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You are the goddess rising now.

By Dana Gerhardt

After her retrograde, Venus is rising–from June 2020 to March 2021.
How do you strengthen your new feminine power?
Going forward, what myth do you follow?

The astrology chart for 1:45 am in Portland on July 18 shows a stunning opposition in the heavens.  On the streets below, there’s a tense standoff—between angry protestors and armed federal agents.

At the top of the chart, the forces of power and authority, the masculine gods Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn, all in Capricorn, stand in a line—opposite the Cancer Sun, sitting at the root of the chart, in the sign of the Great Mother.

At that moment, a woman appears out of the tear gas and tumult, wearing only a face mask and stocking cap.  She walks toward the line of men in camouflage—who are firing pepper balls around her.  She stops in the intersection; stands silent and motionless; then slowly takes her naked body through a sequence of yogic poses.  She reclines on the street and spreads her legs in their direction.

She’s in the street for a little over ten minutes—during which, the city police arrive and replace the feds in camouflage.  Then the police exit the scene.  After observing the uniformed men disappear, the street goddess slips away, anonymously, into the crowd.

Some call her “Naked Athena,” an understandable reference, as Athena is both a goddess of war and wisdom.  Yet Athena springs from the head of her father and hardly has the sensuality of the Great Goddess in all her fullness.

The Portland street goddess reminds me more of an old tantric tale:

A long time ago, after the Great Goddess had been banished to the wild by the masculine gods, a great phallus began raging across the earth, destroying cities, ravaging the land, frightening the people.  Even the masculine gods couldn’t stop him.  As a last resort, they sent an emissary to beg the Great Goddess for her help.

Sure, she said.  She headed toward the great phallus, who was burning through the countryside.  Standing across from him, she dropped her robes.  With her divine hand, she reached for the phallus, then drew him inside of her.  They enjoyed themselves.  Dissolved in their ecstasy, the world fell into balance again.

That night in Portland, the planet Venus was just below the eastern horizon—about to rise.  The Moon was right behind her.  As the street returned to calm, these two celestial ladies ascended and kept watch until sunrise.

Hunting down Dumuzi

If you’ve been on the Venus retrograde journey with me, you know that we’ve been following the transformation paradigm from the ancient Mesopotamian myth of Ishtar. When evening star Venus disappears from the sky (which happened in late May of this year), Ishtar is on a mission.  She heads to the underworld to gain new power.

The time to develop and use that power is now—between June 2020 (Venus’ morning star transformation) and March 2021 (Venus’ evening star transformation). 

In the myth, when Ishtar exits the underworld, she takes on a new mission.   She’s accompanied by the grim galla–underworld demons who eat no food, accept no gifts, don’t enjoy lovemaking, and have no sweet children to kiss.   Ishtar’s resurrection requires a sacrifice.  The galla are here to carry someone back to the underworld.  A life for a life.

So Ishtar hunts down the man who’s done her wrong, her husband Dumuzi, who, sitting on his magnificent throne in his shining garments, didn’t seem to mind that she was dead.  She’ll exchange his life for hers.

Before we think this grants us permission to crush some actual man or men—let’s pause.   After the underworld, we’re still naked.  We’re vulnerable.  We’ve just taken a transformation journey with the Divine Feminine inside ourselves.   Maybe we awakened new powers.  Maybe we uncovered old sorrows and began their healing.  Maybe we busted a myth and got a new view of ourselves.

Ishtar/Venus is a goddess who encompasses everything.  She’s a lover.  She’s a fighter.  She’s a mother.  She’s a seductress.  She’s a protector and healer.  She’s abundance and beauty.  She’s laughter and rage.  She is Shakti, the play of life force energy dancing with Source.  What matters going forward is how–or if–we continue to feel our reverence and connection.    It is the beginning of a new Venus cycle.  We have an opportunity to develop a new side of our feminine expression. 

We get the meaning of the myth when we understand that Dumuzi is not an outer enemy.  He represents the masculine inside ourselves.  The one who decides what we do most days.  The grumpy eruptions of Ereshkigal —those result from the many ways the divine masculine “forgets” the divine feminine within.  To support the goddess rising inside, we need to re-balance the power between them, to re-harmonize heart and mind.

Over the past few weeks, readers and clients have generously shared with me their Venus retrograde transformation stories.  They’ve shared poignant disappointments, surprising revelations, and amazing healings.  Twice I sat down to write about the journeys of those who gave me permission to do so—and yet, the writing itself kept veering away.  In the end, it all felt just too tender to put any of it on display.

I can share that most agreed it helped to have a little structure.  The Divine Feminine by its nature is diffuse and all-encompassing.  It’s nice to have a pillar or two to lean into.  This is how the inner masculine supports the unfolding feminine–by committing to a supportive plan.  Going forward, I can offer your masculine-arranger-of-things seven key dates.  You can use these to monthly check in with yourself and keep your developing feminine on track.

Between now and next March, there are seven Moon/Venus conjunctions.  These connections between Moon and Venus have long been considered special.  Among shamanic astrologers they represent the seven gates Ishtar passes through as she travels in and out of the underworld.   I’ve always celebrated them as informal “goddess days.”  When the Moon and Venus get together, they tend to bring generally sweet-vibe days, good for socializing, enjoying art, making delicious food, partying, relaxing, being pampered, and communing with the Divine Feminine.

They’re also an appropriate time to track your journey to the evening star.  Note where you’re starting from.  What was your goddess resolve once Venus went direct?  Write this down.  Then check in during the monthly conjunctions ahead.   How is the goddess emerging inside you?  How are you changing?  What are you learning?

August 14-15            Moon/Venus conjunct in Cancer

September 13-14      Moon/Venus conjunct in Leo

October 13-14           Moon/Venus conjunct in Virgo

November 12-13       Moon/Venus conjunct in Libra

December 12-13       Moon/Venus conjunct in Sagittarius

January 11-12          Moon Venus conjunct in Capricorn

February 10-11        Moon/Venus conjunct in Aquarius

 

For more on the 2020 retrograde, see part one of my Venus review:  Transformed? Your Venus retrograde report card.

 

It’s always a fine time to check in with your Venus.
Mooncircles offers a few great ways to do that.

You can start with this article, “Can’t relate to your Venus? This is for you!”  You’ll find my take on Venus in each sign.

I highly recommend my Venus Unleashed report, personalized to your birth chart, and based on the delicious insights of many people who share your Venus placements.

For more on the Sun-Venus conjunction, go here:  “The Underworld Journey: When Venus is Combust”

Performing the Venus Santeria Ritual–is always a good Venus gesture.  Traditionally it’s performed on a Friday in May–but I’ve found that it works whenever you have a sincere desire to awaken the magic within your Venus.

Filed under: Home Full Moon Featured Article

About Dana Gerhardt

A popular columnist with The Mountain Astrologer since 1991, Dana Gerhardt is an internationally respected astrologer. She has lectured extensively and written for astrology publications on several continents. Her ongoing passions are the moon and living the intuitive life. Dana worked for many years in the corporate sector, where she observed the undeniable influence of natural cycles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles and did graduate work in literature at Columbia University and CSULA. Dana can be contacted by email.

Comments

  1. Starfire says

    Aug 2, 2020 at 11:40 am

    Powerful! Thank You For Such An Extraordinary Sacred Beauty Shared. It Is a Gift.
    A Powerful Gift.
    I ‘Feel’ the Goddess’s Blessings Within It. This Deep Deep Magick, and Sweet Medicine.
    May It Ripple Forth , EverBeComing ~ On And On.

    Thank You.

    Reply

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The Moon is in its
New Phase

in the
Sign of Leo


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon trine Jupiter, 3:49pm  Jul 1 2022
  • Moon sextile Venus, 9:59pm  Jul 1 2022

Venus is currently
The Morning Star

in the sign of Gemini


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© 2000 - 2022 Mooncircles.com

Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.