Vogue Arabia, December 2017. Photo: Laurence Laborie
The old adage that love is written in the stars might ring truer than usual this Valentine’s Day: from February 1, Mars and Venus will meet in the skies for a two-month period. A conjunction occurs when two transiting planets are positioned extremely close together, and their alignment affects each star sign in a different way. What’s interesting about this particular conjunction is that both planets play a part in our love lives.
The Venus-Mars conjunction usually occurs once a year and lasts for around 10 days rather than the two months we will experience this February, March and into the start of April. “Because the Venus-Mars conjunction will be notably different due to Venus’s slower movement of late, the impacts will be more long-term and obvious,” says McRae. “There will be more major developments in our love lives. This can lead to learning more about what our partner likes and dislikes, or what they crave from us. For others, that just-for-fun fling could end up becoming something they want to commit to. Our desires and needs in love will become more pronounced, leading us to take risks or be vulnerable in pursuing what we’re attracted to.”
But, there are a few things to be aware of during this passionate meeting of the planets. “In Greco-Roman mythology, the god Mars and the goddess Venus were known as the forbidden lovers,” continues McRae. “Despite their relationship being considered taboo, their attraction to one another was undeniable. Knowing this, we can expect a dose of fun, but there are pros and cons. It’ll be important to enjoy your heightened emotions while remaining level headed, as becoming more demanding or argumentative with misdirected passionate energy can be the shadow side of this conjunction.”
But, she insists, it’s mostly good news for all star signs. “The fact that Venus and Mars will be flirting on Valentine’s Day is perfect timing because people are more adventurous with matters of the heart during this transit. As a collective, we are more willing to wear our hearts on our sleeves, confess feelings of love and attraction, and go all-in. The planets will be exactly conjunct three times during this time frame, leading to notable developments on February 16, March 3, and March 6.”
So, what does it mean for your star sign? McRae gives us the lowdown, below.
Aries
This conjunction will impact your 10th house, which rules your career and could manifest as an exciting work romance. For others, self-love could be high on the agenda. Aries are known for being fiery, passionate lovers, and Valentine’s Day gives you the perfect opportunity to unleash your passions. When March hits, the lovers’ conjunction moves into your 11th house of acquaintances. Friends could become lovers, and it’s likely that you’ll meet love interests through social media, too.
Taurus
While Tauruses are known for their stubbornness, Venus and Mars will bring you experiences outside of your comfort zone to expand your mind as the conjunction visits your ninth house of higher thinking. You may travel with a lover or find romance with someone from a different culture or faraway land. On Valentine’s Day, welcome Venus-Mars energy into your life through experimentation. Once March hits, the conjunction slides into your 10th house of career and someone with ambition will be very attractive to you.
Gemini
You will find yourself seeking quality over quantity at the start of this Venus-Mars conjunction as the planets lurk in your eighth house of intimacy. Geminis will be seeking depth and trust, and partnerships may become more serious and committed. You may find yourself feeling more introverted than usual. For singles, this could mean channeling energy into self-care rather than relationships that are of little importance. Valentine’s Day itself will be all about intimacy. March will then shake things up, as you enter the ninth house and travel to find love, allowing yourself to be free-spirited about matters of the heart.
Cancer
The start of this Venus-Mars conjunction will be big for Cancerians because the alignment of love will be sitting pretty in your seventh house of relationships. Expect major developments and milestones when it comes to romantic partnerships, while singles may be a magnet for attention, with many potential suitors coming their way. Whatever your relationship status, being in your seventh house on Valentine’s Day means others will go above and beyond to please you. In March, the conjunction shifts into your eighth house of intimacy, so that Valentine’s fling could become something more serious.
Leo
February brings Leos a new sense of structure and routine – and being able to rely on someone becomes extremely appealing. Being more detail-oriented, you will be sharp about who and what you want, and do what it takes to make it happen. On Valentine’s Day, Leos will be craving authority. March sees the conjunction of lovers shift into the seventh house of relationships, and romantic partnerships will feel more fulfilling. If you’re single, this will be a time when dating feels more natural and inspiring.
Virgo
February brings Virgos the gift of the Mars-Venus conjunction in your fifth house of joy. This means your creativity and confidence may be at an all-time high. Connection will be on your mind and you’ll attract a lot of sensual energy from admirers, so it’s a great time for single Virgos to enter the dating scene. On Valentine’s Day, you’ll be feeling ready to meet someone, with the fifth house representing fresh romance. Come March, the conjunction shifts into the sixth house of responsibility and routine. For romance to last, reliability will be key.
Libra
The energy of Venus and Mars visits your fourth house of the family and home. You may find yourself wanting to move in with someone or yearning to have children. Valentine’s Day itself will be about passion as well as spending quality time with your partner in a cosy setting. Come March, the conjunction shifts into your fifth house of romance and this is a great time for singles to try your luck with dating.
Scorpio
Scorpios are known for their passionate nature, so this Venus-Mars conjunction will feel natural for many. The planets will begin their meeting in your third house of communication and you’ll be attracted to those you can have a stimulating conversation with. For some, friends might become lovers, while others may be introduced to a future love interest through their community. On Valentine’s Day itself, communication remains a turn on. In March, Mars and Venus waltz into your fourth house of the family and home, and committed relationships have the potential to deepen.
Sagittarius
Your second house of money and personal values will be on display in February, so expect to be showered with gifts and love. There will also be a desire to prioritize self-love, set boundaries and define your needs in a partnership. Sagittarians are known for their open-mindedness, but this Valentine’s Day, a sense of ownership could be a major attraction. In March, the planets hit your third house of communication, and intriguing conversations will lead to deeper connections and love.
Capricorn
Your time to shine comes in February as Venus and Mars visit your first house – the foundation of who you are and your life path. Expect to radiate a stronger sense of confidence. Putting yourself out there on all levels – romantically, platonically, vocationally and spiritually – will pay off. Your attractiveness is heightened this Valentine’s Day and you should expect your partner to boost your ego. In March, the two planets float into your second house of money and personal values. There will be a stronger urge to spoil your loved ones and you can expect it to be reciprocated, helping to grow and nurture existing bonds.
Aquarius
Mars and Venus will impact your 12th house of spirituality, and a heightened sense of intuition shouldn’t be ignored. Single Aquarians could use this time for healing, while those in relationships could want to temporarily isolate themselves from the world. This is also a house of endings, so allow yourself to find release before beginning a new chapter. Valentine’s Day delivers romance behind the scenes, while March feels more comfortable as this conjunction blesses your foundational first house. Positive opportunities pour into all areas of your life and increase your magnetism.
Pisces
Your 11th house represents your acquaintances and ambitions, so expect your social life to get busy, increasing the chances of meeting a potential love interest with similar goals. You’ll be attracted to new types of people this Valentine’s Day, or a friend may suddenly surprise you and make you want to take things a step further. If you’ve been with your partner for years, you’ll be keen to spice things up by breaking rules you said you never would. In March, Mars and Venus visit your 12th house of spirituality, so temporarily hiding out with a lover might be tempting.
Originally published in Vogue.co.uk
