Venus Ritual

I love using ritual as part of my recovery program. Ritual is a way of accessing the subconscious mind and joining personal intent with whatever universal force we believe in. We can think of this force in any way that suits us: as simply the energy of the world, as a Higher Power personal to us, as a pagan deity, or as Jung termed it - “the collective unconscious.” It’s our choice.

I came across the ritual I’m about to describe in an astrology book by Caroline Casey. “Making the Gods Work for You,” is a playfully intelligent book about the archetypes described by astrology and how they manifest here on planet earth. This ritual was originally written as a way of summoning love, but I’ve used it primarily for letting go of something I no longer wish to entertain in my life. Sometimes it’s been a bad habit, a serious addiction, a person, an idea or a belief. The physical and mental activity of performing ritual is a profound way to signal that we’re serious about what we’re doing. And it’s a very fun way to do a very serious thing.

Venus is the goddess of love, but she’s also the goddess of beauty, wealth, money and everything that adds that special sense of sweetness to our lives. Finding Venus in our birth chart can be an eye-opener to the people and things that really get our juices flowing, that make us want to dance and eat and make love ‘til the sun comes up. In the earth-based religions and astrology, Venus’ day is Friday – so it’s good to do this ritual on a Friday.

Take a round piece of bread, such as a roll, make a hole in it, and put a nickel inside (the number five is sacred to Venus.) On top of the nickel, place a little piece of folded paper on which you have written what it is you’re releasing to the universe; or if you’re using it to attract love, write those qualities that you seek in your beloved. Put a little honey on top of that, then place a short candle on top of the honey, whatever color is your favorite, and light it. While the candle is burning, honor Venus: play beautiful music, take a long bubble bath, eat some healthy and gorgeous food – with Dessert!, get a massage, paint your toenails – be outrageous and hedonistic. When the candle is completely burned down so that only melted wax remains on top of the bread, take it to sweet water - a river, pond, lake or stream. Throw the now completely biodegradable bread-candle into the water and in your own words, state your intention. Relax and release. Now, keep an eye out for that goddess. She’ll show up in a few days. Have fun.