Shukra (Venus) - Mythology and Significance

Shukra (Venus)
Astronomy:
Venus is much closer to the Sun than the earth. Therefore, on some occasions Venus will be in between Earth and the Sun. The average distance form sun is 67 million miles. The variation is very little, as the orbit of Venus is nearly circular. The distance between Earth and Venus during inferior conjunction will be only 25 million miles. The size of Venus is nearly similar to Earth. Venus has the diameter of 7,600 miles while Earth has a diameter of 7,900 miles. It revolves around the sun in 225 days. The atmospheric layer around Venus is thick, peculiar and fascinating. The brightness of Venus is due to the reflecting power of its atmosphere. For observers on the earth Venus cannot be more than 48 degrees away from the Sun.
Mythology:
Shukracharya is the son of Sage Bhrigu. He is the preceptor of the demons. Shukra was the only one considered worthy of being granted the knowledge of MritaSanjivani vidya by Lord Shiva. This knowledge is supposed to bring back even dead to life.
Venus is considered as Goddess of love, marriage, beauty and comforts. It is a form of Maha Lakshmi, the wife of lord Vishnu. Venus rules over the Yajurveda and the Vasant Ritu(April and May). According to western astrology Venus is known as Lucifer and Hebrews named it as Astoreth.
Astrological Significance:
The Uttara Kalamrita gives the following signification of Venus.
a) Good clothes b) marriage c) Income d) Woman e) Brahmins f) Wife g) Happiness from sexual life h) Flowers i) Conveyance j) Silver k) fond of south east l) Cough m) Rajsik nature n) Pearls o) Enjoyment p) Possessing many women q) Speaking truth r) Semen s) dances t) Fond of worshiping Gauri and Laxmi ) Mother for those born in the day v) genital organs w) Urine or urinary tract x) Strong in the afternoon y) Pleasant musical instruments z) Skilled in fine arts.
It is seen that a strong Venus gives very good result in a horoscope. However a weak Venus can cause certain deficiencies with respect to above-mentioned significations.
Other Astrological Considerations:
Venus owns two signs namely Taurus and Libra. It is deeply exalted at 27 degree in Meen Rashi. Its Mooltrikona is in Libra. Venus governs semen (potency).
In the planetary Cabinet Venus is also a minister along with Jupiter ( Brihaspati ). Its complexion is variegated. According to "Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra" the deity, which it represents is Shachi(Consort of Lord Indra). It is of feminine gender. It represents water among the Panchbhootas or five elements. It is of Brahman Varna and has predominance of Rajsik Gunas.
Venus is joyful, charming in physique, has beautiful and brilliant eyes, is a poet, is phlegmatic and windy and has curly hair. It represents a fortnight that is one Paksha of Moon. It is strong in the north direction. It represents an acidulous taste.
It is friendly to Mercury and Saturn. It is inimical to Sun, Moon, and Mars. It considers Jupiter as Neutral.