Venus, the beautiful planet named for the ancient goddess of love, left earthy Taurus and entered airy Gemini on April 3. This shift is helping us become more social, enjoy lighter forms of fun, and engage in playful exchanges with others. Best of all, this lovely energy will continue for four months, giving us a welcome relief from some of t

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Have you felt the change? A welcome lift and lightness, a sense of the tide turning? Venus, the beautiful planet named for the ancient goddess of love, left earthy Taurus and entered airy Gemini on April 3.

Redbud in Bloom by Anne Nordhaus-Bike
This shift is helping us become more social, enjoy lighter forms of fun, and engage in playful exchanges with others. Best of all, this lovely energy will continue for four months, giving us a welcome relief from some of the heavier and harder astrological energies pressing upon us these days.

Typically, Venus spends about a month in a given sign before moving on to the next astrological sign. This year is different, however, because of her upcoming retrograde motion: instead of four weeks, Venus will sojourn in Gemini for four months, remaining in the sign of the Twins until August 7. As a result, the combination of Venus (love, beauty, pleasure, relationships, values) and Gemini (communication, duality, curiosity, intelligence, playfulness) will take center stage for us all.

This planetary position gives us an extended opportunity to operate in ways that are harmonious (Venus) as well as smart (Gemini). This energy differs dramatically from the past month, when Venus was in Taurus: Taurus is earthy, grounded, and practical, while Gemini is mental, airy, and curious. Last month, you may have felt Venus's influence in Taurus as an urge to enjoy nature, fine food, and plenty of physical contact. Hugs and other physical affection are a hallmark for Taurus, which prefers tangible expressions of love over words.

Anne Nordhaus-Bike
Now, though, love takes on a lighter touch. Venus in Gemini brings an urge to speak "sweet nothings," to make small talk, and to speak kindly. For example, if you have experienced any misunderstandings or difficulties in relationships, now is a good time repair any damage with loving words. This period also offers wonderful opportunities to get out and  socialize with new people, use charm in constructive ways to create stronger relationships, and enjoy the pleasures of having a human mind that can explore new ideas.

Venus tends to sweeten and soften everything she touches, so her time in Gemini can take the form of soft, sweet words or sincere and loving compliments to others. It also might be expressed by visiting (Gemini) an art museum (Venus), chatting (Gemini) with friends about music or other arts (Venus), or creating something beautiful (Venus) and handmade (Gemini).

Although this time will bring ample opportunities for interacting directly with others, one of the most powerful ways to express Venus in Gemini comes on the inner plane, via our thoughts and visualizations. Just as Venus in Taurus gave us inspiration for bestowing physical  hugs, Venus in Gemini can help us give "mental hugs."

At the simplest level, a mental hug can be thinking well of others and imagining them happy and healthy. It also can take the form seeing the best in others, silently expressing gratitude when observing them being kind to one another, or saying "thank you" for all the good that comes our way. In situations where it may be inappropriate or impossible to speak directly to someone, simply extending a kind thought or a smile can work wonders.

What have you longed to say to others? What kindness can you bestow with your mind? Now is the time to act: let Venus soften your heart, and let Gemini help you find the words.

Authors Website: https://artistanne.com/

Authors Bio:

Award-winning artist Anne Nordhaus-Bike paints colorful, calming watercolors inspired by nature.

Anne's art has appeared in numerous solo and group shows as well as many arts programs, presentations, and performances. Her work has been published in periodicals and books; covered in numerous print publications; and featured in broadcast media, both on television and feature films.

She received a degree in art history, with honors, from the University of Chicago and went on to launch a fine arts column that ran for two decades in the Gazette Chicago newspaper, where she has served in various capacities since the newspaper's founding in 1983. She joined Gazette Chicago's board of directors in 2004. She founded her multimedia arts firm, ANB Communications, in 1993.

A member of the prestigious Woman Made Gallery in Chicago since 1998, she launched her book, Follow The Sun, with a book signing at Woman Made in 2012; the book includes more than a dozen of her original watercolors. Among her many awards and honors, she was named to the National Women's Hall of Fame's Wall of Fame.

Anne lives with her husband Bill and cat Sterling in Chicago, where she makes art and enjoys cooking, tai chi, and time in nature.