Observing Labor Day and Grandparent's Day This week, in the United States, we're observing Labor Day and celebrating Grandparent's Day. An interesting coincidence occurs astrologically as Venus, the Planet of Love, moves direct. What's the connection? Well, in terms of holidays, this week is all about appreciation. Both Labor Day and Grandparent's Day commemorate the hard work and special contributions that people make to our lives, whether they are our coworkers or our grandparents. Astrologically speaking, Venus is the planet of beauty, leisure and pleasure. Labor Day was first celebrated in 1882 in New York City. With roots in the labor movement and unions, this holiday was instituted to pay tribute to America's workers, whose efforts and energy have such a large impact on the nation as a whole. It is workers who contribute to so much of the success and livelihood of our society. Word spread about this holiday, and soon individual states began to adopt Labor Day as a state holiday. Oregon was the first state to institute the holiday in 1887. Labor Day became a nationally recognized and observed holiday in 1894, when Congress reserved the first Monday of September for it each year. The second holiday this week, Grandparent's Day, celebrates and honors the love, guidance and wisdom that grandparents have to offer. The holiday first began in 1973 when Marian McQuade, mother of fifteen children, sparked the idea in West Virginia. In 1978, Congress officially proclaimed the first Sunday following Labor Day as National Grandparent's Day. The Planet of Love, Venus, speaks to everything for which these holidays stand. This week, Venus moves direct, after being retrograde for the past few weeks. With Venus moving direct, relationships get back on track and could even take a dramatic turn of the hearts and candy variety. Leos, Virgos and anyone with these two influences present in their charts (take a look at your chart if you're not sure) could see harmony and romance restored in their relationships. Surprise a loved one with flowers or chocolates to make up for any past rockiness. Show your gratitude for the older, wiser people you know, and treasure the time that you have with them. Through grandparents, we know about our family history and ourselves. I invite you to tell us about your relationship with your grandparents and what they mean to you on our message board this week.