Venus

Areas of Influence: Venus was the Roman Goddess and love and beauty.

In earlier times she was the fertility Goddess of gardens ,vineyards and humans. Later she took on aspects of the Greek Goddess Aphrodite and the Etruscan Deity Turan.

She was more powerful and revered than her Greek counterpart as she was considered to be one of the divine ancestors of Rome.

Julius Caesar dedicated a temple to her in Rome.

Venus is also a name given to tiny pre-historic Goddeses found throughout Europe including the famous Venus of Willendorf

Origins and Genealogy: In Roman mythology she was the daughter of Jupiter and mother of the hero Aeneas. However, she is most associated most with her lovers which included the Gods Mars and Vulcan.

Strengths: Love, sexuality and beauty.

Weaknesses: Vanity and jealousy.

Venus's Symbolism

In art she was shown as a beautiful, young Goddess.

For pictures of Venus including the famous painting Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli and photo's of ancient statues please follow the link.

Sacred Animals: Snake.

Sacred Birds: Dove, swallow and swan.

Sacred Plants: Aloe, wood anemone, apple, benzoin, maidenhair fern, heather, sweet marjaram, myrtle, parsley, quince, sandlewood and rose.


Festivals: The main festival to this Goddess were held on 18th August, 1st April and 26th September.

Greek Equivalent: Aphrodite

Venus's Archetypes

Represents passion and selfless devotion to another person. It also extends to the things that make our hearts sing, like music art or nature.

The shadow aspect is obsessive passion that completely takes over and negatively impacts on your health and self esteem.

The Roman Goddess of Love took on many of the roles of Aphrodite and was said to have numerous lovers.


The Prostitute:

This Archetype represents the choice to give away parts of yourself, spirit or integrity for financial gain. This can also include the selling of talents and ideas.

The shadow aspect of the prostitute is linked to the use of sex and seduction as a means of control over another person.

Despite her beauty and numerous lovers, Venus still suffered from jealousy and low self worth.


Please follow this link to the Archetypes page to discover which other Goddess Archetypes resonate with you.

How To Work With These Archetypes

You may be drawn to this Goddess if you are looking to attract a new lover or re-ignite the fire in an existing relationship. This Goddess can also be a useful tool to discover what you are passionate about in life.

On the shadow side you need to ask whether the amount of energy and time you are putting into relationships or projects is excessive? If this continues for too long you are likely to suffer from stress and physical ill health.


The Prostitute:

According to Caroline Myss we all have this Archetype. This is because we give our power away to others when we become fearful. This Archetype reminds us to regain the power over ourselves by finding ways to improve our self esteem and rediscover the beauty within.

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