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Gennady Spirin

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Leonora Carrington (1917-2011), Tarot, Major Arcana.

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While Scorpio is usually associated with Hades (Pluto), I can't help but connect its story to Persephone's.

Persephone ruled over agriculture before being taken to the Underworld by Hades. She was condemned to remain by his side for the rest of her life. There, she was destined to witness punishment, despair, and suffering forever.

Even if Scorpios aren't doomed to face horror and disaster eternally, they are plunged into it at an age when they are supposed to be carefree and innocent. They face the wickedness and darkness of the people around them, and are forever marked by it. Some of them confront the ghost and find a way to live with it—as Persephone did when she negotiated spending half of the year on Earth—and some don't.

Those who can't master the darkness become it, and start looking more and more like Hades: they control others and circumstances, manipulate them to their advantage, and cause havoc because of the sense of control they gain from it—and control is something they particularly lacked. They hide from others and act in the dark because exposure puts them at risk.

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White Sands, New Mexico

Ernst Haas, 1952

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“Change your conception of yourself and you will automatically change the world in which you live. Do not try to change people; they are only messengers telling you who you are. Revalue yourself and they will confirm the change.”

— Neville Goddard

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my mind is very beautiful and it’s going to take me very far.

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Pick a card: where you stand.

Choose the image you feel most drawn to.

Pile 1 — Queen of Wands - The Hanged Man - The Moon - The World - Ten of Swords - The Fool

You are finding your independence. The Queen of Wands sits on a throne of her own. You have power and control over her life. You're done complying with others' demands. You finally escaped an uncomfortable situation; maybe you didn't feel like you could before. You gave yourself, or someone else, excuses, which kept you stuck. Now you're out. You're done waiting for someone to save you. You do the work. Now is the time to ask yourself why you remained there for so long if you were unsatisfied. What part of you thought that you deserved it? We might be dealing with a toxic work environment, relationship, or any other situation that takes from you without giving anything in return. In any case, the suffering's over. Now you have a clearer idea of what you want and don't want. Another opportunity that is more aligned with you is approaching. It will arrive at the most unexpected moment. You'll be too busy watering your garden to even notice it. But it will mark the beginning of a new and beautiful journey.

Pile 2 — King of Swords - The Emperor - Five of Pentacles - Eight of Wands - King of Cups - The Lovers - Page of Pentacles - Eight of Pentacles

You were raised to be a hard-working person. I sense a lot of cardinal and Martian energy here. Once you set your mind on something, you are unstoppable. You probably define yourself through your success or lack thereof. Poppy's song, "Bloom," comes to mind. It talks of how she grew up faster than other children, and the pressure she feels to become better and accomplish more.

You may have recently reached a state of stability, a state you fought long for. This stability was likely threatened or possibly even destroyed. Now you have to start all over again. While the position you were in was comfortable, it didn't really excite you. I can tell you are a passionate and creative person. You need to enjoy what you are doing to feel happy. This loss is an opportunity to pursue something that genuinely excites you. While it will require a certain amount of focus and effort, those will allow for the lasting happiness and stability you desire. You are resourceful; you already have all the tools you need. You can create your Heaven on Earth. Here, consistency is key. You are already tired; don't exhaust yourself. Think about all the little actions you can take daily that can allow you to reach your goal. You could read, write, draw, or dance for an hour. Or sit in silence without any distraction for twenty minutes to be present and reduce your stress. Applying to a certain number of jobs daily could help you get one. Slow and steady wins the race. You're almost there.

Pile 3 — Five of Pentacles - Nine of Wands - Page of Cups - Four of Swords - The High Priestess

You are going to have to expose yourself somehow. You're terrified because you fear people's reactions. But this is the move that could change everything. You are simply different. Stop trying to conform. Let your quirks show, because this is where your power resides. Your difference might have been the source of insecurity before, but it was always a tool. Your gifts are valuable. They could not only benefit you, but also benefit others. Exposing and exploiting them is the only way to find peace and align yourself with the life you are meant to live. Be bold. Express yourself boundlessly. Stop worrying about what people are going to think. People will judge no matter what you do or say; you might as well give them a show and be criticized for who you actually are. I can tell you are spiritually gifted. You might be deeply interested in psychology, metaphysics, or astrology, which explains why you're here. Your passions are here for a reason. They're meant to be expressed and fearlessly pursued.

If any of this resonated with you, and you would like a personalized reading, you can book one here.

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'The Three Fates' by Alexander Rothaug, 1910

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The Ascendant

The Ascendant (or Rising Sign) is the astrological point I find most fascinating.

According to some, the Ascendant is a mask; it's how we wish to be perceived by others. Jung called it the "persona," the role we consciously play, although it's only the tip of the iceberg. For others, it represents the physical appearance, the aura, or the energy one emanates. Therefore, it's seen as unimportant because it's only a front that doesn't reflect our true selves. Inversely, some consider its influence crucial: as the constellation that dominated the horizon when we were born, the Rising sign supposedly represents the Way—our destiny. It's hard to know where to stand with these contradictory viewpoints.

One stance I've yet to hear of is that the Ascendant results from our formative years. I see it as a way to rebel from the past. Yes, it is how people perceive us, but only because it's what we want most to incarnate. The qualities of the signs were likely missing during childhood, so we spend our lifetime emulating and integrating them. To become the most complete, realized, and satisfying version of ourselves, we need to embody the traits of the Ascendant. It's where we find healing.

I'm a Leo Rising. I didn't feel special as a kid. I had qualities, of course, but they weren't recognized or encouraged. Even more so by my parents, who were preoccupied and absent. I felt invisible, and I grew up wanting to feel noticed. I started expressing my eccentricity, taking good care of my appearance, and developing talents that would allow me to shine one day. Over time, I stopped wanting to win people's approval (thank God) and sought to make myself proud instead.

If your Rising is Cancer, you probably had a difficult upbringing. Maybe your parents split up, or fought a lot. Home may be the place where you were most hurt. Even if your view of family is shattered, you still want to build your own. Although you want to heal so you don't repeat the cycle. You're probably the mother figure of your community: the one who actively listens, feeds, and ensures everyone gets home safely. Nurturing others genuinely makes you feel good.

If your Rising is Aries, you have likely felt weak or powerless in the past, with no agency over your circumstances. You probably grew up in a tense environment where your freedom was limited. Maybe you were underestimated. You felt deficient, eager to make something of yourself. So you became strong, high-achieving, and independent, only to prove to others and yourself that you are capable. You may struggle to contain your emotions because that brings you back to the years you were silenced. You feel most at ease when accomplishing and at the top of your field.

Of all the placements, the Ascendant is the most rewarding because it's the one you work hardest to embody. It's the armor you put on to face the world, and the path that feels the scariest because it asks you to grow.

I will write a longer post discussing the other signs in the future. In the meantime, I'm curious to know your thoughts on the Ascendant. What is yours, and how does it relate to your past and the person you want to become? Let me know!

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The difference between the Queen of Pentacles & the Empress

At first glance, these cards seem similar. Both figures are sitting on a throne and are richly dressed. Flowers and trees are in bloom, and water is flowing. They both evoke the feeling of abundance, security, and one's connection to femininity and nature. However, they differ on certain levels.

The Empress is a major card, making its impact more significant and long-lasting. The Empress is said to be the sum of all the Queens. Pentacles, Cups, Swords, Wands... She has mastered all of these areas, making her stable on all levels: financial, emotional, mental, and spiritual. She is unshakable.

On the other hand, the Queen of Pentacles, a minor card, represents a phase or state of mind. Unlike the Empress, she's focused on a single area. As the arcana shows, she contemplates the coin in her hand, thinking of ways to master the material world. Either she's already accomplished in the other spheres of life, or she isn't as interested in them. The Queen of Pentacles is a boss who wishes to improve her situation.

The Empress isn't looking for more; she's already satisfied. Associated with Venus (home to Taurus & Libra), she is a hedonist who wants to indulge herself and others in pleasure. However, she is far from lazy. Her status proves she has spent considerable time and energy working on her craft to get here. Like the Bull, she delayed gratification because she knew her labor would one day bear fruit. She now uses her resources to savor life and to assist others.

While the Empress sits comfortably on a throne adorned with cushions, the Queen of Pentacles sits on a stone throne. Her situation might be stable, but there are ways to improve it. Patient and determined, she will find them.

In short, the Queen of Pentacles is a step on the journey. The Empress is the destination.

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The actual act of using tarot for divination is not conjuring spirits, but rather delving into one's subconscious, making clear things that one already knows. Tarot is like having a readout of one's thoughts, making it clear and visible, and it can be used as a check-in with oneself, a way of gaining clarity and affirming one's direction in life. Tarot philosophy views life as a continuous process where one process leads to another, and even when reaching the end, one goes back to the beginning, emphasizing the need for constant learning and growth. This process of life is reflected in tarot as an allegory, with the major and minor arcana representing different archetypes and parts of life that are always present. The tarot cards can be used for various purposes, including understanding one's current situation, gaining a deeper understanding of the universe, introspection, and investigating occultism. Tarot is not about devil worship, idolatry, or conjuring spirits, but rather about exploring archetypes and metaphysics that exist universally and are relevant to everyone. These archetypes and metaphysics are present everywhere and at all times, making tarot a tool for personal growth and self-reflection.

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Do You Know What It Means To Be Loved By Death?

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Parker S. Jackson Chimera Milk

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Dante and Virgil in Hell (1850) William Bouguereau

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Sun opposite Moon in the natal chart: An inner battle

Sun opposite Moon is an astrological aspect formed when the Sun and Moon signs are in the same polarity. This aspect can cause internal tensions since the two signs operate differently. While they are alike in certain ways, the sun's ambitions can sometimes conflict with the moon's emotional needs. Having this aspect can lead you to adopt certain habits or attitudes that don't align with the person are learning to become. Below are some potential manifestations of this aspect for each zodiac sign.

Aries Sun, Libra Moon

Having these two placements in a natal chart is tricky. The Sun is the ego. Aries, as the first sign of the zodiac, represents the self. Having an Aries Sun naturally makes you centered on your growth and self-actualization. Being self-centered sometimes means going your own way without considering the needs of others.

On the other hand, a Libra Moon craves harmony and is deeply influenced by loved ones. As a sign of relationships, Libra is conditioned to make decisions with others in mind, often prioritizing how those decisions will affect people around them. This placement can make you inclined to put your needs aside to satisfy others.

However, your Aries Sun urges you to prioritize yourself, even if it goes against others’ expectations. Aries is an independent and driven sign, which aligns with the sun being exalted here, granting you the determination to achieve your goals and get what you want with greater ease. Yet, the Libra Moon’s desire to please others may hold you back from fully pursuing your ambitions, as you often feel compelled to put others’ needs first.

Taurus sun, Scorpio moon

The tension here arises because of Taurus's quest for stability and the Scorpio's perpetual need for change. Taurus is known for its stubbornness and tendency to remain in places that provide comfort or security. You may struggle in times of change because it means altering your habits or ways of doing things. After all, why change something that already works? Change also implies starting anew after investing significant time and energy into an endeavor.

This pursuit of sameness, however, can hinder your evolution in the eyes of a Scorpio. While your Scorpio Moon also seeks stability, it cannot help but involve you in complex, emotional situations that force you to transform what no longer serves you. Scorpio's archetype is that of the alchemist or healer—it draws wisdom from positive and negative experiences to give birth to a new and improved version of yourself. This water sign is associated with death and rebirth, symbolizing the transition from one state to another.

While Taurus uses its foundations to build upon them, Scorpio destroys them to begin again on a new slate. The moon falling here, your emotions, even the most difficult, can feel magnified. This placement may even create a desire to provoke intense feelings, feeding Scorpio's desire for intensity while challenging Taurus's need for peace.

Gemini Sun, Sagittarius Moon

Gemini is an air sign ruled by Mercury, the God of knowledge. As such, it has an insatiable thirst for stimulation. This sign can jump into studies and research to satisfy its need for stimulation. But this desire for knowledge can often be superficial. Gemini seeks to know simply for the sake of it, and that knowledge is not always applied in practical ways. More than any other sign, Gemini is likely to change roles multiple times in life. Its mutability makes it highly adaptable, viewing change as a form of growth.

Sagittarius, on the other hand, seeks knowledge with purpose. It needs to feel that what it learns can help expand its worldview and benefit others. Ruled by Jupiter, the celestial body associated with philosophy and religion, Sagittarius finds meaning in its explorations. While Gemini seeks to know, Sagittarius seeks to understand.

Cancer Sun, Capricorn Moon

While its cardinality makes Cancer ambitious, this sign is deeply emotional and focused on building meaningful relationships. Ruled by the moon, Cancer embodies the mother archetype—nurturing, feeling, and forming strong attachments to people, places, and things. Cancer needs significant relationships not only for emotional support but also to provide it to others. However, this desire to care can lead the native to take on the burdens of others, often at their own expense.

A Capricorn Moon, on the other hand, is associated with heavy responsibilities. It often absorbs the problems of loved ones, pushing the native to exhaust themselves in their efforts to help. When paired with Cancer’s altruism, this moon can stretch the individual’s emotional limits, especially considering that the moon is in detriment in Capricorn.

This Saturnian Moon represses emotions, making it a counterproductive force in the emotional realm. The native may immerse themselves in tasks and duties to avoid confronting their unhappiness. This dynamic contrasts with cancer’s emotional and vulnerable nature, which requires the ability to express deep feelings to maintain balance and well-being.

Leo sun, Aquarius moon

Leo is known for being passionate. It rules romance, flings, and childlike play. Everything a Leo expresses is grand, urgent, and dramatic. As a fixed fire sign, Leo seeks intensity in experiences to feel alive.

An Aquarius Moon is the opposite. The moon governs emotions, while Aquarius, the last air sign of the Zodiac, is the most rational of them all. This combination gives the native great intellectual clarity, as Aquarius Moons are rarely overtaken by their emotions. They believe strong feelings can cloud their ability to make logical decisions.

While your Sun's warmth attracts many people, you might find it hard to attach to people who don't match your intellect. Air signs need relationships that stimulate them mentally and offer new perspectives. This creates an interesting dynamic: the Leo Sun, which naturally craves the spotlight, may feel uncomfortable in it due to the Aquarius Moon’s tendency to focus its attention outward, prioritizing others over personal recognition.

Virgo Sun, Pisces Moon

Virgo is an Earth sign that finds comfort in routines and daily tasks. Pragmatic and grounded, Virgo knows that hard work is necessary to improve one's conditions. This sign takes pleasure in repeating actions because it knows the results they will produce. And results are what Virgo seeks most. Perfectionistic by nature, Virgo is quick to notice flaws and to improve them.

As a mercurial sign, Virgo can struggle to express sentimentality. Though sensitive, it strives not to let emotions interfere, focusing instead on its duties. This placement values control, not only because it ensures that things will be done perfectly, but also because it helps ease anxiety.

This contrasts with a Pisces Moon's ability to go with the flow. Pisces, a spiritual and intuitive sign, accepts life's circumstances and makes the best out of them. In the eyes of a Pisces moon, everything happens for a reason. This Moon is content to let the universe take over, trusting it to provide a better path forward.

To Virgo, this carefree approach may appear irresponsible, leading them to bury themselves in constant activity to quell their own anxieties. As a result, Pisces’s natural capacity for dreaming and enjoyment may feel threatened in the push for structure and control.

Libra Sun, Aries Moon

Libra Suns are tasked to instill harmony in environments and prioritize others' needs before their own. Many Libras grow up in families where closeness and mutual support are emphasized, fostering their deep desire to remain surrounded by loved ones. however, this inclination can sometimes lead to an expectation for Libras to suppress their needs or desires to accommodate others.

Libra’s generosity, attentiveness, and listening skills are often overlooked or taken for granted. The Aries moon in these individuals may feel frustration or resentment, but such emotions are rarely expressed directly. Instead, they may surface indirectly or passively, as confrontation is not typically in Libra’s nature.

The Aries Moon encourages the native to prioritize themselves, but it can also leave them feeling guilty for doing so. While this moon is usually a strong placement, its energy is weakened here, as the sun is in fall in Libra.

Scorpio Sun, Taurus Moon

We grow into our sun sign through time and experience. Our sun sign shapes the experiences we encounter, often pushing us into situations we may wish to avoid. These experiences are frequently uncomfortable and seem to repeat themselves, yet the sun demands that we learn and grow from them.

Scorpio, more than most, may wish to avoid certain experiences. this is tied to Pluto, the ruler of the underworld. The name "Ploutōn" translates to "wealth-giver" in Greek; Scorpio draws power and depth from their emotionally complex and dark experiences. While this sign seeks evolution, it can grow weary from the constant battles and crises it faces.

This weariness may be amplified when the native’s Moon is in Taurus, a Venusian sign that craves calm, peace, and the ability to savor life’s pleasures. A Taurus Moon feels uneasy in emotionally charged situations, as they threaten the stability they work to achieve. While this Moon's avoidance can prolong difficult situations, its exaltation in Taurus allows the native to handle challenges with grace.

Sagittarius Sun, Gemini Moon

Sagittarius seeks to live without limits. It’s a sign that thrives on exposure to foreign ideas, cultures, people, and landscapes to expand its mindset. As a free spirit, a sagittarius needs the space and freedom to grow.

On the other hand, a Gemini Moon prioritizes learning but also craves connection. This Moon needs to relate to others, confide in close friends, and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals. It is a highly social Moon, but not necessarily comfortable in every setting, taking time to form meaningful attachments.

This dynamic can make relationships challenging when the Sagittarius sun is always on a mission. As a fire sign, Sagittarius prefers first-hand experiences, learning through action, and spontaneity. Gemini Moon, by contrast, is more intellectual and indirect, relying on understanding how things work before taking action. This nervous, Mercurial Moon often hesitates to apply its knowledge and skills, which can slow down Sagittarius’s quest for exploration and teaching.

Capricorn Sun, Cancer Moon

Capricorn is on a mission to achieve success and recognition. Represented by the goat, this earth sign is constantly climbing, never stopping until it reaches its targets—and even then, it aims higher. Having endured the horror of lack or failure, Capricorn works hard to ensure they never face such hardship. It overloads itself with work and duties to bring something tangible home, completely overlooking its emotions.

This tendency is amplified when the native's moon is in Cancer. The Moon here heightens emotional sensitivity and the need for care. While Capricorn is usually independent and confident in its abilities, this combination introduces a layer of vulnerability, making the individual more prone to insecurity.

Knowing where to direct your energy also becomes more difficult. The Capricorn Sun is driven to accomplish and become known for its achievements, while the Cancer Moon longs for an uneventful and predictable family life. However, even if they differ in many ways, they seek longevity and stability.

Aquarius Sun, Leo Moon

With the planet of ego in detriment in Aquarius, the focus often shifts to the group's needs. As the water-bearer, Aquarius nourishes and uplifts those it encounters. This sign frequently finds itself leading groups, striving to make decisions that benefit everyone. Highly social, this air sign has a keen understanding of what others need and acts as an advocate to provide it.

This dynamic contrasts sharply with the Leo Moon’s self-centered tendencies. Decisions influenced by this moon are often driven by emotion and serve to satisfy the ego. Aquarius’s rationality and innate sense of justice are put to the test in this combination. Remaining in the background becomes particularly challenging when Leo’s energy demands to take center stage and call the shots.

Pisces Sun, Virgo Moon

The Pisces individual is deeply spiritual, carried by the flow of life. Its motto is "I believe," though it could easily be "I dream." Pisces believes in miracles and has faith that everything will work out. This water sign is highly creative and capable of producing works of immense beauty, yet its emotionality can make it unstable. For Pisces, creativity is a form of emotional release, but it cannot be forced—it ebbs and flows on its own terms.

The Virgo moon, on the other hand, brings structure and consistency to Pisces’s energy but often at a cost. This moon tends to be critical and demanding, particularly of itself. Virgo craves perfection in its creations, while Pisces finds beauty in imperfection. This dynamic makes it harder for the individual to feel satisfied with themselves or their work.

While Pisces trusts that everything will fall into place and often finds a way to make things work, the Virgo moon may overthink circumstances, introducing doubt and potentially sabotaging opportunities.

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Monika Marchewka, Morning 2022 Painting, Oil on canvas, Artistellar

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Synastry observations

Venus/Mars in the 12th house: Love in this relationship is often unrequited or volatile, as both partners struggle with emotional availability. Mixed signals are emitted, igniting both passion and impatience. The connection is marked by a push-and-pull cycle, with intense romance followed by periods of withdrawal or silence. This connection's eerie, spiritual quality makes it hard for both to let go, even when they know it's unhealthy. One of the partners is put on a pedestal, as the other has trouble seeing them clearly. Their lover's unintegrated traits and talents are projected onto them, giving them a god-like quality.

Moon in the 7th house/Moon opposite Ascendant: The 7th house, opposite the 1st house of the Ascendant, represents relationships. It reflects the qualities we unconsciously disown but seek in a partner to facilitate growth. When the Moon is in this house, she naturally embodies the traits the house person desires in a partner. This allows the moon person to intuitively meet their partner’s needs. At the same time, the Moon feels at ease expressing the qualities associated with the 7th house, encouraging their partner to embrace and reveal this side of themselves.

Sun in the 1st house/Sun conjunct Ascendant: This aspect can benefit a reserved partner who isn't used to receiving attention. The Sun person, likely vocal about their experiences, can help the house person open up. The house person will grow thanks to the Sun's light. Challenges can occur if both have strong personalities and like to be the center of attention. They can feel threatened by the other’s light as they unconsciously feel it diminishes their own. 

Moon in hard aspects to Mars: These two share similarities but often in contrasting ways, leading to tension. They have a way of pushing each other’s buttons, resulting in endless fights as both try to prove their point. Mars takes a dominant role in the relationship, while the moon, often unintentionally, triggers Mars’ anger, prompting Mars to initiate conflicts. The Moon may resort to manipulation to get their way, while Mars openly strikes at their vulnerabilities. Their arguments can escalate quickly, becoming intense and violent. As a result, both can end up wounded. This aspect can appeal to those who enjoy being challenged and crave some intensity in their relationships, adding a fiery and unpredictable dynamic.

Sun conjunct Moon: Often called the soulmate configuration, the sun shines a light on the moon person’s inner world. The moon, naturally protective, openly expresses herself as she feels understood by the Sun. The sun has had the same experiences as the Moon, making it act as a guide. They don't hide from one another. Boundaries can easily dissolve as they are most comfortable around each other. 

Moon conjunct Mercury/Mercury in the 3rd house: Individuals with these aspects enjoy talking to each other. Their conversations are often lighthearted and seemingly endless, bringing a sense of fun and ease to their relationship. However, this ease of communication can sometimes lead to superficial exchanges. The Mercury person is likely more logical and may struggle with deeper or more emotionally charged conversations. Expressing their feelings can leave them feeling exposed and vulnerable. The Moon person, on the other hand, often initiates deeper discussions and may become frustrated if their emotional openness isn’t reciprocated.

Sun conjunct Mars: These two share the same drive but direct it in different endeavors. Their strong and dominating energy threatens the other, as they’re used to having the upper hand in relationships. Fights occur when they don't get their way. Sex is central in this connection. It can be so intoxicating that it keeps them together, even when they aren't satisfied on other levels.

Mercury conjunct Venus: This connection is filled with laughter, warmth, and mutual understanding. Venus is drawn to Mercury’s intelligence and wit, while Mercury is captivated by Venus’ charm and talents. Communication is the heart of this relationship. Both feel free to share their thoughts, knowing they will be met with understanding and without judgment. Their bond is so natural that they’re equally comfortable talking for hours as they are sitting together in silence.

Sun conjunct Venus: These two share similarities and naturally embody what the other seeks. The Sun person is driven, focused on achieving their goals, inspiring Venus to pursue her desires. In turn, the Venus person supports their partner’s ambitions, understanding their passion and genuinely wanting to see them succeed. Together, they can become a supportive and motivating presence in each other’s lives.