gems, but its beauty and powerful magical properties make it a worthwhile investment for serious propitiators.
Turquois is often found alongside copper deposits, similar to Malachite. Turquoise has been cross-culturally attributed properties of good fortune for thousands of years. Some associate this blue-green stone with Jupiter for its wisdom promoting qualities, others with Mercury for its communication enhancing properties. Personally, I believe the copper emphasis in the mineral structure of Turquoise and its regular cooccurrence with other traditionally Venusian stones nudge it firmly within the sphere of Venus, with perhaps a dash of Mercury. While high-purity Turquoise can be quite expensive, more affordable grades are widely available and a beneficial option for your remedial repertoire.
Jade is a lovely stone that can vary considerably in color but most commonly appear within the green-blue spectrum. Jade has been used to ward off evil spirits, attract wealth. and is also used in Chinese medicine to treat ailments of the kidneys and loins. High quality Jade prices are very affordable compared to many other gemstones and can be easily wrapped in copper wire or engraved to make your own Venus talismans.
Activities/Hobbies - Now here’s the fun part. Venusian activities are enjoyable, at least if you're doing them right. Most activities that you might classify as pleasurable and fun will score you points with Venus, however, there are a few caveats. Venusian activities should be largely non-competitive, or at least only casually so. While there is a Venusian element to most sports and video games (even violent ones), for our purposes you’ll want to be a little more precise when choosing remedial Venus activities. Here’s a few suggestions…
Arts and crafts of any kind.
Attend a party or other social gathering.
Casual games, especially when played with others.
Attending a concert or play.
STAND-UP COMEDY.
Date night.
Fine dining.
Sex, either alone or with a consenting partner.
Grooming/beautification (getting a hair-cut, manicure, skin treatment etc.)
This may not be as easy as it sounds, especially if you have a particularly challenged Venus. Be patient with yourself, go slow if necessary, don’t push yourself too far out of your comfort zone. The main idea is to make time and space in your life for joy and pleasure.
Diet - Sweets such as chocolate or other candy in moderation, but ideally sweet fruits such as grapes, banana, berries, pomegranates etc. Also Sea-food, oysters and other natural aphrodisiacs. Generally, Venus favors meals which are relatively healthy and well-prepared, especially those involving multiple courses or paired with wine. With Venus, it’s not just about the food but the experience of the meal. Treat yourself to dinner at a fancy restaurant. Better yet, treat a friend or romantic interest.
The Intuitive Approach
You don’t necessarily have to change your entire life style or adopt a bunch of new hobbies to bring more Venus into your life. Here are some simple day-to-day things you can do to flex your Venusian muscles.
Give Compliments - While the Sun may identify and recognize qualities of others, Venus is the appreciator of qualities. She gives them value. Pay attention to the people you encounter in your day to day life and look for things you like about them. Maybe the clerk at the gas station has a nice hair-cut, or your boss has very unique tastes in neck-tie patterns. Now here is the hard part, tell them about it. It may feel awkward or scary at first if you’re not used to it, but people always appreciate a genuine compliment as long as its not lewd or given with an ulterior motive. Not only do people love compliments, but it actually feels pretty good to give them too.
Grooming/Hygiene - You don’t have to spend hours in front of the mirror every morning to make Venus happy (nor should you), but doing those little things on a day to day basis that make you feel better in your skin goes a way toward appeasing Aphrodite. Brush your teeth, style your hair, trim your beard if you have one, make your self smell good. Show yourself some appreciation by treating your face and body like the work of art that it is.
Get a Plant - Venus loves life. And guess what, that what plants are. Bringing a plant into your home not only makes it more beautiful, but its also a relationship with another living thing. Venus likes those.
Paint Your Walls - Enrich your living space by adding a little color, even if its not one Venus’ “special colors.”
Spend Time in Nature - In our modern lives it is very easy to forget just how much beauty exists in nature. Even if you suck at taking care of plants, the Earth is usually pretty good at it. Go outside and appreciate her fine work.
Listen to Music - Not much explanation needed here. Music = Venus. Listen to more of it.
Decorate - Maybe your lease doesn’t allow you to paint your walls, or you don’t have the time or green thumb to take care of plants. That’s fine, there are lots of ways to beautify your environment. Get some cool lamps, hang some pictures or art, read about feng shui and rearrange your furniture. Make the space you spend your time in as enjoyable and pleasant as possible.
Socialize - Talk to people. Not just about work or about how you can save money on car insurance by switching to some company or another (though there are ways to talk about those things in a more Venus friendly manner), but about things you like to talk about, just for the hell of it.
Toning Venus Down
Perhaps because we love her so much, Venus is a planet that it can be very easy to overdue. But sometimes we overdue Venus when we spend to much time worrying about what other people think or feel about us, or we’re afraid of the disruptions and discomfort we face when departing her harmonious sphere. If you find yourself doing to much of the above due to an overpowered Venus, here are a few things you can do (other then less of the above) to help tone her down.
Do More Mars - When we’re doing too much Venus, there’s a good chance we’re not doing enough Mars (see Mars Remediation, coming soon).
Do More Saturn - When we’re doing too much Venus, there’s a good chance we’re not doing enough Saturn (see Saturn Remediation, coming soon).
Competition - While generally doing “more Mars” may be called for, a simple starting point would be engaging in some healthy competition, that means activities which result in both a Winner and a Loser. Harsh, I know, and maybe a little scary, but it is nonetheless a part of life that we need to respect and acknowledge. Fortunately, competition can be fun too. Join a sports team, play online video games, go hunting, play Battleship or play trivia at a local bar.
Cover your Mirror - Do you spend too much time fussing over your appearance every morning or before you go out in the evening? This might seem drastic, but if your overdoing it, the best solution may be to go cold-turkey for a bit.
Get Sweaty - That’s right, do something physical, get hot and sweaty and gross, and then… don’t shower for the rest of the day. Do you smell? Is it uncomfortable? Good.
Fasting of Fridays - This is a core component of the cleaning/clarifying process. However when practiced without being paired with a complementary strengthening routine, it will very effectively turn the volume down on an over-active Venus.
Throw away your make-up - Not everything needs to be pretty all the time, especially not you. Give yourself permission to present yourself to the world in your natural unadorned state. Go grocery shopping in your sweatpants, switch to unscented deodorant and maybe even try a lower maintenance hairstyle.
Healing Venus
In most cases, you will want to incorporate some clarifying practices into any Venusian remedial routine. Design a practice for yourself centered on the day of Venus (Friday) and commit to it for anywhere from 2-3 weeks to 3-6 months, or for the duration of a difficult transit. You can also plan shorter daily activities around the hours of Venus. Try keeping a journal about what comes up for you, and reflect on it as you continue your practice. Adjust as needed.
Fasting - Fasting can be challenging for some, but it is one of the most effective approaches to cleaning and clarifying Venus. If you have more challenging afflictions to Venus, try making a practice of fasting on Fridays from sun-up to sun-down for a period of time. Think of it as giving an inflamed injury a chance to calm down and heal before doing physical therapy after.
Feasting - Don’t starve Venus out for to long. After fasting for 2-3 Fridays in a row, alternate with a big Venusian meal on Friday along with other Venusian activities.
Meditation - Meditating on the topics of the Venus is great general practice and should absolutely be incorporated if you are doing a planetary fast. 10-15 minutes is enough, ideally on Friday, Monday night and/or during the hour of Venus.
Propitiatory methods - Before meditating, create a small simple ritual around reciting a petition to Venus. You can recite the Orphic Hymn to Venus, or design your own petition if you prefer. It doesn’t have to be especially poetic, the idea is just to tell Venus how splendid and beautiful she is, acknowledge the things Venus represents, why those things are so wonderful and ask Venus to bestow her gifts of love, grace and abundance upon you.
Laugh - It is often said that laughter is the greatest medicine, and this is especially true when it comes the the Venusian sphere. Laughter is an incredible copping mechanism, as it is our way transmuting the incongruities, absurdities and sometimes tragic elements of life into something positive, even redemptive. Call your funny friend, have someone tickle you, watch a comedy or stand-up special. Sift through as many duds as you need to until you find one that makes you laugh, I promise it will be worth it.
Professional Therapy - This one will appear in the clean-up section of all the Planets, and not because I get a commission if you book with a therapist through the link, but because I honestly can’t imagine what my life would be like without the years I spent therapy. You may need to try several therapists to find a good fit, but it is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
These practices are based on various Modern, Ancient and Vedic astrological source material, as well as some of my own intuitive conclusions and experience. However, I must give credit to Austin Coppock and his course on planetary remediation which informs much of the remedial framework outlined in this series. If you would like to learn more about planetary remediation, I can not recommend this course highly enough.
