If you were hoping for a “summer of love” this year, well… the universe might have other plans. From July 22 to September 3, one of the most potent planetary retrogrades of all is happening. Venus—the astrological ruler of pleasure, love, social interaction, and money—will be retrograde in the fiery sign of Leo.
While you’re probably familiar with Mercury retrograde (though you wish you weren’t), the retrogrades of Venus are less well known. The planet of pleasure only goes retrograde once every eighteen months—the second rarest of all the planets—but that lack of frequency means each Venus retrograde lasts longer and packs a punch!
Buckle up, astrology buffs, because every single zodiac sign will feel the effects of Venus retrograde in Leo at some level.
Venus in Astrology
Known as the goddess of love, beauty, desire, sex, fertility, prosperity, and victory in ancient Rome, and as Aphrodite to the ancient Greeks, Venus holds one of the most special places in Greco-Roman mythology. Astrologically, Venus represents everything humans are always yearning for. Every time you experience desire, ecstasy, happiness, and awe—you are in the realm of this planet. Every time you get to connect deeply with your darling or chill and hang out with your pals—your Venus is being activated in your birth chart.
Everyone has Venus in their charts, and the zodiac sign it occupies determines each person’s likes and dislikes. Along with Mars, Venus is the planet that gets to decide who your ideal partner is and what type of courtship you respond to. Venus also depicts your sense of style and aesthetics—but, at a deeper level, it speaks of your personal values. What’s more: This planet of feminine nature also defines your ability to attract money and what you spend it on. Basically, whenever you “see it, like it, want it, bought it” Ariana Grande-style, you have Venus to thank.
Venus Retrograde in Leo Meaning
When Venus goes retrograde, all these areas of your life are up for revision. For starters, the entire social scene will feel quite different during these six weeks. Venus visits Leo once a year, which is normally a fabulous time to have fun, party, and connect with exciting people who could easily turn into besties. However, Venus retrograde in Leo might have you feeling like the social attention you crave is ghosting you. You want to be seen, but everyone else is busy figuring themselves out.
A similar feeling could inundate romantic relationships. Since desire is deeply transforming, some people may feel like their partner isn’t hungry for rapport—or vice versa. Creating awareness around this will be key, as Venus retrograde in Leo could end up being an explosive influence when you don’t get what you want (or think you want).
But this doesn’t mean you’re destined for a breakup—only the relationships that were already rocky could end at this time. Established and solid couples could experience a fight or a few awkward moments, but they’ll ultimately come out the other side of Venus retrograde together.
Safe to say, this is not a good time to date, get married, or take a relationship to the next level. Instead, use this time to focus on yourself and figure out what you truly want in not only romance, but also friendships and all social interactions. It’s also very common for exes to return when Venus is in retrograde, but you’re better off seeking closure, rather than reopening your heart to them.
Since Venus also rules money, the six weeks between July 22 and September 3 are ideal for coming up with a new budget, if necessary, which also means saving big purchases for later. Similarly, those who have been considering making a big style change, like getting a tattoo or a radical haircut, are better off waiting until after Venus goes direct.
Ahead, learn exactly how Venus retrograde in Leo will impact you by reading your horoscope for your Sun sign, as well as your Rising sign:
Venus Retrograde 2023 Horoscopes
Aries
If you’re single, prepare for an ex to come knocking at your door, Aries. But word to the wise: Avoid returning to a sunken ‘ship, and instead, seek healing and closure. With your ex in the rearview, you may be tempted to play the field, but if you do, be aware that it comes with the price of high drama. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you!) By looking inward, you’ll realize that the way you enjoy life is changing. Don’t be surprised if you also notice shifts in your social circle, as well as the activities that awaken your spirit and creative spark. Embrace these developments—you’re already on your way to becoming the most authentic, and awesome, version of you.
Taurus
Your mood might be incredibly introspective during these six weeks, Taurus, most likely due to a strong pull to figure out or process something from your past. You could reconnect with a family member or let go of a long-held grudge, which may bring you healing. On a more tangible level, it’s the perfect time to rethink the layout of your favorite spaces and maybe even make plans to redecorate your home. Do your research now, but don’t start the renovation process until the retrograde is actually over on September 3.
Gemini
Watch your words, Gemini, as people might misunderstand what you mean during this time. Your thought process and communication style are transforming now, which might have a direct impact on the people you decide to share your thoughts with. Who can you trust in your inner circle, and who are you pulling away from? It’s worth mulling over. The good news: Your creativity is high now, so you might be inspired to dedicate less energy to hitting up the social scene so you can spend more time working on a passion project.
Cancer
Is your money working for you, or is it the other way around, Cancer? During this retrograde, you might have to cut down your spending—especially if your purchasing has been a little reckless lately. This is the perfect time to reformulate your budget, and even if it’s saving just a couple of hundred dollars each month, start building up that cash stash for a rainy day. Having this safety net will allow you to zoom in on the things and activities that are truly valuable to you.
Leo
You’ve most likely been feeling like something is off—and you’re right. Venus going retrograde in your sign means it’s reinvention time. You might have an urge to change your look but on a deeper level, you may really feel like your inner fire has been extinguished. Don’t worry, your creativity will return. But to figure out what truly lights you up, you must first try new colors, new flavors, and new vistas. Variety will inspire the renaissance of this new you!
Virgo
For you, this retrograde is working on a subconscious level, meaning the messages are coming in when you’re dreaming, resting, and meditating. It’s okay to hide, Virgo, because taking some extra time away to be by yourself is exactly what you need to receive Venus retrograde’s teachings. At times, you might feel tired and uninspired—without knowing why—but in the end, learning more about yourself will make you aware of the reasons why you relate to certain people. And if those reasons no longer seem to make sense, you will be inspired to say goodbye.
Libra
It’s time to cut back on social activity, Libra, which is especially true if you haven’t had enough “me time” lately. Word to the wise: If you don’t seek this break on your own, you will do so once drama becomes the new normal within your squad. Unfortunately, certain people showing their true colors will push you to begin RSVPing no. But fortunately, you will also begin to focus your energy on those who truly deserve your energy and time.
Scorpio
You have shed your old skin, Scorpio—and now, it’s time to fill up this empty space. Venus retrograde will assist you in figuring out what you truly want in the realm of your career. If you aren’t happy with your job, start writing a list of what would be your ideal working situation and revisit it often. If you’re already set in your calling, rework your mission statement or rethink the way you promote your services, even updating your website and social media presence accordingly.
Sagittarius
Larger-than-life Sag, you’re always seeking to manifest something big. However, this Venus retrograde might have you running into obstacles left and right. Sure, your vision might seem beyond what is possible, but instead of succumbing to these challenges, keep trying. Regardless of the nature of your project or desire, seeking new perspectives as well as opinions can be just what the cosmic doctor ordered. Broadening your vision with enthusiasm is what will get you to the other side, once Venus is moving direct.
Capricorn
Don’t be surprised if you don’t feel like seeing people during this time, Capricorn. Instead, give yourself time and space to be alone and ruminate on what’s important in your life. Venus retrograde could require you to look back at intense experiences from the past with the finality of fully processing them. Also worth noting: If you are in a committed relationship, your sexual connection could need some TLC during this time. Be open and willing to talk about it, and in the end, you’ll gain the ability to be truly intimate.
Aquarius
Who truly deserves your energy, Aquarius? Try answering this question over the next six weeks. Instead of social groups, Venus wants you to reevaluate your one-on-one connections—think of your closest friends, coach, therapist, and romantic or business partner. If the agreement you have with one of them is no longer working, the relationship might have to end, or at least change. While this shake-up might be stressful now, ultimately, it will allow you to achieve a more peaceful connection.
Pisces
Venus retrograde will have some very practical effects for you, Pisces. Be prepared to redo some of your projects at work, especially if you’re in a creative field. Though this might be annoying, trust that the end result will reflect all your hard work after so much tinkering! This is also a great time to look at your eating, sleeping, and lifestyle habits—and make adjustments if necessary. Just thinking about how you fuel your body will put you on the path to becoming your healthiest and happiest self!
Narayana Montúfar is an astrologer, artist, and writer who finds inspiration in the symbolic language of astrology. She is the author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power. Narayana currently serves as the Senior Astrologer of Astrology.com & Horoscope.com, and her work has been featured in numerous lifestyle publications including Vogue, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, InStyle, Brit+Co, Bustle, PopSugar, Cosmpolitan, Romper, and more. She was also featured as one of Medium.com’s Authority Magazine 2020’s Strong Female Leaders, Destig Magazine’s Top Artists to Collect in 2020, and one of Vogue’s 13 Astrologers to Follow in 2021.
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