Tapestry of the Gods
Volume III
by Michael D. Robbins

Astro-Rayology
in progress

Interpretations of Famous People by Ray, Sign and Life Emphasis
With Explanations of All Astrological and Rayological Elements

Venus in Leo

(from Esoteric Astrology)

1. Venus in Relation to Leo Produced the Emergence of the Individual, Self-Conscious Man:

“In Leo the intellect or mind became part of the individual man's equipment. This intellectual awareness is the result of a slow evolution of the instinctual nature which, when it has reached a certain stage of development, came under the direct influence of the Hierarchy of the planet in a new way, and then—under the stimulation of energies from the planet Venus—a fusion took place which resulted in the emergence of individual self-conscious man.” (EA 179)

2. Venus in Relation to Leo at the Time of Individualization:

“Several major triangles of force were active when individualisation took place and the ‘Lions, the divine and tawny orange Flames’ came into being and thus humanity arrived upon the planet. I would touch here briefly upon one triangle: The Sun (second ray), Jupiter (second ray) and Venus (fifth ray). It will be apparent to you that we here have another sphere of influence of major importance, governed by Leo. It is a triangle to which H.P.B. refers in The Secret Doctrine, the influence of which she was endeavouring to elucidate. So potent was the influence of this triangle that its effect upon the Moon was to denude her of life by drawing out all the ‘seeds of life,’ thus destroying her influence, for it was undesirable where humanity was concerned.” (EA 301)

3. Venus in Relation to Leo in the Present World Crisis:

“Leo, as we have seen, is for instance a most important transmitting agency in the present world crisis. This means, therefore, that Rays I and V are exceedingly active; it means, secondly, that the Sun's influence is potent, both exoterically and esoterically. It means also that the planets which are related to these two rays will be very active and, therefore, that Pluto and Venus are dominant in producing world results.” (EA 488-489)

1. Venus in Leo—Personal Magnetism:
When (upon the Mutable Cross) the natural magnetism of Venus combines with the accentuated ahamkara principle of Leo, much attention is given to making the self as attractive as possible. The person seeks to be personally magnetic, drawing upon the desire and attention of others, in order to reinforce the lower personal ego—the sense of personal selfhood, the sense of really “being someone”.

2. Venus in Leo—Love of Display, Ostentation:
For the undeveloped or average person, this position inclines to the love of ornamentation and adornment (often gaudy and “loud”)—whatever will call attention to the little self. The ‘radiance’ of jewelry is, on this lower turn of the spiral, substituted for the radiance of selfhood, individuality, character, etc. Such behavior is commonly known as the “desire to shine”. It produces the “dazzling personality” which masquerades as the real identity (which, thus far, is undiscovered and unexpressed).

3. Venus in Leo—Fashion:
Venus in Leo represents personal beauty. Fashionable, stylish clothing “catches the eye”, making ‘everyone’ “take notice”. All eyes follow the one who dresses beautifully. Again, the personality-center is flattered, stimulated, validated, made to feel more secure. Fashion becomes a means of self-definition, magnetizing attention, and thus feeding the lower ego and its sense of self-importance.

4. Venus in Leo—Personal Love and the Love of Being Loved:
Venus is the planet of love and beauty, and Leo is associated with love and love-affairs (considering such love as the opportunity for the full expression of selfhood). Personal love is self-exalting, enhancing both the sensitivity to beauty and the sense of “I-ness”. Such love is more the “love of being loved” than the selfless love of the heart; it satisfies various personal desires—for recognition, for pleasure, for companionship, for absorbing interest (which reduces stress). Love at this level of expression flatters the lower ego, making it feel special and important.

5. Venus in Leo—Vanity and Love of Flattery:
Venus is the “mirror” and lower Leo inclines towards self-admiration. Self-image looms overly large within the field of consciousness. Good appearance, as a means of ego-reinforcement, becomes all important. The Venusian mind is captured by the ahamkara principle, and the sense of selfhood is invested entirely in the form.

6. Venus in Leo—the Eyes are on the Personal Self:
One of the first principles of discipleship training is to “take the eyes off the little personal self”. At first this is not easy for the person with an accentuated Venus in Leo. Historically, Venus and Leo together were instrumental in the emergence of “reflective consciousness”—individualization. Through individualization, animal man was able to recognize himself as a distinct existence within the field of numberless moving forms. Within his field of consciousness, he isolated a familiar object (his body, with its sensations, feelings and emotions). The self-center was born. The growth of the personal ego, the “I-center” is evolutionarily necessary, and, necessarily, will be sustained for millions of years. Eventually, however, decentralization must develop, if personal consciousness is to become group consciousness. Ahamkara, however, is stubborn, repeatedly attracting consciousness towards the self-center. For the Venus in Leo person upon the Mutable Cross, this pattern of excessive self-awareness is characteristic. It represents a constant referencing of the identity (and usually a very superficial part of that identity) in order to promote a sense of personal security. Behind this behavior is the fear of a “loss of self”.

7. Venus in Leo— “Sweetheart”:
This is a term of endearment directly related to the Venus in Leo energies. Venus rules all things sweet, attractive and appealing; Leo rules the heart and the heart center. A “sweetheart” is a totally attractive loved-one—just what the Venus in Leo person hopes to become, and just the kind to whom the Venus in Leo person hopes to relate. ‘Love’ among “sweethearts” brings the lower self into its fullest state of self-expression and self-enjoyment.

8. Venus in Leo—Spontaneous Emotion:
Saturn (the energy which restrains) is weakened in Leo (unless its very deep, Shamballic connection to this sign is considered). Leo people do not like to “hold back” their expression. Venus, before it becomes a mental indicator, is associated with the preferences and evaluative feeling function (“like and dislike”) of the astral body. Venus-in-Leo people desire the pleasurable, unrestrained release of feeling and emotion.

9. Venus in Leo—Personal Enjoyment:
This can be a light-hearted combination with a sunny disposition. Superficially, Venus inclines towards the love of pleasure, and Leo towards exuberant, free expression. This can simply mean loving to be in harmonious company where one can “be entirely oneself”.

10. Venus in Leo—Emphasis upon the “Pleasure Principle”:
Pleasure is unrestrained expression which maximally enhances the power and harmony of that which expresses. Every system in nature seeks to be more and more fully itself, without interference. Venus in Leo seeks total harmony (Venus) within the ‘self-system’ (Leo). This is pleasure, and comes precisely from doing exactly and uninhibitedly what one loves to do—without interference. Such people simply love to “enjoy themselves”.

11. Venus in Leo—Association with the Very First Phases of Intelligence:
Tthe Implantation of the Spark of Mind: Venus in Leo describes the very earliest phases of the coming of the Lords of the Flame. The first, faint flickers of self-consciousness occur under these influences. Leo is the sign, not only of individuality, but of individualization. Venus, of course, relates to the Solar Angel and to that part of the Solar Angel which was “put down” upon the higher mental plane and even to that depth of immersion we call the physical human brain.

Venus in Leo for the Advanced Man

1. Venus in Leo—Focused Intellect:
Venus transmits the fifth ray, as does Leo. Both are strongly involved in the individualization process—the birth of self-consciousness and mind. Leo, further, is associated with the process of “concentration” in the process of meditation; thus, Leo is a centralizing influence. Venus is centripetal (compared to Mars’ ‘centrifugality’) thus, also, drawing to the center. Under this combination, the advanced man gathers his mental forces, concentrates them, and focuses them upon whatever must be clarified and illumined. There is much self-consciousness in the use of the mind, and the man knows just what he is thinking.

2. Venus in Leo—Spontaneous Joyfulness in Expression:
The natural, exuberant expressiveness of Leo and the qualities of love and appreciation characteristic of Venus, combine as spontaneous, joyful, self-expression. The personality becomes increasingly radiatory and magnetic, attractive and expressive—increasingly an instrument for expressing happiness and well-being.

3. Venus in Leo—Beginning the Process of Thinking within the Heart:
Leo and Venus are both associated with mind and heart. For the advanced man, thought is easily concentrated under this influence; the capacity to enter the identity of others also begins to grow. Venus is contemplative, which means that it understands as if from within. Leo rules both the isolated self, and its relinquishment in favor of a higher Self which includes the selves of others. This inclusiveness is a function of the heart center with which, again, both Leo and Venus can be associated—Leo, directly, and Venus, indirectly. To think within the heart is to think in the context of unitive relationship while the magnetism of the heart is at work. This process begins in the life of the advanced human being, continues with greater force in the life of the disciple and comes to fruition in the life of the initiate.

4. Venus in Leo—Warm-Heartedness:
This combination easily expresses warmth of heart (although much will depend upon the predominating rays). Warmth will be less likely when the fifth ray is strongly accented and more likely under the second ray. The ray of the individual will draw forth differing ray potentials from the combination. Venus confers affection and love—Leo, expression and display. The expected result (all things being equal)—a loving, warm-hearted display of affection.

5. Venus in Leo—Impressive, Spectacular Expression:
Venus represents the treasures and abilities stored within the causal body; Leo represents the need to express these abilities. This manifests first as the “talented individual”, the one who is “gifted” and rich in qualities. Under this combination, these abilities shine forth for all to see. When ego is strong (and “advanced” human beings frequently have a strong ego) this can lead to “showiness” and self-conscious display. In any case, one’s talents, gifts and light are not “hidden under a bushel”.

6. Venus in Leo—Heart’s Desires Align Increasingly with Soul Desires:
Although desires, per se, are of the solar plexus, the heart and solar plexus are directly related. The heart, per se, is an “impersonal” organ, conduces to group consciousness, and does not desire selfishly. For practical purposes, however, we can name one’s most meaningful desires, the “heart’s desires”, because these desires are found at the core of our personal functioning. Venus in Leo has a personal meaning, as we have discussed, but also a definite resonance with the Solar Angel and the causal body. Increasingly the desires of the personality are lifted into the brilliant light of Venus and Leo, and, thus, re-oriented to serve the heart and soul. This is, of course, consummated on the Path of Initiation.

Venus in Leo for the Disciple/Initiate

1. Venus in Leo—a Powerful Combination for the Expression of Soul Light:
Venus expresses the fifth ray and the second ray—the two rays of greatest luminosity. Leo expresses the “Will to Illumine”, transmits the fifth ray, and is associated with the second divine aspect (Consciousness) (EA 194) Further, Leo expresses the “Light of the Soul” (EA 293, 329) Under this combination (for the Disciple/Initiate), soul light is intense

2. Venus in Leo—Luminous Self-Awareness:
Leo inclines towards progressive self-awareness. Venus governs “reflective consciousness” (the one who is conscious realizes the he is conscious): this realization makes self-awareness possible. The light generated by this luminous combination is shed upon the S/self and its processes, which are clearly revealed in that light.

3. Venus in Leo—Strong Powers of Concentration; a Mind that can Focus the Light:
Venus is the “burning glass” which focusses light into an intense, potentially ‘ignitive’ beam. In the process of meditation, Leo rules the stage of concentration. Thus, concentration and focus are conferred by both influences. Under Venus in Leo, soul light readily illumines the mind, which focusses that light into a concentrated stream for purposes of revelation and discovery within the three lower worlds. This combination is one of those which leads to the development of a “mind held steady in the light”.

4. Venus in Leo—Dissipation of Glamor through the Light of the Soul:
The fifth ray (so pronounced in this combination) is extremely useful in the Technique of Light for the dissipation of glamor. The soul-inspired, illumined mentality is positive to the glamorous and distorting forces.

5. Venus in Leo—the Union of Heart and Mind:
Venus is unique among planets for a balanced emphasis of heart and mind. Leo, too, emphasizes both the heart and mind (as well as the will). Together, these two influences work for the union of the second and third aspects of divinity—the love-wisdom aspect, and the mental aspect.

6. Venus in Leo—a Link between the Ajna Center and the Heart Center:
The ajna center is the center of expression for the integrated personality, and the heart center (among others) for the soul. Although zodiacal signs have a pervasive effect on many centers, Leo is especially associated with the heart center and Venus with the ajna center. Thus it can be seen how this combination is useful in integrating soul and personality. Leo represents both the dominant personality and the potentially dominant soul. The dominant personality can be thought of as relating to the Mars in Leo; the dominant soul (dominant and powerful because of its irresistible magnetism) as relating to Venus in Leo. It is as if Venus acts a bridge between the higher Leo soul function and the lower Leo personality function.

7. Venus in Leo—Rendering the Light and Love of the Soul Visible; the Display of Soul Values and Soul Light:
With this combination we have, potentially, a magnificent display of the full radiant potential of the soul through the personality. This display is a blend of all that is stunning and beautiful. The soul-in-manifestation commands attention.

8. Venus in Leo—Dramatization of Soul Life:
Under the influence of Venus in Leo we have the possibility of the full dramatization of the life of the soul through the personality. The soul becomes both the playwright and the actor, and the personality—the role. Life becomes an exciting and beautiful performance—an arresting example for those spectators who “look on”.

9. Venus in Leo—Epitomizes the Solar Angels (the “Hearts of Fiery Love”):
This combination strongly emphasizes the nature and mission of the Solar Angels. The Solar Angels came from and return to the “Heart of the Sun”, and Venus (as well as the Venus chain of the Earth scheme, and the Venus globe of the Earth chain) plays a significant role in impulsing their coming and determining their mission on earth.

The Solar Angels are “Hearts of Fiery Love”; although their Hierarchy is ruled by Capricorn (the tenth sign—double five), the connection of their Hierarchy (the fifth manifested Hierarchy) to the fifth ray of Venus and to the fifth ray of Leo (the fifth sign and ruler of the fiery heart) can readily be seen. Significantly, the initial entry of these fiery Angels (under Venusian inspiration) into the process of human evolution occurred during a precessional period when the Sun was in Leo. (cf. EA 64)

10. Venus in Leo—the Attainment of Causal Consciousness and a Measure of Solar Angelic Consciousness:
Both Venus and Leo are intimately related to the causal body. Under the influence of Venus, the causal body serves as the repository of all higher earth-garnered values. Under Leo, the causal body is the solar home of the higher Self. Under the influence of Venus in Leo, the Solar Angel (and its instrument of expression—the causal body) become a luminous presence in the consciousness of the personality. There is a tendency, not only to focus the mind steadily in the light of the soul, but to raise the focus of consciousness until it can polarized itself within the causal body. Personal consciousness becomes transpersonal consciousness. The meditator enters the realm of the fifth kingdom.

11. Venus in Leo—Soul Identity Perceived as the Real Identity:
As causal consciousness grows, there is a refocussing of the sense of identity. No longer does the disciple/initiate identify as a personality. The focus of identity centers ‘above’ the personality, upon the higher mental plane (which is the true domain of Venus—planet of the soul). The second phase of the Leonian influence (the “Revealing Point”) emerges. (cf. EA 332) The disciple knows he is the higher Self.

12. Venus in Leo—Strong Expression of Soul Magnetism:
The soul is inherently attractive. The Sun (a symbol of the soul) is actually a magnet. There is an irresistible magnetism which comes from beauty of soul. Though Venus in Leo can represent strictly personal magnetism upon the Mutable Cross, upon the Fixed Cross, it should represent the magnetism of the soul functioning through the personality. The beauty and luminosity of soul life demonstrate under the influence of this combination. Many may be attracted to the resultant light and love, inspired, thereby, to live a soul-inspired life. The disciple’s own personal consciousness is attracted to the source of loving luminosity within him. He is magnetized by the soul/Solar Angel and no longer seeks to be released from this magnetism.

13. Venus in Leo—Luminous Auric Display; Luminous Vestments
There is something splendid about this combination. Venus in Leo is a symbol of the solarization of the personal life. (Venus in Capricorn is another such symbol—associated with a, perhaps, still higher degree of solarization). Under Venus in Leo, the entire aura becomes luminous in response to the causal luminosity promoted by this combination of influences. The causal body is the “Temple of Solomon”.

From another perspective, the glorious display of the fully developed causal body is “Solomon [the Solar Man] in all His glory” (to which the Christ referred when speaking of the “lilies of the field”—“Not Solomon in all His glory was arrayed as one of these.” Venus in Leo, then, is the “Robe of Glory” which means, at the very least, the fully resplendent causal vehicle. How interesting that, on a lower turn of the spiral, this combination is associated with outer raiment, with all that is beautiful in clothing. We might say that the right use by the disciple/initiate of the Venus in Leo energy helps him “put on his robe of glory”.

This combination can move the disciple or initiate towards transfiguration, and may even be useful beyond that point—for the causal body is not destroyed until the fourth initiation, and grows in glory until that point. One can even see the applicability of this energy to the fifth initiation, which may very well involve the brilliant, revelatory energy of the fifth sign, Leo. There is no easy way to limit a specific astrological combination to only a certain level of functioning. Certain processes at certain levels may be most characteristic of a given combination, but possibilities for the combination’s usefulness exist both before and after its most characteristic level of application. The splendid vehicle - the robe of glory because Venus has everything to do with that which is

14. Venus in Leo—the Full Flowering of the Egoic Lotus:
The egoic lotus is a flower. A fully evolved human being is “in full flower”, which means that the egoic lotus has fully unfolded, or flowered. Leo, sympathetically, rules “sun flowers”, and, certainly, the egoic lotus is a kind of “sun flower” upon the higher mental plane. Venus, too, relates closely to the process of flowering. Venus is the planet most associated with the vegetable kingdom, and relates most to the beautiful, colorful, fragrant flowers there to be found—and to the essences of these flowers. Flower essences definitely fall under the generic rulership of Venus.

15. Venus in Leo—Definite Association with the Fifth Petal of the Egoic Lotus:
Venus transmits the fifth ray. Leo is the fifth sign and also transmits the fifth ray. As a combination, Venus in Leo powerfully emphasizes the number five, and thus has numerical affinity with the fifth petal of the egoic lotus within the causal body. “The Ego [Solar Angel] takes no active interest in the development until the second petal in the second series is beginning to open.” (TCF 543) This second petal in the second series is, of course, the fifth petal. (see also TCF 738, 757, 907) When subjective soul research becomes possible, it would be interesting to see the degree to which a Venus in Leo position is involved in the stimulation, organization and unfoldment of the fifth petal.

16. Venus in Leo—Specific Soul Identity:
Leo rules the true identity of the human entity (though Gemini may actually confer the name). Venus in Leo stands for the essence (Venus) of identity (Leo). The soul name, the soul note, the soul color—these sound forth, these radiate—clearly and accurately (fifth ray), revealing exactly who one is as a soul.

17. Venus in Leo—a Symbol of the Early “God-Kings”:
The early God Kings (Leo), were Venusian Beings (Venus). At least They were from those aspects of our Earth scheme most en rapport with Venus and named after Her. They brought all manner of enlightenment and culture to infant humanity. They generously bestowed upon that early race the gifts of the solar realms. Venus in Leo is the symbol of those times when the Venusian Gods walked among men. In modern times, it represents the possibility that many members of today’s humanity can become like “God-Kings” to a future infant human race requiring soul culture.

18. Venus in Leo—Related to the Ajna Center as a Focus for Identity:
Venus rules the ajna center; Leo stands for the integrated personality, and the ajna center is the center of direction for the integrated personality. Therefore, Leo must have a strong influence upon the ajna center.

The fact that many people wear jewelry on their forehead, is a symbol of the forehead as a point of identity. The perfectly formed jewel symbolizes what might be called the ‘crystal of identity’. Each identity (archetypally) is like a perfectly formed jewel—different from every other such. The ajna center (the one center predominantly influenced by the fifth ray—again Venus and Leo) is instrumental in defining identity, for the fifth ray separates the self from the not-self, thus defining the self.

Further, identity is related to quality. According to garnered and organized quality is the pattern of identity known. Such quality is the province of Venus. Differences in quality-patterns account for differences in identity. The ajna center determines which choices are made in the gathering of quality. One is harvesting quality and thus building identity with every choice that is made. Choice (within the personality of the disciple/initiate) is made at the bi-polar ajna center. Venus, ruler of the ajna center, is the discernment which guides choice. Discernment depends upon the sense of values—again ruled by Venus.

Individuals with Venus in Leo

14th Dalai Lama
Jane Addams
Leonard Bernstein
Jimmy Carter
Paul Foster Case
Claude Debussy
Mary Baker Eddy
William Faulkner
Stephen Foster
Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi
Martin Heidegger
Henry V
Heinrich Himmler
Herbet Horatio Kitchener
Louis XIV
Maria Montessori
Grandma Moses
H. S. Olcott
George Sand
Walter Scott
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Mother Teresa
Leo Tolstoy
Immanuel Velikovsky
John Wesley