What You Need to Know About Venus Retrograde in Scorpio

It’s that time of year again, when our deepest desires and romantic inhibitions are brought to the forefront for Venus’ forty-two days of retrograde. This particular planetary retrograde is known for its almost inevitable reemergence of long, lost loves and its tendency to bring the realization of romantic red-flags amongst even the luckiest in love. However, this rollercoaster is designed to bring the best you to the other side of the tunnel, setting you up to be sexy, swanky, and sultry to the most compatible candidates post-retrograde.

This year, between October fifth and November sixteenth, the planet of love, warmth, and intimacy will navigate between Scorpio and Libra, then back again. Every sign will feel a slight discomfort as Venus progresses into Scorpio, a placement of traditional unease for the delicate planet inspiring jealousy, envy, and possessiveness (all the beautiful traits that we fetishize in our sultriest zodiac friends) before returning to its home sign in flirtatious Libra. Naturally, the Libras and Scorpios out there will feel this retrograde the strongest, while relationship sappy Pisces and Cancer will have the most to learn from this period of ‘tough-love,’ but how will all our other darling, little signs fare?

Well, to start us off, Aries (March 21 - April 19) will set the trend for self-reflection. These strong and courageous humans will need to draw on their innate sense of bravery as they reflect on their power dynamics within relationships. Venus in Scorpio is a good time for this fire sign to recognize that vulnerability in love is not the same as loss of freedom. As Aries folk begin to accept this, they’ll be able to confront what they bring to the table versus what they sit down to eat from the table when it comes to love. Be open to acknowledging that giving a bit more of yourselves may be necessary to make the right relationship work.

For Taurus (April 20 - May 20), we will see them grow more pensive, however this shift in attention (perhaps uncharacteristically) will turn towards love and their pre-existing relationships. One significant relationship in particular might need special reflection. The retrograde for Taurus continues to bring into question the balancing act between themselves and others. For our coupled-up Bulls: recognize that you do not need to carry all the responsibility, dole some out to your partners! For the singles: Acknowledge your personal blockages that are preventing you from opening up.

Next in line, our Gemini buddies (May 21 - June 20), who will be most strongly affected by this Venus retrograde in the work-related placement of their chart. While the planet of love moves around in Scorpio, the twins will be considering their work/life balance. Just like their dual sign, each fighting for dominance, the perfect balance of work and play may be difficult to manage for these air natives. During this time, expect to feel a little more precarious when it comes to pleasing everyone around you, mainly because this is an impossible feat! Take this time to learn not to derive all your self-worth from this balancing act, and take some time for self-care, my doves.

Ah, darling Cancer (June 21 - July 22), you gentle yet fierce little lover. This retrograde may be tough for these tender water natives, as it will hit them hardest in the part of their chart pertaining to sex. Be prepared to come face-to-face with old exes, ignite new romances, or maybe even a bit of both before Venus reaches the safe hold of Libra! Just make sure to be cautious, those who re-emerge during the retrograde may not be there to stick it out. Reflect on why the relationship didn’t last before being too welcoming to familiar faces. Take note that this is also the time to focus on the ways that you tend to settle when it comes to romantic partners, your seemingly unconditional love does not mean that you yourselves are not deserving in love. Take time to shed your unrealistic ideals of romance, and demand a little bit more out of your lovers, sweet Cancer.

The most roughed-up sign coming out of the summer eclipses and Mars retrograde through their home sign is definitely beyond a doubt our lovely, little Leos (July 23 - August 22). Maybe it’s for this reason that the retrograde inspires a renewed focus on family and your roots. This season, get ready to crave home, fix up some relationships that are in need of some work and re-evaluate your friendships. Consider them in terms of your living space, peace of mind, and perhaps the need to be lsss accommodating with those closest to you while Venus make its way in Scorpio.

Keeping up with this theme of renewal, the retrograde in Scorpio will help bring our dear Virgos (August 23 - September 22) out of their self-inflicted isolation. With the shift in Venus, get ready for an emphasis on communication. This communication boost will help you sort out which relationships are adding value to your life and which ones maybe have run their course. It’s possible that your desire to be there for loved ones is overwhelming you for little gain, and this retrograde might be the clarity that you Virgos need.

Take heart, sweet Libras (September 23 - October 22), Venus is approaching your sign which will be a nice reprieve from the period of self-doubt brought on by this time in Scorpio. Your self-esteem may come under some inward fire, but this is an excellent time to practice self-acceptance. We often don’t understand that Libras aren’t quite as in love with themselves as we can believe them to be, and so this is a good time or our flirty friends to be a little bit less compromising when it comes to the things they want. You Libras may even realize that “important” things have lost their importance.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21), this retrograde is all about you. For these intense water signs, this will be a time for healing past wounds rather than opening themselves up to possible new ones. These little scorpions may expect to feel overextended when it comes to their loved ones, and now is a good time to start turning that energy inward. You Scorpios are on a continuing journey of self-discovery, and this Venus retrograde will push you to be a bit more gentle on yourselves, as you feel its effects a bit more strongly than the rest of us.

Optimistic Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) is going to look a little different during the retrograde, we’ll see our fiery friends feeling unresolved and burnt-out as they retreat a bit from their social circles. While seeking some alone time, this retrograde will be a good time to reconcile unrealistic expectations that our Centaur friends may hold. Sagittarius, take stock of which people you have been putting your “best” into, and make sure that you’re receiving the “best” of them in return. This may force you to review your closest partnerships.

Sensible Capricorn (December 22 - January 19), the summer has been a time of change for a sign that so prefers the status quo. However, this past summer has probably pushed you deeper into important relationships, which while uncomfortable for you may be healthy! The retrograde will be a time to reflect on these changes and even re-evaluate the relationships in your life that are unbalanced, maybe even unnecessary. Going forward, it’s all going to be about your long-term goals. Be mindful and intentional with the people you make time for.

Our quirky little friends of Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) may well be the least fazed this retrograde season. Your broad minded worldview will be heightened, however, making this the perfect time to take stock of your life, specifically regarding work and career goals. Be careful not to overly compare yourselves to others around you, your unconventional way of thinking is supposed to be unique.

Delicate Pisces (February 19 - March 20), expect your already well-tuned intuition to go haywire while Venus travels through Scorpio, as it will offer you a very specific wisdom if you allow it to. This retrograde will see the reemergence of a deep pain in your life, but there is a lesson to be learned from it. Pain is an important teacher to our Piscean friends. Reflect on your beliefs that are self-limiting, and give into your inner desires. You delicate wee fishies must use this time to validate your own self-worth and realize that you deserve a partner that takes time out specifically for you. Use this time to cast aside people and/or relationships that don’t value you in every capacity, not just your “pretty” ones.