On 2nd February 2013, Mars enters Pisces at 01:53 GMT followed by Venus entering Aquarius an hour later (at 02:46 GMT). I'm particularly interested in these transits because they coincide with my Mars and Venus returns. Astrologers have mixed views on the importance of the returns of these personal planets compared to the Sun and the bigger planets, e.g. solar returns, Saturn return, Jupiter return. However, they can give us information on the finer details of how our Venusian and Martian energies can be used.
Our Venus return chart can give us information concerning our love relationship, our social life and also financial matters for the year ahead.
Our Mars return chart can indicate the direction of our personal drive for the next two years. Where are your personal passions placed? Where are you likely to exert your energy?
For me, my both my Venus and Mars return has Mars as the chart ruler (Aries ASC), with Mars in Pisces in 12th and Venus in Aquarius 10th. The usual interpretation is a period of procrastination and listlessness, as Mars (action) is diffused in Pisces and also in the 12th house. However, its conjunction to Neptune and Chiron can be particularly healing, especially that Chiron is getting some grounding from a trine to Saturn. As with any astrological interpretation, you can work with the positive or negative aspects of the configuration. Awareness is the key. If you are aware of an upcoming period of lethargy, then conscious effort can help overcome, or at least, mitigate this tendency, especially if you have enough earth in your chart. So in my case, I can be a lazy butt or I can turn my attention inward and go on a soul-searching journey or do something for the good of the collective.
Natally, I have an out-of-sign Venus-Jupiter opposition, but in this year's Venus return chart, Venus is trine Jupiter. This is another feature to look out for in predictive work. For example, with a Sun-Saturn square natally, conflicts with authority figures is one possible manifestation. However, if during a transit/return, this pair is related in a more harmonious way, e.g. Sun-Saturn trine or sextile, you're more likely to find that during the period in question, relating to figures of authority is smoother than usual. This is possibly because you are more receptive to their teachings and accept that the limits they impose on you are for your ultimate benefit, rather than feeling restricted by them. So, for me, my Venus return could indicate that my values, however wacky, are more likely to be accepted, as I'm less likely to exaggerate and become arrogant.
As transits, Mars and Venus only have a transient effect, as they only remain in a sign for approximately 3 - 5 weeks respectively. This is a time to think outside the box (Mercury in Aquarius until 5th February) and to have compassion for others (Mercury in Pisces from 6th February; Mars, Neptune and Chiron also in Pisces). Motivate yourself to act in selfless ways. Make your mark by focusing on service. What can you do to serve? Doreen Virtue, angel therapist, often emphasises the importance of focusing on service. Once we are doing what we are meant to do on this planet, we feel confident with our actions and what's more, the money will flow to you naturally. Remember money is merely an energy exchange. It provides the means to allow our physical selves to live comfortably on this planet so we can go on serving others. The Universe doesn't want you to suffer. If you're not thriving, think about what is hindering you, chances are that it is yourself. Are you afraid of moving beyond your comfort zone?
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