One time around the block
Two times around the clock
Three times, don’t cross the little lady
So pretty and, oh, so bold
Got a heart full of gold on a lonely road
She said, “I don’t even think that God can save me”
~“Saving Grace (Theme),” Everlast
This girl in on fire
~Girl on Fire, Alicia Keys
This month features Venus, the feminine principle, in the sign of Aries. From May 2nd through the 28th, the Goddess will be expressing herself through a fiery, passionate, “I want what I want” mode.
Venus in Aries as Warrior
A fighter. Independent. 100% committed to a cause. Singularly focused. This goddess is often associated with a moralistic conviction and she is willing to sacrifice her life for it. She’s the legendary Amazon, one of a nation of women warriors who were honorable, courageous, brave and represented rebellion against sexism. (1)
From the 10th through the 17th, she’ll mix it up with the Grand Cross I spoke about in April’s Cosmic Stage. Although the intensity of the Grand Cross has peaked, it is still in effect.
A few years ago, I watched all three seasons of TNT’s “Saving Grace,” fascinated by actress Holly Hunter’s character about a woman on a mission to redeem herself and the world. Sexually abused as a young girl by her priest, Grace has lost her faith in a higher power as a force for good, and in pure Venus in Aries fashion, sets out to personally right the wrongs and restore justice.
Grace is a bad ass. As an Oklahoma City police detective, she sucker punches villains and at a moment’s notice, is ready to take down those whose actions are morally reprehensible. She’s on a mission to protect the innocent and stop evil.
She’s also an adrenaline junky (Aries). Fast driving (she loves speed), heavy drinking and promiscuous. Although Grace’s work is respected, she is still largely driven by her demons resulting in risky, self-destructive acts (shadow side). In the opening episode, she receives a visitation from Earl, an unlikely angel who chews tobacco. He says, “you’re headed for hell Grace, but God’s giving you one last chance. Sent me to help ya” :laughs: (check out the fabulous video below).
Historically, Venus in Aries can be seen in Joan of Arc, an adolescent girl who after hearing and seeing visions of saints telling her to drive the English out of France, obeyed the voices and saved her country from its demise. (2)
Another historical woman personifying the characteristics of the goddess in Aries is Celtic Queen Boudicca. After the death of her husband the King, Boudicca was beaten and forced to watch the rape of her young daughters, brutal acts to reinforce Roman takeover. A warrior defending her family and country, Boudicca became the leader of an uprising against occupying forces in which thousands of Romans were killed. Following a final confrontation with Roman troops massacring the Celts, Boudicca is said to have escaped, fleeing back to her kingdom and ending her life by taking poison, before the enemy returned to destroy it. (3)
Sound familiar? Thelma & Louise? There are obvious themes repeated here.
Venus in Aries as Pioneer
Another archetypal expression of this goddess is to boldly go where no one has gone before. Amelia Earhart was an American aviation pioneer and the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Emmeline Pankhurst, both Warrior and Pioneer, was a British political activist and leader of the suffragette movement, helping women win the right to vote. Her slogan was “Deeds, not words,” another example of Venus in a sign that deals with action. She and her daughters were frequently jailed and staged hunger strikes to secure better conditions.
Other notable pioneers include Rachel Carson, founder of today’s environmental movement, and Marie Stopes who worked to bring sex education and birth control to women. As a result there are clinics established in her name in more than 40 countries.
Even if you don’t have Venus in Aries on your natal chart, the goddess wants to be embodied this month. Is there something you long to do, but haven’t had the courage? What are you truly passionate about? Like last month, we are encouraged to take action. The Universal energies are supporting it. Venus hooking up with Uranus in Aries gives us the added ability to make changes, break free from old paradigms and move into new territory.
May is a month to yell out, “TOWANDA!!!,” so what are you waiting for? Get a move on, girl! (4)
(1) Brave Women Warriors of Greek Myth: An Amazon Roster. Julie Ruffell, 1997.
(2) Joan of Arc Saves the French (and the English). Ian Cheney, 2013.
(3) Boudicca. www.unc.edu.
(4) Towanda. raynbeaugirl.wordpress.com/why-towanda/
© Holly Alexander 2014
