Now that most western societies are ready to celebrate one more year of Valentine's day let's take a step away from the chocolates, pricey flowers and cupid to look at an interesting symbolism of Venus in the Vedic tradition.
The Vedic wisdom was developed by the ancient sages of India about 5000 years ago. The Vedas include sciences such as Ayurveda, Vastu (architecture), Jyotish (astrology) and Yoga. This ancient literature details the relationships between astronomy, astrology and human beings.
Like in western astrology, planets have an influence in many aspects of life on Earth. Komilla Sutton in her book "Indian Astrology" describe the planets as "representation of the seven level of consciousness that are encasing the evolving soul and the universal law of time."(1)
Shukra is the name of Venus in Sanskrit and is a male deity in the Vedas. As in his western counterpart, Shukra is related to the arts, refinement, pleasure, money, love; in excess greed, jealousy and materialistic views.
Shukra is the teacher of the Rakshashas (demons). Demon is a word derived from Latin that meant divinity, spirit and it was until late Latin came around that the use of daemon meant evil spirit.
Vedic astrology has a relation to the old Latin meaning as they use demons as highly evolved souls who have lost their purpose. For that reason we as humans are more related to demons in nature because of our greed and desires. "Venus as the adviser of the demons is a spiritual teacher who guides the demons towards their lost soul" (2) Komilla Sutton explains.
The lesson of Shukra is the recognition that even fulfilling all our desires, there is no warranty of happiness unless you share your wealth with others and find a deeper meaning in life. At the moment I am writing this, the images of Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan come to mind as an example of great artistic talent wasted by excesses. On the other hand I saw a recent interview with Bill Gates, another talented man whose goal has been to use part of his wealth to eradicate harmful diseases in the the world.
As for most of us who don't ave that amount of resources, it is important to reflect on the symbolism of the demon with so much potential but has forgotten the reason of his existence. Another important lesson of Shukra is to recognize that everyone is doing the best they can with what they have. We all are facing different challenges so less judgment and more compassion are needed in the world and should start with a continuous practice of compassion.
One thing is clear, if you have loved unconditionally and unselfishly, you know it is a powerful force that lets you see the connection among all making you less fearful and much more compassionate.
(1)(2) Indian Astrology by Kolilla Sutton. Viking Studio 2000. Page 14.
