With Friendsgiving, cozy movie nights and matching scarves: fall was practically inventing for time with friends.
But the stars have dropped a big twist for this season. Venus has been retrograde since Oct. 3, and Mercury joins it on Oct. 24, so this autumn will be all about taking a good, honest look at your friendships before the holidays roll in.
Here’s your guide to when to reach out, when to give someone some grace and when it’s okay to step back.
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Also read about: Everything You Need to Know About Fall 2026’s Mercury in Retrograde
Venus Retrograde Is Underway: Old Friends Resurface (Now–Nov. 13)
Venus stays retrograde until Nov. 13, and when it comes to friendships, it’s all about honest reflection. Expect old friends to pop back up, and for a few unresolved conflicts to join them. Rather than rushing to find a new friend group, text the person you’ve lost touch with or finally have that overdue conversation with a friend or loved one.
Venus slips back into Libra on Oct. 25, which can bring up resentments you’ve buried to keep the peace. It’s better to have the awkward conversation now than let it follow you to the holiday table.
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Libra Zodiac Sign
Scorpio Season and Mercury Retrograde Test Your Patience (Oct. 23–Nov. 13)
Scorpio season kicks off on Oct. 23, and with it come big questions about trust and loyalty.
The very next day, Mercury stations retrograde, which means crossed wires, missed texts, and plans that fall through. We suggest rereading your messages before you hit send, confirming the time and place twice and giving people the benefit of the doubt. We find that miscommunication is way a more likely explanation than malice.
Also on Oct. 23, Venus meets the Sun, giving you a brief window of clarity about which friendships actually feel mutual. Pay attention to who shows up in your life.
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Also read about: What Your Scorpio Decan Says About Your Personality
Sagittarius Season Brings the Fun Back (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)
Once Venus and Mercury turn direct around Nov. 13, plans finally start working again.
Sagittarius season begins on Nov. 22, just in time for Friendsgiving, and it brings adventurous, social and generous energy. Say yes to any invites, try a new group activity or meet your friends’ friends to expand your social potential.
Mars moves into Virgo on Nov. 25, which can make you extra critical of the little things, so try not to dissect the group chat too much. Venus re-enters Scorpio on Dec. 4 and leaves its shadow on Dec. 15, so one last round of intensity could pop up before the holidays.
By the winter solstice on Dec. 21, you’ll know exactly who belongs in your circle going into the new year.
Signs to Watch
Libra and Scorpio will feel the retrograde most in their friendships, so be patient with them (and with yourselves). Sagittarius is the life of the party starting Nov. 22. Leo, Aries and Gemini will get plenty of invites, but they may need to protect their energy once the calendar fills up.
So don’t panic if your social life feels a little off this October. The friendships that survive the retrograde tend to come out stronger, and the ones that don’t often make room for better ones.
Want to put astrology to work for you? Check out our guide to following the lunar cycle for your mindfulness rituals.
