Venus Is In Retrograde – But What Does That Mean For Your Star Sign?

You’ve no doubt seen the term Mercury retrograde flying about on social media, a time often associated with misfires, misunderstandings, glitches and general chaos. But Mercury isn’t the only planet which goes into retrograde: all of them do so (minus the sun and the moon). And while Mercury retrograde is often believed to have the most significant impact, astrologers believe Venus (AKA the planet of love) being in retrograde can be powerful too – particularly when it comes to romantic relationships. 

But before we delve into that, what does a planetary retrograde actually mean? Well, when a planet is in retrograde, it appears to move backwards in the sky from Earth’s point of view – though this is an optical illusion caused by the different speeds and positions of planets as they orbit the sun. 

Astrologically, these backwards movements are viewed as disruptors, and often associated with shifts in energy – though not always in a negative way. ‘In astrology, Venus represents relationships, money, pleasure, and personal values, so this period is traditionally associated with reconsidering those parts of life,’ says Tetiana Tsvil, an astrologer and spiritual advisor at Nebula. ‘Does a relationship still feel balanced? Do your spending choices reflect what matters to you? Do you still enjoy the things you once wanted? Think of this Venus retrograde period as an opportunity to look again before continuing out of habit.’

Looking for a more general October horoscope? Find that here.

When Is Venus In Retrograde In 2026?

Venus goes into retrograde approximately every 18 months for 40 days and 40 nights. This year, the Venus retrograde takes place from 3 October until 13 November 2026. There’s no Venus retrograde in 2027 – after this one, the next will happen from 18 May until 22 June 2028. If you want to reflect on how the last one affected you, it took place from 1 March until 12 April 2025.

Who Will Be Most Impacted By Venus Retrograde?

‘This retrograde begins in Scorpio before returning to Libra,’ Tsvil explains. ‘In astrological terms, Scorpio brings questions of trust, intimacy, and shared money into focus, while Libra draws attention to partnership, fairness, and give-and-take.’ She notes that those with Scorpio or Libra star signs may find these themes particularly relevant, adding, ‘Taurus may also connect with them, since Venus rules both Taurus and Libra.’

What Should You Do And Not Do During Venus Retrograde?

Take this time to think about your relationships, and the things that really bring you joy and pleasure, says Tsvil. ‘The idea isn’t to stop making decisions, but to notice what deserves another look before you move forward.’

She recommends:

• Relationships: Return to a conversation you left unresolved, clarify an old agreement, or reflect on whether the give-and-take feels fair. Reconnecting with someone from your past is an option, not an obligation.
• Money: Review your budget, outstanding payments, and shared expenses. Consider whether earlier financial choices still fit your priorities.
• Work and creativity: Pick up a project you set aside, refine existing work, or finish something you still care about.

It’s also important to give decisions room to settle: before committing to a new relationship, a major purchase or a dramatic change, ask yourself: ‘Do I genuinely want this, or am I reacting to how I feel today?’ Tsvil notes that this doesn’t necessarily mean ‘avoiding a new romance, postponing a necessary separation, or putting every opportunity on hold’, but ‘taking enough time to understand your reasons and consider the practical consequences.’

And ultimately, don’t be overly reliant on astrological timing. ‘For medical, legal, or significant financial decisions, rely on your circumstances and qualified professional advice.’

What Does Venus Retrograde Mean For Each Star Sign?

‘This retrograde has two phases: Venus moves through Scorpio from October 3 to 25, then returns to Libra from October 25 to November 14,’ Tsvil explains. Here are themes it could bring up for each star sign.

Aries (21 March-19 April)

At the beginning of the retrograde, partnerships, relationships, marriage, and collaboration may call for more attention. Old agreements or unresolved matters with partners or clients may come back into focus.

Toward the end of the period, the emphasis turns to shared resources, other people’s finances, intimacy, and emotional concerns. This can be a useful time to review financial obligations, work through lingering difficulties, and bring unfinished matters to a close.

Taurus (20 April-20 May)

Early on, work, daily routines, and habits may call for a closer look. Old work-related issues or unfinished tasks may return, offering a chance to see what could make everyday life feel more manageable.

In the second half of the retrograde, the emphasis turns to partnerships and relationships. Agreements with clients, collaborators, or long-term partners may come up for reconsideration.

Gemini (21 May-20 June)

At the beginning of this period, love, creativity, children, hobbies, and self-expression may feel more relevant. Past romances, unfinished creative projects, or activities that once brought you joy may come back into view.

As the retrograde nears its end, the emphasis turns to work, health, habits, and daily routines. This can be a useful moment to review your routine and give unfinished tasks some attention.

Cancer (21 June-22 July)

At first, home, family, and your living situation may call for more attention. Unresolved family matters, household tasks, or earlier housing decisions may come back into focus, inviting reflection on what helps you feel settled and supported.

In the second half of the retrograde, the emphasis turns to creativity, love, children, and self-expression. Old creative ideas, romantic questions, or activities you put on hold may feel worth returning to.

Leo (21 July-22 August)

Early in the retrograde, communication, learning, paperwork, and short trips may involve delays or unfinished matters. There may be an opportunity to revisit correspondence, clarify agreements, or complete something you previously started learning.

Toward the end of the period, the emphasis returns to home and family. Family ties, everyday life at home, and your sense of emotional security may call for more care and attention.

Virgo (23 August-22 September)

At first, finances, income, property, and material resources may come into focus. Old financial questions, unfinished purchases, debts, or matters related to earning from your skills may return. This can be a useful time to review your budget and what matters most to you financially.

As the retrograde nears its end, the emphasis turns to communication, learning, paperwork, and short trips. Unfinished conversations or practical matters may also come back into view.

Libra (23 September-22 October)

As Venus is Libra’s ruling planet, this retrograde may feel especially personal. Initially, the emphasis is on your appearance, personal style, and how you express yourself. You may find yourself reconsidering what feels authentic to you now.

Later, finances, income, possessions, and self-worth come into focus. This can be a useful time to review your budget, sources of income, and how you recognize the value of your own skills.

Scorpio (23 October-21 November)

With Venus beginning its retrograde in Scorpio, this period may feel particularly noticeable. At first, private feelings, past experiences, and time alone may call for more attention. Unresolved concerns may return, giving you space to reflect and process them at your own pace.

Toward the end of the period, the emphasis turns to your appearance, body, personal style, and self-expression. You may feel drawn to reconsider how you want to present yourself to the world.

Sagittarius (22 November-21 December)

At first, friendships, communities, and team projects may come back into focus. Earlier plans, agreements with friends, or shared goals may invite another look. Some connections may feel different as your priorities evolve.

In the second half of the retrograde, the emphasis turns inward. Time alone and personal reflection may offer space to process past experiences and understand feelings that have stayed in the background.

Capricorn (22 December-19 January)

Early in the retrograde, career matters, reputation, and long-term goals may involve delays or unfinished business. This can be an opportunity to revisit professional decisions, return to old projects, and reflect on how you want to be seen in your work.

Toward the end of the period, the emphasis turns to friends, communities, and team projects. Old acquaintances or shared plans for the future may come back into view.

Aquarius (20 January-18 February)

At first, learning, travel, beliefs, and your wider outlook may call for more attention. Earlier study plans or unfinished courses may return, inviting you to reconsider how you see the future.

Toward the end of the retrograde, the emphasis returns to career and public image. Professional goals, past work decisions, and your long-term direction may feel worth another look.

Pisces (19 February-20 March)

Early in the retrograde, shared resources, other people’s finances, intimacy, and emotional concerns may come into focus. Old financial obligations or unresolved difficulties may return, offering a chance to understand what still feels unfinished.

Toward the end of the period, the emphasis turns to learning, travel, and your wider outlook. Earlier study plans, postponed trips, or questions about your beliefs may come back into view.