VENUS - Part I   Queen of Heaven and Earth             Botticelli - Madonna of the Magnificat 1482   In early 2014, on January 5th, Venus disappears from the evening sky and returns on January 16th, 2014 as the Morning Star.         In ancient Sumeria the planet we call Venus was revered as a personification of the Goddess Inanna, hailed as 'Queen of Heaven and Earth'. The myth of Inanna is a poignant story of the soul maturing from personal to transpersonal Love, through self-confrontation and loss. It is an allegory of the visible movements of the planet, and also describes the meaning of Venus in astrology. To marvel at the splendour of Venus poised graciously in the night sky, radiating increasing brilliance before disappearing from view, is indeed to contemplate the poignancy of transience, and the inevitability of loss. We need then to arise early to greet her re-appearance...if we are not watchful in the pre-dawn hours we may not notice her gentle morning return, and fear that she has gone forever.   The planet Venus in astrology is about value, of self and others. It concerns what we find worthwhile, what we value, appreciate and seek to attract into our lives. Thus Venus also signifies relationship, and represents the energy of Eros or connection, attraction and pleasure, harmony, beauty and joy. Venus addresses how we handle losing these precious experiences and qualities, and how we might defend against allowing them at all. Every 18 months or so, Venus begins a retrograde cycle, where she appears to reverse direction, disappears from view, makes a conjunction with the Sun, reappears and then turns direct. During these times we are given the opportunity to plumb the depths of our relationships, finish unfinished business, release the past and renew our capacity for love. Love matures in synch with this cycle.   The story of Inanna 1   Inanna has plucked a single tree from the chaotic floodwaters which mark the beginning of times. Day and night she cares for it, in a lonely vigil, longing for her consort and her throne. Inanna duly becomes Queen, but only after she has received her spiritual heritage from her father in the form of qualities needed to fulfil her role. She also has to stand firm against her father when he tried to take back his gift to her. Eventually Inanna is introduced to Dumuzi, the humble young shepherd who will be her husband. At first she rejects him, but relents as he proudly pleads his own case. There follows an ecstatic union of the young Queen and the shepherd, who thus becomes god-king and takes the throne beside her. Inanna departs for the Underworld to witness the funeral rites for Gugulanna, the 'Bull of Heaven', the husband of her sister, Erishkigel.   She is stopped at each of the seven gates leading to Erishkigel's abode, and must surrender the symbols of her worldly power. Her crown, necklace, breastplate, measuring rod and finally her robe must all go until she stands naked before her distraught sister. This symbolizes energy moving down through the seven major chakras in a process of purification. Our worldly accomplishments are a hindrance on this inner journey and must be relinquished. At the base chakra, the root, lies our deepest sense of despair, for here resides the densest illusion of our spiritual isolation, and all our incomplete grieving. It is the place of inconsolability, where we hold to familiar grief rather than release ourselves into the Void of Unknowing.   Erishkigel fixes her 'Eye of Death' on Inanna. She is killed and hung on a peg to rot. Meanwhile, Inanna has taken the precaution of asking her maidservant to send help if she does not return. The alarm is raised. Enki, the god of Wisdom and the Waters comes to her aid, with little creatures made from the dirt under his finger-nails. They slip unnoticed into the Underworld and approach Erishkigel, to witness and echo her lamentations, affirming her suffering. The call and response of compassion eventually softens her heart, and she offers a gift in exchange for their kindness. Immediately, they request the body of Inanna, upon which they sprinkle the waters of life. Inanna lives!    Return and redemption   As Inanna prepares to leave the Underworld, she is told she must send a substitute. She exits surrounded by a cloud of demons, looking around in horror. Who shall she condemn to the Underworld? Her children? Her faithful maidservant? She cannot. Then she sees her former consort Dumuzi occupying the throne which he gained through their union. He is oblivious to her suffering. Inanna fixes her 'Eye of Death' on him, and he flees into the desert, but eventually the demons catch up with him and he succumbs to his fate. A great wail goes up as Inanna mourns the loss of her husband by her own doing. Then Inanna sees Dumuzi's sister, beside herself with grief, and her heart is touched. She may not reverse her choice, but she decrees that although Dumuzi will spend half the year in the Underworld, he may return to Earth for the remaining half. The cycle of destruction is broken, vengeance is tamed and forgiveness can begin. The purified energy rises and Inanna becomes Queen of Heaven, ennobled by suffering and loss.     The astrological process   Because the Earth is not in the centre of the Solar System, planets sometimes appear to slow down, pause and back-track in their orbital pathway. This phenomenon is common, but also marks out particular phases of the planet’s energy movements as paralleled within the human soul. When a planet is appearing to go backwards, this motion is called ‘retrograde’ and the normal motion is called ‘direct’. Retrograde motion tends to favour interiorisation of consciousness, time of reflection, inner healing, meditation, and the cultivation of stillness.2   In 2013, Venus turns retrograde on December 21st, the very same day as the Solstice, or the 'standing still' of the Sun!   This resonates with the beginning of Inanna's descent into the Underworld. A previous ‘superior’ or ‘exterior’ conjunction with the Sun occurred on March 28th, 2013, which we can see as Inanna’s union with her consort Dumuzi. This occurred in the sign of Aries, the Ram, a fitting symbol for the fact that Inanna’s beloved was a shepherd. The inner development of this cycle includes the recognition of the Warrior energy, and how it is directed in our lives: how do we handle our own vitality and energy and the aggression that arises if it is thwarted? Inanna-Venus reaches her highest position in the sky on November 1st, 20133 , gradually descending to the horizon until she disappears on January 5th, 2014.4 Since May 6th, 2013, Venus has been visible as the evening star, and on December 10th 2013 reaches her maximum brilliance – Inanna in her prime, Queen of her land, her temples, bearer of high office, authority and title.   There are approximately 7 weeks from her highest point in the sky (November 1st)3 to when she turns retrograde (December 21st). This parallels Inanna entering the Underworld through the 7 gates or chakras. Likewise, she is visible for approximately 7 months or 7 New Moons. We see a holographic repeat of this occurring: from the retrograde point on December 21st there are 21 days (3x7) until the retrograde conjunction with the Sun on January 11th, 2014. This symbolizes the meeting with Erishkigel, an 'ego-death' occurring in the depth realms as we encounter that which obscures our inner light. Our ancient griefs surface, the inconsolable, the ignored, the denied, the shamed. The ‘Eye of Death’ is also that which enables us to see with uncompromising clarity what is true. The penetrating focus is unrelenting and purifying.   The days after this conjunction are precious, as Inanna hangs on the peg and Erishkigel's distress is gently witnessed by the mourners. This is the time to 'sit with' ourselves and sense the movements within our own soul, engaging as little as possible with external relationships. We bear witness to our own soul until Venus reappears as the Morning Star (January 16th). Inanna is revived by the waters of life, and she emerges from the Underworld. She returns to life after her sojourn in the Underworld, but with yet another soul-task to undergo. The mourning of Erishkigel for her lost husband is echoed now in Inanna’s grief over the loss of Dumuzi, by her own actions. The decree which condemns Dumuzi to the Underworld is modified, and his sister Geshtinanna will alternate with him, sharing the requirement to go down when called. Inanna’s heart is softened by grief.    This is a powerful parable of how the hardness of heart that is occasioned by unreleased grief can serve as a precise trigger for more destruction, punishment and cruelty. History is created by such a mechanism, all too obvious in these times we are living in. The story also shows the way the cycle may be broken – this is perhaps its most significant element. Paying attention to our own grief helps to soften the heart, making it less likely that we will invokes the 'law of talion', doing to others what was done to us, or creating the same suffering around us that we (unconsciously) feel within us.   Venus signifies relationship and represents the energy  of Eros   At the time of the Interior Conjunction in the cycle of Venus, this image of the 'Eye of Death' also refers to the 'death' of the old self-image or self-description, in order that new energy may enter, and profound change occur.   We are infused with the qualities of the sign in which the Interior Conjunction occurs (January 11th, 2014), and this develops through the year, reaching fruition at the Exterior Conjunction (October 25th, 2014).   The orbit of Venus   Because the orbit of Venus is very regular she goes retrograde once every 18 months, and every 8 years returns to almost exactly the same place at the same time of year to repeat the cycle. The mathematics is precise, elegant and inspiring:   8 x 365 = 2920   (8 years for the cycle to repeat in the same place in the zodiac) 5 x 584 = 2920   (5 cycles of Venus, each taking 584 days to complete)    Each time retrogradation occurs, we are connected back to the same period exactly 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72 and 80 years ago. Again, note the sequence of the numbers ... one is reminded of the even, balanced qualities which the sign of LIbra aspries to.     08, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80 (Years 'back' when Venus Rx was in same area of the zodiac)   First digit sequence = 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 Second digit sequence = 8,6,4,2,0 (repeated)       The unfinished business from those times may gather and return to consciousness, as we are helped to let go, forgive and move on. Merciful clarity arises, sometimes following shocking insights, sometimes arriving quietly like a mother watching a sleeping child. These retrograde loops are times of profound inner movement, and precious times of healing.   This particular retrogradation, occurring around Christmas and during the Twelve Holy Nights, has an easy 'marker'. These are the end-of-year times where this particular station retrograde occurred before. See if you can 'pick up a trail' which connects these dates. Perhaps there are themes which recurred?   2005    (SR December 24th 2005) 1997    (SR December 26th 1997) 1989    (SR December 29th 1989) 1981    (SR December 31st 1981) 1974    (SR January 3rd 1974) 1966    (SR January 3rd 1966) 1958    (SR January 8th 1958) 1950     (SR January 10th 1950)      Venus always spends 40 days retrograde, mirroring the 40 weeks of human gestation and the archetypal '40 days in the wilderness'. Also, there are approximately 40 weeks (9 months) between the two different conjunctions of Venus and the Sun. The retrograde zones, when plotted around the zodiac circle, make a five-pointed star, which symbolizes the power of the higher mind. This star can be drawn without lifting your pencil off the paper – try it! Indeed, intentions 'drawn' during these times are infused with great significance and power. The five-pointed star represents the 'higher mind' because it references the mental frequency which is not divisive, seeing everything in adversarial terms. Rather, it connects 'heaven and earth' in appreciation and experience of the physical plane of existence, and also more rarefied states of consciousness. Here, the mind seeks a unity which includes differentiation.   The entire process lasts from November 20th 2013, until March 4th 2014. These two dates represent the edges of the portion of the zodiac over which Venus traverses, to and fro, as she turns direction twice before moving on. Graphically, it looks like this (and see below for the note on the Venus-Pluto conjunction).       Every time Venus is retrograde we get an opportunity to review unconscious decisions and intentions we may have unwittingly set in motion, especially as regards our perceptions of other people, where suffering and misunderstanding has arisen. We may then re-set these in the light of consciousness, made wiser by accepting both love and loss.      Previous shift from Aquarius into Capricorn …   The last time the station retrograde of Venus moved from Aquarius into Capricorn was 1,247 years ago!!   Venus was then stationary retrograde at 28°58' of Capricorn on December 17th, 0766, the exact same place it will be on December 21st, 2013.  (The degrees where Venus stations move backwards through the zodiac at a rate of 1°- 3° every 8 years, as shown in list above.) The total area of the zodiac to be covered in 2013-2014 is 13°34' Capricorn to 28°59' Capricorn. This is also where the powerful conjunctions of Uranus and Neptune were located, in 1993. There may be echoes from that time of about 20 years ago which reach us, in addition to those from the time-frame of the 8 year period.     We are infused with the qualities of the sign in which the Interior Conjunction occurs (January 11th, 2014), and this develops through the year, reaching fruition at the Exterior Conjunction (October 25th, 2014).       Venus-Sun in Capricorn   What are the qualities of Venus-Sun in Capricorn? As Saturn, ruler of Capricorn, is exalted in Libra, ruled by Venus, Capricorn is a very strong placement for Venus. The qualities of steadfastness, integrity and strength are bestowed if we are willing to receive them. Venus in Capricorn goes for the long haul, is not afraid of commitment, and patiently works with the difficulties that arise along the way. A quiet dignity and sense of realism are evoked as we attend to what life brings us. Faithful in friendship and loyal in love, Capricorn brings out the wisdom of Venus, signifying the maturity that comes from embracing both and dark and the light sides of relationship. We are initiated into a sober, reflective, interiority.   The approach to this Retrograde is characterised by the conjunction of Venus and Pluto (exact November 15th 2013 at 21.33 GMT in 9° 46' Capricorn). You can see on the Graph above the almost horizontal line going across the image, beginning at about number 10 on the vertical 'ruler', left. This line represents Pluto, and you can see that when Venus has retrograded all the way back to her Station Direct (January 31st 2014, 13°33' Capricorn) she is very near Pluto again. This conjunction adds intensity to the Venus cycle, and emphasizes the 'underwordly' dimension of our experience. Processes will go on which are below our threshold of understanding,  our capacity for 'trusting the process' might be challenged, we may be made aware of where we have difficulty letting go of past relationship situations, and we are drawn to consider the deepest aspects of our lives.   Below is a representation of the relationship between Venus and Pluto, seen from the vantage point of the Sun. The measurements are every 584 days (one synodic cycle of Venus), logged 2920 times (5 synodic cycles = 8 years). You might recognize these numbers, also mentioned above. The picture was created with the fabulous ACS programme 'Astrological Mandalas'.     Note the place in your own horoscope where the Venus-Sun conjunction will occur ( 21°12' Capricorn, January 11th, 2014), and also the Venus-Pluto conjunction, which is like a 'prelude'. The house position will give you a clue about the 'task list' being presented, and you can engage the managerial and executive capacity of Venus in Capricorn to do some planning for the months ahead. What needs your attention in your life? How may you better align with your deeper sense of values and purpose there? What is the habitual quality of your relationship with your own personal experience? Negative judgement? Quiet acceptance?   Attune to the energy of Saturn Read about Saturn, track its cycles in your life, meditate on the symbol, allowing your intuition to speak to you.   Click here for Part II - Some notes on the 2012 Transit of Venus   DIANE WOLKSTEIN   IN FOND MEMORY AND GRATITUDE   This Rx loop of Venus is the first to occur since the death of Diane Wolkstein (11.11.42 - 31.1.2013). Poignantly, the first anniversary of her death will coincide with the next Station Direct of Venus, in Capricorn and conjunct Diane's natal Moon position, in the 8th house (of death and rebirth).   Diane's exquisite work brought the story of Inanna alive for many thousands of people. It was a footnote in her book which started me on this trail of discovery about the planet Venus, her orbital patterns and deeper meanings.     Click here for Diane Wolkstein's webpage on Inanna - performance history, videos, interviews, information. The picture below was taken on a weekend in London where I was honoured to co-present material with Diane Wolkstein and Jenni Roditi, composer of an opera about Inanna. Click here for Jenni's website - performance history, videos, reviews, information.     __________________________________________________     ENDNOTES   1. See ‘Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth: her stories and hymns from Sumer’ by Samuel Kramer and Diane Wolkstein, Harper and Row, NY, 1983. The story of Inanna was pieced together from stone tablets stored in various museums world-wide.   2. This is why Mercury retrograde gets ‘bad press’ – our culture is based on externalisation, busy-ness and speed!   3. Note: this was the exact day of the 4th Uranus-Pluto square, and shortly before a Solar Eclipse (November 3rd).