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Historically this phenomenon was observed by ancient sky-watchers and mystics, and became the basis of many myths involving death and resurrection. Christians, Mayans, and Hindus all describe the return of the Morning Star as symbolic of the return of their teachers. The Babylonians called Venus the double-phased Ishtar -- the Morning Star of war and the Evening Star of love. Greek astrologers called the morning phase of Venus Lucifer ("the light bearer") and the evening phase Hesperus ("setting in the West"). The Mayans linked the morning phase of Venus with Quetzalcoatl, one of their major gods, believing that this was a time when leaders are struck down and natural disasters occur. The Mayan calendar closely follows Venus cycles and even has Venus tables that chart these cycles with an accuracy that astounds modern astronomers. This current retrograde period marks the fourth station before Venus reveals her shamanic transformation in a rare transit in front of the Sun during the final leg of this eight year set in 2012.
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Astrologers view retrograde cycles and this change in perceived motion to represent an alchemical shift in consciousness. In Vedic astrology, retrograde planets are believed to be more powerful. In Astrology of the Seers, David Frawley writes: Retrograde planets often indicate a karmic result. They may be functioning to fulfill some karmic debt or promise or to clear up affairs from the past.
Astrologically Venus represents how we get what we want, and the nature of the love we receive. When this power is afflicted, relationships may loose some of their luster, communication may not be as sweet, or or we may not be able to get what we want as easily as when the planet is strong. When Venus is retrograde, it is a great time to turn our relationship radar inward and reassess any problems, differences, or unresolved issues. As Western astrologer Lynn Koiner points out: Discrimination is more effective. You become readily aware of any problems, differences or unresolved issues. It is NOT a time, however, to act upon any unfavorable awareness. It is purely a time of evaluation rather than direct action. As little frictions and disagreements crop up, they serve to remind you that the relationship is not perfect. Under the retrograde influence, you must assess the severity of the problem and the “cost-benefit” of the relationship. Only after Venus turns direct should you initiate any alienation if this is deemed necessary.
Vedic astrology offers wonderful remedial measures, called upayas, to soothe afflicted planets or difficult transits. Some of these remedies include wearing gemstones and chanting mantra. White crystals, such as diamond and white sapphire, emit a frequency that resonates with Venus.
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By wearing these crystals we imprint our field with this vibration and thus strengthen the Venus frequency within us. Or we can meditate on divine images like the yantra which are based on sacred geometry that visually reflects these frequencies.
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In the Vedic tradition, Venus, Shukra, is the son of the great seer Bhrigu who taught his descendant all spiritual sciences and Vedic scriptures. As Venus rules chanting of mantras, tantra, alchemy, the medical arts, and fine arts, these pursuits are great remedies. Venus retrograde is the perfect time to reconnect with these practices -- especially on Venus' day, Friday. A mantra one might use is: Om shum shukraaye namah.
During this 42 day retrograde cycle Venus will transit its mulatrikona or favorite sign, Libra. Her backward motion through the nakshatras of Swati (October 8 - November 6) and Chitra (November 6-18) will influence the themes of her shamanic work. While in Swati, which gives the power to scatter like the wind, pradhvamsa shakti, Venus may stir the mind. Swati is ruled by the airy planet Rahu which may increase rumination and obsession with what we want or feel we are not getting. The deity Saraswati is associated with the nakshatra and may give opportunites for new communication, lessons and ideas.
Venus Morningstar October 29, 2010 - August 16, 2011
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Namaste!
3 comments:
Hi Liz,
Wow, again you blow me away with all the fascinating information, and I love your images too. I've been doing this a long time but I always learn something interesting here, e.g. all that multi-cultural info in the 3rd paragraph. And that's interesting about the return of the teacher.
I hope you don't mind I put a link to your blog on my blog, and I may even mention it in my next newsletter. My readers would love to know about you, I'm sure.
Until next time!
Thanks Patti!
Thanks for sharing, I was wondering what was going on...now I know!
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