Agape and Eros: Neptune and Venus

• Neptune (higher octave)
• Rulership: Lymphatic system; ductless glands; thymus gland
• Native house: 11th House
• Rise: Cancer
• Rest: Pisces
• Detriment: Virgo
• Fall: Capricorn
• Venus (lower octave)
• Rulership: Skin; senses taste, touch, smell; digestive properties of saliva; swallowing; production of insulin; assimilation of carbohydrates and sugars; parathyroid gland
• Native houses: 7 th House; 2nd House
• Rise: Pisces
• Rest: Libra; Taurus
• Detriment: Aries; Scorpio
• Fall: Virgo

Venus is the second planet from the Sun. She is the brightest star in the eastern sky and can be easily seen on cloudless nights but only for three hours after sunset and only for three hours before sunrise. Venus is an almost perfect sphere and spends 225 days in an almost perfectly circular orbit around the Sun. It is appropriate that Venus should have such a perfect shape and orbit: she is the ruler of Libra, the sign of cardinal Air, the glyph of which is the scales of justice.

Men are from Mars and women are from Venus: she embodies tender feelings, kind humor, interpersonal relations, and aesthetics. Venus also communicates the importance of self-worth and of high self-esteem: she teaches us to say, “I’m worth it.” In that aspect, Venus also governs gifts, money given to others, sensual delights (chocolate, wine, etc.), and fine things such as silk, expensive clothing, and lavish jewelry, all of which are important to Taurus and appear in the 2nd House. Venus teaches balance and may be the secret to woman’s ability to defuse conflict and maintain harmony. Venus contains elements of contribution, cooperation, and resolution.

As the saying goes, you’ll catch more bees with honey than you will with vinegar. In the same way, Venus imparts the ability to soften hard positions and smooth things out. Her tender touch and fine sensitivities win over even the most savage beasts. Venus is not just a peace-maker, but also a love-maker: eroticism, sensuality, and sexual attraction all reside with her.

On a bad day, Venus can be petty and angered by the slightest offense (real or perceived.) She feels that she deserves better than others and can be described as looking down her nose at lesser mortals or of simply being lavish and expecting to be treated like a queen. Venus, with her charm and interpersonal intelligence, can become overstimulated or unbalanced by the things she brings into her life. Venus could be described by Madonna’s song from the movie Dick Tracy: “Nothing is better than more.” Venus is at home in two of the twelve houses of the Zodiac: the 2 nd House of values and possessions and the 7 th House of marriage and relationships. Venus governs the signs Libra and Taurus, the signs of cardinal Air and fixed Earth, respectively. Venus is one of the three planets which have a higher octave: in this instance, Venus’ higher octave is Neptune, whose love and devotion move beyond himself and his desires and are instead focused on the community or world as a whole.

The eighth planet from the sun, Neptune is the higher octave of Venus and shares many of her characteristics. Neptune, like Venus, has a nearly perfect circular orbit and spends nearly 165 years to orbit the Sun. Venus is the planet of feminine attributes and brings a sultry, sensual, erotic influence to everything she touches and teaches the lesson that “I’m worth it,” or in other words, that it’s okay to love, be loved, love yourself, and enjoy the finer things in life; Neptune, however, is different: his love and caring sensitivities are less selfish and more altruistic. That is, Neptune would go without what he loves so that he can preserve it and allow others to enjoy it as well. Neptune is extremely imprecise and focuses less on the rational and more on the emotional: he merges with and expands whatever he touches. His is not the domain of factual, reliable knowledge but of beliefs and intuition.

Neptune is an idealist: to illustrate this, imagine a traditional Japanese garden complete with a pond and a small island in the middle. This island is tended by the gardener and manicured to perfection; however, this island may not be approached – it is only to be viewed from the shore. The island, representative of perfection, is always out of reach and can only be viewed as an unattainable goal. That is among the lessons taught by Neptune: preservation, protection, and promotion of lofty ideals and impossible goals. Neptune teaches us to believe in the impossible and to refuse the advice of scientific precision which tells us what is and isn’t. Neptune doesn’t care what’s possible – he simply believes. Neptune is most at home in the 12th House of secrets, seclusion, enemies, self-defeat, withdrawal, and the unconscious, and is the ruler of Pisces, the sign of mutable Water.

Neptune, like the other ruling members of the balance of Water (Pluto and the Moon), is closely connected to the endocrine system and the subtle processes necessary to homeostasis. The astronomical and astrological properties of Neptune accurately describe his character and mode of operation in the human body. Astronomically, Neptune is a gas giant on a leisurely orbit around the Sun. Speed and urgency do not become Neptune! Astrologically, Neptune merges with and cleanses whatever he conjuncts in a natal chart: Neptune eschews borders and arbitrary divisions. Neptune primarily rules the lymphatic system which, like a sewer system or waste treatment facility, circulates waste and detritus carried by interstitial fluid (intercellular) through an extensive network of filters and cleaning stations before reintroduction to the bloodstream. Just like a vast, underground network of passages, pipes, cisterns, and drains, the lymphatic system carries away what would pollute habitable spaces. The lymphatic system is named for its role in the circulation of lymph and the sanitization of interstitial fluid.

Lymph is the fluid which is found inside lymphatic vessels and is formed from the fluid which fills the spaces between cells (interstitial fluid.) Arteries and veins are not hermetically sealed: many are fenestrated (perforated) and deliberately leak plasma to varying degrees. Plasma, as you’ll recall, is almost entirely Water with a small percentage of protein and other trace elements such as gases and waste products. The difference between plasma in whole blood and plasma in interstitial fluid is that the latter contains almost no proteins: the reason for this is because like a soaker hose laid out in a garden, veins “soak” the body with plasma to distribute nutrients. If permitted to collect and accumulate, interstitial fluid would cause massive swelling and tissue damage, the complications of which could even lead to death. For that purpose, the lymphatic system collects and re-circulates interstitial fluid. 

Interstitial fluid is collected by a vast network of lymphatic vessels and capillaries. Lymphatic capillaries are found in tandem with blood capillaries. Pisces and Aries in their respective side-by-side 12th and 1st Houses oppose each other not just by modality but also by polarity: cardinal Fire strongly opposes mutable Water. The former initiates, the latter dissipates – they define each other through opposition. The lymphatic and venous systems exist in the same way: side by side, but with no physical connection between the two. Lymphatic capillaries, in order to capture and remove interstitial fluid, appropriately reside in interstitial space, unconnected to the venous system, and siphon away the interstitial fluid leaked from the veins which isn’t absorbed by other cells.

Like the arterial and venous systems, the lymphatic system utilizes an extensive network of one- way valves which prohibit the movement of lymph back into interstitial spaces; however, unlike the arterial and venous systems which circulate by pump and suction of the heart, the lymphatic system has no central organ to pump and suction lymph. Instead, the one-way passage of lymph to the thymus is achieved through the compression of lymphatic vessels by skeletal muscles. The lymphatic system, like Neptune, cleanses and removes impurities. At regular intervals in lymphatic vessels are found lymph nodes – these are small, oval-shaped structures which serve as filters or cleaning stations. Lymph nodes slow the passage of lymph to the thymus and use this time to filter and destroy damaging particles as well as harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Lymph nodes are located in the deep fascia of the skin and generally appear as clusters. These clusters appear in the groin and pelvis; in the arms above the bend of the elbow; deep beneath the armpits; in the upper chest; on either side of the ears; in the lower jaw on the floor of the mouth; and on either side of the neck. Lymph nodes also appear in the small intestines and aid in the conservation of fluid which would otherwise be eliminated with stool.

It’s important to note that the lymphatic vessels on the upper right quadrant of the torso return to the thymus by a different route than those in the rest of the body. The lymphatic vessels in the upper right quadrant of the torso return to the thymus by way of the right lymphatic duct to the right subclavian vein (found beneath the clavicle.) Lymphatic vessels from the upper left torso, abdomen, and lower body return to the thymus by way of the thoracic duct, also called the left lymphatic duct. The location and division of lymphatic vessels is important to recognize in the instance a subject reports lymphedema or complications resulting from obstructed or damaged lymphatic vessels and nodes. This is also important because of the role the lymphatic system play in the spread of cancer cells and gestation of HIV and AIDS.

Neptune is closely connected to the endocrine system. In this case, the emphasis is strengthened by Neptune’s rulership of ductless glands which places him on nearly the same pedestal as Pluto with respect to power and influence over the entire body. The presence of lymphatic vessels and nodes across the length and breadth of the body complicates an accurate assessment of a subject’s condition. A swollen lymph node in the arm may lead one to conclude that the disruption exists within the Balance of Air, but the practitioner should objectively examine the results of the Spiritual measurement as well as the subject’s reported stress and dis-ease to uncover the true source of the disruption. A preponderance of indicators will reveal what’s disrupted and where the practitioner should direct his attention. 

Neptune, as the ruler of the lymphatic system, primarily resides in the thymus, the source to which all lymph ultimately flows. As we learned in the introduction to the endocrine system, the thymus is vital to the function of the immune system for its role in the maturation of lymphocytes which produce antibodies and also attack cancerous and infected cells. Outside of the thymus and lymph nodes, the greatest concentrations of lymphocytes are found in the spleen and in bone marrow. The function of the spleen will be covered in greater detail under Libra and the Balance of Air; the composition of bone and bone marrow under Saturn.

Venus is the most sensual and sensuous of the planets. She indicates both selfesteem and self-importance but also the pleasure and enjoyment derived from the things of the world. Among other parts of the body, Venus rules the skin. Venus is unique in that, like Mercury, she is a member of both the Balance of Air and Earth. In her membership of the Balance of Air, she rules tactile sensation, but does not rule the actual transmission of such sensation back to the central nervous system: the transmission of sensation through the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system resides with Mercury! Mercury, in his obsession with raw data and information, is concerned with the facts. Venus, in her adoration for sensation, is concerned with the senses. In such an instance where a subject exhibits loss of sensation in a dermatome but retains both gross and fine motor control, this would be a clear indication that the flow of Venereal Spirit is out of balance.

The skin is the physical organ which covers the body and is described as being either thick or thin. Thick skin covers the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, and other high friction areas. The majority of the body’s skin is classified as thin and it is easily differentiated from thick skin because it grows hair. Thick skin is different from thin skin in that it develops ridges and striations which create resistance in contact with other surfaces. These ridges and striations are typically called palm-, finger-, and foot-prints, and they serve to promote friction and create traction which improve the flow and function of common daily movements.

Skin is additionally classified as either superficial or deep (the epidermis or the dermis.) The dermis is the denser, heavier skin which rests beneath the comparatively lighter and more porous epidermis visible to the eye. Together, the dermis and epidermis create a layered defense to the outside world. The dermis acts as the foundation to the epidermis and feeds nutrients to the epidermis which secretes body oil, grows hair, and shields the body from the rays of the Sun. Venus, through the skin, additionally rules the growth of hair as well as the health and growth of toe- and finger-nails. A subject who complains of hair loss or poor toe- and finger-nail health would be exhibiting a need for balanced Venereal Spirit. The skin is the largest sensory organ of the human body and it is vital to the navigation and integration of one’s environment. Skin communicates through the somatic nervous system tactile sensations of touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.

The skin defends the body against external dangers such as ultraviolet radiation, the danger of dehydration, germs and bacteria, and physical trauma. If not for skin, gentle organs and internal structures would be totally exposed to outside elements! Skin regulates body temperature by moderating the flow of blood and also the evaporation of sweat. As an organ, it is both exocrine and endocrine: it secretes body oil through the sebaceous glands and also synthesizes and secretes vitamin D in response to sunlight. Homeostasis and proper function of the body depends on a stable core temperature: with only a few degrees’ difference, one’s core body temperature remains a constant 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Much like a chemistry set (or a fragile ecosystem), the body requires the correct temperature to properly coordinate chemical reactions. Without the correct core temperature, the body is unable to properly complete thousands of chemical processes and exchanges without which the body would fail to function.

Temperature is chiefly regulated through moderation of the flow of blood. Blood, as you’ll recall from our introduction to Mars, is tops at retaining heat. When the skin signals to the central nervous system that the ambient temperature is too cool, the arterioles which supply blood to the capillary beds tighten or constrict. This causes less warm blood to dissipate heat through the skin and more warm blood to retain heat in the body. Likewise, when the skin signals that the ambient temperature is too warm, the arterioles open wider and allow warm blood to flow to the capillary beds where the heat within the blood is dissipated through the skin.

Skin has several exocrine glands which secrete body oils lubricate of the skin; maintain elasticity and suppleness; strengthen and fortify hair; secrete sex pheromones; defend against bacteria and germs; form a natural shield against fungus; and expel uric acid, salt, and ammonia from the body.

The ability to swallow is achieved by the pharynx, a muscle which extends from the base of the skull to the esophagus – it is lined with mucus membrane which lubricates its surface and aids the passage of food. The pharynx is multi-purpose and is divided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and the larynx. The nasopharynx opens into the nasal and sinus cavities to permit the intake of Air through the larynx, which you probably know better as the voice box. The oropharynx is the division of the pharynx which leads to the esophagus and carries food and fluid on toward the stomach for digestion.

Those organs which transmit the senses of taste, smell, balance, hearing, and sight are named special sense organs. Of the special sense organs, Venus rules those which transmit taste and smell (the senses of balance, hearing, and sight belong to Mercury.) Olfaction, the sense of smell, is accomplished by olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity. These olfactory receptors are chemoreceptors which respond to chemical molecules carried on the Air. Humans have about 350 unique olfactory receptors, whereas other mammals such as mice possess more than a thousand. Because olfactory stimuli are transmitted to the brain through Cranial Nerve I, they’re intimately connected to thought and memories.

The sense of smell is closely connected to the sense of taste which is transmitted to the central nervous system through Cranial Nerves VII, IX, and X. Taste is the perception caused by chemical stimulation of taste buds on the tongue and in the mouth. Flavor, or the character attributed to something tasted, is a combination of what each taste bud experiences. Taste buds come in four varieties and each is suited to interpret one of four qualities: sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Thus, a subject who reports tasting only certain flavors would clearly be describing a disruption of Venereal Spirit in context to the Cranial Nerves which communicate taste to the central nervous system. Saliva, secreted from exocrine glands beneath the tongue and in the cheeks, is primarily formed from Water and mucus which lubricate food, promote mixing, and aid in bolus formation.

Venus additionally rules the sensory receptors which transmit the perception of heat, cold, pressure, touch, and pain to the central nervous system. These tissues which transmit such feelings are called general sense organs. General sense organs can be described as afferent because they transmit information back to the central nervous system (they accomplish this by means of the peripheral nervous system which extends to every point of the body.) As it concerns Venus, our primary interest is in mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, and nociceptors. These receptors are found across the entire surface area of the body and each transmits different information: pressure, heat, and pain. Diabetics frequently lose sensation in the extremities, so when giving Light for diabetics, Libra and Venus should be treated together.

Indeed, the healthy action of Venus should be of the greatest importance to diabetics because of her rulership of the production of insulin and the assimilation of carbohydrates and sugars. Carbohydrates are the primary fuel source required by the body and provide this fuel in the form of starches and sugars. Amylase, found in saliva, begins the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth by breaking down sugars into simpler structures before they reach the pancreas. The pancreas is the responsible for the production of insulin, a hormone which triggers cells (such as those in the liver) to absorb and retain sugars, removing them from the bloodstream.