Venus (Shukra)

Venus in Vedic astrology

Venus is Shukra in Sanskrit, the bright one, and in the Puranic story Shukracharya, the teacher of the asuras who knew the secret of restoring life. In the navagraha court he is the second minister beside Jupiter. Venus is a natural benefic by tradition, the graha of refinement, pleasure and harmony.

What Venus signifies

Venus's karakatva covers the spouse and relationships, beauty, art, comforts, vehicles and pleasures. He is read for music, dance, design, fashion, luxury and the capacity to enjoy life. In a man's chart classical texts read Venus for the wife, and in every chart for love and the wish for harmony with others.

Dignity: where Venus is strong

Venus owns Taurus and Libra, with his moolatrikona in Libra. He is exalted in Pisces, classically deepest at 27 degrees, and debilitated in Virgo. In Pisces love becomes devotional and selfless. In Virgo, Mercury's analytical sign, feelings can be weighed and critiqued too finely, and the lesson is to accept imperfection in oneself and others.

Friends and enemies of Venus

In Parashara's natural friendships, Venus counts Mercury and Saturn as friends, holds Mars and Jupiter as neutral, and treats the Sun and Moon as enemies. Saturn is a special friend: for Taurus and Libra Lagnas, Saturn is the yogakaraka, ruling both a kendra and a trikona.

Nakshatras ruled by Venus

Venus rules Bharani, Purva Phalguni and Purva Ashadha. Bharani carries the creative force of birth and renewal, Purva Phalguni the joy of rest and celebration, and Purva Ashadha the confidence that cannot be easily defeated. A person born with the Moon in one of these begins life in the Venus Mahadasha.

The Venus Mahadasha

The Venus Mahadasha lasts 20 years, the longest in the Vimshottari scheme; it follows Ketu and comes before the Sun. It tends to bring relationships and marriage, home comforts, vehicles, the arts and social life to the front. With a well-placed Venus it is traditionally a time of enjoyment and harmony; under strain, over-indulgence or relationship lessons may need attention, and moderation brings out its best.

Venus in the twelve houses

Venus brings beauty, ease and affection to his house, though classical texts note that in the 7th, his own natural house, the karaka can be too close to his own matter.

• 1st house: charm, grace and a pleasant appearance
• 2nd house: sweet speech and a comfortable family life
• 3rd house: artistic talent and creative communication
• 4th house: his strongest house by direction; a beautiful home and vehicles
• 5th house: romance, creativity and artistic learning
• 6th house: effort in relationships; service in the arts or care
• 7th house: an attractive partner and focus on marriage
• 8th house: interest in hidden matters; sudden change through partners
• 9th house: refined values and joy in travel
• 10th house: a career in the arts, design or hospitality
• 11th house: gains through social ties and creativity
• 12th house: comfort in rest and private pleasures; generosity

Traditional remedies for Venus

Venus's day is Friday, his colours white and pastel, his direction the South-East and his number 6. His deity is Lakshmi, and Friday prayers to her are widely followed. His mantra is Om Draam Dreem Draum Sah Shukraya Namah. Charity of rice, sugar or white cloth on Friday, and respect towards women, are the traditional offerings.

His gemstone is Diamond, traditionally set in silver or platinum and worn on the middle finger, with white sapphire as a substitute. Consult an astrologer before wearing a gemstone, since strengthening Venus does not suit every chart; the mantra and charity suit everyone.