Beginning this summer, in the throes of wedding season, Venus retrograde sets us up for the next chapter of our love and money lives. DailyOM spoke with astrology experts to understand the meaning of Venus retrograde, its key upcoming dates, and what it means for each sign.
What Is Venus Retrograde and What Does It Mean?
Most of us have heard of Mercury retrograde, the dreaded transit period when tech mishaps occur and exes arise from the dead. Similar to Mercury retrograde, Venus retrograde means that the planet appears to be moving backward through the zodiac wheel. That means the planet is working in a lesser capacity than normal — as if it were sick or groggy.
During this time, it’s advised not to begin major life chapters in the areas that the planet represents, but it is a great period to reflect on how those planetary themes appear in your life. For Venus, that’s love, money, and aesthetics. Venus moves through each zodiac sign every 30 days or so, bringing a fun, fresh boost to our dating life and money management. But when it experiences a slowdown every year and a half, there is a notable shift in Venus energy, making it an ideal time for a review of Venus themes of money and love in your own life.
Retrogrades are never something to fear; rather, they are a gift from the Universe that invites us to reflect on what needs adjustment or attention in our lives.
This summer’s Venus retrograde, beginning July 22, is when you may find yourself getting nudges to take stock of your money values and your intimate connections, and consider whether your needs are being met, astrologer Tenae Stewart explains to DailyOM. Because of the focus Venus retrograde puts on these aspects of your life, the expert says that many people refer to Venus retrograde as the “breakup transit” (ouch). After all, an evaluation of your relationship could lead you to realize you aren’t getting what you need and deserve.
Don’t panic, though. Stewart says this is just one of the many ways Venus retrograde may impact your life, and you should consider it an opportunity rather than a time to panic.
Let’s take that a little deeper. How else might Venus retrograde be helpful? As astrologer Lauren Ash, who spoke with DailyOM for this story, explains, all retrogrades are famous for bringing up issues from the past (hence the infamous Mercury retrograde exes). So, Venus retrograde will bring up money or love issues, seemingly out of nowhere. Ash advises us to embrace that retrograde energy. “It’s actually an ideal time to revisit old conversations, deal with old emotions, and rethink your approach to what’s not working,” she explains.
Stewart agrees. “Retrogrades are never something to fear; rather, they are a gift from the Universe that invites us to reflect on what needs adjustment or attention in our lives.” And don’t worry — the planets never force us against our will. Yes, they’ll give us hints and nudges, but then it’s ultimately up to us if we choose to follow them.
Take the Course: Break the Grip of Past Lovers
Venus Retrograde 2023 Dates
Venus takes longer than Mercury to travel around the sun, which means that its retrograde period is both longer and less frequent than Mercury’s. According to astrologers, Venus retrograde happens once every 18 months, for about six weeks.
Here are some important dates to remember for this year’s Venus retrograde, provided by Ash:
- Venus enters Leo: June 5, 2023
- Venus retrograde in Leo: July 22 to September 3, 2023
- Venus goes direct in Leo: September 3, 2023
- Venus enters Virgo: October 8, 2023
The Meaning of Venus Retrograde in Leo This Summer
When a planet travels through a sign of the zodiac, as Venus does in Leo from July 22 through September 3, it takes on the essence of that sign. In a book analogy, the planet would represent the genre of the book (fiction, history, crime, horror) and the sign would be the method through which the story is told (humor, candor, romance, etc.).
Leo is the passionate romantic. This sign loves love and it’s also the sign of self-expression. So, it’s no surprise that this Venus retrograde will bring focus to how we express ourselves in partnerships. According to Stewart, this means Venus retrograde in Leo will ask us to reevaluate how authentic we’re being in our partnerships and if we feel we’re able to express ourselves freely.
This retrograde will affect people differently depending on their relationship status. Ash gives some advice on how to handle this transit based on where you are.
Happily single
When you’re loving your single life, this is the time to invest in self-love. That means reconnecting with yourself, engaging in old hobbies, exploring your creative side, or perhaps finding a spiritual practice that resonates with you.
Single and open to a love match
Don’t necessarily become attached during this time of flux, but instead, widen your dating pool, approach dating with curiosity, and don’t be afraid to express yourself fully.
Partnered
Since Leo is all about love, this retrograde provides a special opportunity to realign with your partner. “It gives some signs a chance to recommit to that special someone and start on a fresh, new page,” says Ash. “It’s also a great time to spice things up in your relationship and try something new to keep the spark alive.” Just be mindful to lead with compassion, the expert says, as Venus retrograde is likely to bring up old issues or wounds, too.
You may have noticed that this year’s Venus retrograde is happening during peak wedding season. Don’t panic if this applies to you, but Ash says that because Venus is associated with marriage and money opportunities, and retrogrades always bring obstacles, you should be prepared for last-minute expenses or a few mishaps on the day of the ceremony, like a sudden rainstorm or your uncle’s toast that goes on and on. (Hey, it wouldn’t be a wedding without a few snafus, right?) If you’re really concerned about it, Ash says you could always file your official paperwork pre- or post-retrograde so you can relax and enjoy the ceremony and party.
Interested in Learning More? Check out Be Ridiculously Happy in Your Relationship
Venus Retrograde 2023 Horoscopes for Every Sign
If you’re wondering how this Venus retrograde will affect you, our experts weigh in below. Ash advises reading your sun and rising signs for a more accurate picture.
Aries
Since this retrograde is affecting your house of creativity, love, and children, this may be a good time to consider how you approach dating if you’re currently single and open to meeting new potential partners. It may also be a time to explore your childhood in a new light. “You may be reevaluating the perspective you had on relationships when you were a child,” says Stewart.
Taurus
According to Ash, this retrograde will affect your house of home and family, asking you to reevaluate your familial relationships. Additionally, since Venus is all about beautiful presentation, you might consider giving your home a face-lift or exploring a few simple redecorating ideas.
Gemini
Since Venus is hitting your house of communication and nerves, it’s an important time for you to really share your feelings. Venus retrograde is about relationships, right? “You may have some important conversations come up in your relationships about feeling free to speak and express your authentic truth,” Stewart says.
Cancer
With this transit occurring in your house of finances and body, it’s likely that you’ll need to reevaluate your relationship to money. This includes straightening out your money priorities, studying your relationship between money and happiness, and more.
You might also want to reflect on your relationship with your body: Do you love your body? Do you own your body? Are you confident in sharing your body with a consenting partner? Ask yourself these questions and identify any areas that need to be discussed with a partner — particularly around sex. “You may be reevaluating how you need to speak up in bed and ask for the pleasure you desire,” says Stewart.
Leo
Venus retrograde will highlight your house of identity and ego. This includes topics such as personality, looks, authenticity, and self-image, according to Ash. Not only will you be thinking about what you value in relationships, but you might also want to consider which parts of your “look” are working for you, and which parts aren’t.
Virgo
Activating your house of dreams, subconscious, and hidden desires, this retrograde is bound to make relationships a little more confusing for you. You’re likely going to feel as though you have even less clarity around your partnership right now. Have no fear, Stewart assures. “Clarity will come after the retrograde. Trust your intuition in the meantime,” she advises.
Libra
With this retrograde highlighting your house of social circles and community, Ash says you might be identifying ways you conform to certain people or groups, such as people-pleasing, showing up unauthentically, or hiding parts of yourself to fit in. It’s a great time to remind yourself of who you are today, and how to express the real you with more intention to the friends and loved ones who truly matter the most to you.
Scorpio
With the retrograde hitting your house of career and legacy, you’re reevaluating your efforts at work. Have you been overworking? Is it time to ask for a raise? Right now is a time to reflect on the answers, encouraging you to finally express your demands after the retrograde is over. “Time to ask for a raise or promotion!” encourages Stewart.
Sagittarius
“This transit will activate your house of inspiration and new journeys,” says Ash. Now is a great time to consider how certain relationships — romantic or otherwise — might make you feel trapped. If you find yourself tiptoeing around a certain person, you might want to let them go during this retrograde.
Capricorn
This retrograde is traveling through your house of contracts and psychology. It’s priming you for a deep dive into the ways in which you experience toxicity in love and money. For example, maybe you are still clinging to a destructive ex. Ask yourself: Which bonds are more unhealthy for me to keep around? It may be just the right time to do some deep shadow work in order to be your “most creative, bold, magnetic self,” says Stewart.
Aquarius
Hitting your house of relationships and marriage, this Venus retrograde couldn’t be more about partnership for you! It’s encouraging you to understand your relationships on a deeper level. “Be gentle with yourself and those you are in connection with, but try to see things as they really are, too,” Stewart advises.
Pisces
This retrograde is traveling through your house of wellness and health. It’s a great opportunity to think about how you receive compliments, money, or words of affection in your day-to-day life, according to Stewart. Do you welcome them with open arms? Or is there room for improvement? Consider ways to receive the gratitude and appreciation people show you.
