The Roman feast of the Vinalia Rustica is celebrated today, just before the grape harvest and pressing. Venus is honored for her role as an agricultural goddess—perhaps her most ancient aspect. On this day, gardens (especially kitchen gardens and vineyards) are dedicated to her.

So, raise a toast to Venus—preferably outdoors.

Aphrodite, who is synonymous with Venus, is a powerful goddess of love, sex, and fertility, as well as war and victory. The image of Aphrodite on her half-shell has been immortalized through art for centuries, binding her forever to the identity of Venus.

Today, you can choose to focus on plants, wine, love—or perhaps all three. Request blessings on your projects and relationships while you’re at it.

As the morning star, Venus is the goddess of love and romance. As the evening star, she is queen of witches, with deep knowledge of healing plants—including the poisonous ones.

Wine, like many herbs, is toxic when consumed in excess, yet curative when used in the right amount and manner. Herbalists, healers, and wise women (often called witches) have long carried the knowledge and courage to use such plants wisely.

That courage feels especially fitting now, as we move through the month of Leo—the sign of the lion-hearted.

It’s not too late to plant something new or to create with what’s already growing. Herbal vinegars for salads or sweet vinegars infused with rose, lavender, and honey make delightful additions to shrubs or “mocktails.”

And with a new moon in Virgo approaching in just a few days—one said to bring potential clashes and chaos—a little courage and extra love may help you weather surprises with grace. Try to be more tolerant of imperfection, and remember: things don’t always need to unfold exactly as planned.

Prepare to be amazed, Goddess.