The Archetypal
VENUS

Relationship, values, beauty, harmony. These words have been connected archetypally to the planet Venus since the Sumerian high priestess Enheduanna wrote the hymn “The Exaltation of Inanna” in 2300 BCE. The planet's symbolic meanings are rooted in its 8-year synodic cycle, during which Venus appears to return to the same celestial position from Earth's perspective, with a slight 2-degree shift. The pentagram, golden mean, and Fibonacci sequence are all encoded in that cycle (see center image). 

Venus's mythology has evolved significantly over time, beginning with Inanna's descent into the underworld in Sumerian lore, transforming through classical Greek interpretations, influencing medieval troubadour traditions, and continuing to evolve in modern times. Recent astronomical developments, such as Pluto's discovery and subsequent demotion in 2005 following Eris's identification, have further reshaped our understanding of the theme of descent that is central to the archetype.  This course will examine Venus through multiple lenses: astronomical, mythological, and literary. We'll use the theme of descent as a guiding principle to explore the planet's multifaceted significance across different cultures and epochs.

4 Sessions

LIVE-VIDEO SEMINAR SERIES

with Béa Gonzalez

• 

Wednesdays
February 12, 19, 26 & March 5, 2025

4-6pm Pacific / 7-9pm Eastern
+ Video recording will be available

“Some say an army of horsemen,
some of footsoldiers, some of ships,
is the fairest thing on the black earth,
but I say it is what one loves.

– Sappho,
7th century BCE

Béa Gonzalez

Béa Gonzalez is a writer, lecturer, and educator. She has an MA in History and Literature from the University of London. Her novels have been published in Canada by HarperCollins and in seven other countries. Her second novel, The Mapmaker's Opera, was adapted into a musical by Kevin Purcell and featured at the 2014 New York Musical Theatre Festival. She is also the founder of SophiaCycles, a project aimed at teaching metaphorical thinking through an examination of classical works, myth and fairy tales, and she co-hosts two podcasts: Gatherings and Archetypes and the Planets.

Recommended Course Reading:

The Descent of the Goddess, Sylvia Brinton Perera

Descent and Rising, Carly Mountain