Venus Retrogrades
*Links to Retrogrades Through Each Zodiac Below*
Overview
What is a Venus Retrograde?
Astronomically, a retrograde happens when a planet appears to move backward in its orbit from Earth’s perspective. This is an optical illusion caused by differences in orbital speed. Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and values, goes retrograde roughly every 18 months for about 40–44 days.
In astrology, Venus rules:
Relationships
Romantic partners, friendships, attraction, and social harmony
Beauty & Aesthetics
Personal style, art, design, adornment, and self-image
Values & Money
What we value in life, spending habits, possessions, and financial stability
Pleasure & Self-Worth
How we seek enjoyment, affection, and the sense of being worthy of love
When Venus is retrograde, the energy tied to these areas slows down, reverses, or becomes more prone to re-examination.
Common Themes During Venus Retrograde
Relationship Review
Past lovers, friends, or unresolved issues can resurface. Current partnerships may be tested, asking whether they’re built on real value.
Love & Attraction Reconsidered
We may feel drawn to old flames or question who and what we’re truly attracted to.
Money Matters
Financial habits come under review—overspending, debts, or investments may demand rethinking.
Style Shifts
Changing your look or experimenting with new aesthetics feels tempting, but it’s better to wait until after the retrograde to commit fully.
Self-Worth Check-In
Old wounds around beauty, value, or desirability may reemerge for healing.
The Purpose of Venus Retrograde
Venus retrograde isn’t just about breakups or financial stress—it’s a cosmic review period for matters of the heart and value. Think of it as:
Reassess
Are your relationships, finances, and desires aligned with your true values?
Reconnect
Old lovers or friends may return, offering closure or clarity about your growth.
Redefine
Your sense of beauty, worth, and priorities may shift in ways that create lasting change.
It’s less about indulging new urges and more about course correction in love, money, and self-expression.
What to Avoid vs. What to Embrace
Avoid:
Starting a brand-new romance impulsively
Making drastic style or beauty changes (like major makeovers)
Large financial risks or investments without reflection
Embrace:
Revisiting creative projects and artistic passions
Reconnecting with people from your past for healing or closure
Reflecting on what (and who) you truly value
Refining your sense of self-worth and authenticity
Timing & Influence by Zodiac Sign
Each Venus retrograde occurs in one zodiac sign (sometimes straddling two), coloring its themes:
Fire Signs
Passion, attraction, and desires are reconsidered—affairs of the heart take center stage.
Earth Signs
Finances, security, and practical expressions of love come under review.
Air Signs
Relationships, communication, and intellectual connections are tested.
Water Signs
Emotions, intimacy, and spiritual bonds become the focus of reflection.
Bottom Line
Venus retrograde is not meant to strip you of love, beauty, or abundance—it’s meant to help you refine them. By pausing and reviewing your relationships, finances, and values, you gain clarity about what truly resonates with your heart. Think of it as a cosmic reset for love and self-worth.
