Transit of Venus 2012

An anthropomorphized depiction of the Transit of Venus June 6th, 1761, conjoined Mercury--By Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr. First published in Atlas von hundert Charten 1712 & reprinted in Grossen Atlas 1716.

A Transit of Venus is a rare astronomical/astrological event which occurs along alternating cycles of 129.5, and 113.5 years. For the most part, the Transits of Venus occur in pairs, eight years apart. For example, the last TOV cycles (I will be using the abbreviation 'TOV' for succinctness), occured in 1874 and 1882. The most recent TOV event occured on June 8th, 2004 at 17 degrees tropical Gemini--the second of the pair will occur June 5th/6th, 2012 at 15 degrees tropical Gemini. So....what is it? Visually, from our perspective, a TOV is when the planet Venus literally passes over the Sun, causing what is known as an occultation--which is similar to what happens during a Solar Eclipse, when the Moon passes over the Sun, blocking out its light momentarily. Unlike a Solar Eclipse, however, Venus is much smaller in its apparent diameter from our geocentric perception, because, it's further away than our neighboring moon--so instead of a large black object blocking out the Sun's light, we see a tiny dot drift by--not enough to really notice without foreknowledge--but certainly unique enough to get Astronomer's and Astrologer's panties in a twist of anticipation. If you're into Astronomy and observing astronomical events, then this is an experience of a lifetime--because the next TOV cycle won't occur until Dec 11, 2117.

Some More Technical Jargon

If you want to get really technical with the TOV and the Sun/Venus synodic cycle, I will have to recommend Nick Anthony Fiorenza's excellent and thoroughly detailed article on the TOV cycle here, complete with excellent visual diagrams.

Only Venus and Mercury will produce this type of phenomena, because they are the only planets to lie within the Earth/Sun boundary. A TOV is the byproduct of a very complex, yet, beautifully precise and symmetrical cyclic process. The phenomena results from the Sun/Venus synodic cycle, which is a cyclic conjunction (alignment) of the Earth, Sun, and Venus. These conjunctions result in essentially two different flavors, known as Inferior or Superior conjunctions--which additionally correlate to the phasal relationship of Venus to the Sun. Just like the Moon, Venus has New and Full phases. An Inferior conjunction is when the Sun and Venus appear to conjoin, and Venus is on the side facing the Earth (New Venus). A Superior conjunction would occur when Venus is on the non-visible side of the Sun, away from Earth's perspective (Full Venus). A quick glance at the following visuals should help make this clear.

 A TOV is a unique Inferior conjunction, because it is additionally in line with the ecliptic--the path that the Sun appears to make as it moves through the sky. Just as the Sun forms the Ecliptic, Venus has its own path, which intersects or is angled with the ecliptic, creating what are known as nodes, which are meeting points along the circle--and there are two--a north and south node.Whenever the Inferior conjunction occurs, and is aligned with either of these nodes, a TOV event occurs--which as I stated earlier, only happens twice within alternating cycles of about 130 and 113 years apart.  In a nutshell.

My pocket astrologer tells me that this year's TOV will be visible in northwestern North America, Hawaii, the western Pacific, northern Asia, Japan, Korea, east China, Philippines, east Australia, and New Zealand.

Image courtesy of HM Nautical Almanac Office

For those in North America, we will not be able to see the transit in its entirety because it will be setting with the Sun while still in progress--for central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and east Africa, the TOV will already be in progress as the Sun rises. For precise viewing times based on your location, click here. Also, for information on safety precautions when viewing the TOV, please visit transitofvenus.org.

The Gemini/Sagittarius Axis

For the past two thousand years, the north node of Venus has been in the tropical sign of Sagittarius, while the south node has been in tropical Gemini--and thus each TOV to occur in the past two millennium have alternated between these two signs. The last occurred in Sagittarius (1847 & 1882). The recent pair (2004 & 2012) takes place in the sign of Gemini, at 17 and 15 degrees respectively. This is because each pair will alternate between North and South Node alignments every century, and will repeat in roughly the same vicinity every 260 years. So, essentially, the last TOV to occur in Gemini was 1761 & 1769. Yea, it's pretty confusing. So before I go any further here, let's "define" the axis of Gemini and Sagittarius a bit:

The Gemini archetype essential deals with information gathering, and governs all forms of communication either verbally or written. Gemini is the acquisition of facts, details, ideas, and knowledge--usually without much attachment to the end result--making Gemini inherently inductive and subjective. Mercury, the ruler of Gemini, is the construct of the "monkey mind", this is the aspect of our consciousness whose job is to make sure everything is in place, that the system is running smoothly, and to let us know otherwise. When given too much command, this monkey mind keeps us constantly on high alert--and we are taken out of the moment, and into a cyclic and seemingly endless mental loop--which has us constantly fixated on whatever stimulus is within our immediate environment, so that it can acquire more information about it, which essentially lets us know that things are all and good, and there's no threat to survival. Gemini primarily governs the concerns of the immediate environment, and its rulerships include: books, teaching, public speaking, writing, analysis, research, primary education, intellect, learning, literature, mechanics, mathematics, studying, translating--essentially anything that can help make rational and logical conclusions about the immediate and apparent reality.

Sagittarius, on the other hand, deals with the dispersion as well as synthesis of information--which makes it inherently objective and deductive. Sagittarius deals with the bigger picture and the larger perspective--taking us out of the immediate, and focused on the more all encompassing point of view. Jupiter, the ruler of Sagittarius, is the construct of the "higher mind", which is a more zen-like state of consciousness expansion--which lends more to experience, that is, being, as opposed to doing. It is from this more heightened and objective viewpoint, in which we can make sense of the information gathering impulsed by Gemini and Mercury. Sagittarius governs expansion, moving beyond the immediate and familiar, which lends its ruler-ship to all forms of travel and exposure to foreign experiences that are beyond, and which challenge, Gemini's rational safety net. Sagittarius rules all forms of "higher learning", which today incorporates "higher education", such as college, and all forms of spiritual and religious institutions--as well as the spreading of ideology on a large and global scale. Sagittiarus primarily governs the concerns of the larger whole--the holistic understanding of the unity and intelligence which pervades our limited and individualistic perspective. Because of this, the Sagittarius archetype is concerned with the essential truth, the final conclusion which sums it all up into a concrete and unified understanding. In our reality, Sagittarius crystalizes itself as laws and legal matters, exploration, faith, foreign affairs, importing and exporting, ideals, philosophy, abstractions, politics, preaching, wisdom--basically anything that can "sum up" the immediate experience and to place it within a larger of more cohesive framework.

Now, in looking at historical events which transpired around these cycles, it is very clear that the theme of Gemini/Sagittarius is undoubtedly fermented.  However, trying to make rational sense of what the TOV actually "means", is a bit challenging, and rather quite mind boggling. Of course, there are a few ideas floating around, but after studying this subject for quite some time, I've refused to confine it to any specific meaning. One could argue that great "discoveries" are unveiled to the world, leading to an "improvement" in our daily lives, and a more encompassing perspective of the world. This certainly seems to be the case. However, I must make something clear here. I don't completely believe in history--well, at least the historical narrative as we understand it, and are given today. But, it is interesting that the cycles of the TOV through these two signs has literally correlated to the creation of History itself. The TOV cycles began occuring in Gemini/Sagittarius around the supposed "birth of christ", around 60 AD.

Interestingly, the TOV of 60 AD took place at the heart, or very center of the Sun (most events skim either the top or bottom of the Sun--so this is an extremely rare occurrence). The time of Christ is said to correlate with the creation of our modern day calender and dating system. We could also look at this time as the beginning of "History" as we understand it, that is--our current linear perception of historical events as plotted along the Gregorian calender. This system began a process which further segregated humanity from the natural timing and rhythms of the planets and stars, confining perception to this sort of synthetic mimicry. History was mainly written by the elite and ruling class of the time--which meant, those who were educated and could actually read and write. So, needless to say, we can assume some sort of bias and a distortion of certain facts were involved here. It is interesting though, that throughout the cycles of the TOV within Gemini and Sagittarius, that these abilities (reading and writing) have become more accessible and widespread throughout the world over. I would argue, however, that the "elite" still control our perception of history to this day--through the creation of a consensus version of the nuts and bolts pertaining to certain events that the majority of the population readily accepts as "fact".

Regardless of this, however, if one were to merely look at these events through an archetypal lens, we can get the gist of its significance--as a symbol for a shift in the collective consciousness. Looked at quite simply--Venus pertains to our ability to relate to others (Libra), as well as our inherent values and what we identify with (Taurus). It seems that, inevitably, while the TOV occurs in the signs of Gemini/Sagittarius we are collectively focused more upon mental pursuits, and thus verbal and written communication/philosophy/mathematics are placed upon this pedestal, and seemingly have the most influence in shaping the world. We just seem to value these things above all others. Gemini and Sagittarius are all about communication within our immediate environments, and on a larger global scale. Key inventions and ideas are developed and brought to the general public at these times, which have greatly impacted our every day existence in modern society. What follows is a brief and general outline of what are considered significant historical events, as they are accepted within the consensus perception of history, beginning with the 12th century. Many of these events, works, discoveries, or inventions are expanded upon or transformed at a proceeding TOV cycle.


November 26, 1145--11 Sagittarius (conjunct Uranus)
November 23, 1153--08 Sagittarius (conjunct Neptune, Mercury, and Jupiter--opposition Pluto)

The image above is a Bas Relief from the Temple of Ankor Wat, entitled The Churning of The Ocean of Milk.

• The 12th Century brought the onslaught of the Crusades, where Christians and Muslims fought for the "Holy Land". 
• The University of Paris is founded in c. 1150 (Oxford is founded in 1163).
• In c. 1136, construction of Abbey Church of St. Dennis, which was the first prototype for the Gothic Architectural movement, is begun by Abbot Suger--and consecrated in 1044. In 1149 Abbot Suger wrote an account describing the building and design of St. Dennis. The visual impression or resonance invoked in the Gothic style of architecture relies upon the interplay of strong dualities or opposing constructs.
• Abelard wrote Sic et Non (Pro and Con) in c. 1130, which is considered an early manifesto of Scholastic Philosophy. God's creation of the world was seen as a literal fact, and it was believed that true connection to God could only take place through logical and ordered reason, and through the faculty of rationality. This was entirely antithetical to earlier traditions, which saw that connection to the divine was an emotional or somatic experience.
• In 1150, The Troubadours (lyrical poets) flourished, Leonin is a composer at Notre Dam, and Adam of St. Victor wrote hymms with St. Bernard of Clairvaux. 
• Zen Buddhism reaches Japan from China
• Perceval, the story of the Grail, is written by Chretien de Troyes and other French authors--transforming the King Arthur legends into stories of "Courtly love". (Some, however, place both Lancelot and Perceval around 1270).
• In Cambodia, the city and great temple of Angkor Wat are created by the Khemer dynasty--today, the temple is considered a symbol of Cambodia itself, appearing on its national flag.

May 25, 1275--11 Gemini (conjunct Uranus--opposition Mars)
May 23, 1283--08 Gemini (conjunct Vesta)

Dante and Beatrice, by Henry Holiday, 1884 (Painted just two years after the Transit of Venus of 1882)

• In the 13th century, at age Seventeen, Marco Polo sets sail on a journey to Asia in 1271, which was supposedly the inspiration for Christopher Columbus. Marco Polo is believed to have greatly influenced European cartography, which paved the way for later explorers.
• In 1274, The Mongols invade Japan, supposedly fulfilling a prophecy made by Nichiren, a Buddhist Monk.
• In 1273, Thomas Aquinas writes Summa Theologiae (Summation of Theology), this work is seen as an attempt to synthesize the dualistic Gothic thought presented at the previous Transit of Venus, and is essentially a reconciliation of Abelard's Pros and Cons. 
• By 1275, Scholastic philosophy is at its height. The scholastic philosophers attempted to bridge the ideas of Aristotle, and the "received" teachings of the bible.
• On or around May Day of 1275, Dante meets 8 year old Beatrice, just one year younger than himself--she becomes his muse and inspiration throughout life. His courtly love for Beatrice continues until they meet again nine years later. At their second meeting, Beatrice, accompanied by two older women, walk by Dante on a street in Florence, and upon acknowledging his presence, Dante is filled with overwhelming joy--and consequently, inspired to write his first sonnet La Vida Nuova. Many scholars dispute the actual existence of Beatrice, claiming that the numerological coincidences are just too much to be true, such as Dante's life orchestrated by periods of 9 years. From an astrological perspective, Dante would have met Beatrice while Venus was just about the turn retrograde, during the initial shadow period. Whether true or not, this period marks the creative spark that fueled Dante's later works, such as the Divine Comedy. The Transit of Venus would have occured roughly 24 days after their first meeting, and the second Transit of Venus occurred one year prior the second meeting and the creation of La Vida Nuova.  Interestingly, Courtly love was popularized from the works written on the Grail Quests, published by French authors at the previous Transit of Venus. 
• In 1279 Beijing becomes the Capital of China, and Tibet becomes assimilated into the Chinese Empire. 
• The first eyeglasses are made in Italy in c. 1286.

November 26, 1388--13 Sagittarius (conjunct Ceres and Juno)
November 23, 1396--10 Sagittarius (conjunct Mercury and Uranus)

• In the 14th century, the development of mechanical clocks, leads to the precision and timing we schedule our lives around today. Each hour became a fixed and finite construct within a 24 hour period. Today, it's hard to imagine there was a time when, time itself, was less definite and more fluid and mutable--quite a shift in perception. This also presented a major schism, separating our notion of time away from astronomical cycles toward a more abstract mathematical concept. 
• In 1386, the Salisbury Cathedral Clock is constructed--and still works to this day, it is claimed to be the oldest functioning mechanical clock in the world. 
• Geoffrey Chaucer, heralded as the father of English literature, completes Troilus and Criseyde, and also begins writing the Canterbury Tales at some point in early or mid 1380's. Chaucer's work is credited with the shaping of vernacular literature--building upon the work of Dante--who interestingly, was inspired at the previous Transit of Venus--and was one of the first European writers to promote literature in the vernacular. Vernacular literature was written for the "common people", in other words, not written in Latin, and was accessible to those who weren't versed in the language. At the time, Latin was the language of the elite, educated, and aristocratic--Chaucer's tales can be seen as a pivitol landmark in making literature, and subsequently, education available to a much larger audience throughout Europe.

May 25, 1518--13 Gemini (conjunct Mercury and North Node--Square Jupiter in Virgo)
May 23, 1526--11 Gemini (conjunct Uranus and Mars--Square Chiron conjunct Neptune in Pisces)

The Storming of the Teocalli- by Emmanuel Leutze, 1848

• Just prior to these TOV cycles, Christopher Columbus sets sail on his infamous 1492 voyage to "Japan", which incidentally, leads him to the Bahammas Archipelago. Although not the first to actually discover this region of the world, this contact created a permanent connection between Europe and the Americas (or the "New World"). 
• Magellan, for the first time, circumnavigated the world, proving the earth to be round. This event is credited with finally overthrowing the delusional and fashionable idea that the earth was "flat"--leading to what is now considered a major paradigm shift in western perception and a collective knowing that the earth is actually round. 
• The Protestant Reformation begins in 1517, led by Martin Luther, and the ideals of the Northern Renaissance. Martin Luther taught that the word of God could be found from the bible itself, as opposed to the Church and Roman Catholic doctrine. This lead to the translation of the Scriptures from Latin, to the languages of the common people (Vernacular scripture)--Luther taught that in order to understand God, one needed to study and acquire knowledge--and believed that "God's knowledge" should be accessible to all. This also led to the vandalism of many churches, and the stripping down and simplifying of Church decoration.
• Hernan Cortes, proceeding Christopher Columbus, and along with an armada of eleven ships, arrives in Mexico in April 1519. This is indeed one of the most interesting events of this period. The discovery of Mexico introduced to the world a large bulk of common foods we enjoy today, and which made their way into various cultural recipes (tomatoes, cocoa, potatoes, peppers, sugar, maize, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, kidney beans, pineapples, strawberries, persimmons, peanuts, alligator pears, cassava, quinine, copal, balsam, turkeys--and although not edible, rubber). Additionally, the Conquistadors, while of course hell bent on converting the Mexican people to their religion, were also extremely enticed by the large reserves of Gold they found there, which made Spain incredibly rich, well, for a while. The sacred texts of Mexica predicted that Quetzalcoatl would return from the East in the year 1 Reed, exactly when Cortes arrived, and so they believed he was actually a god. Similar to the colonization of North America, the native peoples of Mexico had literally never seen white people, ships, or even horses--imagine what that would have felt like, and taking into consideration the prophecy made, the armored conquistadors would have truly been seen as Gods. This was what brought Catholicism to Mexico, and led to the destruction of many sacred texts and monuments, and a permanent alteration to their culture forever.
• As a result of Spanish contact with Mexico, chocolate arrived in Spain in 1528 in the form of cocoa beans, or cacao--a substance we would indefinitely associate with the goddess Venus. The Spanish nobility mixed the beans with sugar and spices, supposedly Cortes's own idea, leading to the western ideal of chocolate we have today--it was kept secret from the world until the following Transit of Venus a century later.
• Around 1518, Baldassare Castiglione writes The Courtier--considered one of the most important works of Renaissance literature, and one of the most widely circulated texts of the 16th century--it was published in 1528. 
• Roughly four years prior to the Transit of Venus of 1518, Nicolaus Copernicus circulated a manuscript known as Commentariolus  (Little Commentary) to close friends and colleagues--this was the prototype for On The Revolution Of The Celestial Spheres, his master work--which was published roughly forty years later in 1546. This is considered the epiphany which ignited the scientific revolution, as well as the birthing of modern astronomy. The "Copernican Revolution", as it is now known, led to an entirely new paradigm and worldview for the western world. The earth was no longer the center of the universe, and was now envisioned to encircle the Sun, leading to the death of our geocentric worldview--and the rise of the materialist scientific paradigm we know today. This period also signified a significant schism which further segregated astrology from astronomy. For western civilization, this very idea is considered the genesis of our modern world view--completely displacing human perception forever.
• Some historians also claim that Australia was first "discovered" by a Portuguese expedition in 1521.

December 7, 1631--15 Sagittarius (Along with a Full Moon in Gemini Dec 8th)

December 4, 1639--12 Sagittarius (conjunct Transpluto, Jupiter, Mercury, and North Node--opposition Ceres)

Portrait of René Descartes- by Frans Hal (circa 1598-1650)

•  In 1628 William Harvey discovers the circulation of blood, and along with William Gilbert, publishes Treatise on Terrestrial Magnetism and Electricity.
• Coinciding within a day of a Full Moon in Gemini on December 8th, the first Transit of Venus of 1631 seemingly foreshadows the dawning of overt rationalism to the western world--one of Gemini's greatest attributes. 
• Galileo is called before the Inquisition in 1633 for his researches and confirmation of the Copernican theory of heliocentricity--which as we now know, began its quiet circulation at the last Transit of Venus. 
• Springing from the "scientific revolution", ignited a century prior, this was the first Transit of Venus ever recorded by Western astronomers. 
• With man no longer the center of the cosmos--the western ideology shifted toward the realization that the world could be understood based on logical and orderly principles--and thus the very forces of nature, once only known through a mystical, subjective, and romantic lens--could now be controlled, calculated, and predicted. 
• Roughly ten years prior, the Mayflower, carrying British colonialists, lands on Plymouth rock, and similar to the Transit of Venus of the 16th century, results in the colonization of a new land--and the subsequent invasion and slaughter of the native peoples. 
• Chocolate, which was brought to Spain by Cortes at the previous Transit of Venus, is introduced to French nobility when (according to one theory) Spanish Princess Maria Theresa is bethroned to Louis XIV--this leads to the "chocolate craze" of 1650 in France, influencing eroticism in art and culture.
• In 1637 Rene Descartes published Discourse on Method--the origin of the infamous phrase, "I think therefore I am", or as he would have actually said, "Je pense, doc je suis". Discourse is seen as one of the most influential philosophical works in all of history. He also publishes Geometry that same year--which is the origin of the Cartesian corrdinate system. 
• Harvard is founded in Cambridge, Massachussets in 1638.

 June 6, 1761--15 Gemini (conjunct Mercury)

 June 4, 1769--13 Gemini (Square Neptune in Virgo)

The Boston Tea Party- From Young Folks' History of England, Charlotte M. Yonge

•  In 1759, Voltaire publishes Candide, which is considered his "great work", and is the most widely circulated text in all of French literature.
• The Transit of Venus in 1761, led to the creation of the AU, or astronomical unit, which derives from the distance of the Earth to the Sun. This opened an entirely new paradigm, in which astronomers could now accurately measure and define the universe.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau publishes The Social Contract in 1762, which essentially contains ideas similar to those found in the American Declaration of Independence--this also greatly influences later revolutions throughout France.
• This period correlates to the birthing of the Industrial Revolution, which began just prior to the TOV events themselves. This was mainly ignited by the "invention" of Electricity in 1752.
•  After arriving to the United States in 1755, the first chocolate factory opens in 1765, leading to accelerated production. Chocolate drinks were associated with intellectual discourse and gambling, and were touted as an alternative to tea due to heavy taxation--drinking coffee and chocolate became a patriotic duty in America, as a result of the Boston tea party in 1774--which, incidentally, led to the American Revolution. Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying: "The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment will soon give it the preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain."
• In 1768, Captain James Cook, sets sail on his infamous voyage to Tahiti, to record the Transit of Venus of 1769--this led to the supposed first contact with Australia and its indigenous inhabitants. (Interestingly, as noted above, some historians claim that this was not the first contact with this region of the world, and that a Portuguese expedition had previously discovered Australia within the time-band of the 16th century TOV in 1521).
• The United States Postal Service is established  in 1775. 
• Uranus is discovered in 1781

 

Dec 8, 1874--17 Sagittarius (New Moon--Trine Uranus in Leo and Chiron in Aries--forming a striking Grand Trine with the TOV)

Dec 6, 1882-- 14 Sagittarius (conjunct Mars--Square Uranus in Virgo)

Image by KMJ

• In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell is awarded a US patent for the Telephone, and thus a new paradigm of long distance communication is born. 
• This period is associated with the commercialization of the light bulb--a symbol we now associate with "good ideas". Miniature incandescent lamps, now commonly seen on Christmas trees and suburban housing around the holidays, were first recorded in 1882.
• In the late 1830's Quantum mechanics begins its pivotal development--and in 1877, one of its founders, Ludwig Boltzmann, declares that the energy levels of a physical system could be "discrete"--this is a pivotal turning point in the development of Quantum physics.
• In 1878, the Phonograph is patented by Thomas Edison, after its creation in 1877. This was the first invention to reproduce recorded sound. 
• The refrigerator is invented in 1876
• In 1881, the California Gold Rush begins (a frenzy and fervor quite similar to what impulsed the Spanish to conquer Mexico at the TOV of the 16th century)
• Greenwich Mean Time and time zone are established in 1884.
• The process for creating Milk Chocolate is invented by Daniel Peter in Switzerland in 1875, bringing to symbolic culmination, its transformation from a drink to a confection in the 1830's.

Now, the last TOV occured in 2004, which was the same year that Facebook was launched and made accessible to the public. Youtube is unveiled in 2005, and both Twitter and Wikileaks in 2006. Ever since the TOV cycles of the 17th century, technology has seemingly accelerated in its evolution beyond belief (Uranus was discovered just after the 18th century TOV cycle).  This is quite an interesting realization, in light of the fact that our last TOV of this cycle occurs in the year 2012. There are a lot of theories about 2012, most of which center around the idea of the end of the world--or more abstractly, the end of history. Using the Chinese lunar calendar (the I-Ching), and a heroic dose of psylocybin Mushrooms, Terance McKenna concluded that 2012 was when humanity will be released into this sort of, "Transhistorical space". McKenna developed Novelty theory, and postulated that after 2012 the world would be perpetually saturated in endless novelty and "innovation". Interestingly, in the 80's, McKenna concluded that, at the time, we could have no concept or understanding of what this would look like around the year 2012. Well--now we do. In my opinion, McKenna was the most in tune with what 2012 was all about--it's not the end of the world, but rather, the end of history and time itself, and in a way, the death of accentuated individuality. So far, the most influential new creations are co-created by groups of individuals, and are leading to co-creative processes at an accelerated rate. 

From this perspective, our world is going to become more and more saturated with technology and inventions--and will be created and manufactured faster and faster. Today, right in synch with the TOV cycles of 2004 and 2012, global communication happens in the blink of an eye. Back in Chaucer's day, it was a breakthrough that the common person could read a book, none the less write one--and now your average Joe has merely to turn on his I-pad or Nook. The fact that I am able to publish my own material here, and share it with thousands of people instantly on my personal blog, reveals just how complex this process has become. Of course, this whole perspective is not just described by the TOV cycle itself, and there are many other astrological factors involved here (specifically the mutual receptions of Uranus and Neptune). So the next question would be, where is all this going? I can't really answer that exactly. While these inventions have certainly made life "easier", they have equally segregated humanity from nature, and have eradicated our awareness of functionality. I would say, ideally, 2012 marks a synthesizing point--a clash between our primal ancestry and the emergence of transhumanism. If we continue at this pace, it seems that human beings will, inevitably, become machines. Most people these days are plugged into some device, and since the recent invention of smart phones and ipods--everyone is completely immersed in this technological feast and orgy.

The Transit of Venus Horoscope

It seems we are entering a collective backlash to this accelerated process, and interestingly, the TOV of 2012 squares the planetoid Chiron, forming a rough T-Square involving Mars. Now, Chiron was discovered in 1977; and a lot of interesting things occurred around that time. One of the most interesting, was this greater collective awakening to the earth, to the body, and to the cosmos. Chiron holds the "key" to the system--that is, the physical matrix which supports and sustains us. It represents the tending to the basic needs which nourish the system so that it functions properly. Chiron is also the threshold between the organic & "inorganic" worlds--between the living and the "dead". The outer planets, those beyond the Chironic point, are the layers beyond the seen or visible world. Uranus, the first archetype we encounter beyond this threshold, is the vibration which begins the mutation of organic matter into inorganic material (what all natural systems within the Chironic point would perceive as toxic i.e. radiation, synthetic drugs and chemicals, microwaves, wifi, GMO foods, etc.). 

Wherever Chiron transits in the horoscope it tends to pierce open our "wounds" or vulnerabilities--to bring our attention dynamically to what needs nourishment and support based on its needs. To do this requires knowledge of the system, how it works, and how it functions based upon its design and intention. This system thus creates stability and reaches gradual homeostasis through time--through repetition and consistency governed by Saturn/Kronos. The square from Chiron indicates the existence of a blind spot at our current juncture of "evolution", indicating that the origin of these collective wounds will be difficult to trace--especially if we include Neptune in all this. Pallas Athena conjoins Uranus in Aries, square Pluto conjunct the Moon in Capricorn. There will be many new ideas and solutions that will be conjured by the "common" people, that will have the influence of completely altering the very foundations of the entire system and structure. Mercury, ruling the TOV, sits in an exact opposition to the Galactic center of the galaxy--perhaps indicating a higher dimensional transmission is taking place.

Lascaux cave painting-Image by Prof saxx

Transpluto at the anaretic (29th) degree of Leo, forms a T-Square with Juno in Scorpio and Jupiter conjunct Ceres, and Lilith in Taurus. The most influential paradigmatic shifts of this era will center around the uncovering of the true relationship between mind and body--and the secrets of health via proper nutrition which is rooted in an understanding of an expanded knowledge of natural intention, and revelations pertaining to our ancient ancestry. These signatures have a wild and primal feel to them, connecting us to our most raw and natural roots; these will have a great influence, surprisingly, upon many paradigmatic works as well as the creation of art. The Moon conjunct Pluto reveals our current potential to completely destroy the very foundation of the earth, and we are, in a way, given a choice to return to the wisdom of Gaia, or you could say--emerge into another form, not in this dimension. Essentially our choice is to return to the wisdom of the body and the planet, or become assimilated into the inorganic realms--so I guess you could say, that would be our gradual "Ascension" into the 4th density. At this time in history, the ideal would be a collective synthesis of scientific rationalism and archaic primal mysticism. The sabian symbol for the TOV reads:

"A woman suffragist orating"

This is quite an interesting symbol, perhaps the woman is the Earth herself, demanding our collective attention. Suffragist derives from suffragette, which is a 'female supporting the cause of a women's right to vote'. Orating relates to Oratory, which is the art of formal public speech. This symbol suggests the image of a woman, demanding attention and focus through a formal verbal dialogue. 

Personal Application

Please see my article on Venus retrograde for an expanded understanding of the Venus/Sun synodic cycle, and it's impact on the individual natal horoscope. Basically, the Venus retrograde cycle has the most significant impact, individually, when it is either stationing retrograde, or stationing direct over a significant natal placement. So, what happens if the Transit of Venus itself takes place at a significant planet or point? Well, a similar principle would equally apply--only it is likely to be much more "paradigmatic" than just the retrograde influence. This could involve the processing of immense "karmatic" issues in an individuals life, leading to extraordinary shifts and changes of perspective. This could also involve a process of making highly influential new relationships with others who indefinitely play a significant role in all of this. The specifics of this process will, of course, vary based on the individual, and their unique natal configuration. The events are likely to unfold over a peroid of several years, whenever there is some kind of trigger by either a transiting, progressed, or directed planet. Below are some examples in regards to the 2004 Transit of Venus:

*Due keep in mind, however, that the Transit of Venus in 2004 occured in wide opposition to Pluto in Sagittarius--which greatly amplified its influence. In other words, in these examples, the positions in which the TOV occured, were simultaneously activated by Pluto, which lends quite a bit to transformational changes--especially if occurring on a major angle of the horoscope. With that said, it is also apparent that significant events transpired whenever the TOV position was activated, and so for me, it undoubtedly played a significant role beyond Pluto itself.

Mel Gibson- Roden Rating: B

The TOV of 2004 conjoined Mel Gibson's South Node at 17 degrees of Gemini, also situated on the midpoint of Jupiter and the Part of Fortune. That same year, Gibson released Passion of the Christ, which raked in over $600 million during its theatrical release, stirring up quite a bit of controversy along with it--it is credited as the highest grossing non-english film ever made--and at the time, the highest grossing R-Rated film in history. Interesting how this film connects us to the past (The infamous and paradigmatic story of Christ), when we consider his South Node, and the TOV/Venus retrograde symbolism. The same month that Venus crossed this area again, in July of 2006, Gibson is arrested on DUI charges (Driving under the influence=Gemini South node?) which led to his infamous anti-semitic statement that "Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world". Now, that sounds more like the Gemini south node. Interestingly, on the exact day of the incident (July 28th), the transiting Moon in Virgo was square the nodal axis. Take note that Transiting Pluto in Sagittarius (1994-2008) had recently crossed his north node, which was a time of considerable religious and political ideological tension in the collective media.

Oprah Winfrey- Roden Rating: A

Oprah Winfrey experienced the TOV conjunct her natal Jupiter at 16 degrees Gemini (Involved in a Grand Air Trine with Mercury and her Midheaven). In September of 2004, she ended up giving away 276 brand new fully loaded Pontiacs to her audience members, priced at $28,000 each. On the day the show aired, on September 13th, the transiting Moon was Square the Jupiter/TOV position. Jupiter is all about expansion, and sometimes, grandiose generosity. When she unveiled her surprise, Oprah was jumping up and down screaming: "Everybody gets a car! Everybody gets a car!". That same year, Oprah films an episode of her show entitled, Oprah's Christmas Kindness, where she traveled to South Africa to raise awareness of young children stricken with poverty and AIDS. Visiting schools and orphanages, Oprah gave Christmas presents to 50,000 children. From this, Winfrey invests $40 million to establish the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. The show ended up raising over $7 million from supporting viewers around the world. Additionally in 2004, Forbes international rich list announced Winfrey to be the world's first black women billionaire in world history, and also from 2004 to 2006, she was listed as the only black billionaire on the planet.

Tiger Woods- Roden Rating: AA

The TOV of 2004 conjoined Tiger Wood's natal Mars retrograde in Gemini. In November of 2003, he became engaged to former Swedish model Elin Nordegren. In October of 2004, they were married in Barbados, with transiting Vesta Square Mars. In November of 2009, The National Enquirer publishes a story that Woods was having an affair with Rachel Uchitel, a New York City night club manager--a claim which she denied. Transiting Mercury was in opposition to Mars, and the secondary progressed Moon was within one degree of square to the same position. Two days later, Woods crashes his Cadillac into a firehydrant, a tree, and some hedges--on his own street. In late November, Woods announced that he would not be playing in any other tournaments in 2009, due to his injuries. In December 2009, Woods releases a statement admitting to "transgressions", and over the next several days, over a dozen women claim to have had an affair with Tiger. On Dec 11, 2009, he released a statement that he would be "taking an indefinite break from professional golf"--the secondary progressed Moon was now at 17 degrees of Pisces. Over the course of several months, various companies withdrawal their sponsorship with Tiger including Gatorade, AT&T, and General Motors. On August 23, 2010, Tiger and Elin officially divorce--transiting Mercury retrograde is at 18 degrees Virgo, square his natal Mars retrograde--and Solar Arc Neptune is within orb of an inconjunct with Mars as well. Mars retrograde, in symbolism, has an indefinite "burn out" effect, with which things begun under its influence eventually fizzle out.
*Additionally, Tiger began his professional career as a golfer in 1996, the same year that his secondary progressed Mars turned direct.

Now, obviously, we're not all wired like celebrities--and planetary cycles only set off, or push our natal potential into motion. Here are two private case examples:

Jenine experienced the 2004 TOV just one degree from her descendent (7th house cusp) at 18 degrees Gemini. At the time, she was living in Maryland, with a well paying teaching job, and a relationship. She explained that although her life was stable, she felt stagnant and unhappy with the way things were. That summer, right after the TOV itself, Jenine's life completely changes direction. After living on the East coast her entire life, she lands a job in California, and relocates where she currently resides. She ended her relationship shortly after. Everything happened all at once, and she said that things just worked out and it all just came together. Jenine describes this time as the most pivitol turning point in her life, and the start of an entirely new chapter. She met her current husband roughly a year later, and they were married in June of 2007. On the day of their wedding, transiting Jupiter and the Moon conjoined her Ascendent, striking an opposition with the TOV placement.

Ann experienced the 2004 TOV conjunct her Ascendent, within one degree, at 16 degrees Gemini. Early in 2004, Ann decided to close a mini spa she had operated for 12 years, explaining that the work lacked meaning for her, and that it had become boring and frivolous. In May of 2004, she gave birth to her daughter. She decided to move in with the man who fathered her child, and so ended up selling her house that August, and moving her three children (she has two boys) 2 1/2 hours away into the city. She has since left her daughter's father, and now lives in the country with her children and two cats. She equally describes this time as a significant turning point and new chapter.

*In all of these cases, there were, of course, other significant astrological factors activating these horoscopes, but again, it is obvious that the point in which the TOV occurred was a sensitive zone thereafter.

Related Articles:
Venus Retrograde In Gemini 2012
Solar Eclipse In Gemini 2012