We’re familiar with the terms of Mars and Venus when it comes to relationship dynamics. If you’ve read the books, they are always doing a dance, trying to strike a balance and understand the other’s perspective, while holding their own ground and belief systems. They are polar opposites but continually drawn each other.
Planetary Significations
Venus is the planet of love, beauty, romance, and the arts. It is considered as a benefic planet in Vedic astrology, or Jyotish. A benefic is a planet which generally provides favorable experiences. Venus enjoys harmony and tranquility.
Mars is the fiery planet and enjoys adventures, challenges, confrontation and rushing into situations. Mars is a malefic plane, or one which generally provides more difficult circumstances. Venus favors a relaxed, conciliatory atmosphere where it can be surrounded by fineries and luxurious situations. It communicates with love, while Mars speaks sharply.
On February 11th, Mars and Venus moved within 1 degree of each other. In Western astrology, this is known as an exact conjunction. In Vedic astrology, this is known as a planetary war or graha yuddha. With 365 degrees of the zodiac, when we have two grahas (loosely translated as “planet”) sharing the same space in the sky, it can be problematic. Both want to pursue their natural inclinations and not be hindered by the influence of their “sky mate”.
Graha yuddhas typically last no more than a few days. However this Mars and Venus conjunction is unusual in that it lasts for one month – until March 10th.
In terms of human significations, Venus represents the romantic partner or the spouse, and Mars represents siblings. So there may be conflict with these parties. Amongst other inanimate significations, Venus can signify luxury items, artwork and vehicles, while Mars signifies machinery and property.
FIRING UP THE PASSION
Mars and Venus together form a “passion combination” in Jyotish. It can make the person passionate about a cause, a field of endeavor or love. They can sometimes be in love with love. However rather than creating a lasting union, these are short term or fleeting. People often act impulsively and don’t think through their romantic inclinations. In the charts I’ve seen with people who have this combination, people jump from relationship to relationship. They’re in love with love! One person I know well who was born with a Mars and Venus graha yuddha has been married 6 times.
With Valentine’s Day looming, we are bombarded by all the ads for flowers, chocolate, and romantic gestures. Those who may not have romantic partners or who are dissatisfied with their current relationship should resistant the temptation to rush into something which they will regret later.
On a more practical level, we can see what is going on with the truck drivers and protests across the globe. Venus signifies vehicles and Mars signifies protests and indignation. Together, they are creating a tension where no one wants to literally budge.
MARS AND VENUS IN YOUR JYOTISH CHART
Those who are in a Venus or Mars planetary cycle (dasha or bhukti) will be those who will feel the greatest impact of the battle. If you natally have Mars and Venus within 1 degree of each other, then that combination gets re-activated. How it will impact each individual depends on the person’s rising sign and what houses of their horoscope is represented by Sagittarius and Capricorn (i.e. first house and second house). The war begins in the nakshatra of Purva Ashadha, moves on to Uttara Ashadha (which spans both Sagittarius and Capricorn), and them moves into Shravana.
Purva and Uttara Ashadha are interested in refining their skills, you can use this planetary war to focus on what you’d like to be better at, but not obsessively.
Shravana is the constellation of silence. You can use this transit to reflect and listen to your inner guidance.
When Mars moves into sidereal Capricorn on February 25th, it will join Saturn and Mercury. Mars and Saturn create a “push pull” dynamic with the each pair of the duo wanting to have their own way. Venus join them two days later, further escalating the dynamic for whatever Capricorn signifies in your personal chart. This depends on your rising sign in Vedic astrology.
Here are some simple measures for you to follow:
- Be mindful of how this dynamic is playing out in your life. Try and be objective rather than impulsive with your reactions and emotions
- Attempt to see the other person’s / group’s perspective
- Do not fall prey to victim mentality
- Be moderate in your pursuits of a goal, rather than relentless
- Don’t jump into a new romantic relationship and make long term choices within the first few weeks.
- Do take the time to focus your energy on specific goals and interests which will serve you well in the long-term
- On Tuesdays, you can worship Ganesha and Hanuman, to remove inner and outer obstacles, and give you courage to face what is ahead.
- On Fridays, you can worship Lakshmi to have her guide with her elegance, grace, and harmony.
- Chant mantras for Mars (Mangal) and Venus (Shukra), especially on Tuesday (for Mars) and Friday (for Venus)
- Chant mantras for the nakshatras which the grahas will be transiting: Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha and Shravana
In addition to the Mars and Venus graha yuddha, there will be other graha yuddhas occurring simultaneously. Read more on my blog or on my Facebook page.
If you’re feeling the heat, know that it’s a temporary phenomenon and that both Mars and Venus will experience some cooling next month. In the meantime, consider using some Ayurvedic remedies to cool your Pitta!