Venus Retrograde is a disruptive cycle helping you zero in on the life that you want. How do you know what to aim for if you are not clear on what you value?
Curious about what’s likely to happen to you during this retrograde? Skip to likely themes (by rising sign). However, please note that in your birth chart this energy may manifest differently depending on your natal Venus, the houses it rules, and the aspects it makes with other planets, not to mention any overarching transits, progressions, profections, etc. currently happening to you.
Venus in Astrology
In astrology Venus shows where and how we get pleasure out of life. What we find beautiful or desirable —within us, around us and in others — and what attracts others to us, can all be discerned from our natal Venus. Natally, Venus also describes a person’s capacity and willingness to give, whether of time, affection, or money, and is a significator of love in its romantic and physical expressions. All social interactions, and whether they result in peace and harmony or war, are filtered through our Venus.
A Special Retrograde
Every 18 months Venus traces her steps back and appears to be moving backwards, bigger and brighter as it nears Earth, and then disappearing from the night sky when closest to us. When this happens, she spends a staggering four months in a sign, whose themes get highlighted and assimilated throughout the period. There is also a wider cycle, in which Venus returns to the same sign and nearly the same degree every eight years. Additionally, over the course of a century, Venus only retrogrades over the same five zodiac signs, creating the famous Venus pentagram. These five signs are emphasized in your chart as key areas of growth and setbacks for relationships and values, so it is worth revisiting what happened 8 years ago.
Stormy Emotions
During a retrograde, all things Venusian become intensified, in a charged atmosphere of stormy emotions. As s real make-it-or-break-it energy, be prepared to face some chaos as the retrograde progresses. This is a time of significant exploration of our hidden or forgotten truths, and when we may reach a breaking point and rethink our values and priorities. It is is about what the heart truly desires. As all things Venus-related go dark, we may experience power outages around love, friendships, social interactions, motivation at work, values, and finances. It will take conscious effort to be kind, understanding and compassionate at this time. It’s a time of increased honesty with ourselves, to validate ourselves, our choices, and our lives, and take accountability for what isn’t working, like a toxic ex or our disappointing earnings and spending habits. Once we gain clarity, from the Cazimi onwards, our values and sense of self-worth are forever improved. We’re then ready to kick ass again!
Key Dates:
Opportunities of Venus Retrograde:
Challenges of Venus Retrograde:
Helpful Tips
Yes, it will be bumpy, especially at the beginning. However, this year’s Venus Retrograde will be empowering like very few others, and we will come out on the other side of this event stronger than ever. This phase is all about reflecting on what we are deserving of – in love, relationships, work, and finances. If we never look back, how can we understand ourselves better and level up in our lives?
Likely Themes By Rising Sign (NB: may not apply to your birth chart):
Aries Rising: Creativity, self-expression, inspiration, romance, social pursuits, children
Taurus Rising: Emotional security, your home or living situation, family dynamics, the past
Gemini Rising: Communication, siblings, neighbours, short journeys, writing, learning
Cancer Rising: Finances, values, resources, possessions, innate talents
Leo Rising: Personal identity, physical appearance, sense of self, and self-assertion
Virgo Rising: Recharging, introspection, healing, imagination, spirituality, solitude
Libra Rising: Social connections, group activities, humanitarian pursuits, the future
Scorpio Rising: Career, public image, ambitions, recognition, status
Sagittarius Rising: Foreign cultures and people, travel, religion, education, optimism, world view
Capricorn Rising: Joint finances and resources, inheritance, spiritual and emotional healing, metaphysics
Aquarius Rising: Relationship dynamics and collaborations, legal matters
Pisces Rising: Health, mind/body connection, daily routine, work, colleagues, pets, habits