Transformative love. Meaningful connections. Intensity in relationships. Passionate. Sensual. Power play. Obsessive love. Need for control. Power to let go. The new work week begins with a focus on our relationships -- intimate, platonic, familial, all types. In contrast with last month's Venus-Pluto alignment, this Venus-Pluto relationship is more fluid and harmonizing. Similar energies are in play but less conflicting and obstrusive. It's easy to be consumed by the intensity felt in our interactions, especially with loved ones, potential significant others, or those we aspire to emulate or impress.

Following Sunday's Full Moon in Sagittarius, where focus was given on ascertaining what is at the heart of our thoughts/ideas, this collaboration between Venus (love/relating) in Taurus (tenacious/security-seeking) and Pluto (depth/transformation) in Capricorn (structure/disciplined) illuminates what ties us to our existing existing relationships -- what is the foundation of this bond? how deep and how wide is this love? what feeds this attachment?

In the hours preceding the perfection of their alliance, the Sagittarius-Moon makes her own alignments to Chiron (the wounded healer), Uranus (the awakener), Neptune (the enlightened one), and Jupiter (the idealist). Our hearts (Moon) become aware (Uranus) of how our relationships (Venus) may be flawed (Chiron). We remain hopeful (Jupiter) that this awareness will inspire (Neptune) the commitment (Taurus/Capricorn) necessary in making reparations and changes (Pluto).

About 30 minutes after Venus and Pluto perfect their alignment, the Moon enters a more serious Capricorn and quickly moves to blend energies with Pluto, arousing emotional reactions rooted from the farthest/deepest recesses of our hearts. We may become critical of what defines our connections, where our foundations lie, and how they are reflected in our current relations. Another hour and the Capricorn-Moon harmoniously aligns herself with the Taurean-Venus. We become nostalgic of our past relationships; we realize how valuable our current relationships are to us; we become determined to hold on, savor, enjoy, and be grateful for the presence of our loved ones in our lives.

This Venus-Pluto trine occurs at 2 degrees and 21 minutes of Taurus (Venus) and Capricorn (Pluto). What houses will this trine activate in your chart (match the sign and degree)?

For me, the 4th (home, family, past/roots) and 8th (sex, death/endings, regeneration) houses are activated, urging me to acknowledge the importance of family/roots/the past and their influence on me in the present; it also encourages me to recognize any unfavorable/unhealthy family-related issues and/or deeply-rooted hurtful memories (4th), come to terms with these wounds (emotional or otherwise), and "let go" of them so I can move on (8th).

Unsure of what house/s this trine will influence? Cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required. Or request a quote for a paid personalized reading. (both links open a new window)

Later this month, Venus gives Mars a great, big smooch.

Since Mars caught up to Venus back in April, Venus has been right behind him, continuing the chase. Well, Mars entered Taurus over the weekend; and this weekend, on June 6 at 5:06 a.m. (Eastern), Venus enters Taurus and will remain in Taurus until July 5.

Venus represents relationships (how we relate to others), love (how we love/how we want to be loved), our values (what we value in life & why), and money (financial status/material stability). In Aries, Venus is ardent, passionate, flirty, spontaneous, bold, confident, and driven by immediate gratification. By contrast in Taurus, Venus is home, where she is grounded and stable, values longer term connections, is driven by material security, and responds to the stimulation of our five senses.

For those in newly-found relationships, Venus in Taurus might incite the need to address "the status" of the relationship -- exclusive or open? For those in existing relationships, Venus in Taurus might question "where is this relationship going?," "where do we want this to go?," "where does this relationship fit in my life?," "do I even like you as a person?," "why am I really with you?," and the like. For those who are single and seeking, you can't meet your special someone while sitting in your room and reading this blog :)

Look to the house ruled by Taurus and/or Libra in your birth chart to get an idea of where Venus' energy might play out while she is in Taurus. Unsure of what house/s Venus in Taurus is visiting? Cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required. Are you celebrating a birthday? Schedule a Solar Return or 3-Chart Package Reading. (Gift certificates also available). Request a quote for a more customized reading. Have a question? Ask me here.

Venus and Mars hookup again later this month for another smooch ... more on that soon.

Related articles:

• Mars in Taurus until July 11
• Mercury Direct (in Taurus until June 13)
• Mars-Venus Conjunction on April 21

True color Venus image processing, courtesy of R. Nunes.