Have your relationships been feeling off lately? Are financial matters suddenly more complicated than usual? Don’t worry—it’s not just you. Venus is in retrograde, and this celestial event might be behind the turmoil in your love life, finances, and even your self-worth. If you’ve never heard of Venus retrograde before, here’s everything you need to know about this astrological phenomenon and how it might impact your star sign.
What is Venus retrograde?
Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and money, goes into retrograde approximately every 18 months. During this period, Venus appears to move backwards in the sky from our perspective on Earth, an optical illusion caused by differences in planetary orbits. While Mercury retrograde is notorious for disrupting communication, Venus has a more personal impact, influencing our relationships, self-esteem, and financial stability.
Ancient astrologers believed it to be a time of karmic reckoning in love and wealth. It’s a period when unresolved issues in relationships come to the surface, prompting reflection and reassessment. You might notice exes reappearing, financial mishaps occurring, or even a shift in how you perceive beauty and aesthetics.
When is Venus in retrograde?
Venus retrogrades about every year and a half, lasting for approximately six weeks. Here are the upcoming Venus retrograde periods to mark on your calendar:
- 1 March – 12 April 2025: Time to reflect on relationships, finances, beauty, and personal values.
- 19 December 2025 – 30 January 2026: A post-holiday season retrograde that might stir up old relationship patterns and financial reflections.
- 23 July – 4 September 2027: A mid-year shake-up in love and money, prompting major revelations.
How to navigate retrograde:
- Avoid making major beauty changes (like drastic haircuts or cosmetic procedures).
- Refrain from making large financial commitments or investments.
- Be mindful of rekindling old relationships—some exes return for closure, not for a second chance.
- Use this time for self-reflection and personal growth in love and money.
What does it mean for each zodiac sign?
Aries: Relationships might feel frustratingly slow, Aries. You prefer to move forward, but Venus retrograde asks you to pause and reassess your romantic and financial choices. Avoid impulsive decisions and take time to reflect.
Taurus: As Venus is your ruling planet, this retrograde hits you deeply. Expect to revisit past relationship wounds and financial decisions. It’s a great time for self-care but not for major purchases or commitments.
Gemini: Communication in love can feel muddled, and old flames might resurface. Be careful about rekindling past relationships—are they really what you need, or just a comfortable fallback?
Cancer: Venus retrograde asks you to look inward at your emotional needs. Issues related to self-worth and financial security may come to the surface. Use this time for self-reflection and healing.
Leo: You thrive on love and admiration, but during Venus retrograde, you might feel less confident in relationships. Avoid drastic changes in your appearance or love life and focus on self-acceptance instead.
Virgo: Venus retrograde pushes you to slow down and reassess romantic and financial habits. Be wary of overanalysing your relationships—sometimes, things don’t need fixing, just patience.
Libra: Since Venus is your ruler, this retrograde may bring relationship challenges. It’s a time for deep self-reflection, so avoid making major romantic or financial commitments until it passes.
Scorpio: Secrets and past emotional baggage might surface, testing your relationships. Be mindful of manipulation, and focus on emotional honesty instead of power struggles.
Sagittarius: You’re known for your free spirit, but Venus retrograde encourages you to slow down and reevaluate your romantic commitments. Be careful with travel-related spending, as finances could be unpredictable.
Capricorn: Financial and career-related matters might be frustratingly slow during this time. Instead of pushing forward, take this retrograde as an opportunity to reassess your goals and spending habits.
Aquarius: Venus retrograde prompts you to reconsider your values in love and money. Unexpected relationship changes may occur, but they serve a higher purpose in your personal growth.
Pisces: Emotional and spiritual matters take centre stage during this retrograde. Old loves might reappear, but be cautious—sometimes, the past belongs in the past. Use this time for inner healing and artistic inspiration.
Venus retrograde isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity for introspection and growth. By understanding its influence, you can navigate this period with grace and emerge with stronger relationships, financial clarity, and a renewed sense of self-worth.
