Love

What Venus Retrograde Means For Your Relationships

By Amelia Quint

If you read your horoscope, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Mercury retrograde before. But did you know Venus, the planet of relationships, has a retrograde phase too?

Every year and a half, the love goddess backtracks through the zodiac for 40 days and 40 nights, giving you just over 5 weeks to reevaluate what you want in all your connections, whether they’re with lovers, friends, or colleagues.

Don’t worry — this isn’t a bad thing! On the contrary, Venus retrograde can be totally refreshing if you do it right.

In astrology, Venus represents love of all kinds, whether it’s that instant attraction to a new match on Bumble Date or the ‘kindred spirit’ feeling you get when you meet someone who you know could be a BFF for life.

She also symbolizes self-love and where you find your worth. When Venus isn’t moving in her normal pattern, any of these things can feel off balance. But, sometimes getting thrown off balance can help point out areas that could use a little TLC!

If you feel like your confidence has taken a hit, maybe it’s time to indulge in some much needed self-care. Not loving your bank account balance? Over the coming weeks, create a plan to help it grow. Stay open, because during this period, the universe could place someone in your path who could help you accomplish whatever changes you feel you need to make.

During Venus retrograde, ask yourself: Are your relationships in alignment with your goals? Are the people you’re spending time with supporting you, or draining your energy? If you don’t like the current state of your love life, social life, or office culture, this is the perfect time to change it for the better.

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Set a new standard. If people don’t get on board, maybe it’s time to let them go. No relationship is the same forever, but with this energy, you get the opportunity to set new boundaries or reignite a spark in partnerships that have stagnated. It’s a special moment when your bond with the people who are meant to stay in your life will evolve. Or, if you’re riding different waves, it might be time to bid a mutual adieu. Either way, you’ll be so much happier in the long run.

Right now Venus is retrograde in Scorpio, the sign of intimacy, making all of this feel even more intense! Heavy Scorpio isn’t a comfortable sign for Venus, but once she moves back into her peaceful home sign of Libra on the 31st, what this retrograde really means for you will start to surface. Pay attention to your emotions and intuition around that day, and read for your sign to find out what to expect. Once Venus is direct again on November 15th, you’ll feel like a totally new you!

Aries

With Venus retrograde in your sensuality and relationship houses, this is going to be all about drawing some clear ground rules in your intimate partnerships. Telling your partner exactly what you want isn’t just sexy, it’s a vital part of a healthy connection.

Taurus

This Venus retrograde is activating your collaboration and daily work zones, so expect to be spending plenty of time thinking through how you work with a team. If you’re usually a lone wolf, try partnering up for a new perspective. Or, maybe it’s time to strike out on your own!

Gemini

With Venus retrograde moving through your health and pleasure sectors, this period is showing you how you can make your everyday life more fun. It’s easy to lose sight of play when there’s so many demands on your time and energy, but do your best to make joy a part of your daily routine.

Cancer

This Venus retrograde is lighting up the areas of your horoscope that are associated with creativity and emotions, so expect feelings of release over the coming weeks! Whether you make something that helps you process a difficult situation or watch a film that speaks to you, art heals your heart.

Leo

Communication is key to any relationship, so with Venus retrograde lighting up your houses of self-expression and feelings, it’s time to let people know how you really feel. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable when it comes to telling your story.

Virgo

With Venus retrograde in your self-expression and day job houses, you might feel like you’re being creatively stifled at work. Your best bet? Channel any frustration into projects that could pay off down the road, when Venus is direct again.

Libra

Venus retrograde in your sign and your worth zone can be pretty hard on your self-image, but don’t doubt yourself for a minute! You’re beautiful just the way you are — you just have to find people who see the value in your unique aesthetic. We promise they’re out there, so start swiping!

Scorpio

Having Venus retrograde in your sign and your spirituality zone can feel like one long therapy session. It’s emotionally challenging, but once it’s all said and done, you understand who you are and what you want better than you have in ages. Don’t shy away from the hard stuff.

Sagittarius

As Venus retrograde passes through your houses of destiny and leadership, you’re finding your voice as an authority. People look up to you, whether you realize it or not, so use this time to decide what behaviors and ideas you want to model for the world around you.

Capricorn

With this Venus retrograde moving through your long-term planning and career zones, you might be feeling pretty dissatisfied with the current state of your resume. Don’t worry! This is the perfect time to set a few new goals to look forward to.

Aquarius

Thanks to Venus retrograde in your houses of work and expansion, you might be feeling somewhat boxed in by your current job situation. Instead of getting cabin fever, think about ways that you can assert your independence within that space. You may have more freedom than you realize.

Pisces

Having Venus retrograde in your adventure and sensuality zones might make a whirlwind romance seem irresistibly appealing, but try to move slowly if you can stand it. Dip your toe into the waters before you jump in headfirst. You’ll be so glad you did once Venus is direct again.