Venus in Libra squares Jupiter in Cancer today, and Mars enters Leo (at 10:05 pm EDT). Both events combine into a great astrological development for the kind of creative expression being fostered by the Sun and Neptune right now (see yesterday’s Daily Astrology post; those two are providing the main theme this week). Today the message coming through is, “Have the courage to hang a little looser and enjoy yourself.”
It’s amazing how quickly some people can experience a backlash of guilt or fear the moment pleasure enters their experience. One reason could be economic: many people in many parts of the world don’t feel like they can afford to play creatively. Even college students barely get the chance to explore their passions before the chilling specter of crushing educational debt pressures them to major in something ‘sensible’.
The guilt reaction feels older, though (as in multi-generational). In the U.S. (especially in the Northeast), we have our so-called ‘Protestant work ethic’ sternly looking over our shoulders. For some, it’s a Depression-era survival mindset that has been passed on from a previous generation, or the socio-economic imperative that comes with being a recent immigrant.
And for many, the pleasure-guilt boomerang is even more deeply and subtly related to many centuries’ worth of sexual repression at the hands of religious institutions. Sex feels good; sex is (pro)creative; sexual pleasure does not depend on being married, or ‘pure’ or obedient. It’s a little rebellious — as is much great art and, apparently, anything truly creative these days.
So, back to the astrology: Venus is still effectively talking to Uranus, letting the spontaneous sparks of innovation guide the dance. This applies to the creative process as well as the act of co-creating relationships.
Jupiter is now co-opting those unexpected moves from Venus’ eccentric dance partner. He wants to ride the waves of endorphins, get lost in the swells of rhythmic music, and really let loose. He wants it all, dancing all night in romantic bliss and wine and roses. And Venus, as much as she says she wants balance in Libra, has an inner hedonist. That side of her is usually closer to the surface in Taurus than in Libra. Libra brings out her inner aesthete and lover of harmony — at least, until Jupiter comes along.