Any mention of the word retrograde has people scrambling; it's tendency to be troublesome and chaotic gives it a bad reputation. And while retrogrades can unleash hell onto your life, this only occurs when you neglect the issues they bring to light.

Retrograde refers to when a planet goes backwards in it's orbital path. But planets don't actually reverse their direction, they only appear to do so. Retrogrades are all about perspective. They challenge us to imagine possibilities beyond the status quo, or what we believe to be true at face-value. They demands caution and patience, promising great insight if we're still enough to collect our thoughts.

Venus in Scorpio goes retrograde on October 5th, 2018 but we're already feeling the effects. The planet's in it's shadow phase, meaning it's already passed the degree of the sign it'll eventually return to (Libra).

This retrograde will last 40 days and nights, a number with biblical and numerological significance. Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days and nights and resisted the temptations of Satan. In numerology, 4 represents roots, foundation, and stability. We will be allured by the charming disguises of Venus: indulgence, mindless sex, and empty sensual pleasures. We will be confronted with old patterns of destructive coping mechanisms, blockages with intimacy, and past relationships with open-ended conclusions. We will be enraptured by the glimmer of a distant mirage.

Scorpio is the darkness we're afraid to face, the parts of ourselves we feel we have no control over. Subconscious fear is unearthed to the surface. Our secrets and shame will be displayed before us. Your reaction to what Venus in Scorpio brings up sets the tone for the rest of the retrograde period. Will you confront what makes you feel powerless? Or will you let your darkness drown you?

When you work with the retrograde energy of Venus in Scorpio, you will be transformed. The past that holds you back will be replaced by a stronger foundation of unconditional love. Your convictions will solidify, not easily swayed by temporary pleasures. You will seek people and circumstances that fulfill you on a soul level, rather than superficial one.

This retrograde period will weed out the weak and crown the strong. It can make or break a relationship, crush an impractical dream and replace it with a more realistic one, or reveal aspects of our identity we're afraid to love. Venus in Scorpio will bend your illusions until they shatter and slice your hands. Only the truth can patch the wounds; faulty infrastructures will only perpetuate the bleeding.

For my Northern Hemisphere readers, the Autumn Equinox occurred on Saturday the 22nd around 10pm. Yesterday, the Sun moved into Libra, forming a conjunction with Mercury in Libra. Tonight we see a full Moon that'll land on 2° Aries, creating an opposition with the Sun.

These aspects demand us to balance our drive with our responsibilities for others. The Aries Moon gives us an opportunity to move forward with our creative projects and take a step into achieving our personal goals. But Libra Sun warns us to avoid isolation and getting too absorbed in our aspirations. She's encouraging us to ask for help when we need it and involve our loved ones in plans for the future.

A square between the Sun, Moon, and Saturn further exacerbates the conflict between self and others. We long for security and stability in our personal relationships, but feel a strong urge to push our individual agenda. Draw upon Libra's energy to know when to assert your needs and when to focus on those of a loved one.

The Moon conjunct Chiron is another complicated placement, but one that brings forth much needed healing. Chiron is not a planet, but a comet between Saturn and Uranus. It's name is derived from a Greek mythological story of the Centaur Chiron, who sacrificed his life so that humans could have fire. Despite being immortal, he gave up his life when he could not heal the wound from a poisoned arrow.

Chiron represents our wounded selves, as well as our potential for healing. When Moon joins Chiron in Aries, our damaged selves shed their shrouds of darkness and emerge in the full Moon's light. Even when we aren't ready to acknowledge the pain. This aspect demands us to recognize it, hold it in the palms of our hands, and accept it. Trauma from childhood will be the main focus, and memories relating to mistreatment by maternal, paternal, and/or adults who raised us will resurface.

Repression can protect us from the hurt. But it's only a temporary tool. When we neglect experiences that made us feel shameful, upset, and afraid, they're integrated into how we perceive ourselves. The full Moon illuminates how pain has shaped our behavior. Have we become hardened, afraid to let in love because of the eventual vulnerability? Do we fear pursuing our dreams because we were once made to feel incapable or incompetent? Do our childhood wounds hold us back from loving who we've become? Whatever it may be, the stars are encouraging us to let it all go. Feel it, so it can be free to float away.

The following horoscopes are for each Sun sign based on the current snapshot of the stars. You are welcome to read your rising sign as well.

While planets explain how certain energies influence you, houses represent where those energies manifest. Not all houses contain planets, but the ones that do can be more impactful and present in your life. In this post, I will be discussing the characteristics of someone with their Moon sign in their 4th house.

To find what house your Moon sign resides in, I'd recommend using natal chart calculators on astro.com as opposed to Cafe Astrology. Learning how to read the birth chart wheel is more difficult at first, but provides much more information and insight than the planet/house tables on Cafe Astrology. Simply locate the crescent moon symbol on the wheel to see what house it's residing in.

The natural ruler of the 4th house is Cancer. Therefore, it's associated with the home, upbringing, the mother (or whoever assumed this role; gender and biology do not dictate this), family, and foundational roots. It's one of the angular houses (1st / 4th / 7th / 10th) which are important because they signify how we act within our realities.

If Sun signs are the self we project to the world, the person we are on a conscious level, the Moon sign is the layer beneath that. It's who we are when no one is around, the subconscious and sensitive side of ourselves that we hide. It's natural ruler is Cancer, so if your Moon sign is in the 4th house (regardless of what sign it's in), you're going to have Cancer-like qualities: moody, sensitive, intuitive, and protective.

This is a placement I have, along with my partner. We are both homebodies who enjoy spending most of our time relaxing in the space we call our own. The home is a sense of pride, demonstrated by all the time and energy we put into making the space beautiful and comfortable. My Moon sign is in Taurus, so Venusian aesthetics are very important. I love soft colors, pretty objects, and sensual blankets and sheets.

The Moon in the 4th house is concerned with safety, both physical and emotional. If the 10th house rules career and our public image, the 4th house signifies our private worlds. It represents where we unwind and how we remove the mask of our ego.

If an individual with this placement doesn't have time or space to take a deep breath, clear their mind, and recharge their energy, they're likely to get nervous and distracted. Their emotional needs reflect those of an introvert, even if they consider themselves to be extroverted. When the desires of Moon in 4th house are neglected, there's the risk of emotionally burning out, being over-indulgent, or repressing one's feelings.


Because of the close association with the mother, individuals with this placement tend to have significant relationships with their mother figure(s). There is no positive or negative association, as it can be either or both. It's only to demonstrate there is significance. In my case, I have a very close relationship with my mother who is excellent at nurturing my emotional well-being. She has the same Moon placement in the 4th house, but her relationship with her mother was fraught with conflict. Perhaps the ease I experience in our relationship was the result of her confronting the chaotic conditions of her childhood. She learned to process her emotions in a healthy manner that differed from how her mother did. The Moon in the 4th house offered her an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Anyone with this placement will be sentimental towards ancestral traditions, food, belief systems, and rituals. Even if they don't know everything about their cultural background, they are drawn to people, places, and objects they consciously and subconsciously associate with it. They experience a powerful urge to understand more about where they came from, whether it be physical land, cultural history, or emotional foundations.

There is a psychic inheritance or sensitivity with this placement, especially as it relates to women, femmes, and individuals associated with the feminine (defined by a connection with intuition, the spirit, the Universe, ect and not by sex/gender). These people, whether ancestors or angels, serve as guides for this individual. They are sensitive to the emotions of others and are blessed with the ability to decipher what someone needs before they consciously know it. The Moon in the 4th house indicates tremendous capacity for intuitive knowing.

But the deeply sensitive are prone to indulgent distractions. Sugar cravings and substance abuse are the most common, as they're methods of numbing their proclivity for emotional attachments. When channeled in a healthy way, the powers of the Moon in 4th are transformative and magical. They offer the chance to build a healthy foundation of love, trust, and stability

In addition to my blog posts, I also offer affordable written astrology reports and astrology counseling via phone. Check out some of my readings here to book one today! 

Virgo, my Virgo. You're shining bright during your sun season. People are clearing out the chaotic clutter acquired over the summer and getting organized. They're writing notes about goals and taking concrete steps to achieve them. There's a reason why school usually starts around your Sun season.

With your sign thriving in home planet Mercury, we are getting more specific with how we communicate. Virgo is all about the details, and this is a period of nit-picking small picture concepts. There's a bit of tension between our egos and emotions as your Sun sign squares with the Moon in Capricorn, but this is only temporary. The Sun and Mercury are chillin' in the 12th house, where Neptune shrouds and confounds our communication tactics.

But this is something to embrace, as Virgo's sister sign Pisces reminds us that this grounded earth sign has mystic capabilities that get lost in all the planning. Neptune in Pisces' opposition Virgo asks us to consider our spiritual needs when drafting the next chapter in our lives.

In honor of all the Virgo power present in the Universe right now, this post will be an explanation of how Virgo manifests through the planets found in your natal chart. If you'd like more information on a particular placement, I'm offering $10 readings for any planet that includes a 1-1½ page description about the sign/house that planet's in and important aspects with other planets. Click here for more information on the Mercurial Musings Facebook page.


**Placements from the Sun to Venus are considered inner planets because their rotation around the Sun occurs more frequently. Their impact on our lives are felt on a daily/monthly basis. 

Virgo Sun

Unlike the grandiose displays of the former sign Leo, a Virgo Sun demeanor is less flashy but equally as extra; just manifested in a different way. We all have Beyoncé to thank for illustrating this (although her glamour is no doubt linked to her Libra dominants). Virgo can be glamorous too, but it's glitz is one of carefully crafted articulation, the glue gun setting each rhinestone onto a show piece. What drives you in life is your natural ability to analyze, discard useless information, and apply your practicality to ensure tangible results.

Your studious nature and excellent articulation of your thoughts and ideas is what leads you to create clever circumstances. As an Earth sign, you're resourceful. As a mutable sign, you adapt quickly to solutions that work and let go of patterns that don't. This is why you're a valuable part of the team Virgo, although you prefer to work alone because no one can do the job quite like you can. When unbalanced, this energy can be overly-critical of one oneself and others, worrisome to the point of manifesting physical illnesses, and self-sacrificial. The Virgo energy is one of service, as you are the transition between summer and fall, responsible for the autumn harvest. Without your fine-tuning, people would go hungry. The pressure you place on yourself is legitimate, Virgo, but be careful not to give yourself completely to the services you provide for others. You need to care for yourself too.

Virgo Ascendant 

People see you as competent, reliable, hard-working, and critical. The Ascendant is an energy that filters the rest of your chart and drives your destiny; it's the placement that gets you up in the morning, as it was rising on the horizon when you were born. In Virgo, you are motivated by the responsibilities you assume. Whether it's your life's work, caring for your family, an art medium, or your work ethic, you approach your duties with a steady hand and sharp mind. As a child, you might have been subject to high-expectations from your environment. Whether or not this was your experience, you are prone to being hard on yourself when you don't perform to your 'perfect' expectations.

Virgo Moon

Filtered through the lens of the Moon, you have a tendency to analyze your emotions intellectually. The messy, amorphous quality of feelings do not align with your values of organization and structure. Every feeling has a reason, just as every item in your room has a place. You internalize your emotions, preferring to take stock of them in private where you're free to process them unbothered. You might experience your feelings in your stomach, such as butterflies or cramps, as Virgo rules the digestive system. Virgo Moon placements are usually excellent friends, whose loyalty and willingness to extend a helping hand is greatly appreciated by those they love. Although not easy to gain their trust, once you do, you'll have a friend you can expect to tell you if that shirt looks hideous.

Virgo Mercury

Virgo is at home in it's ruling planet Mercury. All the qualities of Virgo (precise, rational, systematic, efficient, and precise) are expressed in how you communicate your thoughts and feelings. Reason and logic are your strengths and you have an internal system for collecting and comprehending information. Your approach to language is precise, and you are someone who thinks before you speak. A Virgo Mercury always has a method. Even if someone doesn't understand why a Virgo Mercury does what they do, trust that they're usually right. Or has evidence to back up their reasoning.

Despite their adept use of language, Virgo Mercury can be cold communicators as their conscious mind prioritizes rationale over emotions. They can also struggle with turning their analytical mind off, letting their thoughts overtake their immediate reality. This is why Virgos have the reputation of being worriers; they're already imagining a problem and possible solution that hasn't happened yet!

Virgo Mars

Virgo's symbol is the Virgin, which is usually understood as someone whose never had sex. It's meant to be interpreted as a symbol of purity, modesty, and flawless. Virgos are often accused of being 'repressed,' but what does this mean exactly? It's negative connotation is to be withholding, but there's nothing wrong with guarding what one deems sacred. And this is how I see Virgo Mars energy: introverted and stoic, but brimming with passionate sensuality. This placement is reserved, preferring to analyze and ground themselves before opening up.

Like all other Earth signs, Virgos have a rocky exterior to protect their sensitivity. A Virgos hesitance is not an indication of naivety; but rather, skepticism for the ensuing result. When a Virgo Mars acts, it's the result of a thorough investigation of the risks involved. This placement is characterized by a nervous energy, as they're always anticipating possible problems. While not quick to anger, they are easily frustrated when pushed or rushed. In an intimate context, whether sexual or not, Virgo Mars needs to trust their partner(s) in order to fully express themselves.

Virgo Venus

Virgo energy struggles in Venus. It views Venus' light-hearted relaxed attitude as a threat to it's tight schedule and focused work ethic. Because of this, a Virgo Venus does not take love lightly. They prefer reliable, stable, and trustworthy partners as they take time to be open and honest about their true feelings. They might be drawn to partners they consider 'imperfect,' as they enjoy nurturing and helping them improve their lives. But they must be careful with choosing relationships for this reason, as people are not projects.

Another unbalanced expression of this energy is hyper-criticality towards potential or actual partners and friends. There is a black-and-white attitude towards love and connection: if it's not perfect, why bother? This attitude protects their heart and aligns with their need for perfection. But often times, a Virgo Venus will never find someone who meets all their expectations. If you have this placement, it's challenging you to channel your criticism into constructive methods, rather than nit-picking. Learn to be okay with fallibility and shortcoming; you're not perfect either.


**Placements from Jupiter to Pluto are considered outer planets, because their orbit around the sun happens over a longer period of time. Their influence in our lives can stretch over years and impact aspects of our interior lives such as our sense of purpose, psychic abilities, and connection to humanity. Their influence is felt both on an individual and generational level. 

Virgo Jupiter 

Jupiter is the planet of expansion, exploration, and good luck. Virgo in this placement approaches life differently than say Sagittarius, Jupiter's ruling sign. They're best off when they stick to what they're best at: hard-work that leads to satisfying results. Someone with a Jupiter in Virgo is likely to prefer a simpler life. Minimalism is refined and graceful, while excess is chaotic and anxiety-inducing. Even a messy Virgo (they exist y'all) has a sense of organization, even if it doesn't appear that way.

Jupiter also represents confidence and pride and Virgos are very proud of the end results they create. Even if it takes a long time, Virgo Jupiter is guaranteed to get it right with little to no mistakes. This placement will thrive in any occupation that requires technical skills, and they make excellent educators, librarians, scientists, critics, and writers.

Virgo Saturn

Naturally ruled by Capricorn, Saturn is the planet of discipline, responsibility, and rules. Naturally, Virgo will thrive in this placement because it aligns with their innate inclinations. Virgo Saturn isn't afraid to work hard jobs that require an immense amount of productivity. Their patience can endure tedious labor and long workdays. It's important for this placement to work in a field that aligns with the goals of their higher values. Otherwise, the negative qualities of Virgo such as obsessive and hyper-analytical behavior will dictate someone's day-to-day. The key is to find balance between small and big picture. Virgos excel in their daily structure but need to consider how it fits into their value system.

Virgo Uranus

A Virgo Uranus placement channels their innovation through what they can create and invent. While they're nothing like the stereotypical Aquarius rebel, their going-against-the-grain moment comes from their infinite resourcefulness in solving problems. This placement tends to be very connected to the Earth and they're motivated to find solutions to save the planet's resources. Even if they don't pursue environmentalism in a professional sense, a Virgo Uranus expresses their creativity through helping others. They feel a deep drive to help the lives of humanity as a whole, whether through inventions, new solutions, or alternate ways of living and thinking.

Virgo Neptune

Neptune is the natural ruler of Pisces, representing our spiritual path, creative visions, and psychic intuition. In Virgo, Neptune can manifest in someone's values relating to food, nutrition, and environmentalism. Because Virgo is the ruler of the 6th house of health, all placements are very aware of the relationship between physical and mental wellness. Virgo in Neptune is most psychically attuned to this. They are drawn to alternative healing methods and feel their spiritual purpose is to help other's heal their wounds. When unbalanced, this energy can manifest into being a hypochondriac and/or neglecting their physical/emotional wellness.

Virgo Pluto

Pluto can stay in a sign from 14 to 30 years, and the last time it was in Virgo was between 1958-1971. If you were born when Virgo was in the planet of transformation, you're likely to hold radical views about health and the environment. This placement influenced the critical nature of 60s/70s towards medical, political, social, and environmental systems that were hurting more than helping. Individuals with this placement are critical of the society they live in because they are sensitive to how power is abused, especially medical and economic institutions that exploit people and the earth.

Aries



While We're Young by April March

Originally a French song called Le temps de l'amour by Françoise Hardy, April March has translated the classic for English speakers to enjoy. I chose this one for you Aries because of it's swanky sounds and lyrical content about enjoying reckless young love. Since assertive and passionate Mars is your ruling planet, this head-over-heels song fits your fun-loving approach to romance. Fast red cars driving alongside cliff-side mountains is the quintessential image of your live and love fast Aries mentality.

Taurus



Those Were the Days by Angel Olsen

Oh my sentimental Taurus, your heart is the same color of a pair of rose-tinted glasses. This is the lens you experience the world through. I chose this sentimental Angel Olsen song to express your Taureans nostalgia for the past (and inability to let go). Even though your demeanor is strong and unmoving, you're a softy underneath all your layers. You are the queen of bittersweet memories, reliving sometimes painful moments because you know they planted the seeds for your growth.

Gemini

We Become by Austra



I chose this song for you Gemini because you are always becoming and transforming. You see the value in multiplicity, in flexibility even when others don't. And you also know the dangerous appeal of duality, which is what this song is addressing. It's about an unwillingness to accept that reality is not always as intriguing as illusion. I feel this relates to you Gemini because you are the masters of finding balance between these two realms. Not to mention that Katie Stelmanis, the lead singer of Austra, is also a Gemini!

Cancer



BITCH by Allie X

While this song is commonly interpreted as a portrayal of heteronormative power dynamics in the home, Allie X's take on the lyrics opens up a new possibility of understanding. She told Interview Magazine: "I came to the conclusion that it was about the relationship that I have with myself and the sort of concessions or compromises I make with that dark part of myself so that we can both get along and function." This reminded me of you Cancer, because you're nurturing nature can become sacrificial when unchecked. This song represents your struggle to balance taking care of other's needs while also fulfilling your own.

Leo



Be Careful by Cardi B

You are always the belle of the ball Leo; people notice you even when you aren't trying to be seen. Because you shine like the rays of the sun, you're often criticized for being ego-centric. But I think  you use confidence to mask your insecurities. That's why this song represents your dual essence; it's tough but also vulnerable, petty but indicative of potential hurt. You are loyal to your loved ones Leo, but only when they deserve it.

Virgo



The Gardener by Tiny Deaths

You are known for always being right Virgo, but do you ever admit you're wrong? I picked this song for you because it shows how quickly one can oscillate between these two dichotomies. They're not as clearly defined as you want them to be; the world isn't so black and white. As an Earth sign, you're skilled with the soil you toil for tangible results. But give it too much thought and your garden can wilt, even in sunshine. It's important to known when it's necessary to assert a correction, and when it's best to take a step back.

Libra



10 Minutes 10 Years by Tennis

Libra, you are the lover of the zodiac, ruled by romantic Venus in the 7th house. I chose this song for you because it's melodious guitar and sentimental lyrics mesh perfectly with the ruler of partnerships. You are the one reminding the rest of the zodiac that cooperation and interdependency are good things to embrace and pursue. Which is why Tennis is the band of your sign, as it's made up of husband-and-wife duo Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley (they've been together for 10 years!). You know innately that love is the fuel for creativity and joy.

Scorpio



Black Lipstick by Chicano Batman

It was so tempting to put a Drake song for you Scorpio, but I felt like relieving you of the reminder that he shares your sun sign. I chose Black Lipstick instead because it's a song written from the perspective of someone viewing you. You are known for their mysterious and dark allure. Underneath the mask, however, is someone that longs for understanding and acceptance of their depths. But before anyone can break that surface, you have to bare your teeth to filter out the weak. Scare away the ones that can't handle the intensity of your trust.

Sagittarius



Migr8 by Telana

You are the archer of the zodiac, Sagittarius, always aiming to experience places and things outside of your immediate circumstance. This song is classic Sagittarius: flighty, restless, and seeking adventure. It exemplifies the moment you realize you've been in one place for too long and it's time to fly away. But while it's freeing to leave behind a cage, there's a lot of unknown in following the sun. Where will it lead you? Who will you become? These questions demand answers from the Sag unaware of where they belong.

Capricorn



Stone Woman by Charlotte Day Wilson

Your resting bitch face is not to be taken lightly, Capricorn. Everyone knows you are stoic and unflinching, but not everyone can see beyond the mask of immovability. You are said to move mountains and this requires much durability and strength. You have your work cut out for you, and your demeanor is crafted from the work you do. This song is perfect for you because it recognizes who you are but wants to see what exists beyond all the stone. What does it take to crack your perfectly constructed façade?

Aquarius



Black Sheep by Metric

Lead singer Emily Hanes said that she wasn't able to pinpoint what this song was about, as it was written in a single stream-of-consciousness session. And this is why I chose this song for you Aquarius, because it's purpose confounds us. You are the rebel of the zodiac, desiring to distinguish yourself from the crowd but only enough to understand your place within it. You do rule the 10th house after all, which represents groups. My interpretation comes from the repeated line of this song: "Black Sheep, come home," which is what I imagine the planets saying to Uranus when she's strayed too far. It's okay to be different Aquarius, but why do you insist on alienating yourself from the rest of us?

Pisces



Catch You Dreaming by Ride

You are the dreamer of the zodiac Pisces. So much so that sometimes you get lost in your own delusions and fantasies, but that's not entirely a bad quality. You are by far the most imaginative and mystical, and your magic can be manifested if you can clarify your vision. This song reflects your wild imagination, as it's about a couple reminiscing about their relationship as the Universe folds around them. It's about the world collapsing and death becoming inevitable. But is death not but a dream? You might say so Pisces; you might also say it's another becoming.

We've all looked up the zodiac sign of our crushes and potential lovers, eager to know if we're soulmates or bound to butt heads. Popular astrology reduces compatibly to dynamics between sun signs, which is essentially comparing the agreeability of two egos. We are much more than the person who exists in the light of day. Who are we when the sun exits the stage?

Sun-sign compatibility is fitting for deciphering surface-level unity, but overall it's a limited perspective. This is why experienced astrologers practice synastry, the analysis between two or more people's birth charts. It can be used in romantic contexts as well as familial, business, and plutonic.

Synastry is as complex as relationships; it's layered, contradicting, revealing, and intimate. Covering every nuance, however, would be time-consuming and lengthy. I'm going to focus on the planets Venus and Mars in the context of partner synastry.

When researching for this post, I found a lot of cis-heteronormative images and text about how women are from Venus and men are from Mars. Which like....ew. Those speculations are rooted in the gender binary which then inform astrology's interpretations of 'masculine' and 'feminine.' I am skeptical about accepting these descriptors for planet energies, as I feel it lacks analysis of the heteronormative institutions that shape these belief systems.

Keep in mind that my use pronouns in introducing the energies of Venus and Mars are not literal because the planets do not concern themselves with labels of categorization. Instead of ascribing blindly to archetypal stereotypes, my writing will embody the genderfuck of Trace Peterson's poem Exclusively on Venus:


Venus is never more than 47.8° away from the sun. As the second closet planet to the Sun and the closest planet to Earth, I like to think of Venus as a balance between the two. It's fueled by the vitality and passionate creativity of the Sun while remaining grounded by the sensuality of the Earth. Venus is the second brightest planet in the sky and I believe it's visibility and proximity is what captures our attention on Earth.

Ironically, the planet's surface is indecipherable by a layer of sulphuric acid clouds. This is what makes Venus so present yet elusive. She's the intrigue of a figure behind a shrouded screen, the poetry you write in dreams. An inspiring yet mysterious energy.

Venus is the planet of love, creativity, money, and partnerships. It rules over Taurus and Libra, is exalted in Pisces, and struggles in Virgo. The planet is associated with copper, which is often used as a conductor of heat and electricity. It's a metal used to bind other metals together, such as gold and silver, and in fact prefers to be alloyed with another. Venus brings peace, harmony, and grace to any kind of collaboration. It's insistence on interdependency and cooperation is what fuels romantic, familial, and plutonic unions.

Venus' orbit differs from the sun, which means she pursues a path that opposes her peers. It reminds me of the conflict that erupts when an individual follows their mind without regards to their heart. When Venus' path is viewed as impractical or 'going against the grain,' life is colorless and dull. Like copper, when there is no source of electricity, it loses it's current. When there is nothing to light the flame of our passions, such as love or beauty, we can lose our sense of purpose.

When unbalanced, Venus can be jealous, hyper-materialistic, indulgent, or codependent. Depending on how Venus aspects your other planets, her influence can either cause harmonious ease or problematic friction. Either way, Venus acts like a magnet so be receptive to the people, objects, or dynamics that come your way.



Venus conjunct Mars

Conjunctions occur when your Venus and your partner's Mars are at a 0-10° angle. This usually signifies an instant connection, where you feel your partner's motivations, desires, and interests match your own. It's an aspect that sparks kinship and closeness that formulates rather quickly. Have you ever met someone you feel you've known for a long time? This is the feeling Venus conjunct Mars inspires; as if you and your partner are two trees with entwined roots, different entities connected by the same thing.

Because this aspect is sexually magnetizing and romantically intense, it is favorable for short-lived unions. Logistics and other dynamics of relationships can cause friction in long-term relationships, such as bickering, because the intensity of this aspect is converted to other channels. When visualizing this conflict, I image two Virgos nit-picking the proper way to arrange the spice rack. While the conjunct guarantees love and passion on the same wavelength, it's important to consider where the power of this connection is channelled.

Venus sextile Mars

A sextile occurs when your Venus and your partner's Mars are at a 60° angle. Whereas the positive and easygoing qualities of Venus trine Mars is very evident, Venus sextile Mars take some work to manifest. Sextiles are positive and easy aspects, as both partners have an intuitive understanding of one another's desires. But this connection isn't always the most obvious. Unlike the burning passion of other aspects, a sextile is a slow-developing love and appreciation but one that endures. It's a tender, playful, and ultimately rewarding union.

This dynamic is exemplified by Dana and Alice's friendship turned romantic relationship in the L Word (yes, I realize this show is problematic but it's too gay to turn my eyes away). Despite their eventual breakup, they never really got over their love for one another and this is the symbolic energy of Venus sextile Mars.

Venus square Mars

A square occurs when your Venus and your partner's Mars are at a 90° angle. This is the classic 'I hate that I love you' relationship dynamic. It's an uncomfortable but alluring aspect, as we are confused why we're attracted to someone whose motivations baffle us. Unlike the opposition aspect where two people feel they're opposites attracting, a square indicates two energies that don't like each other at all. Often times, one person (usually Mars but sometimes Venus) pursues the other individual like an animal pouncing on prey. There's a primal and competitive quality to this dynamic which can create polarizing reactions, depending on a person's disposition.

It can be an exciting aspect, like the feeling of riding a motorcycle on a city street. You know you shouldn't, but the thrill feels so good! But taken too far, it can be destructive. A perfect example of this is Ron Swanson's relationship with his ex-wife Tammy (the librarian, not the schoolteacher) in the show Parks and Recreation. Their hateful bantering quickly switches into ferociously making out on a table. While this relationship is clearly toxic, it demonstrates the instantaneous flip-flop that couples with this aspect can experience. As long as both individuals are aware of this friction and willing to communicate their feelings, overcoming the negative qualities of this aspect can be very gratifying.

Venus trine Mars

A trine occurs when your Venus and your partner's Mars are at a 120° angle. Trines are symbolized by triangles which is why this aspect is very stabilizing in long-term relationships. A trine encourages creativity, support, and inspires warm and fuzzy feelings. They usually occur when planets are in the same element, which creates an underlying feeling that you and your partners needs and desires are harmonious.

Because of this aspect's cooperative spirit, these unions face little inhibition or conflict in expressing themselves. There is an even and equal consideration of both people, and a desire to support and uplift one another. While this doesn't always indicate an intense sexual/romantic spark like a conjunct or square, the couple's willingness to meet the needs of each other makes their love life deeply satisfying.

Venus opposition Mars

An opposition occurs when your Venus and your partner's Mars are at a 180° angle. While this is a powerful attraction, it's one that can be potentially frustrating because both partners have different methods of expressing love. For example, a Cancer Venus loves to give their Capricorn Mars partner lots of affection while the Capricorn Mars prefers acts of service. Both are allowed their respected differences, but they also need to learn to communicate in each other's love languages in order for the union to succeed.

There's a spark to this dynamic represented by the yin yang, complimentary opposites. This aspect demands creativity and patience, as both partners will subconsciously try to convert the other into seeing their idea of love as superior. The lesson of opposition is not to be in competition, but rather to recognize how each difference contains similarities that have manifested in opposing ways.

In conclusion, these major Venus-Mars aspects can explain why you're sexually and romantically attracted to someone, but it doesn't always show how or in what capacity it manifests in. Explore how other planets impact you and your partners to get a bigger picture of a relationship dynamic.