Venus Retrograde 2026

Venus - the planet of love, money and personal values – goes retrograde on October 3, 2026, at 8° Scorpio. It will turn direct again on November 13, at 22° Libra.

Venus goes Retrograde roughly every 18 months, and it always brings an opportunity! It's your time to explore:

• How you feel about your key relationships
• How you view your relationship with money
• What your core values and beliefs are at this point in your life. 

Venus last retrograded through the same signs and nearly the same degrees in October–November 2018. Think back to what was happening in your life back then.  Events won’t repeat exactly, but similar themes may resurface in the same areas of your chart.

Scorpio and Libra have very different energy, and this retrograde straddles both sides. 

Venus in Scorpio:

Venus in Scorpio is raw, intense, and soul-deep.  It forces us to confront the truth about intimacy, dependence and desire.  Scorpio Venus feels deeply, and can become deeply possessive of her partner.  She is also not afraid to engage in power games, and to weaponize her sexuality - and when she is retrograde, these themes can be highlighted.

Venus in Libra:

Venus in Libra, on the other hand, craves connection, beauty, and equality.  Her shadow side is a tendency to rely too much on validation from others. 

A lesser-known truth about Venus in Libra is that she just doesn't like to be alone!  When things get rocky in a relationship, she doesn't just leave to start her new life.  She leaves to fall into the waiting arms of someone else - Venus in Libra tends to prepare an escape route when things start getting challenging.  

Under the retrograde energy, the cracks in our relationships are revealed. Imbalances in love and money can no longer be ignored - nor can the disconnect between what we say we value and what we do.

So this retrograde is encouraging you to consider: 

• Where am I craving deeper intimacy but holding back what I really feel?
• Is there a place where fear of losing someone has turned into possessiveness or jealousy? 
  
• What do I find difficult to trust someone else with, emotionally or financially?
• Am I being honest with myself about what I desire, or judging myself for wanting it?
• Where does dependence feel supportive, and where does it leave me feeling powerless?

Love and Relationships

OK, I won't lie to you - every time Venus goes retrograde, I do many readings for relationships that hit a rough patch, especially when one partner feels undervalued or underappreciated.  

The truth is, Venus Retrograde doesn’t create relationship problems out of thin air. It reveals the pressure points that are already there. Luckily, we’re not helpless pawns in this cosmic game!

If you're hitched, Venus Retrograde is a chance to ask what you need from love, and whether your current relationships have room for it.  Don't let issues fester. 

If an old flame is on your mind,  Venus Retrograde may be quite helpful!  If you've been thinking of reconnecting, reach out to your ex between October 4-8, when retrograde Venus conjuncts the planet of communication, Mercury. 

And if you know the relationship was not good for you, but still can't put the person out of your mind, it's a great time to work on healing.

And now for a couple of quick cautions: 

Traditional astrology will tell you that Venus Retrograde is NOT a good time to start a new relationship, propose or get married. It doesn’t mean your relationship or marriage will be doomed; but there is a high chance that it will go through a number of challenges.

If as a couple you rise to the occasion, your relationship very well may get stronger. But, too much strife can end a relationship, and that’s why astrologers say it’s better to wait out Venus Retrograde.

The only exception to this rule is if you are remarrying your ex-spouse or renewing your vows - that's actually a great thing to do during Venus Retrograde! 

It's Not All About Love Relationships Though

During the last Venus Retrograde, a client of mine had Venus moving through her 11th House of Friendships.  "Why have I been thinking so much about my old friends, wondering if we might get in touch again?", she asked.   Unresolved issues around old friendships were coming back into focus for her.  

"I'm so worried about some of the friendships that didn't end as well as I had hoped.  Should I write them an apology letter?", she asked. 

YES!!!  Venus Retrograde can be an amazing time to heal old rifts and mend bridges.

And it isn’t just about romance or old friends.

• Venus Retrograde in your 3rd House might bring a sibling to mind
  
  
• Venus Retrograde in the 4th House highlights your parents. Call your Mom much these days? Ah yes, I hear you… sometimes you want to throw your cell against the wall. But if you want to reconnect, this could be your opening.
• Venus Retrograde in the 6th House can remind you about that former co-worker who supported you through a difficult stretch. Coffee, anyone?

Finances

Venus Retrograde is also a great time to review and re-evaluate your finances. Are you too impulsive and too fast with your credit card?  Do those AI-enhanced, glamorous images you see in ads seduce you into buying things you don't need? Do you spend more than you can afford on your loved ones?  Venus Retrograde can bring these issues to your attention. 

If a major purchase, luxury item, or new investment can wait, give yourself time to review it. You might discover that your priorities have shifted, or that the thing you wanted isn’t quite right after all. 

On the other hand, if you’re a skilled bargain-shopper, this can be a great time for finding items at low prices.

If Scorpio or Libra is on the cusp of your 2nd or 8th House, finances can be highlighted for you during this Venus Retrograde. 

Beautification and Cosmetic Procedures

Because Venus rules beauty and aesthetics, Venus Retrograde is a less than ideal time for cosmetic surgery, new cosmetic enhancements, such as fillers or veneers, drastic makeovers, purchasing a brand-new wardrobe and the like. The results may not be as you expect. 

NEW is the key word.  If you've been getting your botox injections for years, for example, and plan to continue during this Venus Retrograde, you have nothing to worry about!

It's a great time though for revision surgeries (cosmetic).

Special Notes

1 - Venus and Mercury Retrograde Overlap

This year, Venus Retrograde (Oct. 3 -Nov. 13) overlaps with Mercury Retrograde (Oct. 24 - Nov. 13).  The retrogrades share a sign - Scorpio.  A lot of misunderstandings related to relationships and money can happen when Venus Rx and Mercury Rx overlap.  Take some time to clarify the other person's intent; don't assume and don't jump to conclusions.

2 - Extended Venus-Pluto Square   

During this retrograde, Venus is locked in an on-again, off-again square with Pluto. 

First of all, this is particularly unsettling for financial matters.  The week when the square is exact (see below) can bring financial reversals and volatility in the stock market.

And secondly, if you're experiencing power struggles in your relationship, they can flare up big time. 

The Venus-Pluto square peaks three times:

1.  Sept. 15  - Venus is direct
2. Oct. 20 - Venus is retrograde
3. Dec. 9 - Venus is direct.

Venus Retrograde may bring a few uncomfortable truths to the surface, but it also gives you a chance to be more honest about what you want, what you value, and what you’re ready to change.