Fall: The Season of Love?

Ah, Venus … the planet of love, sensuality, delight, and all things feminine. Love rules our world. We think about love, talk about it, dream about it, and spend much of our lives seeking it out. We revolve around the notion of love. When is it a better time to celebrate the seductive richness of Venus than during the fall season? Some might argue that spring is the season of love. I beg to differ. Fall is a full-sensory experience. The deep colors of nature are overflowing all around. The hint of coolness in the air warrants wearing our coziest Cashmere sweaters. And let’s face it—cooler weather lends itself to warm embraces and sultry bon-fires, where romance and spirituality rise up in golden embers into the evening sky.

Throughout the year, Venus transits your natal chart. If you pay attention, you might even feel the aspects this planet of beauty makes to other planets in your natal chart. I know I do. I am currently experiencing a Venus trine Venus aspect, and boy can I feel it! I have donned the most flowery, feminine blouse I own, coupled with my velvet slacks. The world seems brighter and more joyful today. Of course, the trines are felt with exuberance and ease, but what about the hard aspects that are formed with our daily transits? Take the planet Mars, for instance. When a carnal, energetically masculine and intense planet such as Mars squares your natal Venus, hidden tensions can surface. Any repressed energy you have been pushing down will surface and could cause problems if not channeled appropriately. If this fierce energy expresses itself, it will most likely result in aggression toward a loved one.

Keep in mind that the energy of a square does not have to be negative. At best, it can provide the raw, vital energy needed for courageous action, like asking that god or goddess out for an intimate, late-night conversation over coffee. In fact, I would rather have a square aspect to Venus, than a hard conjunction like transit Venus conjunct my natal Saturn. This aspect can dampen warm, light-hearted conversations with an overly serious tone. It might lead to problems in romance, or even indicate a break-up. Do watch out for the rose-colored Venus square/opposition your natal Neptune transits. This can produce the tendency to idealize others. Your hopes and dreams might be dashed when, after the aspect passes, they reveal their true colors. In a positive sense, this aspect can bring the apex of your creativity, where your artistic visions are realized.

If you are in a romantic state of mind, or just curious about what your natal Venus denotes, take a peek at Venus: Her Cycles, Symbols, and Myths, by Anne Massey. As part of Llewellyn’s Special Topics in Astrology series, this book offers the basics on Venus in the elements and Venus in the signs, and Venus in aspect to other planets. There are also more esoteric topics offered, such as the sacred geometry of Venus, the rose and the mathematical formula for beauty. According to the author, “the rose is a symbol of many sacred and secret orders.” The five-petaled rose is a sacred geometric symbol of harmony, beauty, and love. Spiritually speaking, the number five indicates freedom, imagination, exploration, and sensuality – notions that embody Venus.

As the fall season begins, learn about your Venus placement by sign, house, and aspect. You can learn a lot about your romantic tendencies. For example, if your Venus is in Scorpio, you have an intense and magnetic appeal. You demand passion and commitment with all of your mind, body, and soul. Venus in Pisces operates on an ethereal level. Love is a combination of depth and spirituality. In contrast, Venus in the air sign of Aquarius is seeking truth through love. Your ideal of romance is the friend turned lover, who understands your need for freedom and adventure. With any sign placement of Venus, it is important to understand aspects other planets make to Venus in your birth chart, as well house and sign position. Certain aspects can change the expression of your Venus placement. Analyzing the position of Venus in your chart can help bring to light your subconscious romantic motivations. In turn, this will help give you the self-awareness required for a spiritually balanced relationship. So, this fall, if it’s love you’re seeking, look to your birth chart and get a sense of your own underlying nature before venturing out in search of your ideal match.