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 own home. Venus owns the signs of Taurus and Libra. Venus returned home to Libra on September 1, 2018.
Typically, Venus resides in a sign for less than one month. This time, however, Venus will inhabit Libra until the end of the year. Venus is the planet of love, beauty, the arts, sensuality, passion, romance, and luxury. Additionally, Venus represents the romantic partner.
Libra also signifies the personal and professional partner. Another meaning for Libra is travels. Thus, Venus in Libra can be an ideal time for you to plan a romantic journey with your beloved. Being the planet of love, this period can bring in new romances. It can also bring the return of an old flame if you are in a Venus planetary cycle.
VENUS RETROGRADE IN LIBRA
On October 5, 2018, Venus turns retrograde in Libra. This makes Venus even stronger. You should also be able to see Venus in Libra shining like a diamond in the night sky.
Venus’ retrogression can create favorable circumstances for whatever matters Libra signifies in your Vedic astrology chart. This will depend on what your rising sign is in Vedic astrology.
For example, Capricorn ascendants may see improvements in career, Virgo ascendants may gain more artwork, fine clothing or jewelry, while Cancer ascendants could acquire a new vehicle or redecorate their homes.
Venus turns direct in Libra on November 16. After it turns direct, no planet other than the transiting Moon will keep it company for the remainder of the year. Thus, Venus is free to operate in the way it sees fit, without any other influences.
VENUS AND JUPITER IN LIBRA
Venus and Jupiter will keep company in Libra until October 11. Then, Jupiter will enter Scorpio. Venus and Jupiter are the two great benefics in Vedic astrology. This is a significant transit if you are in a Jupiter/ Venus or a Venus/ Jupiter cycle. This further enhances the matters attributed to Libra in your own chart.
Although they are both benefics, Venus and Jupiter operate with very different agendas. Jupiter is the planet of wisdom, knowledge, teaching, higher education, discernment and spirituality. In Vedic mythology, Jupiter was the teacher of the Devas, or the Gods. Venus was the teacher to the Asuras, or the non-divine beings. The Devas followed the path of righteousness or dharma, while the Asuras pursued self-interest first and foremost.
Do you follow the path of wisdom or give into more worldly desires? Are you impulsive like Venus or more contemplative like Jupiter? Will shopping or meditating be higher on your priority list? Issues between your spouse or romantic partner and children can also arise.
MERCURY IN LIBRA
In Vedic astrology, when Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury are together, they form a Saraswati yoga by transit. This is a planetary combination which evokes the pure qualities of the goddess Saraswati. She is the goddess of wisdom, education, music, speech, and the arts.
Mercury joins Jupiter and Venus in Libra on October 5. While the three planets are only together for a few days, the placement of Jupiter and Venus, as well as Mercury and Venus, in Libra can still highlight the traits of Saraswati.
You may wish to deepen your studies, focus on reciting mantras, engage in artistic activities, or learn to play an instrument. You can benefit by chanting mantras to Saraswati.
Saraswati is depicted wearing a white sari. She is holding a musical instrument (a veena) in two hands, a japa mala to recite mantras in the other hand, and a text in another hand. She is seated on a swan, which symbolizes purity.
On October 14 and 15, Venus and Mercury will be within one degree of each other. This creates a graha yuddha or a planetary war. On these days, you should be very mindful of how you converse with your romantic partner, as there is the potential for miscommunication. You can also get caught up in the inner battle between analysis and pleasure. Mercury likes to ponder. Venus wants to enjoy itself. Mercury may want to study, while Venus may desire something creative.
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METHODS TO ENHANCE VENUS IN LIBRA
Venus is correlated with the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity, beauty, and good fortune. Venus is also the planetary ruler of Fridays.
Here are some methods to enhance the transit of Venus in Libra:
- Read about Lakshmi to better understand her qualities
- Learn about Lakshmi and Saraswati
- Chant to Lakshmi, especially on Fridays
- Get statues of Lakshmi and of Vishnu and make offerings of fruits, flowers, and incense to them
- Lakshmi is depicted as seated on a lotus flower, so you can wear a lotus essential oil
- Meditate on the qualities of Lakshmi
- You can also chant a mantra to Venus (known as Shukra graha)
If you are in new or existing romantic relationship, you may want to check your astrological compatibility during the period in which we have Venus in Libra. It can be a powerful time to highlight the positive aspects of your partnership and to harmoniously resolve any differences.