Venus Retrograde
When the planet of love, relationships, money and beauty appears to move backwards — dates and meaning, calculated from real ephemeris.
Venus retrograde dates
The next Venus retrograde begins October 3, 2026 in Scorpio.
What is Venus retrograde?
Venus retrograde, which happens about every 18 months for roughly six weeks, turns the planet of love and values inward. It's classically a time when relationship questions resurface, exes reappear, and you reassess what — and who — you truly value.
What to do during Venus retrograde
Avoid major relationship leaps, big beauty changes or large purchases. Instead, reflect on your relationships and finances, reconnect with what matters, and hold off on big romantic or money decisions until Venus turns direct.
See where Venus sits in your own chart with a free birth chart, or track all current transits.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Venus retrograde?
Venus is next retrograde October 3, 2026 – November 13, 2026 (in Scorpio), and May 11, 2028 – June 22, 2028 (in Gemini). These dates are calculated directly from astronomical ephemeris.
What does Venus retrograde mean?
Venus retrograde, which happens about every 18 months for roughly six weeks, turns the planet of love and values inward. It's classically a time when relationship questions resurface, exes reappear, and you reassess what — and who — you truly value.
What should you do during Venus retrograde?
Avoid major relationship leaps, big beauty changes or large purchases. Instead, reflect on your relationships and finances, reconnect with what matters, and hold off on big romantic or money decisions until Venus turns direct.
Is Venus retrograde real?
The apparent backward motion is a real, predictable optical effect caused by Earth's and Venus's relative orbits — Venus doesn't actually reverse. The astrological meaning is a matter of belief, not science.