Planetary Ruler: Venus ♀

Element: Water/Air

Zodiac: Libra & Taurus

Tarot: The Empress

A Balanced Heart Center: First - and most importantly - Self Love, because without this, you cannot love nor express love properly to anyone outside of yourself. Everything stated here applies to both yourself and with others, simultaneously: 

• Caring, empathy, and compassion
• Nourishing and nurturing yourself and others
• Acceptance, joy, and harmony
• Ability to trust and speak from the heart
• Ability to see beyond your own flaws and those of others
• Recognizing the inherent divinity and love in all things
• State of being where love and empathy flow freely - often called Christ Consciousness

An Overstimulated Heart Center:

• Struggle to move on from past relationships or situations that are no longer beneficial for all parties involved
• Love that is conditional or comes with strings attached
• Fear of rejection or not being accepted, desired, or appreciated by others
• Intentional manipulation of others for personal gain
• Excessive desire for wealth, power, or possessions
• Difficulty being comfortable with your own company or being alone
• Fear of being taken advantage of or giving more than receiving in relationships
• Tendency to be overly critical or judgmental of yourself and others
• Inability to forgive and let go of past hurts or grievances
• Generalized fear or anxiety that may stem from a lack of connection with your own heart and emotions.

An Under-stimulated Heart Center:

• Skepticism or cynicism towards others, situations or relationships
• Struggle to open up and be vulnerable with people
• Tendency to rely heavily on others for validation or self-worth
• Difficulty in identifying and processing complex emotions such as sadness and grief
• High standards for yourself and others, resulting in a tendency to be hard to please or feel unsatisfied.

Copper, one of the oldest metals known to humankind, holds a special place in our history. The discovery of a small copper awl dating back to the 6th millennium BCE in the Middle East is evidence of the metal's longstanding importance. Unlike many other metals, copper is often found in a pure form, making it an ideal material for metallurgy - the process of smelting and casting metals.

The ability to harness the power of copper enabled early civilizations to create stronger and more durable tools such as axes and arrows. Copper's versatility and durability made it a valuable resource, and its use in technology and industry continues to this day.

Today, copper is used in a wide range of applications, from electrical wiring to plumbing to construction. Its excellent conductivity makes it ideal for electrical wiring and electronic devices, while its antimicrobial properties make it a popular choice in healthcare settings.

.: Cu29 - The Element :.

Copper is a widely used metal in various industries, including technology. It is known for its excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. One of the most significant uses of copper in technology is in the manufacturing of electrical wires and cables. Copper wires are preferred for their high electrical conductivity, making them ideal for carrying electricity efficiently. Copper's thermal conductivity also makes it a suitable material for use in the manufacture of heat sinks, which are used to remove excess heat from electronic components.

Copper is also used in the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are used in a wide range of electronic devices and is the preferred metal for PCBs as its conductivity makes it ideal for the transmission of signals and power.

Copper's resistance to corrosion also makes it an excellent choice for use in various technological applications and is commonly used in the manufacture of marine and underwater equipment, where its corrosion-resistant properties are crucial as well as in telecommunications, including the manufacture of coaxial cables and twisted pair cables making it ideal for transmitting signals and data over long distances.

Copper is primarily formed in the earth's crust through a process known as hydrothermal alteration. This occurs when hot, mineral-rich fluids seep into rock formations, causing chemical reactions that can lead to the formation of copper-bearing minerals and ores. It's one of very few metals that can be found outside of an ore in it's metallic form called a native metal.

Some of the largest copper deposits in the world are located in Chile, Peru, and the United States, where the geology and topography of the region have made the formation and concentration of copper deposits possible.

              Native Copper Metal

But copper doesn't just form on its own - it often coexists with other minerals and elements, forming intricate mineral assemblages that can be difficult to extract and process. This is why copper mining and extraction can be a complex and challenging process, requiring advanced technology and expertise to extract the metal from the earth and refine it into usable products such as electrical components, wiring, coinage, medical industries, home applications, and more.

 Copper veins run throughout the Earth where it combines with other elements to form into complex salts mainly connected to its affinity to water where some of its salts, like copper chloride, can contain over 35% water and this property allows it to have several types of color variants when it comes to becoming salts with various compounds. 

Here are different types of Copper Salts that I've made in the lab

Copper is a natural antimicrobial material that has been used for centuries to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These properties of copper are due to its ability to disrupt the cellular membranes and proteins of microorganisms, ultimately leading to their death. Here are some detailed scientific notes about copper's antibacterial properties:

• Copper ions are released when copper comes into contact with moisture, such as sweat or bodily fluids. These ions can then interact with bacterial cells, penetrating the cell wall and damaging the cell membrane and DNA.

• The exact mechanism of copper's antibacterial action is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve multiple pathways, including oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and protein denaturation.

• Copper has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

• Studies have shown that copper surfaces can reduce the number of bacteria on them by up to 99.9% within just a few hours of exposure.

• Copper has been found to be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are becoming increasingly common and pose a major threat to public health.

• The use of copper as an antimicrobial material has been shown to be effective in a variety of settings, including hospitals, where it can help reduce the spread of infection.

.: Venus - The Planet :.

Venus, the second planet from the sun, shrouded in mystery and beauty, a planet so much like Earth yet so different. Venus is a terrestrial planet with a similar size and mass as Earth, and is often referred to as Earth's twin. But while Earth is a haven for life, Venus is a planet of extremes.

Venus has a thick, toxic atmosphere made up mostly of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid, with surface temperatures that can reach up to 864 degrees Fahrenheit (462 degrees Celsius). The atmospheric pressure on the surface of Venus is 92 times greater than that on Earth, which is equivalent to the pressure at a depth of 1 kilometer in Earth's oceans.

Venus rotates in the opposite direction to most other planets, with a retrograde rotation, and it takes longer for Venus to complete one rotation on its axis than it does to orbit around the sun. This means that a day on Venus is longer than a year, with one Venusian day lasting 243 Earth days and one orbit around the sun taking just 225 Earth days.

- - A captivating note on a Venus orbit - -

Imagine observing the Solar System from a bird's eye view, looking down on Earth and the rest of the planets. Keep your eyes fixed on Earth as it rotates, but don't follow its motion around the Sun. Over the course of a year, you'll witness the Sun appear to move in a circular path around the Earth.

As you gaze at this spectacle, your attention will be drawn to Venus, the planet closest to Earth. Venus follows a unique path as it orbits the Sun. Over the course of 8 orbits of the Sun by the Earth, Venus orbits the Sun 13 times. The result is a beautiful curve known as the Pentagram of Venus and by some called the Rose of Venus.

This curve is so named because it features five distinct "lobes" where Venus makes its closest approach to Earth. These points of closest approach are significant because at each one, Venus appears to move in a retrograde motion compared to its usual path across the sky.

The Pentagram of Venus is a stunning phenomenon, showcasing the intricate and interrelated movements of the celestial bodies in our Solar System. As we continue to study and observe the movements of Venus and the other planets, we gain a deeper understanding of the universe we live in.

               From James Ferguson’s, Astronomy Explained Upon Sir Isaac Newton’s Principles, 1799 ed., plate III, opp. p. 67.

Venus is also known for its volcanic activity, with over 1600 major volcanoes and countless smaller ones which have created a diverse range of surface features, from vast plains to towering mountains and deep canyons. *Venus and Vulcan.*

 Known for its scorching temperatures and thick atmosphere, Venus is also home to the most acidic rain in the entire Solar System. While rain on Earth is made of water, on Venus the working fluid in the cycle of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation is a solution of sulfuric acid, which is highly corrosive. Studies of the Venusian cloud layer have shown that the concentration of sulfuric acid in this solution ranges from 70 to 99%. The closer the clouds are to the planet's surface, the stronger the concentration of sulfuric acid becomes, making Venusian rain incredibly acidic with a pH of around -1.2 (you read that correctly - Negative 1.2 pH).

The pH scale is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a water-based solution, ranging from 0 (strong acid) to 14 (strong base), with 7 being neutral. Values greater than 14 or less than 0 are possible for extremely powerful acids or bases but cannot be directly measured due to the way pH is calculated as the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.

On Earth, rain is slightly acidic, with a pH between 5 and 5.5. Atmospheric pollution and volcanic activity can decrease the pH by introducing acid to the water. Human-caused acid rain usually has a pH around 4 (similar to tomato juice or beer), while volcanic acid rain can have a pH as low as 2 (like lemon juice or vinegar). On Titan, a moon of Saturn where methane is the working fluid for precipitation, rain likely has a pH of around 7.

The acid rain is caused by the reaction of sulfur dioxide and water in the planet's atmosphere. The concentration of sulfuric acid in the rain solution ranges from 70-99%, making it many times more corrosive than the most acidic rain on Earth. However, it is not a significant contributor to surface erosion because surface temperatures on Venus average around 473°C (884°F), and sulfuric acid evaporates at 300°C (572°F). This means the acid rain likely boils away at an altitude of around 30,000 m (98,425 ft).

Despite its harsh conditions, scientists are still fascinated by Venus and its potential for research. NASA has sent several missions to study the planet, including the Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s, which mapped 98% of the surface of Venus with radar technology. The European Space Agency's Venus Express mission in the 2000s discovered evidence of active volcanism and also revealed the presence of lightning in Venus' atmosphere.

.: The Spiritual :.

The Anahata Chakra is a powerful energy center that emanates the purest expression of love. It is considered the most influential among the seven chakras, and it opens up the channels of the heart, freeing us to give and receive love unconditionally.

Anahata means "unstruck" or "unbeaten" in Sanskrit, and it signifies a love that surpasses all boundaries, extending beyond the self to others. Located in the heart region, it encourages us to explore the different levels of our relationships with an open heart and to embrace the divine in ourselves and others.

The Anahata Chakra is associated with the color green, symbolizing growth, renewal, and harmony. Its element is air, providing us with the freedom to expand beyond our limitations and experience boundless compassion.

The mantra of the Anahata Chakra is 'yam,' a sound that resonates throughout the universe, urging us to let go of our egos and to give selflessly, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.

Oh, Venus, celestial body of beauty and grace, how gentle and kind you are, spinning slowly in the vastness of space. You are the embodiment of femininity, passive and receptive, a magnetic force that draws all things toward you.

Your astrological influence extends far beyond the boundaries of the sky, infusing the earth with your sensuality and love for connection. You are the goddess of love, of beauty, of art and harmony, and you manifest yourself in the signs of Taurus and Libra.

In Taurus, your power is displayed in the beauty of possessions, and in the wealth of material things. But in Libra, it's all about connection, and the relationships we forge with others. It's about finding balance and harmony, and bringing beauty to all things.

You are not only the ruler of Taurus, but also the esoteric ruler of Vulcan, the alchemist's God of the forge. Together, you reveal the energetic principle that lies beneath all manifestation.

Oh Venus, planet of love and beauty, you remind us that there is more to life than what we can see. You guide us on a journey of self-discovery, teaching us to see the beauty in all things, and to live in harmony with the universe.

Both the Roman and Greek cultures embraced her sexual aspect and the Roman temples to Venus were sanctuaries of knowledge, where harlot-priestesses known as venerii taught spiritual grace through exercises akin to Eastern Tantrism. The word "veneration" itself embodies the act of paying homage to this divine being, and the enchanting city of Venice bears her name. Venus, mother of Cupid and wife of Vulcan, the god of alchemy and metals, experienced an attraction to Mars, the god of war, and their secret romantic trysts were the stuff of legend.

As the Nature Goddess, Venus is the Lady of the Animals, the forest creatures her loyal companions. Adonis, the Horned God of the hunt, fell deeply in love with her, enchanted by her naked beauty as she bathed in the stream. The word "venison" carries a deeper meaning, signifying a son or follower of Venus. For she is the goddess of love, beauty, art, balance, harmony, peace, and the acceptance of natural law.

Venus is the goddess of both birth and death, the Goddess of Generation that drives the complete cycle of existence. Her divine nature imbues both life and death with transformative energies, death itself representing the ecstatic climax that leads to rebirth. The Hermetic tradition of alchemy promised a sacred marriage, the Conjunction, a spiritual merging that would allow the initiate to transcend the cycle of rebirth and reach a new level of being. The mysteries of Conjunction and the transformative power of the Venus metal copper were the hallmarks of this divine religion. 

The mysterious and enigmatic planet Venus veiled in its own unique beauty represents a refinement of the senses and mystic love. It is the epitome of the feminine goddess of love and beauty, while its counterpart Mars represents the masculine god of war and strife. The two contrasting archetypes work together in perfect harmony, manifesting the tension between the masculine and feminine, offering a complete picture of human existence on both the material and emotional levels. The anima and animus - the feminine soul and masculine spirit - coexist in a dance of duality, bringing balance and depth to our psyche.

The Venusian archetype is the psychological function of judging and evaluating experiences through the inner, subjective, and feminine impulse in both sexes. It is the channel of our intuition, bringing our insights to conscious awareness. Without it, we would rely solely on our objective senses and concrete minds to evaluate others, which would limit our ability to perceive the truth in a situation.

Copper is the temperament associated with the powers of touch and speech, balanced feelings, and an ascending mind. The marriage of the female and male aspects of consciousness brings forth the feeling intellect and leads to the actualization of the true heart of the initiate. As the alchemical process of transmuting Copper continues, buried emotions, addictions, impulses, and instincts become unencumbered by free will.

In alchemical astrology, Neptune is considered the "higher octave" of Venus. It represents unconditional love that embraces all creation, is accepting and without discrimination or judgment. But, before we can attain the unconditional love of others and ourselves, we must first travel with Venus and Copper to learn personal love through relationships with people or things. The journey of self-discovery and growth through Venus leads to the expanded consciousness that Neptune promises.

Venus, Ishtar, Inanna, and Easter are all associated with the archetype of the divine feminine and have been revered as goddesses of love, fertility, and rebirth in different cultures and religions throughout history.

In ancient Mesopotamia, the goddess Ishtar was worshipped as the goddess of love, beauty, war, and sex. She was associated with the planet Venus, which was known as the "Morning Star" and "Evening Star" and was revered as a symbol of both life and death. Ishtar was also believed to be a powerful goddess of fertility and was often depicted with symbols of regeneration and rebirth.

Similarly, in ancient Sumerian mythology, the goddess Inanna was associated with the planet Venus and was worshipped as the goddess of love, beauty, sex, and war. She was also revered as a powerful goddess of fertility and was believed to have the power to grant new life and to bring about the rebirth of nature each year.

In Christianity, the celebration of Easter is associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is celebrated as a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and new life. The name "Easter" is believed to have originated from the Germanic word "Ostara," which was the name of a pagan festival celebrated in honor of the goddess of spring and fertility.

The connection between Jesus and Venus is both mysterious and fascinating. Some believe that there is a symbolic connection between the two, as both represent love, beauty, and the Divine Feminine.

In many depictions of Jesus, he is portrayed as a radiant being of light, shining with the same luminosity as the planet Venus. This could be seen as a metaphor for the love and beauty that Jesus brought to the world during his time on Earth.

Additionally, there are some who see a direct connection between Jesus and the goddess Venus, or Ishtar/Inanna, as both represent a powerful force of love and transformation. Some have even suggested that the story of Jesus' birth and resurrection may have been influenced by the myths surrounding Venus, who was also associated with birth, death, and rebirth.

Whether we see a direct connection between Jesus and Venus, or simply a symbolic one, there is no denying the power and beauty that both entities embody. May we all be inspired by their radiant light, and strive to embody the same love and beauty in our own lives.

.: The Oil of Copper :. 

The Oil of Copper is a potent elixir that is imbued with the celestial energies of Venus and the Heart Chakra. This mystical metallic essential oil unlocks the deepest realms of the heart and soul, allowing one to experience the full spectrum of emotions and feelings that are inherent in the human experience. Through the power of this sacred oil, one can radiate self-love and acceptance, while simultaneously receiving and expressing unconditional love to all beings in creation.

As an element of Air, the Oil of Copper resonates with the Gateway of the Winds, a powerful energy center that sits at the very core of our being. This energy center governs matters of the heart, such as love, courage, and compassion, and helps to align the physical and spiritual aspects of our existence. Through the use of this divine elixir, you can heal and balance the heart chakra and its correspondences. 

Physically, the Oil of Copper works wonders on the heart and lungs, helping to alleviate issues such as heart palpitations, chest pains, and respiratory problems. But its true power lies in its ability to heal and balance the emotional and spiritual aspects of the heart, bringing about a state of inner peace and harmony that is truly transformative. With the regular use of this sacred oil, one can awaken to the fullness of their being and experience the infinite depths of love and compassion that are woven into the fabric of creation.

The Oil of Copper is an amazing tool to have as you navigate anything in your life. This alchemical treasure holds within it the power to tap into the boundless energy of the cosmos and unlock the fullness of your being within your heart. A connection to the Heart and Divine Love is a thing of beauty and liberation. Let it flow and transform through you.