Unlike the duplicitous Mercury, Venus, the planet of love, beauty and desire, tends to traverse the zodiac with relative inconspicuousness. But when Venus enters retrograde, as it does every 18 to 19 months, the planet of pleasure can turn up the heat, sending our romantic lives straight into the frying pan.
Venus will begin its moonwalk tomorrow, October 3, and the cosmic commotion could upend everything from current relationships to the exes we thought had been banished to the ether.
So, whether you’re happily coupled up, newly single or somewhere in the murky middle of a situationship, no one is safe. Kidding, but theatrics aside, do prepare for a little upheaval, and don’t be surprised if your romantic life starts feeling less predictable than usual. As Venus retraces her steps through Scorpio and Libra, themes of intimacy, trust, attraction, balance and power are set to take centre stage.
It could be an illuminating, if occasionally uncomfortable, opportunity to reassess what (and who) you truly want.
So, what exactly does Venus retrograde have in store? Ahead, everything you need to know about this cosmic window and how to make the most of it.
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When Does Venus Go Into Retrograde In 2026?
Venus retrograde begins on October 3 and ends on November 13, with its post-retrograde shadow lingering until December 15 (the pre-shadow began on August 31).
These shadow periods bookend the retrograde, marking the time when Venus slows down before reversing course and then gradually picks up speed afterwards.
What Should I Do During Venus Retrograde?
It’s more about what you shouldn’t do, honestly. Namely, don’t rush into anything. Although this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to put your love life on ice. Instead, treat this as a period for letting things unfold in their own time, without forcing them into neat little boxes.
Take stock of your relationships and ask yourself what feels nourishing, what feels out of balance and what you may have been overlooking, or even consciously avoiding. And if an ex from your past comes sashaying back into your life, repeat after me: do not go back there. Kidding! They could, of course, be perfect for you this time around.
But resist the temptation to immediately romanticise the reunion. The allure of an old flame can be powerful, and nostalgia has a curious way of gilding the past, making us remember the chemistry while conveniently forgetting the glaring reasons it ended. Instead, ask yourself why this person, or this particular feeling, has resurfaced and what has genuinely changed.
New romances can also be thrilling, but allow them room to breathe before rushing towards labels, declarations or long-term decisions. Give chemistry time to reveal whether it has substance beneath the sparkle, and pay attention to recurring patterns around trust, intimacy, boundaries, jealousy and power.
Also keep in mind that Venus isn’t solely concerned with romance. Use this period to reconnect with pleasure, creativity, beauty and the things that make you feel most like yourself.
When Was The Last Venus Retrograde?
The last Venus retrograde took place from March 1 to April 12, 2025, moving backward through the signs of Aries and Pisces.
