Dear Friend,

Venus entered Taurus a few days ago, and I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts with you. Venus in Taurus is a reminder of what we truly need to live the life we envision for ourselves. More importantly, it helps us re-examine our sense of value, especially if we have been undervaluing ourselves.

In my upcoming book series, Foundations and Frameworks of Indian Astrology: Volume 1 – Essentials of Jyotisa, I have taken a deeper look at the origins of planetary archetypes within the Vedic tradition by going back to the Vedas. Venus can be associated with beings such as Vena, from which we derive meanings like radiance and luminosity, qualities we continue to associate with Venus across astrological traditions.

Radiance and luminosity need not be understood only as outward prominence, though that is certainly one way it can manifest with Venus in Taurus. More importantly, it can be seen as a kind of light that allows us to recognise what is good in our lives, even during difficult times. Venus in Taurus reminds us to value what is already present. With the Venus–Saturn sextile, acts as a strict reminder not to take things for granted. If we have, certain realisations may follow. This can relate to both people and material aspects of life. At times, we overlook what is right in front of us and continue searching elsewhere for something better, without recognising that it is already with us.

Venus has now moved past Kṛttikā, and it is worth briefly reflecting on what that phase may have brought up for us. Kṛttikā is about cutting through what is unnecessary. It removes what blocks our ability to recognise the true value of something or someone. In relationships, this may have brought a willingness, or even a necessity, to move away from what had long felt comfortable. What we once thought of as comfort may have begun to feel misaligned. For some, stepping away may have felt unexpectedly right, even if it was not easy at first. That clarity now carries forward as Venus moves into Rohiṇī.

Venus in Rohiṇī is a good period to think about growth, both at an inner level and in tangible ways. This can include financial growth. Nourishing what we already have is important here. It may be a good time to revisit financial strategies or seek proper guidance in managing resources. If there has been no clear structure so far, this period can help establish one, also supported by Venus-Saturn sextile.

Desire naturally increases during this phase, and there is a stronger inclination towards stability in love. There may be a conscious effort to build steadiness in relationships or to create the right conditions for it. Good food, comfort, physical closeness, and sensuality become more noticeable. Venus is associated with radiance, and Rohiṇī is where that radiance finds fuller expression. It is therefore not uncommon to experience attraction more strongly, both towards others and from others.

This is a good time to appreciate what we already have, to take care of it, and to allow it to take care of us in return.

Astrologers Christina Montsma and Sara Chelli joined me to talk about this subject in a YouTube video and you can watch it here.

Note: I will send another letter to announce the registration of the Free AstroSynergy International Astrology Conference taking place from May 8 to 10, 2026.

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Inward Glance

Epictetus' Discourses: A Retelling

Book I, Chapter 11, 1.11.8 to 1.11.10

Epictetus now brings the discussion to a very precise point. The man admits that he cannot explain how his action was in accordance with nature, and then asks Epictetus to show why it was not. Instead of giving a direct answer, Epictetus changes the approach. He begins by asking how we decide simple things. If we are unsure whether something is white or black, what do we rely on? The man replies, sight. If we want to know whether something is hot or cold, or hard or soft, what do we use? Touch. In each case, there is a proper faculty that allows us to judge correctly.

Then Epictetus gently leads him to the real issue. If we are confused about what is right or wrong, what is truly in accordance with nature, what faculty should we use here? What is the standard? The man cannot answer. And that silence is the teaching.

Epictetus is showing that we often make judgments about right and wrong without ever asking what gives us the authority to judge. We rely on feeling, habit, or what others commonly do, but none of these are reliable measures. Just as sight is the proper guide for colours and touch for physical qualities, reason is the proper guide for moral questions. Without it, we are guessing. So the problem is not just that the man acted out of anxiety, but that he has never learned how to examine whether his action was right. He feels strongly, but he does not see clearly.

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Have a wonderful time.

Until Next Letter,

Love,

Aswin

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