Transiting Venus through the Houses:
All You Need is Love (and a Little Money!)

This is the month of Taurus when Venus shines brightly in the human spirit. As a benefic influence in the horoscope, Venus’ passage through your houses gives opportunities to enrich the heart as well as your pocket. Her natural rulership over the Bull can fill the latter while her intimacy with Libra can fulfill the latter. Before making any further comments about the meaning of Venus as she travels through each of the houses of the horoscope, let’s speak about her influence upon life and the horoscope in general. In esoteric astrology, we say that Venus is the ruler of three universal Laws: The Law of Attraction, The Law of Polarity, and the Law of Right Human Relationships.

The Law of Attraction.
Venus was known to the Greeks as “Aphrodite,” goddess of love. Her son was Eros also known as Cupid whose mate was Psyche. Psyche can be translated as either “soul” or “mind,” an interesting combination which we shall explore later on in this article. Venus/Aphrodite was chosen by the Greek hero, Paris as the most beautiful of the goddesses. In return she gave him Helen of Troy as his wife. This started the Trojan Wars and brought Ares/Mars, Venus’ longtime companion, into the story. The ancient Greeks were masters at personifying the archetypes of the human “psyche.” In the above, we learn that Venus is intimately connected with eroticism, cupidity, romance, physical magnetism, beauty, soul, and mind. The latter is the great intermediary, Mercury, the “Messenger of the gods.” Venus’ job is to attract. She is an enchantress not only creating the opportunities for relationship but also attracting (through Taurus) physical forms such as money and possessions as well as the enhancement of the physical body itself. When too much Venus comes into play in the horoscope, she will also tend to bring about greed, avarice, and too many pounds of flesh! When examined from the soul-centered approach to life, Venus brings in Psyche, the soul and thus creates the ultimate romance and subsequent marriage: that of the soul and the personality. No wonder she is exalted in that most soulful of signs, Pisces. There is another reason veiled in the mythology of the Greeks for Venus’ honor in the Fish. She was born in the ocean of Neptune’s (Poseidon in Greek) realm out of the foam created when Uranus/Ouranos was castrated by Saturn/Chronos. But this is another story….

The Law of Polarity.
Venus rules the Scales (Libra). Thus contained within the Law of Attraction is its balancing point, The Law of Polarity. This means that both the following statements are true: Birds of a feather flock together. Opposites attract. One of the main features of a relationship between a man and a woman is that a natural attraction exists between the two sexes as well as a natural tension created by that attraction. That tension when allowed to be expressed through Eros creates sexual passion (and oops, here comes Mars!), allowing tension to be released through sexual union. Yet it is only within the resolution of polarity that a greater synthesis may take place. In the case of a man and a woman, the synthesis of sexual tension may give rise to a child and thus the evolution of the human species. In the realm of ideas, the tension between the poles of “should I do this or should I do that?” is best resolved when the “this” and the “that” results in the fusion of the pair of opposites so that a third, more refined idea may come as a result of this synthetic blending. The most important polarity in terms of human spiritual development is the one that exits between the lower and the higher selves or the primary human duality. It is no wonder then that Venus in soul-centered astrology is the ruler of Gemini for here the duality of that sign is resolved by the goddess of Love and on this level that Love is impersonal, even transpersonal in nature and thus healing and unconditional in nature. This is another reason why Venus is exalted in the sign of universal compassion, Pisces.

The Law of Right Human Relationships.
Once Venus is raised up to her highest level through the development of consciousness, we enter into the realm of the Seven Rays. It is here that we see Venus as the planetary ruler of the Fifth Ray of science and technology. Alice Bailey, author of that definitive text, Esoteric Astrology, tells us that in the Age of Aquarius it will be through science and technology that humanity will come to know God. As we examine all the conflicts taking place in the world at the present time, we can clearly understand that these are brought about through a distinct lack of right human relationships, an incredible absence of the goddess of love. Yet all of the great efforts being put forth by the millions of men and women of goodwill embody this Law and seek to have it lived out in a practical way by the multitudes.

I might add that the sign Aquarius itself is a Fifth Ray sign and that all of the Uranian inventions in terms of science and technology in are times have as their esoteric, inner purpose, the objective of linking all people of all nations in the realization that we are One Human Family. This union, this harmonious marriage of races and faiths, is the true purpose of Venus in our collective life.

Knowing in what house Venus is placed in your natal chart, will show you the area where the highest influences of these three Laws can work out in your life. In addition, it will reveal in more practical terms the circumstances in which you feel most comfortable in a romantic setting or where you are likely to encounter such situations. The sign will tell you “how” this takes places for you as the houses always tell you “where.” Venus’ natal house position also shows where you encounter or most appreciate beauty and harmony.

Venus transiting the First House (Ascendant): This is a time for celebration as Aphrodite touches you most personally. It is a time to reach out into the world to create those relationships that you feel are most important to you. It is also a time to beautiful your surroundings, most importantly your own appearance. Get that new hair style, put on your best outfits and see what you attract. On a more soul-centered level, you are at a period when you can bring what you most need into your life for inner growth and development. At times relationships with others are very distracting or outright disturbing to your inner sense of balance. This is a month in which you have the chance to beacon the goddess to bring you the right person and/or idea to further your path on a positive note.

Venus transiting the Second House: This is a time when your relationship with money and personal possessions can be embellished or tested. It all depends on how you deal with Venus. If fears of lack are prominent, you will attract those situations that test those fears. On the other hand (Venus always brings polarity!), if your mind is open to receive and you have built an inner container of reception, then watch all the goodies that are left at your door. If you have a good sense of your financial circumstances and are not prone to buy things that you do not need when you do not need them (Venus always brings balance!), then this is a great time to go shopping. If not, take care that you do not overspend and thus create debts and obligations.

Venus transiting the Third House: The time may just be right to make up with a brother or a sister with whom you have been having problems. Opportunities for positive relationships with siblings or close friends who are like family to you are on the agenda. This is also a great time for writing and communicating your ideas as well as reaching out to find others with whom you may explore various educational projects. Intellectual partnerships come into play and finding men and women of like minds is enhanced. Should Venus (when direct and not retrograde) be making a positive aspect to Mercury during the time she is in your Third House, this is an auspicious day for the discussion of contracts and agreements. If she is retrograde, then use this opportunity to go over a contract that has already been formulated but not signed to see what needs to be changed and then wait for Venus to go direct before finalizing your agreement.

Venus transiting the Fourth House (Nadir): Home improvements are in sight and this is a great time to make your home more beautiful. This is also a great time to bring people into your home and to share with them accordingly. If you need to bring more love into your family life, create opportunities for better relationships with your parents, or find that inner path to greater personal serenity, the transits of Venus through your Fourth House is the perfect period in which to do these things. Look for harmonious aspects between transiting Venus and your natal Moon for intimate chats with female friends or your mother. Venus in positive contact with the Sun is equally good for relationships with men and your father. Venus in harmony with Mercury is great for fixing things around the house while Venus going through the Fourth in aspect to natal Venus is perfect for home decorating, a romantic dinner, and socializing at home.

Venus transiting the Fifth House: The love you share with your children or pleasant experiences with young people can all be highlighted with transiting Venus through this house of your natal chart. As the Fifth House is also the house of romance, this is a great time to take your relationship into the portal of Eros. Enjoy the personal love you share with another and have a great time. The Fifth is traditionally known as the “House of Pleasures,” so this is a great excuse (as if an excuse were needed!) to enjoy your life and to share that enjoyment with a special friend. If you are of a creative bent, Venus is also the goddess of the arts. This is thus a period in which you can explore your creativity: paint, decorate, and build that special garden you have been thinking about. In essence, test out your urge to beautify life through any form of self-expression. If you prefer to watch others whose talents and beauty you admire, well then make sure that you take transiting Venus with you to the movies, theater, museums, and galleries.

Venus transiting the Sixth House: This is the time when you can find the right healers to help you with any form of self-improvement. This can be in terms of your physical health as well as the health of your spiritual and emotional lives. Venus wants to perfect, seeks to beautify and heal. She can aid you now in your attempts to understand your relationships better and may stimulate you in finding those psychological and physical tools to do just that. This is also a wonderful time for relationships with your pets or for making a new relationship with an animal. If you are an employer, use Venus’ visit to your Sixth House to find out how you can help to make the lives of your employees better. When transiting Venus is in this house and in good aspect to Mercury or the Moon, use this opportunity to come closer to the people who work for you. Find out what they think and how they feel about their jobs and their relationship with you. You may then set in motion those circumstances that improve all of your lives and goals.

Venus transiting the Seventh House (Descendant): Aphrodite is very happy to be home as the Seventh is a realm that deeply pleases her. It may also mean that her stay in this House will be a pleasant one for you as well. This is of course the House of marriage and important personal as well as business relationships. This is a great time to bring greater balance and harmony into your life. Marriages can really deepen and move forward under Venus’ beneficial rays. Should Venus be transiting the Seventh or Fifth House of your partner, well then this will be all the easier to accomplish. In any event, this is a good time to sit down and sort out your “marriage contract.” Discuss any imbalances that may be taking place in this all important relationship. A good time to do this is when Venus is in good aspect to the ruler of your partner’s Seventh House or to that person’s natal Venus. If this coincides with positive Venus aspects to your own chart, then you are really in a perfect position for a positive interchange with the person you love.

Venus transiting the Eighth House: What are the necessary changes and transformations you need to bring about in your attitude to relationships both romantic and financial? These questions and their related issues will come up during Venus’ passage through this House. This is a great time to be objective about these important areas in your life. It is not a time to through those situations into a greater imbalance by trying to blame the other person or yourself. Blame and guilt only increase the energy of negative polarization and are therefore sure to cause greater conflicts. Use the Fifth Ray soul-centered quality of Venus—the mind—to come into a center within you that is objective to your relationship or financial situation. Be the observer. In this way you will find that you are standing at the apex of a triangle above the pair of opposites with which you are dealing. Remember that the personality acts out of oppositions and polarity but the soul acts out of triangles and the realm of unbiased solution.

Venus transiting the Ninth House: Thinking of a romantic, pleasant time somewhere away from home? Venus passing through this House may be just the time for such an escape from routine. Traditionally the Ninth is the House of long distance travel but you do not have to go to another continent to be in tune with its energies. “Long distance” translates to more than 24 hours away from home—by foot! Don’t forget that the system of astrology was invented long before cars, planes, and trains. So a short hop to a neighboring state or another city will do just fine. The important thing is to bring romance into your life by walking on different roads and seeing different sites. If your life circumstances are such that you can fly to another land, well then Venus through the Ninth can be more literally interpreted as “romance in a foreign country.” So now is definitely the time to use those frequent flyer miles, especially if Venus is in positive aspect with Jupiter and/or the ruler of your natal Ninth House.

Venus transiting the Tenth House (Midheaven): Seeking to capitalize on professional relationships? Is this the right time to ask your boss for a raise? The answer to both these questions is a definite “Yes!” when Venus is going through your Tenth and making positive aspects either to your natal Venus, Saturn, or the ruler of your Tenth. Timing is everything in astrology for what are astrological students seeking if it is not to be in balance and harmony with the cosmic clock? Venus going through your Tenth can easily bring about more harmonious relationships in your career although complications can come about if there is romance in the work place. But meeting the right people at the right time to further mutual career goals is definitely on the agenda during Venus’ stay at the top of your natal horoscope.

Venus transiting the Eleventh House: Right Human Relations are emphasized when Venus transits your natal house of friends. This is a great time to get together with groups of people with whom you share similar interests and goals. It is a perfect period to organize group activities. If your natal Venus is in Aries or in positive aspect while going through the Eleventh with any other planet in that sign, it just might be the opportunity you need to lead such a group or at the very least, inspire it. Are there conflicts between yourself and a friend or difficulties between people you know? This is a fine opportunity for you to resolve such differences or if invited to act as a mediator between the warring parties. Venus is the natural balance to Mars and she is shining brightly now in the place in your chart that is geared to harmony in friendship.

Venus transiting the Twelfth House: It is very true that Venus in the Twelfth in the natal chart characterizes a person who has a tendency for clandestine relationships. This can be two-fold: either having a secret lover and/or being in a position to help people who are hospitalized or in any other way in a secluded place such as a prison or a monastery. Venus transiting the Twelfth can bring such situations into your life during the time of its passage through this astrological domicile. If you have Venus in your natal chart in the Twelfth, or in strong aspect to Neptune, then these natural tendencies will certainly be emphasized. Venus in the Twelfth also gives us the opportunity to look within ourselves in order to find a greater place for the growth and development of a more spiritual and impersonal way of loving. It is a great time to seek out those teachers and guides that are there to help us discover the true meaning of love.