Tonight – May 23, 2016 – we’re just one day past Mars once-in-26-months opposition. In other words, yesterday Earth flew between Mars and the sun. What a wonderful event!
When Mars is at opposition, the red planet lies opposite the sun in Earth’s sky. At such times, Mars rises in the east around sunset, climbs highest up in the sky around midnight, and sets in the west around sunrise. If you look for Mars tonight, you’ll see that’s still happening and will continue to happen for some weeks to come. Mars is now ascending in the east as the sun is sinking below the western horizon.
Mars comes closest to Earth every other year, around the time of opposition. Around now, Mars shines at its brilliant best in our sky. Has Mars passed closest to us? Not yet. Mars actually comes closest some days following its May 22 opposition, on May 30.
Oppositions of Mars are far from equal. That’s because Mars’ eccentric (oblong) orbit carries this world about 26 million miles (43 million km) closer to the sun at perihelion (nearest point in its orbit) than when Mars swings out to aphelion (its farthest point).
Oppositions that closely coincide with Mars at perihelion are much brighter and spectacular than distant oppositions that happen with Mars swinging out to aphelion. That makes sense. When we pass between Mars and the sun – and Mars is closest in its orbit to the sun – then Mars is closest to us.
This year’s opposition of Mars is a good one, although not as good as the 2018 opposition will be, with Mars coming to within 46.78 million miles (75.28 million km) of Earth on May 30, 2016.
The historically close opposition of Mars on August 28, 2003, found Mars at 34.65 million miles (55.76 million km) from Earth. This was the Earth’s closest approach to Mars since the Stone Age. The last time Mars came closer to Earth was nearly 60,000 years ago, on September 24, 57,617 B.C., when the red planet was 34.62 million miles (55.72 million km) distant.
In contrast, the very distant opposition of March 3, 2012, placed Mars at 62.62 million miles (100.78 million km) away.
Close (or distant) oppositions recur in periods of 15 to 17 years. So we’ll have another close opposition of Mars some 15 years after the historically close encounter on August 28, 2003. Mars will next present an extra-close opposition on July 27, 2018, though it won’t be as quite close as the opposition of August, 2003.
Very similar Martian oppositions take place every 79 years (15 + 17 + 15 + 17 + 15 = 79). These 79-year cycles repeat with only a delay of 2 to 5 calendar days. The super-close opposition of Mars in the year 2082 will fall on September 1, 2082. But once again, Earth and Mars won’t come as close as they had in August 2003.
There is a more exact cycle of 284 years (79 + 79 + 79 + 15 + 17 + 15 = 284). The Martian opposition that comes 284 years after the August 28, 2003, production will fall on August 29, 2287. This time around, Mars will actually come closer to Earth than it did during its historically close encounter with Earth in August 2003.
Because the Martian orbit is getting more eccentric (oblong), the closest oppositions will actually come closer to Earth, and the farthest oppositions will actually become more distant. The computational wizard Jean Meeus figures that from the years 0 to 3000, Mars will come closest to Earth on September 8, 2729 (55.65 million kilometers) and farthest away on March 6, 2832 (101.50 million kilometers).
Want to know more about close and far Martian oppositions? Click here.
While the time is at hand, enjoy the respectably close appearance of Mars in Earth’s sky during May and June of 2016.
Bottom line: Oppositions of Mars are far from equal. This post explains why Mars has near and far oppositions and shows why the 2016 opposition – although good – is not as good as the 2018 opposition will be
Bruce McClure is the chief writer for the popular EarthSky Tonight pages. Since joining EarthSky in 2004, he has written thousands of astronomy articles, enjoyed here by millions. He also writes, gives planetarium shows and hosts a wide assortment of public astronomy programs in and around his home in upstate New York. If you ask an astronomy question on our site, it’s likely to be Bruce that answers it. His love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, and he has sailed the North Atlantic, earning his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. Bruce is also a sundial aficionado. He says his number one passion – besides his wife Alice – is stargazing.
Venus is the planet of beauty, art and love, ruling over romance, partnerships, sex and style. Yeah, baby!
As Venus moves through each zodiac sign, the love planet takes on a slightly different erotic personality. For example, in Aries love gets bold, while in Cancer it gets cozy.
And if you know what zodiac sign Venus is in currently (it moves from one zodiac sign to the next in about one month), it can help you deal with matters of the heart more successfully.
Here’s a quick glance at the style of love and flirting Venus has in every zodiac sign:
Venus in Aries is all fire! Expect passion, enthusiasm and some rough handling!
Venus in Taurus is sensuous and affectionate. You like to feel secure in love, so take your time and build up your passion slow, steady and strong.
Venus in Gemini is talkative and curious. Make mental connections with your partner to turn them on.
Venus in Cancer is nurturing and attentive. You love to please your partner, and are super sentimental.
Venus in Leo is creative and affectionate. When in love, you radiate joy toward your partner and the surrounding world!
Venus in Virgo is practical, and very focused on your partner’s needs. You strive for perfection in relationships.
Venus in Libra is energetic and partnership oriented. Your relationships are harmonious, and sex is an art performed with style.
Venus in Scorpio is sizzling and intense. Your passion is powerful, but you can be possessive and controlling in love.
Venus in Sagittarius is feisty! You’re friendly and flirtatious, and love is an adventure you’re eager to explore
Venus in Capricorn is cool on the outside, but hot to trot inside. You take your time with matters of the heart, but you’re as dedicated to your lover as you are to your work.
Venus in Aquarius is a quirky lover who is turned on by intellectual matters. You can be cool and detached, but open minded and experimental in bed.
Venus in Pisces is built for intimacy, and you’re willing to please your partner in every way. You’re a creative and dreamy lover, expressing your feelings in word and song.
What does Venus in Gemini love more than anything else in the world? That’s easy — intellectual stimulation! When Venus — planet of love, beauty and talents — moves into the clever zodiac sign Gemini on May 24, 2016, love will take on a more cerebral, lighthearted tone.
Venus in Gemini is rarely jealous, and is always cheerful and social. Throw a handful of different flavored Pop Rocks into your mouth and you’ll get a taste for what Venus in Gemini is all about. Effervescent. Ticklish. Fun.
Boredom and repetition is the fastest way to kill Venus in Gemini’s capacity for joy, and while Venus tours Gemini you’ll notice that your curiosity is piqued more quickly and your brainy side activated. You’ll contain multitudes. You might enjoy hobbies like crossword puzzles, Sudoku or playing Scrabble. You’ll certainly appreciate phone calls, emails, text messages and trips to the bookstore more. You’ll also experience a thorough enjoyment of banter amongst friends because this is quite a social position for Venus.
Planet Venus rules money matters, too!
When it comes to making money, if you’re in sales or have a job that requires the gift of gab or heavy communications skills, you’ll be in your glory while Venus is in Gemini! This is the Venus placement that knows how to communicate with charm and grace, how to get a point across with wit and wisdom or leave a crowd in stitches with a perfectly executed joke. Are you a writer? Then Venus in Gemini will be an especially lucrative and prolific time for you! Even if you’re not, it’s likely you’ll enjoy communication-related activities more than usual now.
As for love? Well, these days it all begins in your head. And if you’re bored you will quickly move on. You might even entertain more than one love interest over the next several weeks, thanks to Gemini’s sometimes fickle reputation. In any event, with Venus in Gemini it’s time to take more pleasure in your ideas and to share what’s going on inside your head with others. Especially someone you love.
Ten of Pentacles Reversed
You and your family may suffer through some misfortune. Be wary of high risk ventures.
Gebo
Gebo represents the coming of gifts and favors. While each are usually positive events, they often carry obligations with them. Gebo often represents strong bonds such as deep friendships and marriage.
Leo the Lion
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is pompous, patronizing, bossy, interfering, dogmatic and intolerant. This person is most likely a relative–the one you invite to family functions but only because you have too.
Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.
Today’s Meaning:
This aspect will be influenced by a sudden strong stroke of good fortune. This good fortune will be unpredictable and will last only a short time. It will bring with it good health, happiness and success.
General Description:
This talisman was a great favorite in olden times, and was composed of the Seven Vowels of the Greek Alphabet. The desired favours were supposed to be granted upon the correct utterance of the forty-nine different sounds of the Seven Vowels, each vowel having seven distinct methods of expression. Of the many benefits supposed to be conferred were – good health, happiness, wisdom, fortune, foresight, success in all undertakings, complete protection from moral, as well as physical ills, and control over the powers of darkness. The ancients thought that there was an affinity between the seven vowels and the seven planets which they believed kept this earth in existence.
The mythical, endearing Phoenix has long been a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and coming full circle. Tired in both body and spirit the aged Phoenix combust into flames and from its ashes is reborn. The Phoenix does not indicate change so much as it does renewal and revitalization. It denotes the completion of a cycle and beginning anew.
As a daily card, The Phoenix suggest you are at a place where some aspects of your life have reached the end of a cycle. Your energies may be weakened from use and stretched over too many arenas to be as effective as they once were. As a result, now may be a good time for you to take a step back and allow yourself time to revitalize both your physical and spiritual self.
Meaning: This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances
Like The Sun, The Universe brings good blessings. The Universe appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The Universe promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The Universe suggests you have found or will find your place in the scheme of things—that place where all is as it should be.
Love planet Venus enters intellectual Gemini on Tuesday, remaining in this cerebral sign until June 17. As a result, your lover has to capture your mind before he or she can ever hope to capture your heart. This might be more difficult to achieve on Tuesday since Venus will immediately be at odds with Mars, still traveling retrograde. Lovers are likely to disagree about anything and everything, frustrating romantic plans. Mars retrogrades into Scorpio on Friday, forcing us to re-evaluate our approach to intimacy.
Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19
The mental connection between you and your partner will be more important than ever. The two of you might decide to attend a class together in order to learn more about a topic that interests you both. Or, it’s possible that you’ll make a concerted effort to have real conversations again instead of going through the motions in your day and forgetting to connect. In addition, you’ll re-evaluate joint finances after Friday.
Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20
Mars retrogrades into your relationship sector on Friday, and remains hibernating here until June 29. As a result, you and your mate are going to have to find a way to call the elephant in the room and move past whatever it is that makes you both so uncomfortable to work through. One of you might be afraid of moving forward with a deeper commitment. If so, hash it out honestly. Do your best to avoid defensive postures. That won’t help.
Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20
Get ready for a major edge in the romance department! On Tuesday Venus will enter your sign, and remains in Gemini until June 17. As a result, you’ll gain more powers of attraction to use at your disposal. Your magnetism will draw someone special to you easily, so if you’re single be sure to get out and show off your vibe! If attached, Tuesday might be a tricky day where you and your lover might feel like two ships passing in the night.
Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22
You might not have much luck in the romance department after Friday. Mars will retrograde into your true love sector where he’ll remain in hibernation mode until June 29. As a result, your sex life will be under construction at best, and nonexistent at worse. If you do meet someone new during this time, you’ll want to hold off on a sexual relationship. Otherwise, you might be quite disappointed by the time Mars regulates his orbit.
Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22
If you’ve been feeling lonely, you’ll begin to enjoy a lot more social fun this week. Venus will move into your social 11th house on Tuesday, supporting a romance between you and one of your pals if single. Or, it’s possible that you’ll decide it’s time to create a profile on one of the latest dating sites or apps. If you’re dating someone you might not want to introduce your sweetheart to pals early in the week. There could be some jealousy.
Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22
Your lover might really make you look good this week. He or she might have connections to high places and if so, expect an introduction. Your reputation is likely to be enhanced because of your association with your partner, and until June 17, that will continue to serve you well. The only trouble is that on Tuesday it’s possible that someone in your family will accuse you of selling out. Don’t listen to green-eyed words.
Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22
If you’re single, it’s possible that you’re about to meet someone special who expands your horizons intellectually as well as spiritually. This person might be from another part of the world or practice a religion different from yours. In some way he or she will offer you a perspective unique from your own and this will be the very quality that attracts you most. Get ready for that magic carpet ride!
Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21
You might seriously begin to feel as if you’ve lost your mojo. If so, be patient with yourself and understand that the time is not quite right to begin anything new that requires all of your stamina to help succeed. This includes a new relationship. Mars will retrograde into your sign on Friday, signaling a time to re-evaluate your goals, including the ones that pertain to your love life. After June 29 you’ll get your sexy back. And it’ll be better than ever!
Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21
Your relationship is about to be blessed with an extra dose of harmony and support. Starting Tuesday and until June 17, Venus will move through your partnership sector. If you’re going through a rough patch with your sweetheart, this will go a long way toward helping you smooth things out. The only testy day might be on Tuesday when Venus simultaneously opposes Mars, retrograde in your sign. It looks like your ego needs to leave the building so you can maximize your love potential.
Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19
If you’re single, an office romance might begin to heat up. Pay attention to whether or not any of your coworkers is sending you flirty signals. It’s possible that you’ve been missing them up until now. You might also meet a new sexy someone at the gym while you’re in the middle of a workout, or even when you’re waiting in a crowded room to see one of your doctors for an appointment.
Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18
Love is in the air! Starting Tuesday, and until June 17, Venus will move through your romance sector, illuminating the strong potential for you to meet someone with the ability to capture your heart. If you’re single, this will be an ideal time to make the most of your social invitations. Don’t stay home on the couch! If you’re in a relationship, you and your partner might spend more time enjoying pleasurable activities that make both of you smile.
Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20
If you’re dating someone special, this might be a good week to introduce him or her to your family. Consider this after Tuesday and anytime until June 17 while Venus tours your domestic 4th house. Harmony between you and your clan will be stronger during this time, and as a result they will be quite receptive to anyone you bring home. Alternatively, if you’re in a steady relationship it’s possible that you and your sweetheart will consider moving in together.
Every zodiac sign is ruled by a Tarot card from the Major Arcana! The zodiac sign of Gemini is ruled by The Lovers card. Here we take a look at the symbolic connections between chatty Gemini and The Lovers..
Easily Distracted: Gemini
If you’re looking for someone who will ALWAYS take your call, just find a Gemini. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, Gemini is often depicted as Twins — who are always on the go. Intelligent, curious and bored easily … this inquisitive sign knows how to keep things interesting.
Gemini and The Lovers
The Lovers card represents having two strong options. Two people, two choices, two sides, etc. Adam and Eve here symbolize that duality and are two halves of a greater whole. The Man’s gaze is going forward as he represents physical presence. The woman is looking upward, representing an intuitive presence. With the combined forces of body and mind, they create one whole. This brings us back to the Gemini twins who are actually NOT identical twins but two sides of the same person!
The Angel is a messenger of love and brings guidance from the heavens to help the man and woman. Similarly, Gemini rules the 3rd House of communication, information and messages.
The cloud and the angel’s wings symbolize air, which is the ruling element of Gemini. The woman is standing in front of the Tree of Knowledge while the man stands in front of the Tree of Life. This reinforces the idea of two halves, two sides to a situation, and the need to understand them both in order to inform your life decisions.
Judgment embodies those forces which require us to be accountable for our actions. With Judgment truths are revealed, mysteries are unraveled and responsibility is assigned. Judgment unveils outcomes and marks the ends of things. While it is a time to properly place guilt, it is also a time for atonement and forgiveness. Ultimately the process of Judgment should lead to freedom from errors made in the past and a fresh start with a clean slate. To that end Judgment actually promises the start of a new journey on which we can apply what we have learned from our past.
It may be too easy to become aggravated if people around you are not moving at your speed, dear Aries, so it would be best if you can set your own pace. When it comes to a belief or idea, you might become impatient with others today if they are not catching on to your way of thinking. Wants and needs can seem like the same thing today. Try not to fixate on something outside of yourself that you feel will solve all your problems. Your heart may be ruling your head today, and while there can be some level of drama as a result, try to go with the feelings and see where they lead you. However, leave practical matters for a better, clearer day. Venus enters your communications sector today, where it will transit until June 17th. This brings out your charm in communications, and suggests that getting what you want can be easier with kind words and bonding with others on a mental level.
Taurus
Taurus
Financial matters can reach a head today, and you may discover that something you haven’t done in the past is now coming back to your attention, dear Taurus. A missed opportunity may be frustrating, but it can also steer you on a course towards better management of your resources. Emotions and passions run high surrounding ownership, money, and respect or value. If someone is showing signs that they don’t truly respect you, then this will be a day in which you are more inclined to react. Watch for impulsive purchases or sudden decisions about money and relationships – wait for the hot head to cool! Venus enters leaves your sign and enters your resources sector, where it will stay until June 17th. This is a good cycle for enjoying activities that soothe, comfort, and boost your confidence. Attracting the right resources can be easy and natural now.
Gemini
Gemini
There is quite a bit of attention directed towards you today, dear Gemini, but you can be rather sensitive, and something may be missing the mark. A disagreement or lack of understanding with a partner is quite possible. It’s not the time for others to push you to say or do anything. What someone is or, more likely isn’t, doing can be frustrating, as you’d prefer they come to you and know what it is you want them to do. Chances are strong that they don’t! Try not to let this drain you. Cupid’s arrows may be flying in the wrong directions today with Venus in opposition to Mars. However, Venus enters your sign for a three and a half week stay, and they’ll begin steering in the right direction shortly. This is a good cycle for personal appeal – it’s a time to attract good things and people into your life.
Cancer
Cancer
It can be difficult to see eye to eye with others today, dear Cancer, and desires can be intense, although they can also lead us astray. There may be a revelation or a culmination in a relationship, work, or business matter. Someone may take issue with you if you’ve been on the fence about a matter, or if you have been stalling. Emotions are heightened today, and sensitive information or hidden desires may be revealed that steers you on a different course. Consider that you may be hypersensitive on a social level right now, before reacting. Frustrations with routines and work can be prominent now, particularly as you are craving more time to yourself to sort out your feelings. Venus moves into your privacy sector today, where she will stay until June 17th, and this can point to a period of review and reflection when it comes to affection and relationships. Benefits come from paying more attention to the hidden elements and patterns of your interactions.
Leo
Leo
Passions may be stimulated quite strongly today, dear Leo, but inner frustrations can also emerge if current relationships are not satisfying your deeper needs or if you’re not able to get on the same page with the one you want. Seek passion rather than mere experience for true emotional fulfillment. Avoid making a stand or show right now, as you may regret it later when your head is clearer, but aim to learn from conflicts and disagreements now. If you’ve been harboring resentment for someone, it may very well emerge now, or someone may be bringing up something about you that requires managing. Venus enters your social sector today, where it will transit until June 17th, and this tends to encourage more harmony, balance, and general benefits to your social life.
Virgo
Virgo
There can be impatient or immature reactions to delays today, dear Virgo, with Venus and Mars in opposition. Buried matter can emerge and leave you feeling resentful of others, or desirous of something/someone you can’t have. Passions tend to run high today, but satisfying them may not be straightforward. The byproduct can be tension, but you can turn it into something more creative if you so desire. It can be challenging to be indifferent towards others, but it can be emotionally freeing to do so from time to time! Consider being kinder to yourself by looking the other way when it is appropriate to do so. Venus moves into your career and reputation sector today for a three and a half week stay. This can be a good time for public relations and appeal, or for an easier time relating with higher ups and business associates. It’s a good time for money matters as well.
Libra
Libra
There is provocative energy with you today, dear Libra, and a tendency to say too much or speak/react too quickly. Boundaries can be crossed and it can be a little difficult getting to a point of compromise, but it’s far from impossible. Wanting more than can be provided from one another can be resolved only by changing our expectations or mustering up patience. Physical and emotional attractions can be intense now. You might rediscover a desire or passion that you may have left behind. Venus moves into harmony with your sign today, where it will enhance and support you on the levels of charm, attraction, and balance until June 17th. This is a nice transit that also stimulates a love of learning and an exploration of some of your more exotic tastes and interests.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Issues of sharing, ownership, and support can be touchy today, dear Scorpio. Buried passions and desires can emerge now, but pursuing these may not be a straightforward matter – not yet, anyway. Ultimately, however, you are likely to get to a plan that makes sense. For now, it’s about discovery, and it can be a little disruptive. Boundaries can be pushed and possessiveness or competitiveness can be strong themes. It’s best to consciously tone things down. Doing your own thing can be satisfying now, but someone close to you could be bothered about it. Avoid emotionalism when it comes to controversial topics, including money. Seek out compromise. Venus enters your sharing and intimacy sector today, where it will transit until June 17th. It’s a time for enjoying deeper feelings and connections.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
It can be difficult to see eye to eye or to come to an agreement today, dear Sagittarius, as everyone seems to want different things. What you have or haven’t done might be a point of contention for someone in your life. Perhaps a partner is hoping you’ll intuit what they truly want, but it can be difficult for you to pinpoint. There can be volatile feelings, and this is a symptom of not being in touch with true needs and wants. Avoid reacting with defensiveness. You can learn a lot about yourself from whatever is triggered today. Venus enters your partnership sector today, and in the coming weeks (until June 17th), it can be far easier to harmonize with others. It’s a good time to attract helpful people into your life or to enhance and boost a close relationship.
Capricorn
Capricorn
Venus enters your work and health sector today, dear Capricorn, where she will stay until June 17th. This is a strong cycle for bringing harmony to your daily life, including your working environment. There may be social opportunities arising through your work or through your daily routines. Work and charm are tied to one another during this cycle, and this can mean attractions on the job for some, or improved social relations in the work environment. Focusing on past actions can get you into a bit of a jam today, and you could be facing stubbornness in others. Restlessness is stirred, and yet you may be feeling a tad lazy or lacking in energy to do anything about it. A love matter can reach a head. Wait things out before drawing conclusions. Even so, acknowledge whatever feelings coming to the surface today, even if they seem to be irrational, but keep in mind that you don’t have to act on them yet.
Aquarius
Aquarius
It can be difficult getting on the same page with others today, dear Aquarius. The results of conflicts can be exciting and stimulating, but possibly less than satisfying in the moment. Rhythms in love and patterns in relating can be off and on today, leaving it difficult to find satisfaction. There can be awkward moments in your relationships, and feelings can run hot and cold. Avoid taking things too personally, especially if someone is giving you confusing or mixed signals. Venus is now transiting a fellow Air sign (Gemini) until June 17th. This transit is strong for you when it comes to your powers of attraction – bringing desired things to you rather than actively and directly pursuing them. While this is a sociable influence, the Moon moves into your privacy sector today, signalling a need to take things easy.
Pisces
Pisces
There can be off-timing and impatience in our relationships today, dear Pisces. You could be remembering old angers or past problems, and this may be affecting the present. Give of yourself until you meet the halfway point, or to the point at which you still feel comfortable, in order to avoid feeling resentment. The social side of business or work can be complicated now, and it’s important to keep your cool. Venus is now transiting your solar fourth house and will stay here until June 17th. Focus can be on bringing more harmony, balance, and beauty to your personal life, home, and family. Make a point of spending more leisure time with family or those near and dear.
Ten of Pentacles Reversed
Gebo
Leo the Lion
King of Cups Reversed
Aries Reversed
Fire Reversed
If you’re looking for someone who will ALWAYS take your call, just find a Gemini. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, Gemini is often depicted as Twins — who are always on the go. Intelligent, curious and bored easily … this inquisitive sign knows how to keep things interesting.
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