Just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any more complicated, along comes the Venus retrograde. Yep, things are about to get rocky. Venus is the planet of love, beauty, pleasure values and harmony, and every 18 months, it does a backspin. The result? Chaos in our relationships, financial lives and sense of self. This year the retrograde runs from May 13 to June 25, which will affect Taureans and Librans the hardest, given Venus is your ruling planet. Here’s what you need to know…
What is a retrograde, anyway?
A retrograde is when a planet passes the Earth, a transit that appears to be a backwards motion (even though it isn’t). The name retrograde gives you a hint at its impact: a feeling that things are going backwards – slowing down, even – and aspects of the past can come back up to bite you. You’ve probably heard of the Mercury retrograde, which happens three to four times a year, and can cause dramas with travel, communications and tech (my post about that here). All planets go retrograde periodically, so it’s quite normal.
How will the Venus Rx affect me?
The retrograde (Rx) is happening in the sign of Gemini, which rules communication, thoughts, technology and local neighbourhoods. This could mean communication breakdowns with partners, overthinking/overanalysing in relationships, terrible haircuts, regrettable style choices, the return of exes, income struggles and dating app dramas. And yes, break-ups are definitely possible. (So. Much. Fun.)
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It’s important to remember that even though retrogrades can be uncomfortable, they often have positive impacts, bringing up issues that need to be resolved so we can move forward.
Here’s a quick overview on how Venus Rx might affect your sign. This is fairly tongue-in-cheek as I like to have fun with astrology, but it will show you where the challenges lie.
ARIES
Got something to say to bae? Maybe don’t. The retrograde will hit your zone of communication, making arguments likely. If you really have to speak up, do it with tact, diplomacy and empathy. This is a great time for finishing off creative projects you abandoned (hello, watercolours!).
TAURUS
Maybe just stay in bed until June 25. Kidding! But also kinda not! The Rx will hit your zone of security and money. All your insecurities and past hurts could loom large, affecting your love behaviours in a big way, so loads of self-awareness and healing will be needed. It’s also a good time to review your financial sitch.
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GEMINI
Hoo boy. The Rx hits your zone of self, spotlighting any codependency, lack of boundaries or neediness in relationships. Whatever you do, DO NOT change up your style or look – beauty decisions you make now cannot be trusted. Warning: regrettable tattoos likely.
CANCER
Oh hey there, every love issue you’ve been avoiding! Yep, the past is right up in your grill, thanks to the Rx hitting your zone of healing and release. If you’re still not over an ex or painful experience, this is a good time to finally work through it so you can move forward. Any lack of boundaries will be highlighted, so get comfortable saying ‘no’.
LEO
With the Rx in your zone of the future and technology, singles could find an online love interest is not quite who they appear, so tread carefully. And if you’re already loved up, it might feel like you’re moving backwards, instead of forwards. Remember: this is just a temporary hurdle. Do. Not. Freak. Out.
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VIRGO
Slow your roll, Virgo. The Rx hits your ambition zone, and if you’re single that could leave you feeling super bad about yourself if you haven’t yet hit a home run in the game of love. (Remember: you still have time.) If you’re in a relaysh, try not to put pressure on it – whatever stage you’re at is totally fine. Love is a marathon, not a sprint.
LIBRA
Ugh. This is not going to be an easy time for you (sorry). The Rx hits your zone of self-expression, meaning you’re really, really, really going to have to set boundaries instead of going along with what other people want. You won’t be able to hide from the truth. If you’re dating someone from a different country, culture or religion, misunderstandings may occur.
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SCORPIO
Mystery and history bring up major challenges for you this Rx. That could mean an ex returning to your life, hidden hurts rising to the surface and intimacy challenges. Normally your instincts are sharp, but right now your ability to read love situations may be off. It’s not a good time for shared investments, BTW.
SAGITTARIUS
What happens when the planet of love goes backwards in your zone of love? Stress, that’s what. If you’re dealing with fears of abandonment or rejection, that could wreak havoc with your relationship (or potential relationships). It’s a good time to work through issues from the past, perhaps with a therapist or healer.
CAPRICORN
Is your work life interfering with your sex life? The Venus Rx in your zone of work will make that issue hard to ignore. If you’ve been letting your health and wellbeing slide, Venus, planet of value, may force you to prioritise that. And if you’ve got a tendency to ‘rescue’ romantic partners, this is your opportunity to develop some healthier habits.
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AQUARIUS
No offence Aquarius, but you tend to cut and run when things get hard – and the Venus Rx in your zone of drama is going to make things hard. Romance and flirting are so alluring, but meaningful relationships are born from vulnerable convos and authenticity. FYI it might be a difficult time for baby-making, with the Rx in your zone of fertility.
PISCES
Finally, a use for all those tissues you stockpiled at the start of the pandemic! The Venus Rx in your zone of emotions could prompt an emotional roller-coaster (cue the Sam Smith playlist, stat). It’s also the zone of females and home, which could mean domestic squabbles or tension with a sister, mother or ladyfriend.