Perfection and control produce beauty in the 9 of Pentacles or Disks, province of Venus in the second decan of Virgo. Here in the Lord of Gain, the perfectly ripened crop is gathered and organized, methodically, increasing in value at every step. The Empress, wearing a harvest crown, works side by side with the Hermit, solitary seed saver. Together they build a walled garden of self-sufficiency and comfort - a beautiful task, though sometimes a lonely one.

In our conversation we consider: Venus in her fall, and Mercury in his exaltation, Vindemiatrix the wine gatherer, Venus' consort Hephaistos, perfumes and sandals, the weapons of Yesod, independence vs. idleness, enclosure and encasement, left-handed snails, slow gestation, the hooded falcon as hidden light, Gabriel and the Annunciation, the archdemon LIlith and the screech owl, women, birds, and bird-women, the Curse of Scotland, the hummingbird & hibiscus, the bees of Demeter, Rosalind in 'As You Like It', gender-switching, and the many blessings counted by the hands of Yod.

In honor of Venus, the perfumed goddess, I'm offering one bottle of 'The Hidden Jewel,' my perfume for Virgo, to the winner of this week's giveaway. It's a quiet blend of narcissus, sandalwood and vetiver, with notes of bergamot and rosewood for that “afternoon tea in the library” feel.