But – call is self-indulgent, and I know some of you will – I wanted to take a chance to reminisce about the twin of this occultation by Venus of the Sun. That took place back on June 8 2004. Can you remember where you were?

At the exact moment of the occultation, I was in one of my favourite places in the world, on the Pont des Arts footbrdge, in the city of love and light, Paris.

Pont dest Arts, Paris

I remember one very cynical astrologer writing that people were OH so wrong when they said that this occultation was something connected to the power of the Divine feminine.

At the time I wondered how he thought he could second-guess God. Venus is the feminine, the Sun is the masculine. Who was he to say that their rare two-part meeting had nothing to do with the divine masculine and feminine energies?

For me, funnily enough, it turned out to be OH so much about the Goddess. Not long after that amazing moment on the Pont des Arts, I went from being not terribly connected to the Divine Mother to a true devotee.

So let us wait and see what this occultation brings us all.

One mantra I have learned in the time since the 2004 occultation is the one I repeat a lot here on this site: Om Namo Narayani. It means “I surrender to the Divine Mother”. And the Divine Mother loves to look after her children.

The transit of Venus across the Sun c. 2012 will take place under the Venus retrograde cycle. Click here to pre-order your Venus retrograde report.

* A transit of Venus occurs when Venus is observed to move across the face of the Sun. The first transit since 1882 occurred on 8 June 2004. The next transit will occur on 6 June 2012, and be visible in Sydney from beginning to end, starting at 8.16am (1st contact) and ending at 2.44pm (last contact). The next transit of Venus won’t occur until 2117.

I asked Australian astrologer Hedy Damari to have a look for me – I think you will agree, it’s all rather fascintating, especially that Venus on his ASC while he was on the hustings! Lucky him!

François Hollande was born with his Sun, Pluto and Mercury in dynamic Leo, giving a persuasive personality and talent for effective communication. Having his Ascendant in expressive Gemini further enhances his gift of the gab. His Moon is in determined, ambitious Capricorn which, along with serious Saturn in his sector of industry, reflects a very strong work ethic.

François’ Venus is in Libra, (a sign that commonly pops up in the charts of politicians as it’s associated with diplomacy), blesses him with grace. However with Mars in Sagittarius he is also bound to be very passionate about his convictions!

During the month leading up to the election, the stars certainly were stacked in his favour – Venus transiting his Ascendant and First House boosted his popularity. Mercury was trining his natal Mercury, Sun and Pluto whilst traveling through his sector of aspirations and socialising. This elevated his people skills and allowed him to clearly state his goals.

On the day of the election, a Full Moon provided the clincher by illuminating his natal Saturn, the planet synonymous with authority. He clearly has all the makings of a leader.

However, with a preponderance of Leo placements there’s a risk of becoming arrogant and opportunistic, so his long-term success hinges on whether or not he can maintain the regal yet authentic qualities that won him the election in the first place.

 
Hedy Damari holds a Diploma in Astrology from Astrovarsity, and has been an astrologer since 1996. You can visit her site absoluteastro.com here.

The planet of communications, Mercury, is in great shape, which means that we down here on Earth should find it easier to tell others how we feel.

This can relate to a declaration of love but it’s also about bringing people up to date with our emotions. Once people know what we are feeling, they are better able to help us get what we want.

In particular, this week is very good if you need to move on from an argument or hurt. There is a truly awesome “formula for forgiveness” which was written by a man called Charles Fillmore, and which I have slightly modified here:

“I forgive everything, everyone, every experience, every memory of the past or present that needs forgiveness. I forgive positively everyone. I also forgive myself of past mistakes. The source is love, and I am forgiven and governed by universal love alone. This love is now adjusting my life. Realising this, I abide in peace.”

Because the planet of love, Venus, is going into one of her rare reverse cycles, it’s an especially good time to think about past loves which hurt and to release the pain, int the lead up to next week’s eclipse in the same part of the skies.