So, What Exactly Is Venus Retrograde?

You’ve heard of Mercury retrograde (a lot, probably). But how much do you know about Venus retrograde? Here’s a quick primer on what it means when this heavenly body changes course in the sky.

Venus is the planet of love, beauty, pleasure, and harmony. This planet has two ways of being. It either gives a loving glow or tips you into overindulgence. In your birth chart, Venus reveals your idealized, imagined view of love. You see its impact in your finances, what others find magnetic about you, and the things that mean the most to you.

Sometimes retrogrades are described as a planet moving backward in the sky, but that’s just how it looks to us here on Earth. Due to the different orbits of the planets, Venus can pass by or fall behind Earth, seeming to move slower or faster in the process. Retrogrades come in cycles, back and forth. Every planet goes retrograde sometime and triggers a period of review and recalibration for the things in our life that it influences.

Venus retrograde is a time to reevaluate our values and our approach to romance. During Venus retrograde, we take a hard look at what we really want and why we want it. What are the reasons behind your desires? How can you take those things into consideration?

This period can bring old lovers back into our world, either physically or via strong flashbacks. You might find yourself revisiting favorite songs or books about love and, yes, even old texts. Let these help you tune into your evolving desires. What have you outgrown?

The first 20 days of Venus’ retrograde is the best time to process the past and banish stagnant dynamics. Then, after the retrograde ends, Venus will take a while to get itself back to its normal speed. Be patient with yourself at this time as you process what you learned!

Our astrologers can help you navigate this transit and understand its impact on your unique birth chart. Sanctuary astrologers are available for in-app readings today!