Venus is a beneficial planet by nature and is also considered to be a teacher. Venus is the planet governing sensuality and is the embodiment of love. All attributes of love, romance, beauty, sensuality, sexual pleasures and passion are under the rule of Venus.

The Sanskrit name for Venus is "Shukra", which in one instance means "semen", making Venus the presiding deity of semen. Shukra is the son of the great sage, seer and astrologer "Bhrigu", who taught his son all spiritual sciences and the Vedic scriptures.

Venus is also very important in determining wealth and conjugal relationships. It represents marriage and the ability to gain a good wife. The privilege of having a comfortable home, luxuries, quality cars, furniture, and paraphernalia are also under the control of Venus. Like Jupiter, Venus also gives wealth, material prosperity and all the luxuries that one desires in a full rich life. But there is a difference between Jupiter and Venus.

Venus often concentrates on the material rather than the spiritual attributes, unless the subject has the ability to utilize its "higher" aspects.

Venus is connected to the chanting of mantras, Tantra, hypnotism, alchemy and the medical arts. Venus rules artists, actors, musicians, dancers and poets. Those that make a living dealing in the sensual things available on earth also usually have a strong, prominent Venus in their horoscopes.

In the physical body, it rules the reproductive system, kidneys, eyes, cheeks, chin and throat. In nature it especially rules over flowers, jewels and tropical places. Venus is the lord of the signs Taurus and Libra.

It is exalted in Pisces and debilitated in Virgo. Nakshatras ruled by Venus are Bharani, Purvaphalguni and Purvashada. Friends are Mercury and Saturn; Sun and Moon are enemies and Mars and Jupiter are neutral, although Venus is hostile towards Jupiter.

When Venus is strong in the chart, subjects may be loving and charismatic, able to infuse others with a sense of happiness and well-being. It brings wealth, comforts and a beautiful face and body. It makes for mutual attraction between the opposite sexes. Venus may bestow a gentle and tender nature, having great consideration for others around them. It gives an affinity for fine jewelry, beautiful clothes, ornaments and perfumes. Those with a prominent Venus will usually enjoy both rich and delicious foods and have a love for the fine arts. They may have the inspiration necessary to become artists, musicians or poets. Hopefully they may also be seekers of truth and the knowledge of the obscure, or secret sciences. Qualities of expression, appreciation and affection are apparent in those with a well-positioned Venus.

If Venus is weak or afflicted in the horoscope, problems in marriage often result. The subjects may be lacking in physical beauty, as well as grace and charm. Insensitivity may be seen along with lack of love and affection. A weak Venus can result in coarse and vulgar behavior. Romantic affairs will be seen to be tumultuous and short-lived. There appears to be difficulty in expressing feelings. In men, relationships with women are extremely difficult and in women, it may be seen to bring about lack of feminine qualities.

Physically, it may cause weak kidneys and reproductive system, or even infertility. Energy may be low and the immune system may also be feeble. Chronic urinary tract infections may be manifest. Even if Venus is strong, if it is in an undesirable position, it may cause an overindulgence in sex, eating or drinking, bringing on innumerable physical inability's.

Diamond
Diamond is the gemstone recommended for weak Venus. It increases artistic and creative abilities. It can also lead toward love and devotion in relationships. It may also increase passion and sexual desires, especially in women and can enrich marriage.

Physically, it can strengthen the reproductive system, and is said to aid in the treatment of chronic diseases. Diamonds also increase affinities for luxurious and indulgent lifestyle. Anyone already living such a life should be careful not to increase this energy too much, for overindulgence can be a cause for disease and dissatisfaction. White or colorless sapphire, is also a substitute for diamond, as is natural turquoise and may be used in the same manner as diamond.

There are many diamond substitutes, from colorless gems like white sapphire or white spinel, to others like cubic zirconium which has great brilliance and scintillation like diamond. There are no synthetic diamonds on the commercial market at present.

Individuals should be careful of wearing a diamond that has any discoloration, dark flaws, or fractures of any type. If a diamond with such imperfections is worn, it will cause havoc in a person's life, rather than the beneficial influences being sought. It is much better to obtain a colorless sapphire, other colorless faceted gemstone, or natural turquoise, to enhance the positive energies of Venus. They are affordable and give good effect. Substitute stones in colorless faceted gems such as white sapphire and turquoise.