The Cosmos casts a vote for love when Venus enters Sagittarius on Monday at 1:54 pm EDT. It will be more than Robert Hand’s observation of how “In its highest manifestation Venus is love.” It will even be more than how Sagittarius, as mutable fire, tempers the practical with the spiritual, and forges the ideal into the real. The “more” that will really cinch the vote is the conjunction Venus will make immediately upon ingress to Sagittarius — with asteroid 16 Psyche.
16 Psyche is one of the 10 most massive objects in the “main belt” of asteroids between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Like most asteroids, its interpretation for astrology can reliably begin with its name.
The word “psyche” gets thrown around a lot, to different purposes, so perhaps it would be a good idea to begin with a dictionary. The most scientific selection in Merriam Webster defines psyche as “the totality of the Id, Ego, and Superego including both conscious and unconscious components.” In other words, what you are on the whole, albeit unseen within animated matter.
That’s a large territory in which mind, heart and even speculative, non-tangible components of being may be considered constituents. Adding even greater depth to interpreting 16 Psyche for astrology is the mythical character of the same name, and her relationship with the mythical character Venus.
Venus is one of the classical planets. That is to say the planets which are visible to the unaided eye, and known to human beings for so long there is no recoverable date of first observation.
As the brightest planet orbiting the Sun from our perspective, it is almost certain that Venus, and its mythology, are so integrated with the human psyche as to be inseparable. Yet, if there is anything to the story which came down to us from the Greeks and through the Romans, that integration came about only after a big hassle.
The story says Venus, the immortal ideal of beauty, was jealous of mortal Psyche’s good looks. So overcome by jealousy was the goddess of love, that she sent her archer son, Eros (also known as Cupid) to punish Psyche. Instead, Eros fell in love with Psyche, and she with him. Needless to say, that made Venus even more jealous.
In an attempt to placate her prospective mother-in-law, Psyche went through all sorts of hassle, even to death’s door. In the end, however, love triumphed. Psyche’s devotion to love resulted in her own immortality as an unseen but pervasive part of existence — at once the product and the purpose of love.
If you think about it, the mythology of Psyche and the scientific definition of psyche complement each other in a profound way. The myth and science through which asteroid 16 Psyche can be interpreted defines you (and everybody at once) as both the product and purpose of love. In other words, at its most fundamental, love is what you are on the whole. Furthermore, on the whole, love is what you are here to do, regardless of appearances. As a bonus, there is an implicit indication of immortality available through love.
If you think about it further, having Venus and 16 Psyche merge in the first degree of the sign signified by an archer symbolically integrates all the consequential characters of the myth into a reconciliation through their common purpose, a purpose also in common with you and everybody at once.
It is therefore reasonable to interpret Monday’s entrance of Venus into Sagittarius as the Universe making its intent for this time known, just as you make your intent known whenever you cast a vote. If you can see your way to accept that, then the cosmic vote is unmistakable. The only question is whether you will perceive and respond so as to support or oppose that intent. The decision is nothing less than whether you choose to be part of or excluded from all and everything else.
The way it looks now, many human beings in various places will be casting a variety of votes between now and Monday. Among the issues will be quality of life and possibility of death. There will probably be a lot of hassle involved as well. Hence, it is well and good that your voice should be heard on matters of earthly contention. Even so, it would be a good idea to be aware that there is also a vote being cast above you, and to align your actions with it so as to be whole and as one with the whole, for the sake of nothing less than forever.
Offered In Service
Len is available for astrology readings. You can contact him at lenwallick [at] gmail [dot] com.
In prayer and homage to our aspect crusade -Venus conjunct 16 Psyche …as we, our body soars into the universal, unknown realms of Sagittarius today-
Voluptas, born of the soul, breathed into life by passion
Daughter of the earth and sky
Voluptas, in a shower of white stars
Pleasure, a blossom in her golden hair
Voluptas, the glowing edge of a dove’s wing
The Sea shell’s song, the voice of twilight
A pearl formed in secret, made of pain
Softened by tenderness
Maiden of heaven, stars in the folds of her skirts
Gliding bare-foot along the sands of longing
Weeping in her sleep, soothed by caresses
Voluptas, roses at her feet, dauthter of love
Goddess, bending near to touch the earth
Called forth into existence, a sapphire of light
A feather from Cupid’s wings
Stirred the River Styx, to flow to Voluptas
Psyche’s heart, touched by the gods’ compassion
Warmed, supple to Cupid’s advances
Brought into the world a daughter, Voluptas
As beautiful as the dawn
Voluptas, a sister to the Graces of humankind
A poetess, and lover of beauty
Borne on the pinions of angels
Afoat on the dew of the sea
Gathered by foamy waves to the bosom of the shore
Asleep on sun-lit rocks
Adrift in the clouds, a bluebird singing forevermore
Her songs of the soul
– unknown
Len, thank you for your kind words and in particular the word ‘appears’. It is rightly said. Please know I do not profess to anyone absolutes. I know nothing, but am only on a personal journey of healing and is of little expression here.
Hi Be: As always loved all you added.
One more thing I want to offer to this story is there was a product of this love -Psyche and Eros it’s name is Voluptus (pleasure)! Yet it has to start with ourselves and then moves outward.
This is pretty close to what I see as Christ’s message and teaching towards our understanding and experiencing peace and heaven on earth.
Len, thank you for your kind words and in particular the word ‘appears’. It is rightly said, and appreciated. Please know I do not profess to anyone absolutes. I know nothing, but am only on a personal journey of healing and of little expression here.
Hi Be: As always loved all you added.
One more thing I wanted to offer to this story. There was a product of this love -Psyche and Eros it’s name is Voluptus (pleasure)!
This is pretty close to what I see anyway as Christ’s message and teaching towards our understanding and experiencing peace and heaven on earth. Yet this experience in relationship, be it Devine and/or other has to start within ourselves and then moves outward.
Chief Niwots Son: Thank you for the lyric from Bob Marley, it comforted me all through yesterday. A Venus in Gemini is a Venus near one of its own nodes, a powerful placement which (judging by your wise words often received here) you work with to inspire us.
Lizzy: You are very welcome. Thank you also for the wonderful realization to know that we were living with the same song in our minds yesterday.
Lunesoliel: Thank you also for your kind words and wise insights.
DivaCarla: Thank you for sharing your transits. It appears as though they have you in the thick of the astrology as a light-bringer. If my poor service worked to provide some light in return, it is probably because you have the gift to see it. Thank you for sharing your gifts here.
nilou: Speaking of light, few shine more brightly than you to both teach and provoke deeper thought. Thank you for the artful teachings and provocations you share with us.
be: Just look at the love the other readers show for you! And it is no wonder, what with the generous and erudite insights you continuously share as regards to the current astrology and its relationship to astrology past and future. Thank you so much for your exemplary strength and devotion, which are evidence of the profound love you have for astrology, selflessly shared with us.
Strawberry: Thank you for your kind appraisal of my service and generous acknowledgements to other readers.
Hazel1: May “interesting” be only pleasant and inspiring for you. Thank you!
Daniel: Thank you for being among the kindest and most supportive of readers. Dreams and nightmares are not within my proficiency to interpret (unless they be my own), but you may want to check your nativity for what is transiting your 12th house (as well as your current relationship with Neptune).
Lizzy: Eric’s lead-off piece for today’s subscriber edition is probably the best interpretation of the astrology of the world you will find anywhere at the moment. i share your concern as regards needless deaths and suffering. All the more reason to show and be love where we are, whomever we are with.
P. Sophia: Thank you for your eloquent synopsis. It appears there are no better words than your own. Thank you for sharing them here.
Mia: And as regards to warriors, none better than you. Thank you for being the warrior who not only endeavors from strength, but also a warrior who shares from the stoutest of hearts which would serve to inspire even Psyche in her darkest hour.
And speaking of mothers-in-law, perhaps love is able to triumph in a way nothing else can. …finding ways of playing that Uranus wild card. Thank you Len, Amanda, Be, and everyone else.
Be, how lovely. What a beautiful reading to complement both Len’s and Amanda’s recent explorations of how astrology is showing us ways to make the most of this opportunity to expand our ability to experience & receive love. My heart, and my thanks, to you. <3
You are right Lizzy, too much indifference, but also too much unconsciousness. I became aware of the problem myself only yesterday, and that was by way of the BBC. It is one more part of the consciousness raising of the whole planet I assume; these tragic events that often could have been prevented. Astrologically, the three outer planets (that we are aware of) represent the universal directive for increased consciousness; what is happening beyond your own personal existence. As they incorporate by aspect the planets that we ARE aware of (Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn), this happens. But it isn’t just mental awareness that is being asked of us human beings, it is also heart awareness.
Of the three categories of love, the highest form is “agape”; love that is unconditional. It is the name for love that is selfless; without expecting anything in return. That would be the eventual goal for humanity, but for now (for the most part), love is experienced within the “eros” or” philos” categories. Eros love is romantic love, based usually (at least in the beginning) on physical appearance and personality or intelligence. Eros love expects something in return. Philos love is based on friendship and mutual give and take.
When Venus occulted the Sun in June 2012, it marked the beginning of a period of growth in the way humanity expresses and feels love. That aspect was the second of two occultations of Venus to the Sun, the 1st was in June 2004, and this double Venus-occult-Sun won’t happen again in our lifetime. However, each time any “conscious” planet aspects the degree where Venus and the Sun were conjunct in Gemini in June 2012, it will resonate in some, likely small, way to the Venus message to increase our consciousness about what love means. A Mayan prophecy says that “the renewed world of new consciousness” will be born when that Venus-Occult-Sun (Venus passes visibly in front of the Sun) happens.
As Len has told us, there is an asteroid named for Eros who in myth was Venus’ son. As far as I can tell, there is nothing found in the heavens named for Philos or Agape yet, but there is an asteroid named Philosophia (#227). Today Eros is at 26+ Leo and Venus is square him at 26+ Scorpio. Asteroid Philosophia is at 1+ Leo today. Philosophia would have recently squared 1992 QB1 (threshold). Perhaps aspects to these minor bodies might give us some understanding as to why tragedies such as that of the migrants you spoke of happen.
In the meantime, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto will be announcing change in their big bold or tragic ways. As we increase our perceptions and understanding of what goes on outside our personal perimeters the messages won’t have to hit us over the head anymore. As we increase our caring for humanity as a whole, there will be less violence and carnage. We are getting there.
be
Powerful, article Len. Thank you.
Roxy and I gave a shout out to you and Jimi the other night during our interview. Here is the link below:
http://www.thetruthdenied.com/news/2013/10/03/cutting-edge-visionaries-of-the-modern-world-with-mia-feroleto/
We spend most of the time talking about Art with a Capital “A” in honor of David Foster Wallace. The interview focuses on my exhibition, “This is Water,” inspired by Wallace and focuses on awareness and what is real and true.
The time has come for us to make our stand. Roxy and I have joined hands to do so. Let’s all join hands in solidarity and make this planet rock! In a good way. A constructive way. A peaceful way. A warrior’s way.
Mia
“…on the whole, love is what you are here to do”
No better words! And could have missed this one, thanks so much Len for drawing our attention here. The story of Psyche and Eros is one of my favorite mythological tales. You may have known…it is my chosen icon here. The butterfly and the Star are the symbols.
Venus and Psyche together, in this aspect, entering into Sagittarius holds so much potential especially at this time. It’s cosmic integration (body, mind and soul) and the universe (Sagittarius) is clearly leading us to move this way!
The iconic story of transformation in love, representing the souls journey inward -mind and breath, and through Venus (Aphrodite’s) test and trails. Although difficult- we have doubts, experience the unknown, from the shadows it can be fearful (literally feels like to Hell and back at times), is the path that leads us outward in light courageously. Through our heart towards trust and personal acceptance -self love unites us with our own divinity.
They showed this touching film on Italian tv last night, following the tragedy,
http://movies.nytimes.com/2013/07/24/movies/emanuele-crialese-tackles-migration-in-terraferma.html?_r=0
Be, was wondering about the current astrology in the world. Another terrible tragedy has hit migrants fleeing to the shores of Lampedusa. There has been too much indifference about this problem for too long – and it’s not only Italy’s problem -it’s the whole of Europe’s, and they’ve always turned their back on it. Once again, “How many deaths will it take…”?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24392732
march 2013
sometimes it is very difficult for a parent to discern whether or not they have done and are doing the best for their children…
and then this.. by email…from my son…
What is love?
As humans our insatiable desire for self-preservation constrains us from truly having the ability to perceive and understand other people and their demands for self preservation, and responses to incentives. But the exponential growth of thought has enabled us to recognize actually perceiving people as they are as a potential, typified by the concept of empathy – an ideal that if truly ever experienced would render us redundant.
[…]
This would help explain the apparent rarity and beauty of a true love as the likelihood of two humans being able to conceive a concept of the other in a balanced self-fulfilling way must be small, but at the same time it’s possible; a desire for self-preservation, or self-actualization, or other more erroneous factors such as a desire to conform to self imposed social norms may cause a person to adjust the concept of another person they have in order to participate in the positive feedback loop, thereby increasing the congruence between the concept of a person and the actual person which is necessary, as throughout life individuals are in a constant state of flux.
KHP
he says it is a gift for me, and it is for me to do with as i please.
and now all is well, and now i can go find my cottage by the sea.
n
What a beautiful article Len, thanks for your insights always. Over the past week or so, I’ve been having some intense nightmares. I always feel nightmares are a cleanse, giving such powerful releases to those parts of us that we censor and hide away. This, even among such beautiful transits to my natal chart. There is a lot of activity for me around this New Moon for some reason, and it feels good.
Wonder what this all is going to do with my early Saggitarius placements in my natal chart. I’ll see, sounds like it might get interesting.
Len, I’ve read this sentence: “Psyche’s devotion to love resulted in her own immortality as an unseen but pervasive part of existence” a dozen times. I’m stunned by its reverberations through all of the variations we have on the idea of psyche. This is absolutely beautiful. Venus would be proud.
There’s been a shooting outside the Capitol; several shots and one policeman or security guard was injured. Pete Williams placed the time about 2:15 PM, Rep. Peter King thinks it was about 2:25 PM. Someone tried to ram the gates to the White House (woman I believe) and a car chase ensued with police chasing the car who tried to ram the gate. Only getting bits and pieces now. All inside the capitol were put on lockdown but I think it’s over now.
Transiting Mars is at 22+ Leo and the progressed U.S. (Sibly) Psyche is at 23+ Leo retrograde, as is the U.S. progressed Eurydike, and they oppose the U.S. progressed Damocles at 23+ Aquarius. The transiting Moon at 25+ Virgo was sextile transiting Venus at 25+ Scorpio and that would form a yod with the upcoming eclipsed Moon on October 18th at 25+ Aries.
Transiting Pluto was near the ascendant and trans. Mercury near the MC for a chart set for 2:25 PM in Washington DC.
be
“Integrating the depth of the commitment was a little shocking for aspects of the psyche. In a sudden moment of realisation they had been made redundant. They seemed to resent having been deposed – the loss of their status as guardians of one who had never lived a tidy life. Who would now guard against slander, insult, and plain rudeness? Who would be vigilant against the barbs and arrows of the world?
I said goodbye.
I reminded them that it was not so much redundancy as early retirement in recognition of years of meritorious, dutiful and loyal service.
They left.
I sighed.”
6th April 2012
I recall Eric referring to a meaning behind Psyche in a recent transit, perhaps conjuncting Saturn, as the wound we believe can never be healed. The belief is an important distinction. I looked up my natal Psyche when I heard that, and it’s in the last degrees of Pisces, along with my Sun, and Eros, Magdalene, and Carla. Right this minute, Venus is crossing my Natal Saturn, and Psyche is crossing Black Moon Lilith. the Psyche Venus conjunction Monday will be with Lilith, and trine Natal Psyche. I don’t know what it all means, but I appreciate the heads up. Your interpretation of Psyche feels like the light side of the shadow, and I can use all the light I can get this new moon season.
Great article Len on Psyche and Venus two values connected to the female and in my house seven, I chose describe article on astrology of love on my blog, a subject I know very well. I love the composite and you? , it is the result of a union, an energy that we need to tame
Good evening to all 🙂
How funny, Chief Niwots Son – I had this very song going on in my head as I read Len’s words! Maybe because I have Venus in Gemini, too.
Thank you for this beautiful piece, dear Len. Love will show us the way, “on the whole, love is what you are here to do, regardless of appearances”, so lovely!
“One Love, One Heart. Give thanks and praise to the Lord (Jah) and it will be alright…”
– Robert Nesta Marley
Thanks Len, you just showed me a glimmer of light to buoy the Mercury retrograde season. My Geminian Venus is opposite this conjunction, bringing some air and fire to balance the watery depths of Mercury’s current swim. Who can say what will be ignited in the watery depths?