New Moon, Venus, and Some Luvverly Energy

The New Moon in Taurus has happened, and have you made your wish yet?

A New Moon equals a conjunction (astrologically speaking) between the Sun and the Moon. This month's New Moon was also joined by another planet in conjunction, Venus, in a three-way lineup.

You can think of this as three people working very closely together. In fact, their energies are quite intermingled, if you catch my drift.

The Sun, the Moon, and Venus are a compatible threesome, and when they come together like this, they spin off some great vibes. This is especially true this time around; all three are in Venus' home sign of Taurus.

And when Venus is happy, everybody's happy.

She's also relatively unaspected otherwise (to wit: the other planets aren't handing her a lot of crap to deal with at the moment) so her energy is bright, clear, and warm. She's in the mood for love and art-- if you're a lover or a paintslinger, don't hesitate to turn off the phones and lose yourself in the pleasurable inspiration of the moment. It isn't always this easy, as we all know, so make the most of it.

The trio of Dream, Fate, and Destiny is also in on the action. Neptune, Chiron, and the North Node of the Moon are all in tight, active conjunction, with a creative quintile link back to Venus.

You can do some great work here, whether it's in the studio or in your interactions with other people. If it's heartfelt, it'll be gorgeous.

The square approaching this trio from powerful Pluto should just about overcome any barriers or inhibitions thrown up by a weakening opposition from Saturn.

We don't often get weeks like this-- make your wishes, and let it happen. You'll have something beautiful to show for it.

Attraction Factor: Part Two

Okay, so you've read Part One and know all about projecting Mars and Venus onto other people. Before we move on to discuss how other planets are tossed into the romantic mix in Part Three, let's take a closer look at what Mars and Venus indicate in the signs.

Everyone has a natal Mars and Venus placement (if you don't know yours, you can obtain a copy of your natal chart at http://www.astro.com/ .) If you take a look at your birth chart, you'll find that your Mars and Venus were passing through one of the signs at the time you were born.

It's just like Sun sign astrology, in a way. Your Sun in Capricorn indicates that you share traits in common with other Capricorns. You can use your Mars and Venus in the same way. But whereas the Sun symbolizes core identity (which is why we place heavy emphasis on Sun signs) the other planets symbolize other parts of your life and psyche.

In general, Mars represents the way you go about acting in the world. If you need to use drive, will, effort, or physical expenditure to do something, you use your Mars. In terms of love and sex, Mars represents the more assertive, active side of things. Among other things, Mars represents the sex drive in its raw form.

In general, Venus represents the things that please and connect you. If you need to feel comfort, security, love, or aesthetic pleasure, you access your Venus. Venus is also responsible for our preferences in social interactions. In terms of love and sex, Venus represents the manner in which we receive love, the things that make us feel warm and wanted.

To put it another way, Venus represents the object, and Mars represents the subject. The term "objectification" gets bad press, but at times everyone needs to feel like the object of total devotion-- worship, even-- and Venus is the Object par excellance in all of us.

Mars is the subject that strives for the Venus object. Mars fights, woos, chases, delivers bad pickup lines, does goofy stuff to gain the attention of the object. Since the nature of the subject/object relationship is not necessarily a gendered polarity, it's easy enough to see how this works in nonstandard relationships as well as the prototypical straight setup.


(For more keywords on Mars and Venus, refer back to Part One.)

How do you express your Mars and Venus?


Mars in the Signs

Venus in the Signs

Venus in the Signs

In terms of love and relationships, Venus' sign position indicates that which the subject finds pleasing. This includes fashion and styles of decor, as well as styles of lovers, partners, and relating.

(Remember that these are broad generalizations; romantic tendencies are the result of a sum total of all the factors in a natal chart. A full reading takes all the mitigating factors into consideration, while these are just brief snapshot delineations.)

Venus in Aries

Venus in Aries is passionate, fiery, and very demonstrative. This Venus is impressed by energetic activity, and will never settle for love with a sedentary remote control jockey. Can be selfish and petulant at times, but usually makes friends easily. Falls in love quickly, sometimes impetuously.

Aesthetic Sense: Venus in Aries is not turned on by either frippery or subtlety. This Venus desires bold colors, lively interaction, and changing scenery. Bedroom scenarios don't need to be elaborately staged-- in fact, this Venus is often fine skipping the bedroom altogether in favor of the hallway, the back seat, wherever.

Venus in Taurus

Venus in Taurus is the most sensual Venus around, bar none. Loving, warm, and patient, this Venus radiates comfort and luxury. Often conservative romantics who appreciate the customs of traditional courtship. Can be possessive and stubborn, but are extremely dedicated to both friends and lovers.

Aesthetic Sense: Tastes, smells, textures, colors...this is Venus at her most sensory, and she can be easily turned off by rough or hurried behavior. Look for a conservative, tasteful fashion sense with rich touches. This is definitely a wine and candlelight sign.

Venus in Gemini

Venus in Gemini is always attracted to wit and intellect. Highly talkative and flirtatious, these folks must feel mentally stimulated by their partners, as well their social group. Can be deceitful, but this is usually tempered by Sun sign or other chart factors. This Venus is lively and optimistic, and is turned off by constant melancholy or brooding.

Aesthetic Sense: These folks are often more sensual than they seem; it's just that they process sensory stimuli almost instantly, and are soon rushing off to the next experience. They can be easily physically agitated, especially if stimulants are involved. Light affection and laughter is what this Venus craves.

Venus in Cancer

Venus in Cancer is very caring, home-loving, and protective. This is a very maternal Venus, and both males and females with this placing will tend to mother (or smother!) their partners. Most desire children and a traditional family. Extremely sensitive to their partner's needs and very sentimental, these folks can't stand indifferent or cold treatment.

Aesthetic Sense: The sense of style is highly recognizable: think Mrs. Weasley in the Harry Potter movies. Their clothes and homes will always have handmade touches, especially crochets, laces, and antiques. This is a also a sensual sign, but colored by emotion; they are turned on by endearments and loving touch. Does not usually eroticize sex so much as emotionalize it.

Venus in Leo

Venus in Leo is a warm-hearted and demonstrative, and absolutely must have the same in return. Very loyal and sincere, these folks seek a partner who enjoys the limelight; this is a very popular placement for Venus, and it will come with a sparkling social scene. Has an innate sense of dignity, and sometimes a touchy ego. Will not stand a crude partner who persists in low behavior.

Aesthetic Sense: Leo Venus is practically synonomous with "aesthetic sense." These people have exquisite taste in almost anything. Their style will be dashing and perfectly put-together, often a bit extravagant (in a tasteful way, of course.) They love to be assured that they are indeed the greatest lovers in the world, so never hold back on the appreciative moans and compliments.

Venus in Virgo

Venus in Virgo is helpful, with a sense of genuine frankness that can be irresistable. They must be made aware of their tendency to criticize, though; nagging is a fault. Needs a sincere, committed partner who is also a good friend. This Venus is turned on by a partner who promises to be a good friend as well as a lover.

Aesthetic Sense: Venus in Virgo is rarely flashy or stylish. They are attracted to cleanliness and detail, though, and you'll rarely find a slob among them. Innately neat, they do not usually care for sordid sexual scenes, dirty environments, or exuberant messiness-- though sometimes you'll find a carefully hidden tendency toward the extreme opposite. (This is a dual sign, like Pisces or Gemini, but the duality is almost always hidden, sometimes denied or repressed. The Sun sign will mitigate, though.)

Venus in Libra

Venus in Libra needs love and romance more than any other Venus sign. These folks are charming and sociable in a relaxed way, but can be lazy, expecting their partners to present love to them on a silver platter. Demonstrative and tactful, this Venus is attracted to pleasant, warm situations and partners; they will cringe away from a distant or tense relationship.

Aesthetic Sense: Another extremely aesthetic sign, but where Leo's style is dramatic and bold, Libra's is refined and cultured. This Venus is not at all averse to sex, but can approach it more romantically/idealistically than sensually; a relaxed, natural rapport will open them up more easily than insistent displays of emotion or lust.

Venus in Scorpio

Venus in Scorpio is seductive! This is one of the placements of the femme fatale; there is an intense need for sexual and romantic merging. Jealousy and rivalry can often be an issue. This Venus will not tolerate flirtatious or uncertain partners, but is very demonstrative, passionate, and physically affectionate.

Aesthetic Sense: As far as personal style, this Venus can go whatever way it needs to go to get the job done. "Sultry" is one word that usually fits. There is an intensity to love and sex that is largely unmatched; these folks require regular doses of deep passion, and if they don't get it in bed, they'll get it however they must-- even by instigating screaming, dish-throwing fights.

Venus in Sagittarius

Venus in Sagittarius is attracted to adventure. If this means you, you're partner material; if you fail to meet this Venus' need for spontaneity and broad vistas, they'll move on. These folks make excellent, enlivening friends and exciting partners, but there must be a philosophical rapport as well as a physical one.

Aesthetic Sense: This Venus' sense of style is often casual but up-to-date. They can lean toward scruffiness in some cases, but it's usually stylish scruff, carried with such an affable air that they look fantastic. In bed, you'll find enthusiasm and a willingness to experiment, but look elsewhere for emotional displays.

Venus in Capricorn

Venus in Capricorn is attracted to conservative, stable friends and partners. This is not a sign that will settle for numerous casual relationships; they must feel like the union is building toward a bigger, more secure future. They will rarely tolerate impetuous soldier-of-fortune types, and can be a bit bossy. Very loyal and dedicated, although they can have problems expressing their affection.

Aesthetic Sense: All style choices made by Venus in Capricorn have a practical, conservative underpinning. They can be tightwads, but when they make a choice, it's usually one that will bring them long-term value-- that includes the choice of a partner. In bed, sensuality is not out of the question, but it will be a traditional sensuality; this is not an experimental or highly seductive Venus.

Venus in Aquarius

Venus in Aquarius is attracted to eccentricity. These folks respond to mental stimulation, and can be startled by heavy emotion or blatant lust. Aloof and cool, but loyal and affectionate if their imaginations are captured. They will not tolerate a partner who is dull, controlling, or manipulative in any way.

Aesthetic Sense: The sense of style is always unique, and there is a cool quality that brings them wide admiration. This Venus tends to attract unconventional situations and lovers; in bed, they are friendly and very experimental. A certain dispassionate approach to romance appears at times, and can be quite puzzling!

Venus in Pisces

Venus in Pisces is attracted to vulnerability. This Venus is often taken advantage of due to its sympathetic, idealistic nature. Tends to be very passive, but deeply sensual and sensitive. Basically loyal, but they do have a tendency to drift from partner to partner, especially if their feelings get hurt or ignored.

Aesthetic Sense: Venus is Pisces has a dreamy, floating style; these folks are often easily recognizable by their soft fluidity, regardless of sex. Like Virgo, they tend to accumulate shocking lists of lovers and experiences, but you'll often hear "It just sort of happened!" with a shrug and a wistful smile. They exist to please, and can be anything, at any time, with anyone. Enough said.

Attraction Factor: Mars and Venus (Part Two)

Okay, so you've read Part One and know all about projecting Mars and Venus onto other people. Before we move on to discuss how other planets are tossed into the romantic mix in Part Three, let's take a closer look at what Mars and Venus indicate in the signs.

Everyone has a natal Mars and Venus placement (if you don't know yours, you can obtain a copy of your natal chart at http://www.astro.com/ .) If you take a look at your birth chart, you'll find that your Mars and Venus were passing through one of the signs at the time you were born.

It's just like Sun sign astrology, in a way. Your Sun in Capricorn indicates that you share traits in common with other Capricorns. You can use your Mars and Venus in the same way. But whereas the Sun symbolizes core identity (which is why we place heavy emphasis on Sun signs) the other planets symbolize other parts of your life and psyche.

In general, Mars represents the way you go about acting in the world. If you need to use drive, will, effort, or physical expenditure to do something, you use your Mars. In terms of love and sex, Mars represents the more assertive, active side of things. Among other things, Mars represents the sex drive in its raw form.

In general, Venus represents the things that please and connect you. If you need to feel comfort, security, love, or aesthetic pleasure, you access your Venus. Venus is also responsible for our preferences in social interactions. In terms of love and sex, Venus represents the manner in which we receive love, the things that make us feel warm and wanted.

To put it another way, Venus represents the object, and Mars represents the subject. The term "objectification" gets bad press, but at times everyone needs to feel like the object of total devotion-- worship, even-- and Venus is the Object par excellance in all of us.

Mars is the subject that strives for the Venus object. Mars fights, woos, chases, delivers bad pickup lines, does goofy stuff to gain the attention of the object. Since the nature of the subject/object relationship is not necessarily a gendered polarity, it's easy enough to see how this works in nonstandard relationships as well as the prototypical straight setup.

(For more keywords on Mars and Venus, refer back to Part One.)

How do you express your Mars and Venus? Follow the links below.

Mars in the Signs

Venus in the Signs (up soon!)

Attraction Factor: Mars and Venus (Part One)

Romantic attraction is a complicated thing. Sometimes it’s subtle, and sometimes it’s overwhelming. Sometimes it makes perfect sense, and sometimes it makes none at all. Sometimes it results in a beautiful pairing, and then sometimes Matt Greoning says it best:

Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over,
pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come.

Why are our experiences of love and attraction so varied? Why do different people like such different things, and can we predict attraction using the natal chart?

Astrology uses the same concept of projection that most modern psychological theories use. Let’s start with the standard hetero setup, assuming there is such a thing.

In a heterosexual woman’s natal chart, Mars indicates a large part of the masculine ideal that she carries around within her. The sign where Mars is found gives clues as to what she finds attractive in a male. For instance, a woman with her Mars in Cancer will often find something appealing about nurturing, caring men.

And now this is the important bit: it’s her Mars, and these Cancerian traits are really hers. It’s just that she tends to project them pleasurably onto males, thus becoming attracted to men who mirror back that part of herself in masculine form. She feels somehow completed by this interaction.

In a heterosexual man’s natal chart, Venus does this job. A man with his Venus placed in Aries will be drawn to impulsive, fiery women with strong wills, whereas a man with his Venus placed in Pisces will be turned on by sensitive, dreamy types, and so on.

Again, the important thing is that it’s his Venus. The fellow above with the Piscean Venus has sensitive, dreamy tendencies in him. He’s just more likely to project these satisfactorily onto a woman.

Ideally, when a couple has compatible mutual ideals about one another, projection can work to bring these psychological aspects into each individual’s sphere of awareness and utility. For instance, the woman with the Cancer Mars can get to know a portion of herself more fully through her interaction with her nurturing mate. She can see her own caring/clinginess, emotional concern/manipulation, sensitivity/overreactivity-- all the positives and negatives of her own Cancerian Mars. Eventually, she can more fully utilize the traits represented by her own Mars.

The ultimate goal is to be able to fully utilize all parts of the chart/psyche. Working these things out with a partner helps.

So what happens in those who don’t fit the standard heterosexual Mars/Venus projection system? There’s a lot more to this projection stuff, of course, but for now we’re only focusing on Venus and Mars. Let’s take a step back and review these two planets on their own.

We all know that Mars represents “maleness.” But that’s a trite, almost tautological statement in so many ways. Keywords for Mars include activity, will, drive, projective energy, aggression, assertiveness, physical confidence, impulse, temper, desire to penetrate, desire to protect, etc.. Yes, we tend to define masculinity by these standards, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the sole property of males. Where would a woman be if she had no will or desire to protect, for instance?

Venus traditionally represents “femaleness.” Keywords for Venus include receptivity, appreciation for beauty, sensuality, taste, empathy, kindness, grace, appetite, desire for comfort, desire to enfold, desire to nurture, and so on. The tendency, again, is to ascribe these characteristics to females, but they aren’t in themselves solely biologically feminine. A man with none of these traits is conceivable, yes, but you wouldn't want to hang around him for very long.

Homosexuals project their Venus and Mars, too. Sometimes it’s the standard setup, except the projection is done onto members of the same sex. For instance, a lesbian with a Taurus Mars may find herself attracted to butch Taurean women. In this case, she is projecting her Mars (the inner “male” ideal.)

On the other hand, if she projects her Venus (the inner “female” ideal) she will likely seek a more feminine partner.

It works the same with gay men. A man who projects his Mars onto other men seeks a more traditionally masculine partner as the most appropriate mirror, and will likely take the Venus role himself.

At this point, it’s appropriate to mention that these are all generalizations of the most heinous sort. No relationship is meant to be static; without a good back-and-forth alternation of Mars-Venus roles, most relationships stagnate and die. That’s the whole point of mirrors, regardless of gender or orientation: you watch, and interact, and grow more comfortable with the unexpressed polarity within yourself. Through interaction with the other, you become more whole.

What about bisexuals? A bisexual can project in a variety of ways, too. He or she can seek either the Venus or the Mars in a partner of either sex, although certain individual patterns tend to emerge after a life history has accumulated. A bisexual can look at the pattern of his or her relationships and get a decent feel for which planet tends to be projected onto which sex.

The point is that Mars/Venus projection can take a variety of forms, and all of them have the same ideal end result: the mirroring back to us of something we need to experience. When we gaze at the incomparable being (or complete lout) that is our lover, it’s also a piece of ourselves we’re looking at.

In Part Two, we’ll get specific about Mars and Venus in the signs. So your Venus is in Aquarius, huh? We’ll talk about what that means in terms of what turns you on.