Venus-Mars conjunctions are often viewed as an event of purely romantic potential by modern astrologers, but that may be a little short-sighted.

In astrology (and mythology) it is well known that Mars is linked with conflicts, war and passion, but it is often strangely overlooked that Venus is the likely motive underlying many a battle.

Mars is primarily associated with impulse and Venus with our desires. Put simply Venus-Mars reflects our impulse to get that which we desire. Venus-Mars cycles are interesting to track mainly because they intimately resonate with our primal drives.

We are currently inside a series of Capricorn-Aquarius conjunctions between Venus and Mars that will span 7 years (with a couple of detours).

Dates and degrees sourced from astro-seek databases.

The next time the pair goes through such a series of Saturnine unions will be in 2054. This makes the current span of time on of long-term significance. Actions taken at this time are likely to impact many an organization and life direction. But how could they manifest?

When Venus and Mars meet in Saturn ruled signs, chances are the story has more to do with principles than with lust.

Mars is believed to be exalted in Capricorn, meaning it can express strongly (for better or for worse). In a sense it is the place where action can be aligned towards reaching our “true North”. Venus is not weak in Capricorn, given that it is the daytime triplicity ruler there. Both of these energies are therefore positioned for maximum impact.

On the most positive note, the placement of Venus-Mars conjunction in Capricorn points to heightened ability to set ourselves on a long-term course towards our goals and objectives and a strong capacity to achieve (or manifest) palpable results. Capricorn lends itself to determination and long-term commitment.

However, this focus and determination of Capricorn can be, and historically has been, associated with less than romantic ideals and objectives, for instance acquisitions and invasions. The Cancer-Capricorn axis points to very reactive/sensitive aspects of any person or entity. From a mundane astrology perspective this includes matters pertaining to organization, governance, authority (rule of law) in Capricorn. On the Cancerian end of the see-saw we find concerns such as homeland security, defense, reserves and other internal matters. It is no wonder that, when the axis is activated, it often leads to less than warm relations between people (and countries).

“Cancer resists Capricorn, though females both, since summer conflicts with winter.., wonder not at the signs so situated doing battle “

(Astronomica, 2.4 10; (Loeb p.115))

Looking back at some other Venus-Mars conjunctions in Capricorn, historical records suggest that newsworthy events around the time of conjunctions have more to do with setting records and matters of integrity in their widest sense, structural and personal.

The most recent Venus-Mars conjunction in Capricorn took place on January 6th 1994 at 13 CAP 02.

On this day the publicly available history records highlight the following events:

• American skater Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed on the right knee in an attack that forced her out of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The assailant was hired by her rival Tonya Harding’s ex-husband.
• Zhong Weiju swims world record 25m pool (26.44)
• Virginia Kelley Clinton, mother of US President Clinton, dies
• In financial news: Dow-Jones hit a record 3803.88
• “The Government Inspector” opens at Lyceum Theater NYC for 37 performances

References:

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2018/01/06/UPI-Almanac-for-Saturday-Jan-6-2018/6911515123141

https://takemeback.to/06-January-1994

https://www.onthisday.com/date/1994/january/6

Every single one of these reflects a prominent expression of Venus-Mars expressing together inside Capricorn.

Tonya Harding, left, and Nancy Kerrigan. Image sourced from TriviaPeople.com

Though not all sources agree, according to Donna Walter Henson in her book The Degrees of the Zodiac, the 13^th degree of Capricorn is said to preside specifically over right knee cartilage. In this event the Venus-Mars desire and drive to win turned ugly and, beyond the very personal impact on (the right knee) both skaters’ careers it had notable implications for the vaster structure of the figure skating championships.

It is interesting to note the event catapulted figure skating to a new level of popularity. Check out this article by Associated Press about the effect of the Harding-Kerrigan event on figure skating. Apparently controversy is really attractive to us humans?

Dane Rudhyar, in his interpretation of the Sabian Symbols, comments on this degree of Capricorn (read under 14^th degree as it counts from 0) as a point where we are to deploy historical perspective for a higher understanding of personal and broader matters or principles. He says: “We must strive to free these ideals from the wild growth of personal and class selfishness, from the greed and ambition so prevalent in human nature”

As for the other historical timestamps given on this day:

Any and all achievements and records are truly Capricornian in essence, be they athletic and especially financial, as with the swimming record and Dow-Jones hitting a record high on this day.

Presidents and elder females are in Capricorn domain and so is anything government related. Clinton’s mother’s passing can certainly be explored within the framework of the Venus-Mars conjunction expressing at that time.

Reviewing the events of that day, they seem to speak of a degree of notoriety and a relentless drive to achieve, as well as a certain amount of reckoning that is expected with Mars exaggerated in Capricorn. Used for good it can supply a powerful foothold for prominent achievement. But it requires integrity to drive it. In other words, just how far are you willing to go to achieve, whatever it is that you have set out to achieve?

In Capricorn the emphasis is typically on consequences. We are called to examine the cost vs. the worth of our various efforts, alliances and endeavors. With Mars in the mix, to what extent are you determined to the point of being ruthless? Finally, before embarking ask yourself whether you are prepared to assume full responsibility for your chosen path?

Venus-Mars in Capricorn 2022 and beyond

As for the currently active span of Capricorn: In 2022 we are looking at several Venus-Mars conjunctions in this sign within a relatively short timeframe. The upcoming conjunctions in Capricorn emphasize the span  between 15 – 18 degrees of Capricorn:

• February 16th 2022 at 16 CAP 53
• January 8th 2026 at 18 CAP 09
• November 14th 2029 at 7 CAP 53
• November 24th 2029 at 15 CAP 09

The upcoming one on February 16th 2022 relates to the following image in Sabian Symbols (read 17th degree due to count starting at 0):

“(CAPRICORN 17°): A REPRESSED WOMAN FINDS A PSYCHOLOGICAL RELEASE IN NUDISM.

KEYNOTE: The escape from bondage to social inhibitions and a reliance upon the wisdom of the body.”

It is a point of release (from inhibitions). Used in a balanced manner, it is believed to offer channels for a “physically healthful freedom of the body as a means of overcoming the hypocrisy and constrictions of social behavior.”

I am certain this can be (mis)interpreted to speak of a certain revolt against perceived oppression that is prevalent in the world today. However I would strongly caution that this is not necessarily about a revolt against the outside but, rather, an incredibly potent personal point of release, where we can align our inner drives to express in a healthful way. A point that speaks of solitary responsibility for our outward manifestations and achievements and how these affect those we are connected to. Perhaps a call for a more practical focus on what is really of essence in our lives, underneath all our self-imposed constructs. The direction? Inner and outer growth and expansion, as depicted on the other side of the pivot, the solution point of this degree on 17 Cancer:

“ (CANCER 17°): THE UNFOLDMENT OF MULTILEVEL POTENTIALITIES ISSUING FROM AN ORIGINAL GERM.

KEYNOTE: The life urge to actualize one’s birth potential.”

In explanation (or as a cautionary remark) the author states:

“The expanding process of self-actualization — which may mean nothing more than ego-expansion through conquest”

He concludes with the keyword: GROWTH. It really is up to us how we interpret and assimilate the present energy.

The times are precarious and I am not sure that I look forward to how this may manifest. But, as always, things are rarely either black or white and I anticipate many a story that will speak of how this potent energy will be used for good. For the true seeker, there are signposts on each path that speak of potential gains and benefits, as well as consequences, cause and effect of all our actions. It pays to pay attention to them.

Following the conjunction in Capricorn in February 2022, Venus and Mars proceed to enter Aquarius in unison, forming a fresh conjunction there by March 6th 2022. At that time, the Moon will be in Taurus about to conjunct Uranus, the modern ‘ruler’ of Aquarius.

Preliminary desk research on Venus-Mars conjunctions in Capricorn can be found here, and the same for Aquarius, here, for those seeking to explore the imagery further.