According to Vedic Astrology, the planet Venus (Shukra) is often associated with the deity Goddess Lakshmi. The word ‘Lakshmi’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Laksha’, which means to perceive, it also means ‘aim’ or ‘goal’. Lakshmi is the Goddess who enables the achievement of a goal through astute perception. She is also, therefore, connected with the overarching goals or the purusharthas of life as outlined in Vedic philosophy – Dharma (cosmic law that upholds and uplifts, natural law that supports), Artha (wealth, resources and means to accomplish), Kama (desire and longing) and Moksha (liberation, freedom and expansion).
The astrological chart reflects the ways in which the native of the chart is aligned with these goals, and this is why each individual’s journey should be treated as unique. Ultimately, all beings yearn for peace, well-being, delight and ‘sukha’ – a state of bliss or happiness, which often seems elusive when viewed only as a product of what the external world can offer at any given time. Goddess Lakshmi guides us to also seek the nectar of bliss and contentment that is gained through working with the inner realms.
Venus is often visible as one of the brightest stars in the late evening or early morning sky. Goddess Lakshmi is the giver of wealth, beauty and abundance, and these qualities have traditionally been associated with Venus in all cultures. She who shines in the sky also shines within our hearts and minds as love, devotion and the refinement of expression. From her is the light of the Great Goddess that illuminates the joy of life itself, often experienced as a sense of inner abundance.
Fridays are the days of the Goddess in general, especially Venus. Any sadhana or spiritual practice connected with awakening the divine feminine energies within our life experience is best done on Fridays, if you must pick just one day of the week for it.
When you look at the form of Lakshmi (see above), notice how there is constant movement depicted by the falling coins. She stands on a lotus, which represents the flowering of life energy, and is also indicative of an innate resilience yet a fragility that teaches detachment and the acceptance of impermanence. Abundance and life energy are constantly moving, never stagnating, never remaining in one place for all times.
To receive the gifts of Lakshmi with gratitude, and then also contribute to the flowering and thriving of life energy in our world can uplift our experience of Venus astrologically. Lakshmi calls us to a celebration of life, and this joy is multiplied manifold when it is also shared with other beings and life forms. Notice the happiness on the faces of the elephants beside Lakshmi – it is representative of an ease and comfort with the flow of abundance, as well as the importance of cultivating meaningful and profound relationships with the ecosystems that support us in this life.
Sai Ganesh Nagpal
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