I’m sitting in a cafe, a woman glances over her shoulder and looks at the chart on my laptop & says something German to her girlfriend, and they both smile real big. They say in English:

Are you working on a horoscope?

Ah, astrology is the universal language. I tell them about myself, that I’m visiting from the US, that I’m presently working on a column. Then the question,

Can you tell me when I will get married to my boyfriend?

With Venus’ move into Libra, singles are talking and thinking about relationships they want, and marriage. Couples are getting along better than ever. The people and things we fall for are beautiful and intelligent, ever so poised. Like Grace Kelly, elegant in every way. Venus in Libra can do no wrong.

Venus in Libra is a great listener. Appreciation is a Libran gift and it’s an active process. Here’s an email I received this morning from a Pisces friend that strikes right to the core of the beauty of listening in relationship:

To listen is very hard, because it asks of us so much interior stability that we no longer need to prove ourselves by speeches, arguments, statements, or declarations. True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, to welcome, to accept.

Listening is much more than allowing another to talk while waiting for a chance to respond. Listening is paying full attention to others and welcoming them into our very beings. The beauty of listening is that those who are listened to start feeling accepted, start taking their words more seriously and discovering their true selves. Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality by which you invite strangers to become friends, to get to know their inner selves more fully, and even to dare to be silent with you.

— Henri J. M. Nouwen in Bread for the Journey

On an astrology in real time note, as Venus entered Libra I went to check out a gym membership and everyone looked like supermodels. Walking back to my flat, I spied a beautiful purse hanging in a Moroccan storefront. Oogling the jewelry, perfumes and belts – all Venus wares – my mind relaxed and my spirits lifted (and I didn’t even have to buy anything!). That’s the goal of Venus – to relax us, to soothe our emotions. Emotional contentment is the larger part of pleasure.

If you’re looking for love or just wanting a feel good pick me up, pay homage to Venus by wearing jewelry and perfume, make-up, or spice up your appearance. You can make an altar to Venus/Love with pink and red candles, spread jewels and sweets around it. Post some beautiful pictures. Spread seashells around your bathroom (Venus loves water). Do a self-love ritual. Ever the gracious hostess, when you give the best to Venus, you also receive the best.