Venus turns retrograde in Leo

Venus now turns retrograde at 28° Leo 36′.

 

Venus Retrograde Cycle from July 22nd to September 3rd, 2023:

Venus Retrograde Dates in the year 2023:

• On June 19, 2023, Venus enters the Retrograde Zone (pre-retrograde shadow) at 12° Leo 12′
• On July 22, 2023, Venus stations and turns retrograde at 28° Leo 36′ Rx
• On September 3, 2023, Venus stations and turns direct at 12° Leo 12′
• On October 7, 2023, Venus leaves the Retrograde Zone (post-retrograde shadow) at 28° Leo 36′

Venus is retrograde entirely in the sign of Leo, starting at 28° Leo 36′, and turning direct at 12° Leo 12′.

[Venus enters the retrograde zone (shadow) on June 19, 2023, and leaves the shadow zone on October 7, 2023]

Venus is retrograde in the sign of Leo for the entire retrograde period. Note that similar retrograde Venus patterns repeat in about eight years, and a similar Venus Rx period occurred from July 25 to September 6, 2015, although the very first degree of Virgo was also involved. There can be common themes shared with this past period.

As the planet of love and values, Venus retrograde periods are times when we re-assess what—and who—we value. It is a period that many astrologers consider inopportune for getting married or starting a new relationship. Major financial undertakings are not advised during this period either. Venus retrograde cycles are good times for creating budgets and financial plans, and for re-thinking our personal relationships. Taking final action in the areas of finance and love, however, is not advised until Venus turns direct again.

Because Venus rules beauty and aesthetics, Venus Retrograde is a less than ideal time for beautification processes (new hairdos, enhancements, purchasing a new wardrobe, cosmetic surgery, and so forth), renovations, re-decorating, and the like. Because Venus is associated with social events, parties may not go as planned.

On the subject of love, past lovers may re-appear and some relationships may end. With Venus retrograde in Leo this retrograde cycle, our needs for attention may be especially strong. We may question the romance factor in our current relationships.

Old friends and lovers may re-appear, perhaps complicating current relationships. We may be called upon to deal with relationship issues from the past during this Venus retrograde cycle. Events occur that seem fated or pre-destined. It can be a real challenge getting close to a lover during this period of time. Unorthodox, experimental, and non-intimate relationships may be favored.

Affection is difficult to express in a natural or spontaneous manner. We might find others are lacking in sincerity or genuineness in their expressions of social niceties. (We may be inclined to do the same!).

Some of the more negative associations of Venus in Leo may be particularly prominent and/or hard to take, and these include such things as egoism, buying affection, or haughtiness. Those who have Leo strong in their charts can be more introspective, distant, or hard to reach during this cycle. They may not be in as favorable light just for the time being.

Relationships that have been especially challenging may come to an end during this cycle. However, strong relationships will survive it, even if there are a few bumps and bruises along the way. This can be a good time for “eyes wide open” or experimental dating, although opinions and assessments may change at a later date. It is not a time when people recognize the need for another person to “complete” them. Some people may be questioning whether they are with partners who actually fulfill them.

We may, however, be especially in touch with our deeper, less obvious, and less superficial needs and wants. This makes it a good time for re-evaluating our relationship needs; but, again, major love decisions are best saved for after the cycle ends on September 3rd, and better yet, beyond the shadow phase as well (after October 7th). Our perceptions may be skewed and we can come out of the retrograde cycle with regret if we have acted hastily, as the tendency to change our minds later is strong.

On the subject of money, finances, and possessions, do try to hold off on major purchases or financial decisions during this Venus retrograde cycle. For example, the purchase of a new house, car, or other big-ticket item could backfire in some manner later on. They may become money pits or cause problems for you; or you may change your mind later and regret your purchase.

There’s nothing truly to fear about Venus retrograde, but it’s always wise to take special care during this cycle. It’s not the best period for entering into a new relationship, because our sensors when it comes to love are not up to par. However, it’s not unheard of to begin a relationship under the influence of a retrograde Venus, and the relationship survives and/or thrives.

Then there is a feeling of the inevitable during a Venus retrograde. What happened in the past, including past love affairs, can flood our consciousness now. Sometimes, a past lover reappears in their physical form.

Read more about Venus Retrograde. Where is Venus Retrograde transiting by house in your natal chart? Is it conjunct a natal planet, your Ascendant, or Midheaven? Read interpretations of Venus Retrograde in Transit for a more personalized meaning of the transit cycle.

If you’re wondering what Venus retrograde means if you’re born with this position in your chart, see Venus Retrograde in the Birth Chart.