The picture above represents the birth of Aphrodite (Venus), being borne aloft from the waters of creation by creatures called Ichthyocentaurs - fish centaurs.

Pisces is the sign of fish, where Venus is exalted, and the healing Centaur Chiron is journeying through this sign (2010 - 2019). This juxtaposition provides a powerful signature of the forthcoming transit.

The last transit was in June 2004,

and the next one

will occur on June 5th-6th, 2012.

The 'transits' of Venus occur in pairs, eight years apart, followed by a gap of more than a century. There will not be another pair of such transits until 2117, and it takes more than 80,000 years to complete the cycle!. Astronomically, they occur during a conjunction of Venus and the Sun, when the alignment is such that Venus can be seen as a small black dot crossing the Sun.

Astrologically, the cycle of Venus accompanies a powerful rhythm within the soul, concerning relationships, core values, and the essence of Love in all its guises: our relationship to our own self, to others, and to the Divine. The 'window' of 8 years between transits is one of great significance for these themes.

During the workshop, we will study the cycle of Venus with particular reference to the story of Inanna, the goddess considered by the ancient Sumerians as a personification of the planet we call Venus. Through the dual manifestations of Venus as both Morning Star (Phosphorus or Lucifer) and Evening Star (Hesperus) her orbit offers us an allegory of the human encounter with the light and dark aspects of our own experiences on the journey of love.

The orbit of Venus also portrays an exquisite geometry, with its regular turning points forming a 5-pointed star around the zodiac, progressing slowly backwards. Understanding this cycle and its timing can provide us with a profound inner resource to be able to follow more wisely the cyclic inner process of descent and return which it signifies.

This workshop is suitable for people at all levels of astrological knowledge and experience, or none. Whether you are a seasoned 'pro' or someone with an intuitive connection to astrology, but who has never studied formally, there is sure to be something in this workshop which will inspire you!

However, if you have a birthchart, do bring it with you.

When you book, please indicate your level of familiarity with astrology, to help Melanie plan the material appropriately.

Click here for booking and venue information.

Click here to see the 5-pointed star formed

by the orbit of Venus.

Click here for a gallery of Venus mandalas created by Melanie

Click here for table of significant dates on this Venus cycle