Mars/Venus
The Chart Tells All:
An Astrology Obsessive’s Take on the Love and Sex Planets by Ashley Scurto
Mars and Venus. Well known as the two planets that most accurately codify our courtly nature. They call down from space, at a pitch only each of us can hear, and guide our moves. How we attract a romantic or sex partner, who you seek in that lover, and what we do to this individual that leaves them either confused or delighted, is all the Mars and Venus domain. When I was a young astrology lover, I would look in magazines at “love horoscopes”, little colorful grids that featured your sun sign and compare it against others in jaunty, teen-marketed language. Now that I’m a young wannabe astrologer, I know better than to simply consider the Sun (the overarching symbol of the personality) in love matches. I now consider two planets that provide a precise picture of love and sex: Venus, the ruler of attraction, desire, of what and who we want and also how we love, and Mars, the libidinous drive, the passion— how we get what we want. The twelve flavors of each planet—do you have a Mars in Gemini, a Venus in Pisces? Just like the Sun sign placements are ruled by different elements, so are all of the other planets in your chart. Each sign is ruled by an element. Since there are 12 signs of the zodiac and four elements, three signs are alloted one particular element, and each of the four have a set of specific, overarching qualities—as is seen below:
The Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, have the unique tal-
ent to passionately act before they think, surpassing no opportunity, and leaving behind the details, no holds barred.
To find your sign placements in the planets, go to http://www.chaosastrology.net/astroform/ephemeris.cfm. Input your date and time of birth and the longitude and latitude of where you were born. When your chart generates, match the sign placements of your Mars and your Venus to the placements listed below.
The Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, and
Capricorn are sensual creatures, grounded by pleasure in the present with fervor for the palpable, visual, material.
The Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, and
Aquarius think and reason, have the extraterrestrial ability to detach themselves from emotion and have a balanced, if sometimes cold, view of what’s in front of them
The Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces’ ability to emote is unmatched, have great skill for depths of subjective thought and deep, intuitive action, whereas they are not as attuned to reason.
Romantic compatibility by wrote in today’s astrology seems to follow a strict code of what works and what doesn’t. How else do you run damage control for countless people with diverse characteristics? Are people with signs in the same element strictly well matched? Would a couple with Mars and Venus in Air signs, their signature aspects of thought, reasoning, and an array of information barraged back and forth all night be a saucy melange? Would two earth signs who want practicality and sensual comfort, giving each other back rubs and making out with little creativity for volleying thoughtful, cerebral flirtations make it work? I start to wonder how lovers get it right and get it on... The aspect of your venus to a lover’s mars or your mars to a lover’s venus is measured
to check for compatibility. A Conjunction is an aspect of 0-10 degrees between the two sign placements in the compatibility chart. They say this bodes perfectly for compatibility and mutual fire. However, a conjunction is said to intensify the effects of the conjoining signs—so if, lets say we’re matching two Scorpios—would this cause a Scorpionic thunderstorm? In the study of compatibility, we usually don’t like to see “sameness” or a “clash”. I’d say, from experience, that we are attracted to activity rather than the possible lack of motion that occurs when two signs conjoin too perfectly like puzzle pieces, inert, unable to compete for expression, wrestling to create spark. Most of us purposely do not stick a fork in a light socket because you know you will get electrocuted. The fork fits perfectly, but you know it’s dangerous, even deadly, when the direct current flows through to your hand. Possibly the same effect occurs when two conjoined, all too safely compatible people unite—a painful battering ram. A Sextile is an angle of 60 degrees(or half of a trine). It is similar to a trine, but less intense, and requires more effort. Hey! more effort! You mean we have to talk?! Apparently, the energies can be directed well. Planets that form a Trine (120 degree angle) aspect are always of the same element in the chart. A trine is a sought after aspect for a mars and venus deemed compatible, but as I said, two people of the same element won’t always work.
Two people who get on well are a dynamic force to be reckoned with. Energies, histories, habits, goals, intellect, emotional and physical response—Relationship success wouldn’t be called compatibility if love and sex were a simple fusing of two parts of a whole. The Sextile aspect might be my favorite, because it doesn’t bring an immediate flare, but “immediate” is not how relationships happen—it’s a slow burn, a point of interest, you might like the way she smiles, he might have nice shoes...the process of meeting someone and wanting them is a fiery, seductive, fun game, rather than saying “Oh hey, you like neo-psychedelia too? Let’s date!” In astrology, and in life, we don’t want things to be too easy—every lover, no matter what, wants a chase. Another trend of thumb: Fire signs clash, Earth signs get too comfortable, Air signs think too alike or become intellectually indignant, and Water signs become tired from all the crying. Here are very basic profiles of Venus and Mars as they express themselves in any of your various romantic dalliances. Find your Mars and your Venus in the list to gain a bit of insight into your romantic inclinations: Venus in Aries Lover: You believe in love at first sight, and are drawn to independent, perhaps dominant people. You love the chase, sparky competition, and to tease. You want a quick commitment, at least for the moment, or you forget about it.
Mars in Aries Lover: You are direct, no frills. In bed, you move 0-60, you get it done quick. Conquest is your game, you like to prove dominance and prowess, and you don’t mind tension and argument that leads to wham-bam-thank-you-sir-orma’am. You want sex to be fiery, unique, challenging, and passionate, and get bored and will abstain from sex if it doesn’t promise to be so. You go for the gold in terms of looks and perceived prowess, even if you aren’t conventionally “gold” in same such terms. Venus in Taurus Lover: It’s hard to separate your love of the five senses and your sexual-sensual side. You are so sensuous, it spills out of your clothing in public. You may treat a banana like a phallic object, moaning and slurping simply because you enjoy the taste! This is problematic because you’re so private about your sexual self—you become worried that someone has noticed the faux pas, and you may attract those you don’t wish to! You favor food, various comforts, amorous exclamations, and bold, physical expressions of love—more than other types of lovers. You are possessive, and want to know where a relationship is going. Watch for getting too complacent and taking things for granted. Even so, you are a steadfast belle or beau. Mars in Taurus Lover: Your sexual stamina is only matched by Mars in Scorpio, you can’t go long without sexual contact, and you also don’t like to intellectualize the
physical act. You like to project yourself as established, strong, and solid. Palpable, sensual pleasures are your game, and like Venus in Taurus, because you are so naturally sexual, you feel the need to censor yourself publicly. Venus in Gemini: You love long conversations and attract lovers with your wit, knowledge base, and smorgasbord of interests. You like using pet names, talking deeply about your feelings, maybe writing love notes, and definitely constant communication. Your tastes change often, and you like to keep trysts light hearted, because your feelings are so changeable. Mars in Gemini: You are a curious, talkative bedmate. You may enjoy role playing, you may over think things or not totally be able to lose yourself due to your usual intellectual overdrive. You woo through heady games, like showing up and shipping out, sarcastic teasing, or extending an invitation to a party or event. Jackrabbit sex, over and over may be your style. Venus in Cancer: You are attracted to people who need a mother/father in their life. You like to feed and shelter this person. You can be submissive, and you long to give yourself over to your Valentine. You strive to prove your emotions through thoughtful gestures and interdependence. Mars in Cancer: You are not straightforward like an Aries, no. You would rather
peek around the corner, and unassumingly, possibly, sidle alongside your intended. You provide a dry sleeve when your best friend is getting weepy over a questionably intentioned jerk, then take them to your place to make them pasta and cheese and snuggle on the couch. Watch out for yourself though, you can be very guarded, but at the same time. your watery emotional changeability and want for interdependence may cause tumult for you and your love interest. You also strive to be the best lover, because of course, you are the best. Venus in Leo: You attract by looking your best, being showy about talents, speaking dramatically, and selling your most attractive aspects. You will play damsel in distress or ask for help and compliment your target mate to attract them. It is hard for you to separate love and sex. Mars in Leo: You are playful, dramatic, and love all eyes to be on you. In order to woo, you show off that you’re the very best, and you are attracted to a person who will notice that and feed your ego. You want someone you can dominate, and who will take a subordinate role to your attentionseeking. Sex must be firmly centered in your needs and wants. The good thing is, that you Leos show creativity and excitement about the sex act and in public, you will treat your partner like royalty—I guess because you think that’s how everyone should be treated.
Venus in Virgo: You like taking care of people, so you might pursue a beautiful rose by telling her which exercise routine is best for her body type or set her appointments—you love to clean up messes. You attract a lady or lad by being neat and clean and taking him/her home to an anally retentive example of an apartment. Mars in Virgo: Sex is bread and butter. Basic, and needed for bodily survival. You like your partner to be the sweetest of jams. Also, you like this bread to be a white bread—you don’t take any saucy advice in order to improve it, and you don’t make changes to make it more interesting. However, you use empirical, vocational experience to institute your own developments. Venus in Libra: You prize equilibrium, pleasing your partner, role playing. You are conscientious and considerate, and expect similar compensation in return. You are an expert flirt, attentive, a classic romantic. Mars in Libra: You are the ultimate schmoozer—classy, balanced, old fashioned manners, and sweetheart flirtation and love making. You enjoy stimulating conversation when wooing, and in order for you to be ready for a sexual liasion, you need the shag carpet vacuumed, the lights dimmed just so, rose petals scattered on the bed, and Al Green on the record player, or it isn’t perfect enough to attempt. Venus in Scorpio: You are an indomitable lover. You exhibit Intensity and a full
range of desires, you love deeply, commit staunchly, and are focused on the sexual pleasure of your partner. Anything goes, but most of the time you like to set your own rules. You relish dangling the possibility of sex or another reward like a carrot in front of a girl/boy toy’s face until they earn it, or deny a luxury as punishment until they redeem themselves again. You love heavy and deep, so much so that your sweetheart might feel burdened. You can be counted on for complete engagement and excitement about the relationship and the sex act is a deeply personal, private experience for you. Mars in Scorpio: You exhibit a seductive quality, and thanks to this, you often get what you want. You are a tireless lover; an endurance unmatched by any other sign. You cannot bear to share your play mate, especially when you give of yourself so wholeheartedly. You might enjoy the prospect of someone giving themselves wholly to you, and perhaps serving you. You love playing out any number of chosen taboos. Venus in Sagittarius: You like social, fun, adventurous ramblers. You aim to make your love interest laugh. You prefer your freedom, you like honesty, and you don’t care for assumed or quick commitment. Everything exotic, far away/foreign, or a mate with a unique accent attract you. Mars in Sagittarius: You’re candid, freely communicative, direct, and expect your lover to be equally as direct. You show off
your physical abilities to impress. Getting naked for a laugh, then going at it might be your style. Storybook romance is not your thing. Venus in Capricorn: You like to show off how much of a fuddy duddy you are. You’re responsible, put together, and you have your route planned. Everything’s accounted for, and you will tell your betrothed exactly where your mutual love boat is headed. You are a shy loner, but once you’ve chosen your swain, you are an amorous lover who will stick around. You use your humor to woo as well, so there is some fun in you. Mars in Capricorn: You are a self-disciplined perfectionist in love, and even during sex. You are just fine with consistency and security, rather than sexual variety. Whatever works physically, you can do over and over. You are a private type, but want to tell your friends just enough detail so they know of the magnitude of your sexual proficiency. Venus in Aquarius: You like to be friends with anyone and everyone first, then choices and sex are an afterthought. You like livin’ on the edge, defying convention, showing off your intellect, being quirky and different. You like to playfully discuss sexual possibilities. Mars in Aquarius: You are great at phone sex and being playfully witty about the topic of sex from afar. You are fairly detached
in person, and detachment, for you, is boner-raising. You attract a main squeeze by showing the depth and breadth of your eccentric interests, and attempting to surprise and impress them through enthusiastic demonstration. Going on wild trips, forays into unknown territory or doing something different is an appetizer to adventurous sex. You get your way, and you will push your current agenda, whatever that may be. Venus in Pisces: You like to play a good guy/girl, but you also inhabit an ethereal cloud of moods, feelings, and mystery. You use sugary jokes, clairvoyance, endearing, dreamy play, and you set your own course. You go for the dark horse, and enjoy saving a person in need of help. You like a perceptive, artistic, imaginative mate. Commitment, due to watery emotions, is sometimes difficult. Mars in Pisces: You gently tug at someone from all sides when you want to catch their eye. You’re seemingly impassive, then you reach down into depths to be reckoned with. You experience and emote more than any of the other signs, bafflingly so. You’re vulnerable, so you subtly flirt at first, but when committed, it’s an all-go plunge into the mysterious depths, and which way it goes, no one knows—you are hard to predict. The confounding side is, you’re moody, and you can sometimes easily replace emotional, romantic feelings with a one time bang.