Venus (Shukra)
Venus (Shukra) is the planet of love, marriage, beauty, art and comfort. It signifies the spouse, pleasure, luxury, vehicles and refinement, and it is one of the two great natural benefics.
Also known as: shukra graha, shukracharya
Shukracharya is the guru of the asuras, a master of the arts and of the secret of revival. Venus governs romance and marriage, music, design, fashion, hospitality and the good things of life. A strong Venus brings charm, taste, diplomacy and the capacity to enjoy comfort and to share it.
Venus rules Taurus and Libra, is exalted in Pisces and debilitated in Virgo. As the natural karaka of the spouse and marriage, it is studied closely, together with the 7th house and the Navamsa, in every question of love. Its Mahadasha, twenty years, is the longest of all.
An afflicted Venus may show as indulgence or strain in relationships, usually a call for balance rather than a cause for alarm. Traditional supports include Friday observances, worship of Goddess Lakshmi and a diamond or white sapphire, worn only after a chart check.