Yesterday, a friend and I ventured forth to the glitzy, overpriced San Diego mall known as Fashion Valley, in search of the perfect bra. My friend, who is also my chiropractor, convinced me that my shoulder pain would be relieved by a more supportive bra than the stretched-out ones I’ve been wearing. So, we headed for a fancy lingerie shop to be fitted by experts. Though I regard bras as medieval torture devices, I figured the experience would at least be educational.

Three hours later, hungry and exhausted, with sexy French bras scattered all over the dressing room, we admitted defeat. I had given up long before my friend did, when the fitting expert demonstrated that the only way to obtain the proper support was to cut off my air supply. Yes, I looked great in those lacy-yet-deadly concoctions, but I am not willing to suffer that much for beauty – or support. And, neither my friend nor I relished the idea of spending $179 for an uncomfortable bra with underwire that blocked our energy meridians.

Amazingly, a quick visit to Macy’s on the way out of the mall yielded a pretty, purple non-underwire bra for an affordable $32. Though a tad tight across the ribcage, it supports me nicely – and makes me feel more feminine.

Though Venus may have preferred the expensive French bras, I felt that she would be satisfied with my choice. This beauty-loving planet is strongly influential now as she prepares to go direct in her own sign of Libra. Venus turns forward on Thursday the 18th, the same day as Jupiter. These two benefic planets are about to unleash beauty and blessings upon us.

Now is a good time to propitiate Venus and Jupiter – without going overboard. Clean your house till it sparkles. Buy yourself or someone close a lovely gift, or invite someone over for a nice meal. Light candles and use your best china; wear your favorite jewelry and lingerie. Or, adopt a pet or give a donation to a charity you believe in. With Thanksgiving so close at hand, as we focus on expressing gratitude for all our blessings, more are sure to follow.