Molly Hall About.com
Get With Mighty Aphrodite (Venus) Thursday May 19, 2011
The juicy, yet insistent aspects in Venusian Taurus through Monday press us to ground in what we love and will sustain us truly. A trine from Venus Taurus to Pluto on Saturday (May 21st) bores down to the deep core of earthy power. Hold firm, stubbornly root in what you value, realize a natural talent, substantiate your passions.
The Venus-Pluto trine revives the ancient lineage of reverence for the feminine. I'm reading Jean Shinoda Bolen's book about women's pilgrimage, Crossing to Avalon. She walks the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral outside Paris, and describes the pattern -- a circle with six lobes, like a flower with petals. She notes that the design is associated with Aphrodite, Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty.
Many of the cathedrals are on pilgrimage sites of the Goddess whose roots go deep into ancient times. Dr. Bolen writes, "Mary was held in particular veneration at Chartres. In the very word venerate, the goddess Venus (Aphrodite's Latin name) is hidden."
In her pilgrimage, Bolen makes it real, by standing on the ground of these sacred sites. Though covered over by another tradition, the potency of that indigenous heritage is felt even now. What's paved over and stifled in us is still felt too, if we give it time and space to live. The natural rhythms and instincts can be revived, brought back from the dead (seemingly) with this Pluto trine. Find ways to make it real for you this weekend -- rev up the Venus power into your life!
•Plant something juicy or fragrant (fruits, flowers, herbs). Some Venus associations are Lily, Roses, Berries, Wild Cherry and Motherwort.
•Eliminate people or situations that uproot you, are superficial and draining.
•Tune in to the beat of nature -- find that beat in yourself.
•Relish your food, take time drawing out flavors, textures, colors.
•Revitalize your living or work space with something artful, graceful, and fills you with well-being.
•Great time for women's gatherings, where there's space beyond chitchat, to talk about things that really matter.
•Physical pleasure is especially healing/cathartic/regenerative.
•Make memories with shared sensual experiences, or the satisfaction of collaboration -- building up something enduring together.
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