Anyone with even a passing interest in astrology has heard of Mercury in retrograde, but it’s far from the only retrograde worth paying attention to.
Venus goes retrograde roughly every 19 months, which makes it one of the rarer ones, and the 2026 edition is happening right now.
Venus stationed retrograde on Oct. 3 and stays that way until Nov. 13, and this one comes with a twist: Mercury goes retrograde in the middle of it, so from Oct. 24 to Nov. 13 both planets are moving backward at the same time.
If you believe in astrology, it’s a big one for love, friendships, money and self-worth. Here’s what to know, including the dates and how to get through it.
Venus in Retrograde 2026: The Key Dates
Venus’s retrograde cycle starts well before the retrograde itself and runs a while after it ends, so you may feel it outside the main window. Here’s the full timeline (all dates in 2026, Eastern time):
- Aug. 31: Venus enters its retrograde shadow period at 22° Libra
- Oct. 3: Venus stations retrograde at 8° Scorpio
- Oct. 23: Venus meets the Sun in Scorpio, the midpoint of the retrograde
- Oct. 24: Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio
- Oct. 25: Venus moves backward into Libra
- Nov. 13: Venus stations direct at 22° Libra, and Mercury turns direct the same day
- Dec. 15: Venus leaves its shadow period
The last time Venus went retrograde in Scorpio and Libra was in October 2018, and these cycles tend to repeat about every eight years.
What Venus in Retrograde Means
When a planet is in retrograde, it appears to move backward across the sky. It isn’t actually reversing. It’s an optical illusion caused by the way the planets move at different speeds in their orbits, but astrologers believe the effects are real.
In astrology, Venus is the planet of love, relationships, money, beauty and pleasure. When it’s retrograde, the energy typically turns inward. Retrogrades are generally seen as a time to slow down and reassess, and Venus retrograde in particular is thought to dredge up unresolved relationship issues, old flames, money worries and questions about your self-worth.
Many astrologers recommend putting off big decisions about love, money and your look until the retrograde is over.
(via Shutterstock)
Also read about: What It Means When Each Planet Goes Into Retrograde
Why Scorpio and Libra Make This Retrograde Different
Venus rules Libra, so when it reverses back into the sign of partnership and harmony on Oct. 25, it’s in familiar territory. But it starts the retrograde in Scorpio, the sign of intensity, secrets and deep emotional bonds.
That combination puts the focus on how you handle closeness: what you really want from the people in your life, where you’ve been holding back and whether the balance in a relationship is fair.
Expect big feelings to surface, especially around Oct. 23 and 24, when the Sun enters Scorpio, Venus meets the Sun and Mercury turns retrograde within about a day of each other. Mercury rules communication, so texts, plans and conversations are more likely to be misread or delayed. Astrologers advise double-checking messages before you hit send, especially with someone you’re dating or a friend you’re having a hard time with.
How to Get Through Venus in Retrograde
The shifts during a retrograde can go either way depending on how you approach them. A few ideas for making the most of it:
- Focus on self-love and self-care. Venus is about what you value, so use this time to figure out what matters to you in relationships and in life.
- Slow down on new romance. Astrologers often suggest waiting until after Nov. 13 to define a new relationship or start a big new chapter with someone.
- Revisit your budget. Venus also rules money, so it’s a better time to review your spending than to make a big purchase or splurge.
- Hold off on big makeovers. If you’ve been thinking about a dramatic new haircut or color, it may be smart to wait a few weeks.
- Be mindful of your words. With Mercury retrograde too, take a beat to listen and clarify before you react.
- Let old flames stay in the past. Exes often resurface during Venus retrograde. Reaching out is up to you, but think about whether it’s what you really want.
(via Shutterstock)
Also read about: The Biggest Myth About Each Zodiac Sign
How Venus in Retrograde Impacts the Signs
Every sign feels Venus retrograde to some degree, but a few are in the spotlight this time:
- Libra: Venus is your ruling planet, and it’s turning direct in your sign on Nov. 13, so this retrograde can feel especially personal. Take time to reflect on your relationships and what you need from them.
- Scorpio: With the retrograde beginning in your sign, you may feel emotions and old memories rising to the surface. Be patient with yourself and avoid making snap decisions about love.
- Taurus: Venus also rules you, so expect questions about relationships, money and what makes you feel secure.
- Leo and Aquarius: As fellow fixed signs, you may notice stubborn patterns in love and friendship that are worth rethinking.
The good news is that once Venus turns direct on Nov. 13, things should start to feel lighter, and by early December it moves back into Scorpio just in time for the holiday party season. Retrogrades are less about everything going wrong and more about slowing down, looking back and getting clear on what you want.
For more on astrology, click HERE to find out if your zodiac sign is destined for love this fall.
