Venus, often referred to as the planet of relationships, money, and beauty, holds a special place in the celestial landscape. Its presence in the sky is associated with a sense of harmony and positivity, playing a significant role in shaping our experiences related to love and aesthetics. As one of the most cherished archetypes in astrology, Venus’s influence is sought after for its ability to bring prosperity, foster romantic connections, and evoke feelings of adoration. When Venus graces us with its presence, it has the power to create an atmosphere of sweetness and charm. People often associate Venus’s influence with the enhancement of appearances, leading to great hair days and an overall uplifted mood. Its energy has the remarkable ability to soften hearts, fostering a more benevolent and compassionate outlook on life.
Additionally, Venus holds sway over matters of finance and material possessions. Its energy can influence our financial endeavors, influencing both gains and losses. Being attuned to Venus’s movements can provide insights into favorable times for financial decisions and investments.
2023 Venus Retrograde:
July 22 and September 3, 2023
Venus, the second planet from the Sun, plays a significant role in astrology as it governs various aspects of our lives, including love, relationships, beauty, and money. Its orbit takes approximately 225 days to complete, and during its journey, Venus experiences periods of apparent retrograde motion. This phenomenon occurs when a planet appears to move backward in its orbit from our perspective on Earth.
Venus retrograde periods occur approximately every 18 months and typically last for about 6 weeks. During this time, Venus seems to reverse its usual course in the sky. Astrologically, this period is considered a time of reflection and reassessment, particularly in areas related to love, relationships, beauty, and finances.
2024 – No Retrogradity this year
| Direction | From | To | Days | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Sign and Degree | Date | Sign and Degree | ||
| Retograde | Mar 2, 2025 | 10° Aries | Apr 13, 2025 | 24° Pisces | 42 |
When Venus goes retrograde, it’s as if these aspects of our lives are put under a cosmic magnifying glass. Relationships, both romantic and platonic, may undergo scrutiny. Past lovers and unresolved emotions could resurface, providing an opportunity for closure or a chance to rekindle a connection. New romantic relationships that began just before or during the retrograde might experience shifts once Venus goes direct again.
Venus Retrograde: Embrace the Celestial Pause
The cosmic dance of the planets often leads to captivating celestial events that cast their influence upon our lives. One such phenomenon is the Venus retrograde, a period when the planet of love, beauty, and harmony appears to reverse its course in the sky. Occurring approximately every 18 months, this astrological event holds the potential to deeply affect our relationships, emotions, and financial matters.
As Venus embarks on its retrograde journey, it’s essential to recognize that this period is not one of doom and gloom. Instead, it’s a time of reflection, reassessment, and growth.
What to Do During Venus Retrograde
Self-Love and Self-Care: As the Venus retrograde unfolds, immerse yourself in a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Dedicate time to nurturing your self-esteem and fostering a genuine sense of self-love. This introspective period invites you to engage in activities that uplift your spirits and make you feel beautiful and confident. Consider indulging in a spa day, where relaxation and rejuvenation become a form of self-celebration. Practice mindfulness and self-compassion to strengthen your emotional well-being. Additionally, explore your creative side through artistic pursuits that allow you to express your unique identity.
Reconnect with Loved Ones: The Venus retrograde presents a harmonious backdrop for repairing relationships and rekindling connections. Use this favorable period to initiate conversations that mend rifts and heal emotional wounds. Seek resolutions through open and heartfelt communication, allowing for mutual understanding and growth. Reach out to loved ones you may have lost touch with, fostering a renewed sense of closeness and shared experiences. By embracing the spirit of reconciliation, you can create a more harmonious and fulfilling web of relationships.
Reflect on Past Relationships: Allow the Venus retrograde to guide you in revisiting your past relationships with a fresh lens. This introspective journey is an opportunity to gain closure, insight, and personal growth. Reflect on the patterns, lessons, and emotions that characterized these connections. Acknowledge your own role in each relationship and use this newfound understanding to pave the way for healthier interactions in the future. By embracing your past experiences, you empower yourself to navigate present and future relationships with greater wisdom.
Financial Reassessment: Venus, as a symbol of value, also governs our financial matters. Harness the energy of the retrograde to take a thorough inventory of your financial landscape. Evaluate your spending habits, savings goals, and overall financial health. Craft a budget that aligns with your values and aspirations, ensuring that your financial decisions are in harmony with your long-term goals. This period is an opportunity to make strategic adjustments and establish a solid foundation for your financial well-being.
Rekindle Creativity: The Venus retrograde encourages you to ignite your creative flame once again. Dive into artistic pursuits that may have taken a backseat in your busy life. By embracing your creative side, you can unlock new avenues of self-expression and passion. Engage in activities that inspire you, whether it’s painting, writing, dancing, or any other form of artistic endeavor. Reconnecting with your creativity not only enriches your personal life but also infuses a sense of vitality and inspiration into all aspects of your journey.
What Not to Do During Venus Retrograde
Rush into New Relationships: While the Venus retrograde offers profound insights into love and relationships, it’s not the ideal time to embark on new romantic connections. The energy is better directed towards reevaluating and deepening existing relationships. Focus on revisiting and healing unresolved issues within ongoing connections, as this period encourages introspection and growth within established bonds.
Major Beauty Transformations: As Venus governs beauty and aesthetics, exercise caution when contemplating significant changes to your appearance during the retrograde. Opt for subtler alterations rather than drastic transformations. Postpone decisions like dramatic haircuts or extensive cosmetic procedures, as the retrograde energy may cloud your judgment and lead to choices that you might later regret. Instead, use this time to explore less permanent beauty rituals that enhance your natural radiance.
Impulsive Purchases: Resist the urge to make impulsive, big-ticket purchases, especially when it comes to luxury items or real estate. The Venus retrograde can influence your financial discernment, potentially leading to decisions that lack clarity and foresight. Instead, practice financial mindfulness and wait until the retrograde period concludes before making significant investments. Take this time to review your financial priorities and ensure that your choices align with your long-term goals.
Initiate Legal Matters: The retrograde phase of Venus is not conducive to initiating legal matters, signing contracts, or entering into agreements. Delay significant legal decisions until the retrograde period comes to a close. The energy during this time can create confusion and hinder clear judgment in legal matters. Allow the retrograde’s influence to pass before engaging in legal discussions or signing important documents. This approach will help you avoid potential complications and ensure a smoother legal process.
Venus Retrograde Insights for Each Zodiac Sign:
Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
Aries: As the Venus retrograde unfolds, your love life takes on a theatrical quality. Much like characters in a Shakespearean play, you may experience twists and turns that challenge your emotions. Use this period to embrace a deeper understanding of your relationships, peeling back the layers that go beyond mere surface impressions. Instead of engaging in overly competitive dynamics, channel your energy into connecting through heartfelt emotions. Look beyond the physical to uncover the true chemistry that binds you to others. By focusing on the genuine aspects of love, you can discover connections that resonate on a profound level, transcending superficial attractions.
Leo: The Venus retrograde casts a spotlight on self-love and introspection in your life. Step away from the desire for external validation and turn your attention inward. This is a time to embrace and nurture your own identity, fostering a sense of appreciation for who you are. By setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing your well-being, you send a clear message to the world about how you deserve to be treated. Through valuing yourself, you empower others to treat you with the respect and affection that you rightfully deserve. Use this period to build a stronger foundation of self-love, which will ultimately enhance your relationships with others.
Sagittarius: Honesty becomes an essential theme during this Venus retrograde. It’s a period that encourages open and sincere conversations, paving the way for more authentic connections. Whether you’re in a committed relationship or navigating the single life, prioritize those who are willing to communicate candidly and transparently. This is a time for meaningful interactions, where you can create a safe environment for vulnerability to flourish. By being upfront about your feelings and expectations, you set the stage for deeper connections built on trust and understanding. Embrace the opportunity to foster connections that resonate on a genuine and heartfelt level.
Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn
Taurus: The Venus retrograde stirs up emotional currents tied to your past, potentially making you more sensitive than usual. It’s important to be aware of these feelings and how they might impact your current relationship. Avoid allowing unresolved emotions to spill over and influence your interactions with your partner. If you share a living space, consider using this time to reevaluate and reconfigure your environment to create a harmonious balance. Designing personal spaces that provide comfort and solitude can help both you and your partner navigate the heightened emotional landscape.
Virgo: As the Venus retrograde unfolds, distinguishing between reality and fantasy becomes a challenge. This is a time when the line between what’s genuine and what’s imagined blurs, leading to potential confusion in your relationships. Seek support from trusted sources, whether it’s therapy, healing circles, or close friends who can offer clarity. Establishing clear boundaries is essential now to prevent misunderstandings and maintain the health of your relationships. By openly and honestly expressing your needs and limits, you create a stable foundation for understanding and connection.
Capricorn: During the Venus retrograde, you might find yourself grappling with feelings of jealousy and possessiveness. These emotions can serve as signals pointing to unexpressed desires within your relationships. Instead of reacting negatively, use them as cues to communicate your wants in a playful and open manner. Embrace a lighthearted approach to expressing your needs, allowing your partner to better understand your desires. Financial matters also take center stage, and it’s important to approach them with transparency and fairness. Addressing these topics openly can help avoid conflicts and ensure the stability of your relationships.
Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius
Gemini: The Venus retrograde prompts unspoken feelings and suppressed needs to rise to the surface. While timing is crucial, it’s essential to express yourself for personal and relational growth. By voicing your emotions and desires, you pave the way for deeper understanding and connection. As you open up, new avenues of collaboration and shared understanding could unfold, leading to enhanced partnerships. Be prepared for surprising developments, such as a close friendship taking on a more profound romantic dimension. This transformation can provide a solid and genuine foundation for love to flourish.
Libra: This Venus retrograde might bring about a hesitancy to engage in intense one-on-one interactions. However, maintaining too much distance could potentially cool off a promising connection. If you’re already in a relationship, be cautious not to trigger jealousy in your partner through excessive aloofness. In your dating life, consider exploring connections in the real world rather than solely relying on digital platforms. Balancing your desire for personal space with the need for genuine engagement will be key to fostering healthy and fulfilling relationships.
Aquarius: Use the Venus retrograde period to articulate your preferences and desires. Sharing this information with your partner not only enriches your relationship but also boosts their confidence in meeting your needs. Unexpectedly, an attraction might arise from someone who contrasts with you in various ways. Even if this person hadn’t caught your interest before, their differences could now intrigue you. Embrace the opportunity to explore connections with those who challenge your usual preferences, as this could lead to a refreshing and exciting romantic journey.
Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces
Cancer: During this Venus retrograde, clarity becomes paramount. Cut through ambiguity by adopting a direct approach to communication. This proactive stance will help prevent misunderstandings and the resulting frustrations. It’s an opportune period to discuss the structure of your relationship and its long-term trajectory. Delve into conversations about your shared plans and aspirations. However, be prepared for potentially intense financial discussions. Approach these topics as a team, working together to find practical solutions that benefit both of you.
Scorpio: This Venus retrograde encourages you to release the pressure you might be placing on your relationships. Allow connections to unfold naturally, without forcing outcomes. If you find that someone isn’t reciprocating your efforts, consider redirecting your energy towards other aspects of your life. For couples, this period offers a chance to realign your goals and dreams. Ensure that you’re on the same page about your shared future, and take steps to synchronize your aspirations for a harmonious path forward.
Pisces: Embrace a spirit of open communication and honesty within your relationship during the Venus retrograde. Address any unspoken issues that have been lingering, as doing so can catalyze growth and deepen understanding. Take this time to cleanse your digital space of negative connections, allowing room for healthier relationships to flourish. Engage in shared wellness activities with your partner to promote a stronger bond. By nurturing your emotional and physical well-being together, you’re setting the stage for a more harmonious and fulfilling partnership.
What Does Venus Retrograde Entail?
Imagine Venus as an archetype residing within us, embodying beauty, love, desire, and connection. During its retrograde, these facets come to the forefront of our attention, inviting a reevaluation of how we perceive and interact with them. In Leo, this retrograde emphasizes themes of creative expression, self-worth, and financial considerations.
Leo’s influence during Venus Retrograde encourages us to reframe our relationship with creativity, assess our self-value, and ponder our financial stability. By introspectively examining our past experiences and narratives related to love, intimacy, worthiness, and beauty, we can initiate healing and transformation.
The Unique Impact on Your Zodiac Sign
To understand how Venus Retrograde 2023 might impact your life, consider your ascendant or rising sign, which offers a more personalized perspective than your Sun sign. Additionally, identify the astrological house occupied by Leo in your birth chart, as this is the area influenced by the retrograde.
Venus Retrograde prompts Aries individuals to explore their creative expression and the narratives that affect it. This period offers an opportunity to reignite passions, release inhibitions, and rekindle enthusiasm for their artistic pursuits.
Taurus Ascendant: For Taurus rising signs, the retrograde delves into foundational beliefs and inherited wounds surrounding love and worthiness. Reparenting and revisiting past experiences will lead to healing and a more empowered sense of self.
Gemini Ascendant: Gemini individuals can use the retrograde to reframe their thought patterns and cultivate self-love. Engaging in practices like meditation or journaling can facilitate a shift towards kinder and more positive self-talk.
Cancer Ascendant: Cancer rising signs can reconnect with a sense of belonging and self-worth during Venus Retrograde. Exploring the interplay between personal values, financial security, and self-esteem will result in profound healing.
Leo Ascendant: Venus Retrograde holds a personal journey for Leo individuals. It invites a reevaluation of identity, self-expression, and relationships. This period empowers them to realign their narrative and renew their sense of self.
Virgo Ascendant: Virgo rising signs are called to an inner retreat during the retrograde. Exploring intimacy, vulnerability, and self-love will lead to profound healing, potentially even through dream journaling.
Libra Ascendant: Venus Retrograde inspires Libra individuals to reflect on their role within groups and their larger community. Realigning with personal ideals and desires will foster clearer connections and a renewed sense of purpose.
Scorpio Ascendant: For Scorpio rising signs, the retrograde prompts a deeper understanding of their professional identity and relationships. By delving into career dynamics and vulnerabilities, they can emerge with renewed clarity.
Sagittarius Ascendant: Sagittarius individuals are encouraged to revisit their beliefs and perspectives during the retrograde. Exploring past experiences and teachings will provide insights that lead to a more aligned worldview.
Capricorn Ascendant: Vulnerability is the key for Capricorn rising signs during Venus Retrograde. This period prompts a review of walls and barriers, particularly in partnerships and creativity, fostering personal growth.
Aquarius Ascendant: Venus Retrograde guides Aquarius individuals to explore matters of the heart. Examining self-love, relationship patterns, and personal desires will facilitate a deeper understanding of their emotional landscape.
Pisces Ascendant: Pisces rising signs are invited to celebrate daily routines and habits during the retrograde. By infusing self-love into daily actions, they can transform these rituals into sources of self-nurturing and growth.
Venus Retrograde 2023 presents a unique opportunity for introspection and growth, tailored to each zodiac sign’s needs and challenges. Embracing this period of reflection will pave the way for healing, transformation, and renewed self-awareness.