Understanding the planets is the key to understanding astrology. Though signs get a lot of attention in our current culture, they really get their power and attributes from the planets that rule them, fuel them, shape them. I wrote my series on Embodying the Planets to help people bring that information into their bodies through ritual activities and what I saw as the most important attributes of each planet.
If you don’t know the basic attributes of the 7 visible planets, start there:
But here’s the thing: in charts and in our lives, planets rarely show up by themselves. A rose, for example, may be of the nature of Venus for its color, smell and association with love buts its thorns are of the nature of Mars. You may have a really sweet Cancer Moon, natally or by transit, but if it’s opposed by Saturn, you can’t get the nurturing, protecting qualities of Luna without the scarcity and struggle of Saturn.
Again and again in client consults, I find that by solely talking about the planetary combinations in someone’s chart, you can get to the heart of the foundational dynamics of their heart. And if you start looking around, you see planetary duos, specifically between two planets, show up all over astrology. Lots, or calculated points of fate, are determined via the relationship between two planets in your chart. Signs are defined by both their domicile and exaltation rulers. All fixed stars are assigned a planetary duo that reflects their nature.
By beginning to understand what it means when two planets come together, you see the relationships between them and the common ways they manifest in our mixed-up, varied lives.
In our charts, a planet is considered in combination with another when they are in the same sign, in opposing signs, or in mutual reception (a swapping of rulerships, i.e. when the Moon is in Leo and the Sun is in Cancer. Terms, exaltations and decans count here too).
So today, I begin a series exploring these planetary combinations in part because I find them so interesting. This work is heavily inspired by Austin Coppock’s “36 Dramas: Essential Planetary Relationships” Lecture from NORWAC 2022, so please check that out if you want to learn more! Going beyond his wonderful starting point, I will also include information on the decans, each of which have two planetary rulers when you consider both the Chaldean and Triplicity system, as their dynamics do a great job demonstrating what the planetary combinations look like in action. We will also be examining the fixed stars that share the same nature as this planetary combination to further our understanding.
Other uses for these combinations:
understanding mixed planetary correspondences
determining which herbs may help you if they have more than one ruler
connecting with your holy guardian angel (who is classically of the nature of two planets)
seeing your chart more clearly
attuning yourself to both planetary days and hours
P.S. If you want help understanding your own planetary combinations, my books are open for June! Book now to reacquaint yourself with your magic and destiny (no big deal).
Jupiter and Venus: Summary
Venus and Jupiter are the two benefics of the zodiac. This designation means they bring all matter of good things to our lives and when they link up, their beneficence multiplies. Their relationship is ultimately one of mutual friendship based on their moist, connective quality. If Jupiter, hot and wet, is like stepping into a hot tub, Venus’s cool moisture is like a nice breeze. Even when their point of view conflicts, their disagreements aren’t particularly harsh or negative for the native. Jupiter provides long-term, spiritual and wealth-producing goodness while Venus gives us beauty, luxury and intimacy. Together, Venus and Jupiter tell us we can have our cake and eat it too: enjoy ourselves while still having good, clean, fun.
The traditional texts overwhelmingly agree on the beneficence of this combination. Valens tells us this duo is “productive of rank and profits, bringing new acquisitions, gifts, adornments, control over slaves, rulerships, the begetting of children, high priesthoods, preeminence among the masses, honors of garlands and gold crowns”.1 Not only can Venus and Jupiter multiply wealth and power, they can also bring beautiful objects, popularity, accolades and superlative success. The Lot produced by these two planets is known the Lot of Praise and Commendation: Venus and Jupiter not only give you good things but recognition for the good works you do. Venus supplies the charm and charisma that endears people to you while Jupiter’s optimistic principles provide the integrity that yields long-term commitment and opportunities. No wonder Valens tells us these two planets “make men who are worthy of statues and images”.2 Who else do we turn into monuments other than popular, important individuals?
Jupiter and Venus in combination also blesses one with knowledge. According to the Yavanajataka, “Jupiter and Venus produce a man who knows many sciences, sacred traditions (sruti), and poetry”.3 Jupiter is a planet of wisdom and Venus’s influence inclines the Greater Benefic towards religious devotion and the arts. This combination also enhances your character, making an individual “possessing distinguished firmness, steadfastness, and courage”.4 Valens, echoing this sentiment, tells us that Jupiter-Venus individuals “…are always known for good character and are devout in religious rites”. There are few areas of life that this combination does not bless.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Recent Bedroom to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.