Mars-Day Rant: When Mars Rages, Venus Responds
Cultivating Connection and Beauty in a Challenging World
This morning, as I sat down to write, I was greeted by a New York Times headline: “Trump Tells Top Brass That U.S. Cities Should Be ‘Training Grounds’ for Military.”
As an astrologer, I’m not surprised.
Mars, the planet of combat, has just moved from a place of weakness in Libra into Scorpio, its home sign, where it’s strong and fully resourced. Meanwhile, Venus, the planet of love, delight, and social graces—and Mars’ natural counterbalance—has slipped into a place of struggle, anxiety, and restriction.
Venus is always the antidote to too much Mars. Mars fuels drive, courage, and combat; Venus brings love, balance, and joy. When one outweighs the other, the scales tilt: toward sluggishness on one side, or unchecked aggression on the other.
In your personal life, this strong Mars influence may feel like the gears have shifted into overdrive. You might feel agitated, buzzing with energy, or locked into sharp focus. The sky hits each of us differently.
This post began as a simple guide for working with Venus, whose powers are harder to access at the moment:
Keeping a bottle of fragrance nearby to inhale a moment of bliss
Losing yourself in the sensory experience of cooking a meal
Giving yourself permission for small, healthy indulgences
But I would be remiss not to speak about the bigger picture—how we can collectively draw on Venus when faced with an unchecked Mars.
When problems arise, Venus is often dismissed. Who needs delights and social graces when we’re told to prioritize logic and action? Yet Venus is not an accessory to life; she is what gives life meaning. She sustains us, allowing us to grow, thrive, and savor the richness of being human.
Here are five ways to call on Venus right now:
Create art that speaks loudly and share it widely.
Throw a dinner party and invite strangers.
Plant a garden and share its bounty with your neighbors.
Handwrite love letters to everyone in your life.
Turn your living room into a karaoke speakeasy.
Perhaps these sound glib in the face of militarism, like some Etsy version of a bed-in. But maybe that is Venus’ charm: she disarms us.
As a child of domestic violence, my personal ability to gather community around art—whether it be a dinner party or astro salon—has been a balm that’s helped me overcome periods of devastating loss and tumult.
There is something powerful about putting on a pair of cute shoes and stepping out the door, or, as Coco Chanel put it: “If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.”
Want proof? Try one of these Venus prompts and come back to me when things have shifted.
Curious to know what Venus is up to in your chart? A reading can show how love, pleasure, and connection are moving through your life right now. If you’re still digesting eclipse season, I’m offering a special to help you integrate its lessons and plan the months ahead.
Club Astro Office Hours
Every 2nd Thursday of the month
Next session: Thursday, October 9th, 5–6:30 pm PT
Join me for an intimate, community-driven space where we discuss the current sky, explore your questions, and share practices together. Office Hours are designed to be conversational, flexible, and an opportunity to connect directly with me and with fellow astrologically curious minds, building knowledge and community simultaneously.
Office Hours are held online once a month and are open to all Club Astro members.
Joining is simple: Your paid subscription to ART of the ZODIAC provides access to Club Astro. If you’re already a supporter, welcome to the club! You’re all set.