Venus was known as the Goddess of Love and Beauty. She was created when Cronus (Saturn), cut off and threw the testicles of his father, Uranus, into the sea, where upon the sea churned into white foam and Venus (also known as Aphrodite which means foam born) appeared from the sea. There is no doubting her influence on Earth since her arrival. She represents the principles of balance, beauty, harmony, and unity. What the Earth needed more than anything, she had plenty to give. Venus was to become the most memorable Goddess of all time!

Venus arrived at a time when the Earth needed nurturing. Her timing was quite perfect, as the Earth was still in an extremely young state. It needed some tender loving care in order to perpetuate. She was instrumental in continuing the work of her mother, Gaia, on Earth. Venus was originally a Goddess of Vegetation, and was extremely influential in the development of gardens and vineyards. She was often associated with flowers, springtime, and lovers. She held many of nature's gifts as sacred, especially roses, narcissus, crocus, hyacinth, and the lily.

Venus truly loved and appreciated the beauty of nature. She sweetly adored many of its beautiful aspects. Some of her most cherished friends were the dolphin, the swan, the sparrow, and of course, the dove. Harmony within nature was especially important to her! Venus was often assisted by the Hours and the three Graces. She also had the benefit of having command over Zephyrus, the God of the West Wind, as well as Flora, the Goddess of Flowers.

Venus was passionate and proud of it! She had many affairs, the most significant being with one of her strongest loves, Mars (also known as Ares), with whom she had several children. Cupid was one of them, and went on to become the God of Love. Harmonia was also one of the union’s offspring. Venus was not known for her fidelity however, as she had no issue with sharing her love with the likes of Gods such as Vulcan.

Venus was seen as the ancestor of the Romans by her association as its founder, Aeneas. The Romans held many a religious festival in which Venus was celebrated, often portrayed as holding her hand mirror. It seems Venus only grew in stature and significance as various political leaders of Rome pushed her values and principles. It was Ceasar who initiated the cult of Venus Genetrix, the Goddess of Marriage and Motherhood, with the opening of a temple in her honor in 46 BCE. Many temples were built to honor her, the oldest one dating back to 293 BCE.

Venus has been worshipped in many cultures and religions over the years. She has been recognized as Aphrodite in Greece, Turan in Etruscan, Kukulcan in Maya, and Shukra in India. Venus has also been associated with the Aztecs and the Chinese, as well as being known as Ushas in Vedic religion, and as Frigg or Freya in Norse mythology. Friday was named in her honor so she plays a part in every week.

It is very apt that Venus is the only Goddess to have a planet named after her, especially since her planet is considered the most radiant and beautiful of all. Venus, the planet, has been referred to as the jewel of the sky, as well as the morning or evening star. The planet itself is cloaked in a majestic swirling cloud, never allowing us to see its mysterious surface. Its name, Venus, just suits the planet for so many reasons. Venus was without doubt the most celebrated of all Goddesses. Many festivals and temples were created to honor what she represented. Her influence was one mankind desperately needed. She introduced love and she prompted us to discover a loving harmony in a life. What more could any one of us ask for! What a golden, kind and understanding Goddess our Venus is!