Beauty and Pleasure Beckon

In Vedic astrology or Jyotish, each sign of the zodiac is ruled or owned by a planet. Just like humans, planets are comfortable in their own space. It’s the landlord residing in its home. Venus owns the signs of Taurus and Libra. Venus returned home to Taurus at the end of March.

Typically, Venus resides in a sign for one month. This time, however, we will have Venus in Taurus until the end of July. Venus is the planet of love, beauty, the arts, sensuality, passion, romance, and luxury. Additionally, Venus represents the romantic partner.

Also currently inhabiting Taurus is Ketu, the South node of the Moon. Many Vedic astrologers agree that Ketu is at its weakest point when it is Taurus. While this weakness is modified by having landlord Venus back home, it is not cancelled. The nodes are connoted with desires and unending pursuits. Ketu has more of a spiritual bent than its counterpart, Rahu, but it still is eternally questing.

Taurus is the second sign of the natural zodiac. It’s a money house and signifies accumulated money, i.e. your savings and investments, not money from your career. Given the placement of Venus and Ketu there, while you may add to your savings at this time, there will also be the impulse to further indulge in “retail therapy”.

Taurus also signifies clothing, jewelry, small objects, speech, and ingested items. Venus loves all that is beautiful and sensuous, so it is particularly attracted to buying the finest silks and striking jewelry made from precious metals and gemstones, the finest in artwork, new home décor, the latest handbag or briefcase, top-of-the line cosmetic and perfume, etc. Be careful not to excessively treat yourself to rich, caloric or unhealthy foods. The craving to try a new daily desert can easily manifest.

Being the planet of love, this period can bring in new romances, or the return of an old flame. Yet, Venus isn’t able to see clearly through Ketu’s smoky haze. Potential partners may misrepresent themselves or you may be pursuing an ideal romantic partner, whom you can never quite find. Since Taurus also represents the extended family, there may be issues regarding finances with your spouse, siblings, parents, kids, etc.

This Wednesday, April 11, Venus and Ketu will be exactly at the same degree. Don’t get caught up in its unending and enticing pleasurable pursuits.

Another exceptionally unusual aspect of Venus’s stay in Taurus will be covered in a future blog.