If you were hoping for a quiet, uneventful start to spring, astrology (once again) has other plans. On Saturday, March 1, Venus — the planet of love, beauty, and values — comes to a grinding halt and begins moving backward in the sky. That’s right, friends: Venus retrograde is back for the first time since the summer of 2023. That year, Venus stationed retrograde in Leo (a fire sign associated with drama and spectacle) in late July, the day after Barbie was released, and stayed in reverse motion until early September. Remember wearing hot pink and cracking up about “I’m Just Ken”? That was Venus retrograde in Leo in action. Moreover, it behoves us to look back 8 years - 2017 - and 8 years back again - 2009, when Venus was last retrograde in Aries and Pisces.
Every 18 months, Venus, Lady of love, beauty, and pleasure, goes into retrograde, revisiting each zodiac sign every 8 years. Her 40-day journey into the Underworld and back into the light invites us to do our due diligence in the realm of relating: to review, renew, restructure, and recreate. It’s time to check our values, to see what’s working - and what’s not.
Venus begins its retrograde motion in spicy Aries and then moonwalks back into sensitive Pisces.
In the first and last signs of the zodiac - fiery Aries and sensitive Pisces - the shift will be palpable. Starting in Aries, as the Evening Star, Venus’s expression during the start of her retrograde is impulsive, fiery, and tempestuous. Aries is a sign known for its fiery passion. It loves the chase! Remember to guard against impetuous, aggressive behaviour, especially in your relationships.
Pisces is known for kindness, compassion, and intuition. Venus retrograde in the sign of the Fish could lead to wishy-washy decisions or weak boundaries. Do not be a doormat! Be careful not to let people play on your sympathies. Patience is a virtue.
Relationships may end or begin, yet to invest ourselves wholly in them, whatever the experience is, is pure folly. Once Venus resumes direct motion, our decisions are likely to rewound, and regrets experienced.
Thus, tread lightly. No action is the right (and best) action to take, as challenging as that might be for the typically enthusiastic Arien energy.
If you’re single and searching, you might consider taking a short pause to do some self-reflection in March and the first half of April. It’s not that you need to avoid dating during Venus retrograde. But you should proceed with caution, knowing that you may have a tendency to overlook red flags or go harder than usual with projecting qualities onto people that aren’t really there.
Slipping back into Pisces on March 27, the emphasis shifts from self-ishness to self-lessness. Sacrifice, projection, and fantasy - these are the shadows of Venus in Pisces. Both Aries and Pisces are idealistic, romantic signs that truly believe in happily-ever-after. Both can become disillusioned with the reality of real, messy relating. Mindfully removing our rose-coloured glasses and not swinging from rampant self-absorption to rampant slavishness to the Other is our Herculean task at hand. Yet, we have the tools now. We know better.
Venus will unite with the Sun in an inferior conjunction on April 2nd, moving into her Morning Star phase, a shift that will bring us from the symbolic darkness into light. Venus sheds her Persephone-like skin and blooms brightly. We’ve shed our layers. We’ve moved through the twists and turns of relationship anarchy, of financial impulses, of value-shifting. We emerge with a sense of what’s truly important, what we truly love, and how to love better and more truly, without tipping the scales too far on either side. We’re ready to live and love more authentically. By April 12th, we’re home free.
Aries
With Venus retrograde in your sign, Aries, this is a pivotal time to focus on self-love, identity, and authenticity. Reflect on whether you’re living as your true self or wearing a mask to gain acceptance from others. Are you prioritising your own needs and happiness? This retrograde, especially in Aries, asks you to embrace your individuality and redefine your self-worth. When Venus moves into Pisces, your attention shifts to spiritual self-love and exploring creativity or meditation. Use this time to align with your soul’s purpose, release toxic patterns, and discover the beauty in embracing your true essence.
Taurus
Venus retrograde starts in your, bringing subconscious patterns and karmic cycles to light. It’s a time to release unresolved wounds, heal emotional baggage, and let go of toxic ties. This reflection may feel intense but offers profound healing and growth. As Venus transitions into Pisces and your 11th house, the focus moves to friendships and community connections. You may revisit past friendships or old social circles, seeking closure or clarity. This is also a good time to redefine your role within your community and let go of connections that no longer align with your values or goals.
Gemini
For Gemini, Venus retrograde begins in your 11th house of friendships, goals, and aspirations. Reevaluate your social circle and whether your long-term plans align with your true desires. Are the people you surround yourself with helping you grow? This retrograde could also bring back old friendships or highlight unresolved group dynamics. As Venus enters Pisces and your 10th house, attention turns to your career and public image. Reflect on whether you’re truly satisfied with your professional path. Use this time to revisit old projects, refine your skills, or reconnect with past mentors who can help guide your next steps.
Cancer
Venus retrograde in Aries activates your 10th house of career and public image, encouraging you to reflect on how you’re perceived in your professional life. Are you pursuing work that aligns with your heart? Use this time to reassess your goals and make adjustments. As Venus shifts to Pisces and your 9th house, focus on spiritual growth and higher learning. This is a powerful time to revisit spiritual practices, creative projects, or studies that inspire you. Whether it’s travelling to a meaningful place or rediscovering a passion for learning, this period allows for personal and spiritual expansion.
Leo
Leo, this retrograde begins in your 9th house, urging you to revisit travel plans, educational pursuits, or spiritual beliefs. Past experiences, such as studies or trips, may resurface, providing opportunities to see them from a new perspective. Use this time to reflect on how these experiences shaped your current worldview. When Venus moves into Pisces and your 8th house, the focus shifts to intimacy, shared resources, and emotional healing. This is a period to work through trust issues, release emotional baggage, and deepen your closest relationships. Be mindful of your financial decisions, as this isn’t the time for major investments.
Virgo
Venus retrograde in Aries activates your 8th house of intimacy, shared finances, and transformation. This is a time to confront emotional patterns and evaluate how you share energy with others, both emotionally and financially. You may revisit past debts, obligations, or power dynamics within relationships. As Venus moves into Pisces and your 7th house, partnerships take the spotlight. Reconnect with past partners or reevaluate your current relationship. What patterns need to change for deeper, more authentic connections? This is also a time to let go of toxic ties and prepare for healthier, more aligned relationships when Venus stations direct.
Libra
This year Venus's retrograde begins in your 7th house, bringing relationships and partnerships into focus. Past lovers or unresolved dynamics may resurface, offering opportunities for closure or growth. Reflect on whether your current relationships align with your values and needs. Avoid making impulsive decisions, as Aries energy may tempt you to act quickly. When Venus moves into Pisces and your 6th house, daily routines, health, and work-life balance come into focus. Are you nurturing yourself and prioritising your well-being? Use this time to refine your habits and create a healthier balance between self-care, work, and relationships.
Scorpio
Venus retrograde in Aries highlights your 6th house, urging you to reevaluate your daily routines, health habits, and work environment. Are your habits supporting your well-being and productivity? This is a great time to address unresolved health issues or revamp your schedule. When Venus moves into Pisces and your 5th house, creativity, romance, and hobbies take centre stage. Revisit old creative projects or childhood passions you may have set aside. This is also a time to reconnect with your inner child, explore artistic expression, and let go of any emotional blocks that hinder your joy and self-expression.
Sagittarius
For Sagittarius, Venus retrograde begins in your 5th house of creativity, romance, and hobbies. Rediscover passions or revisit activities you once loved. If you have children, this is an opportunity to heal patterns within your relationship with them. Romantic interests from the past may also resurface, but clarity won’t come until Venus stations direct. As Venus moves into Pisces and your 4th house, focus shifts to family, home, and roots. Childhood memories or ancestral patterns may arise, offering a chance for healing and creating a more stable foundation in your life. Reflect on how your upbringing shaped your present.
Capricorn
Capricorn, Venus retrograde in Aries begins in your 4th house, emphasising family dynamics and your emotional foundation. Old memories or unresolved issues with parents may resurface, giving you a chance to heal and redefine your relationship with home and family. As Venus enters Pisces and your 3rd house, communication and connection take the stage. This is a great time to revisit past writing projects, reconnect with siblings, or refine your communication skills. Avoid signing new contracts or making major decisions, but focus on tying up loose ends and addressing unfinished business in your immediate environment.
Aquarius
Venus retrograde in Aries activates your 3rd house, encouraging reflection on communication skills and relationships with siblings or neighbours. Revisit old projects, courses, or places you’ve travelled to before. This is also a good time to address unresolved conversations and heal miscommunications. As Venus moves into Pisces and your 2nd house, the focus shifts to self-worth and finances. Are you valuing yourself appropriately in your personal or professional life? Avoid impulsive spending or financial decisions, and instead focus on building a stronger foundation for your resources and self-esteem.
Pisces
For Pisces, Venus retrograde begins in your 2nd house of self-worth and financial stability. Reflect on how you value yourself and whether your current income aligns with your worth. Avoid major purchases or financial risks during this time. When Venus moves into your 1st house, your identity and self-expression come into focus. This is a transformative time for self-discovery and redefining how you present yourself to the world. Inner changes will naturally reflect in your outward appearance. Use this period to work on your self-esteem, embrace personal growth, and prepare for a brighter, more authentic version of yourself.
