Venus Retrograde 2026
The rarest retrograde of the year - 41 days to re-examine who and what you truly value.
Venus turns retrograde only once every 18 months, making it one of the rarest and most meaningful planetary retrogrades. In 2026, she retraces her steps through the intense waters of Scorpio and the balanced beauty of Libra.
What It Means
Venus retrograde is the universe's invitation to re-examine everything we value - our relationships, our finances, our sense of beauty, and our self-worth. While Mercury retrograde happens three times a year, Venus retrogrades only once every 18 months, giving this transit a special weight and significance.
In 2026, Venus stations retrograde on October 3 in Scorpio at 8°29' and doesn't turn direct until November 14 in Libra at 22°51'. This is a 41-day journey through two very different but deeply complementary signs. The retrograde begins in the passionate, possessive depths of Scorpio and completes in the harmonious, partnership-oriented sign of Libra.
The Scorpio phase (October 3-25) strips away pretenses in relationships. It asks the uncomfortable questions: Is this love or attachment? Am I staying out of genuine connection or fear of being alone? What am I really worth? This phase can trigger jealousy, possessiveness, and power struggles - but it can also catalyze incredible emotional intimacy for those willing to be vulnerable.
When Venus retrogrades back into Libra (October 25 - November 14), the energy shifts toward rebalancing. Partnerships can find new equilibrium. Contracts and agreements may need renegotiation to become truly fair. The aesthetics of your life - your wardrobe, your home, your creative expression - may feel due for a refresh.
Ex-lovers famously appear during Venus retrograde. Before you rush back into old arms, remember: the universe is showing you what was, not necessarily what should be. Take the lessons, honor the memories, but choose your future with open eyes.
Venus Retrograde in Scorpio & Libra
From Passion's Depths to Partnership's Balance
This Venus retrograde is a two-act drama. The first act, in Scorpio (October 3-25), is raw, intense, and deeply transformative. Scorpio doesn't do surface-level - and neither will your relationships during this phase. Expect buried emotions to surface, power dynamics to shift, and the truth about your deepest desires to become impossible to ignore.
The second act, in Libra (October 25 - November 14), is about integration and restoration. Libra seeks harmony, and after Scorpio's emotional excavation, this phase allows you to rebuild relationships on a more honest, balanced foundation. Contracts and partnerships that need renegotiation can find fair resolution here.
How to Navigate It
Practical advice for the Venus retrograde periods in 2026.
Don't Start New Relationships
Venus retrograde is about reviewing, not initiating. New romances begun now may not survive once Venus goes direct. Give new connections time to reveal their true nature.
Avoid Major Purchases
Your sense of value is distorted during this transit. That designer bag or expensive artwork may feel irresistible now, only to sit untouched in a month. Wait for Venus direct to make big buying decisions.
Revisit Your Finances
This is the perfect time to review your budget, renegotiate rates, and reassess investments. What felt like a good deal six months ago may need adjustment.
Practice Radical Self-Worth
Venus retrograde often surfaces feelings of unworthiness. Counter this by actively choosing self-care, setting boundaries, and reminding yourself of your inherent value.
Let Beauty Transform You
Instead of a dramatic makeover, use this time to reconnect with what makes you feel genuinely beautiful. Revisit old style favorites, reorganize your wardrobe, or explore what beauty means to you beyond the surface.
Station Dates
Exact moments Venus changes direction in 2026.
Venus Stations Retrograde
When Venus goes retrograde, we can revisit old relationships and contracts, old loves might turn up for closure, people we have not seen for a while might come back to connect affectionately with us. A throwback to good old times! At the same time there is always a degree of revi...
Venus Stations Retrograde
After the intense Retrograde phase of Venus in Scorpio, now it goes back to Libra, where Venus continues its retrograde motion! It is much easier remaining retrograde, since Venus feel way better and balanced in its own sign- relationship or contractual problems will find more ha...
Venus Stations Direct
Venus is turning direct, 7 days before and after this is when Venus is considered most potent, important events connected to Venus tend to manifest in life: relationships, agreements, contracts, money, feelings, beauty, pleasures and art. If there were some difficulties in such a...
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