Venus Retrograde is an astrological transit that can indicate periods of romantic attraction, the beginnings and endings of friendships, and opportunities for self-reflection and growth.

Associated with love, relationships, and connection, Venus Retrograde pushes you to look inward at the things that drive you and the things you love.

What Is Venus Retrograde?

A retrograde is when a planet appears to be moving backward, retracing its orbit through the zodiac signs. Though the visual effect is an optical illusion caused by the position of Earth relative to the orbiting body, in astrology, each retrograde is thought to have potent effects.

As Venus is the planet of love and relationships, it’s easy to imagine that Venus Retrograde might spell trouble for these areas — but it isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

While it may bring issues to the surface, that isn’t always the case. During Venus Retrograde, much of this outward, external, and connective energy is instead turned inward. It’s a time for self-love, self-reflection, and reevaluating what’s important to you when it comes to each of your relationships.

What Is the Significance of Venus Retrograde?

Named after the Roman goddess of love, Venus’ influence affects every type and aspect of a relationship, whether romantically or platonically. Familial and self-love are also affected!

Compatible Venus signs — ones that complement each other elementally or harmonically — as well as matching Venus placements, can make for long-lasting connections and relationships. Your personal Venus placement may also indicate your taste in partners, how you like to date, and your sexual interests.

Outside of romance, Venus can influence how you connect to others platonically. For example, someone with a Capricorn or Virgo Venus placement may value hard work and commitment to one person over time, while someone with a Gemini or Libra placement may be drawn to multiple people, affecting how you form networks of friends and even coworkers.

Venus Retrograde is a time for emotional healing and reflection, for finally saying goodbye to old lovers, and for letting go of the things that no longer serve you. Because of the instability of its usual effects, Venus Retrograde is not always the best time to start something new, and in existing relationships, it could potentially resurface old issues you thought were resolved.

Related: Significance of Uranus Retrograde

How Often Does Venus Go Retrograde?

Venus goes into retrograde roughly every one-and-a-half years, for about six weeks at a time. The last Venus Retrograde was between the end of July and early September of 2023, so you may be able to reflect back on what life was like during that time with regard to relationships and love.

When Is the Next Venus Retrograde?

Venus Retrograde 2025 will occur from March 1, 2025, to April 12, 2025. Venus will enter the pre-retrograde shadow while in Pisces and will begin its journey into fiery Aries before retrograding right back into wise Pisces. After it stations direct, it fully leaves the post-retrograde shadow and moves forward into Aries once more, beginning a new cycle on May 16, 2025.

During this time, Mercury also retrogrades, beginning on March 14, lasting through the Spring Solstice on March 20 and concluding on April 7.

Related: Mercury Retrograde Shadow Period

The Effects of Venus Retrograde

Venus Retrograde’s full effects will also depend on what sign it’s retrograding through, as well as your own natal placements. You may feel Venus Retrograde more powerfully if it is happening in a sign where you have several placements, or if it is in the same sign as it was when you were born.

For instance, take Venus Retrograde in Pisces. Venus in Pisces is compassionate, understanding, and hopeful. Pisces is also the oldest sign of the zodiac and it carries with it great wisdom and empathy, but also a willingness to self-sacrifice. So during Venus Retrograde in Pisces, you may find yourself having dreams about old lovers or new crushes, and imagining the world you want to create and inhabit. This can be the perfect time for things like creating vision boards and manifesting.

Meanwhile, Venus Retrograde in the competitive fire sign Aries is all about passion and creativity. If you’re in a relationship, you may find yourself looking to spice things up, try new things in and out of the bedroom, and reignite the spark you felt early on. If you’re single, Venus Retrograde in Aries will make the space for you to “date yourself.” For everyone, it’s a chance to reconnect with your passions, hobbies, and creative endeavors.

To gain a personalized understanding of how Venus may affect you and your relationships, speak to an expert Astrology or Love Psychic.

How To Use Venus Retrograde

Venus Retrograde invites introspection and manifestation, so create vision boards, journal, and keep track of your dreams. If you find yourself called back to past pursuits you’ve forgotten about, give them a revamp and try re-exploring them.

If you’re worried about being in a slump romantically or creatively, it’s a good time to look inward and ask yourself what you really want. Make a list of things you want to explore. Planning, laying the groundwork, and getting in touch with yourself will make it all the easier when Venus stations direct. You can bring what you’ve discovered back into play!

Astrology plays an important role in your day-to-day life. The planets are responsible for your moods, experiences and more, which is why you should get a Psychic Astrology Reading. Our Astrology Psychics can calculate your natal chart and tell you about the important dates in your life (past, present, and future) that will massively impact you. Learn more about our psychics from real testimonials and read through our Astrology & Numerology Blog. Want to read more about your personal birth chart first? Get a free birth chart report today! Find an Astrology Psychic or learn more about Astrology Readings.

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