The Birth of Venus

Round and round we go, here we find ourselves at another day of Veneralia, the feast of Venus, although the masses use the modern name Easter with celebrations that include chocolate bunnies and church.

As you know, I tend to like to delve deeper and look at source material, like where exactly did this ritual come from? After all, Spring existed here on planet Earth long before the arrival of the individual named Jesus.

April by the Romans was considered the month of Venus, just after March, attributed to the war God Mars. In Greece the name for Venus, the Goddess of Love and Fertility, was Aphrodite (Aphro meaning seafoam, and dite, bright.) Journeying further back we have Astarte from Phoenicia, a deity that may have been worshipped as far back as 1000BC and the potential source material for Venus, Aphrodite and imagery associated with Mary. 1

We already know that the Goddess culture existed long before the patriarchal Gods took over sacred sites where names were changed or great cathedrals built. It's possible that with the melting polar caps, particularly in Antartica, more clues into ancient time will likely be revealed shortly.

Opening image: The Birth of Venus by Alexandre Cabanel via wikipedia

Venus Rising

As I was hunting for more imagery for the visuals of the Alchemy Panel this Thursday evening, I stumbled across a blog post about Venus going direct. If you are a reader of this journal, then you know that I prefer to live my life in the Art Spirit and am open to auspicious signs that are mystical in nature. Well, here's an interesting story....

I've been working with a "wound" that presented itself on my ankle last July. At first it looked like a bruise, shaped like an eye. I went to see several alternative health professionals and no one knew what it was, although they each contributed a theory. None of the theories rang true for me, even from the most intuitive of the healers. As I continued to look for answers, including from aromatherapists, the bruise became larger until both Greg and I became very concerned. I was told to "go to an allopathic" doctor which was definitely not something I was ready to do, knowing quite well what a maze of horrors that route can be, especially with my challenged immune system.

I finally came across a local naturopath by way of a biodynamic gardener who had her training at Bastyr. He looked at it and was also a bit perplexed but seemed to really like the challenge. He had me suspend ALL salves and started me on an ozone, light blood therapy and a few other modalities. The wound has stopped expanding and is beginning to heal.

Last week as I was receiving an ozone treatment the doctor massaged the spot and referred to one of my early questions about an "emotion" being trapped in the ankle. He said there might a few things that were locked together and suggested I ask the question this weekend while doing the hot cold therapy he had instructed. Thus, as I sat timing my foot in the hot and cold submersion baths I asked the wound for a revelation. What percolated up in my consciousness were phrases relating to standing...such as "standing in ones power, or truth", "strong foot hold" and all of these. As I continued to meditate on the ankle, the phrases and life events, I was also working with another personal challenge about what I knew to be true. Self worth, forgiveness and standing up for myself, specifically with males and patriarchal systems, became really crystal clear.

Then...I came across this blog post mentioned in the first sentence and everything seemed to come into even more focus, especially as I continue to prep for the Alchemy events and move. The blog post refers to Venus, the archetype of the feminine moving forward on April 15 in Pisces. I happen to have a Pisces moon as well as in a few other placements within my astrological chart and my husband Greg is a Pisces. This is the paragraph that really got me...

"You should have a greater understanding of what something's worth. Of what you're worth. Venus' station is very close to Chiron in Pisces, so this understanding will involve compassionate acceptance of a wound. Moving forward means forgiving yourself or forgiving someone else. Accepting (Pisces) that it/you/they are not perfect. And, you're going to stop reopening the wound. This is crucial. Forgiveness does not mean allowing the hurtful situation to continue. Remember - you're moving forward."

Yes indeed, I am literally moving forward. Notice that in the painting below Hope is stepping forward with her right foot.

The painting is by Evelyn De Morgan (1855–1919)  titled "Hope in a Prison of Despair", it is allegorical depicting Hope gracefully entering a dungeon with a light. Meanwhile Despair is bowed down in grief with a broken chain near her, as if she has been released from her torment. Hope is painted in warm colors with an splendid aura while Despair is portrayed in cool tones adding more symbolic references to the scene.

Rain-date Sun-date

Due to popular demand...we are offering a RAIN date for our Venus inspired Goddess event! Please join us on Saturday, March 11th...for all those who were flooded, powered, or burned out from the rains!! We hope to see you on our SUN date at perfumery, everyone is welcome.

Below are the details from the original post from February along with a few additions, like chair massage! Read the re-cap of the first one we did during that crazy storm we had here in Los Angeles.

I’ve brought together some local sisters with like minds and hearts for a day of self love and nurturing! Just what you’ve been craving, an event devoted to Venus and inspiring the Goddess within each of us. 

Join a dynamic collective of women offering their wisdom and unique gifts.

Monika Peters, Goddess of Skin Care: Crafting a Seasonal Face Serum
Donna Malberger, Goddess of Wardrobe: Dressing From the Inside Out
Draza Jansky, Goddess of Insight: Practical Magic: Refining Your Intuition
Roxana Villa, Goddess of Fragrance: Scent as a Conduit

Saturday, March 11th - 10 am to 5pm

Presentation & Guava Mimosas* 11 am - 12 pm (limited seating)

FOR EXTRA SPECIAL NURTURING 

From 10am to 1pm Draža Jansky is offering 15 minute sessions starting at $25.
Read more about Draza below.

~ AND ~

Alison Savior, owner and practitioner of Transformational Bodyworks, will be offering 10 minutes of chair massage work for $15. Her customized session will take place within the lab area from 1-4 PM.
Alison's a private massage therapy and healing sessions are grounded in detailed anatomy and medical massage studies, informed by Eastern energy medicine practices, backed by 30 years of professional experience and offered with compassion, precision and reliability.
She is credentialed in ten different massage and healing techniques.
Give a gift to your self and experience her healing hands.

Book in advance to guarantee your spots
Alison Savior: tfbodyworks@gmail.com & Draža Jansky: drazadance@gmail.com

Roxana Illuminated Perfume

Whizin Market Hall

28914 Roadside Dr., Suite 219 

Agoura Hills, CA 91301

This event is FREE and open to everyone, both men and women. Keep in mind there is limited seating at the perfumery for the presentations and mimosas. If you would like to secure
a seat we recommend making a donation of $10 to reserve your spot!

ITINERARY

10 am - 11am
Meet and Greet / Shopping

10am to 1pm
Draža Jansky is offering 15 minute sessions starting at $25.

11 am - 12 noon
Presentations (no shopping)

12 noon - 5pm Shopping

 1-4 PM
Chair massage with Alison $15 for 10 minutes of customized work within the lab area.

PRESENTATIONS

"Crafting a Seasonal Face Serum"

Monika Peters is a licensed holistic esthetician and beauty nutritionist. Specializing in skin health, one on one consultancy & custom organic hand crafted products. She will do a Pre- Primavera Vitamin C Serum making demo, showcasing the maceration process while sharing his wisdom on skin health, age regeneration and seasonal skin care.

Mala Apothecary

†

"Dressing From the Inside Out"

Donna Malberger domestically designs and produces beautiful knitted, garment dyed fabrics for her gorgeous ready to wear line of clothing. Donna will share knowledge she has learned through intimately working with master stylist and color expert Jennifer Butler on how to choose clothing that works for your coloring and body type.

b By Donna M

†

"Practical Magic: Refining Your Intuition"

Draza Jansky is an Intuitive Life Coach and Meditation Teacher based in Malibu Lake.
Draza will share simple meditations, rituals, and coaching techniques to help you access and refine your powers of intuition, insight, and awareness.
Learn to use your intuition to create a beautiful life experience, inside and out.
Draza Jansky

†

"Scent as a Conduit"

Roxana will share a few insights into working with flowers as medicine as we experience the ethereal yet powerful message of Jasmine sambac hydrosol. Collectively we will sip this extra-ordinary floral water enhancing mind and body but also facilitating a connection to the ever present Goddess
within us.

Illuminated Perfume

Mimosas and snacks provided by Agoura Hills Blue Table

The Birth of Venus artwork was created for us by Greg Spalenka. If you would like to have an image created of yourself please contact him directly Greg at Spalenka.com. The model is DirtFairy Morley.

Goddess Rising

Here are a few photos from our event this past Saturday at the perfumery. The day before we had a heck of a storm which caused several power outages throughout the area, mudslides, trees down and even a crazy sink hole in Studio City! Since the weather report claimed the storm would be gone by Saturday we choose to move forward with the event.

The day before Greg created a chalk drawing on the board in the teaching space to infuse it with the imprint of Venus, in this case The Birth of Venus by Botticelli.

Gina from Blue Table Wine and Cheese Bar provided us with a cheese and fruit plate as well as apricot mango mimosas. We had intended guava mimosas but I couldn't find any guava juice at my local markets so we went for the yellow fruits which was delicious, thanks to Gina!

Our local intuitive Draza Jansky provided free readings for the attendees, here she is in my lab with Trina Watson.

I opened the "presentation" portion of our day by having all of us drink a absolutely glorious jasmine sambac hydrosol that was distilled with water from a waterfall in Hawaii. Draza shared a bit about her work as a life coach and her meditation system, she also provided us with a collective reading.

The jasmine sambac elixir I shared at the event is for sale, I will be listing it on the site shortly, if you want to come and have a sample of it misted on your face please send me a note to schedule a sacred moment at the perfumery.

Donna brought several racks of her comfy yet elegant clothes for sale. During her presentation she explained how she creates her clothing from fabric to finish in downtown Los Angeles. I wear Donna's clothing everyday and refer to them as my DonnaYums because they feel like a second skin.

Next up was Monika, one of my students who I am so very proud of! Monika has recently launched her completely botanical/organic/ handmade personalized skin care line, Mala Apothecary, using the same details as me when it comes to creating and sourcing her materials. Her products are custom designed specifically for you after a quick phone call or filling out her an online questionaire.

At the end of our day Donna, Monika and I posed like the Venus behind us, as you can see Donna was instructing Monika and I on how to be demure and strike the pose correctly.

Due to the crazy weather and power outages we are contemplating doing the event again in March. If this is something that interests you please let me know by leaving a comment or sending me a note.

Friday Fabulous!

Sandwiched between Thursday and Saturday is Friday, my absolute favorite day of the week. Friday is associated with Venus, the bright star of the morning and evening. The day is blessed by many Goddesses of the devoted to love and beauty.

Attributes of the day are aligned with harmony, pleasure, romance and sensuality. Some traditions associate the planetary cycle of Venus with internal experience, rest and contemplation. Keeping these attributes in mind I am going to suggest Figure 1: Noir as a way to connect with the sensual side of our natures. Normally I recommend jasmine affiliated fragrances for Venusians, thus I am going to layer something like Lyra, Chiaroscuro or Cimbalom over Figure 1: Noir or vice versa.

Speaking of Figure 1: Noir, find all reviews here, there are two brand new ones by scent twins on opposite coasts: Gaia of The Non-Blonde and Tom at Perfume Posse. The labels for the EdP are at the printer, fingers crossed that they will be ready shortly. In the meantime if you'd like a bottle of the EdP with the temporary label please send a note to roxana illuminatedperfume com.