Venus Retrograde 2025 is Happening. What to Know.

What is Retrograde?

Every planet, with the exception of the Sun and Moon, stations retrograde at various times. For example, you’ve probably heard a lot about the dreaded Mercury retrograde, which happens about three times a year. While this astrological event gets a lot of flack, it’s really not so bad once you learn how to navigate.

Retrograde simply means the planet’s orbit has slowed down, giving the illusion of moving backward in the sky. (Don’t worry—it’s not!)

When a planet is retrograde, it moves to a different groove. Instead of marching forward, it’s offbeat or introspective. In your natal chart, it could indicate a tendency to express the planet’s themes in a unique way. Since Venus is associated with love, you might have an unorthodox approach to romance. For example, your idea of flirting may be less overt. It does not mean a lack of partners or an inability to love! Again, it’s simply a case of doing things differently.

Astrologer Colin Bedell advises, “Whenever I see a personal planet like Venus retrograde in the (natal) chart, I love to empower the client with the Law of Re’s—so I encourage them to review, research, and reimagine all things Venus. So, financial literacy, clarity of values, and relational intelligence. I recommend online courses and learning media dedicated to financial and relational education so they can become excellent arbiters of Venus practices.”

What Happens When Venus is Retrograde?

Here are some typical things that can happen during a Venus retrograde transit:

1. Relationships can hit a brick wall. Long-standing issues could reach a boiling point, leading to a breakup. Interestingly, many people who split during a Venus retrograde end up back together! Keep in mind that although Venus is all about love, it’s not limited to romantic relationships. Friends and family are up for review, too!
2. An ex may reenter the picture. Whether this is a good or bad situation depends on the maturity of both parties. For example, suppose the couple engages in behaviors that caused the separation in the first place. In that case, any reconciliation will likely be temporary.
3. Spending can go off the rails during a Venus retrograde transit. For example, bills could be larger than usual. Or you may embark on a foolish spending spree, only to experience buyer’s remorse later. In some cases, love can become costly. One person I know was in the middle of a divorce and was forced to support her abusive ex when Venus retrograde scored a direct hit on her natal Venus! 
4. Old insecurities may arise. Venus retrograde may dredge up past wounds, which could create new issues.

During a Venus retrograde transit, it’s a good time to reflect on relationships, finances, and self-worth. Are your partnerships healthy or one-sided? Do you hold on to old flames when it might be better to let go? Does your spending lean toward irresponsibility, or are you too tight-fisted? Do you seek validation from others, or can you accept yourself as you are? These are excellent questions to ponder during Venus retrograde transits.

Here are some tips for navigating Venus retrograde transits:

1. Do not make impulsive decisions about relationships. Take your time, whether you are considering a breakup, makeup, or a new boundary.
2. Monitor your spending habits. If you feel the urge to splurge, make sure you have enough money in the bank first. Mindfulness can prevent later regrets. 
3. If an unexpected expense occurs, don’t freak out. Reflect on practical solutions. Believe it or not, this period can be great for renegotiating bills, loans, and income. Interestingly, a Venus retrograde transit is ideal for collecting money owed. 
4. Don’t beat yourself up! Instead, this is the ideal time to explore your self-worth issues through self-care practices or therapy.
5. Avoid elective plastic surgery during a Venus retrograde. That facelift can wait.

When is the Next Venus Retrograde?

The next Venus retrograde occurs in Aries from March 1 to April 12, 2025. 

It begins in spicy Aries and moonwalks back into sensitive Pisces. Aries is a sign noted for passion, excitement, and impulse. It loves the chase! Guard against impetuous, aggressive behavior, 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! You’ll also need to be careful not to allow people to play on your sympathies.

What Happens if Venus Retrograde Occurs In Your Sign?

First, when a Venus transit is in the same sign as your natal Venus, this is referred to as the Venus return. This celestial event, which happens approximately once a year, signals a romantic or financial glow-up. It’s an ideal time to flirt, spend money on yourself, or beautify your surroundings. However, if transiting Venus stations retrograde during your Venus return, it could mean too much of a good thing. You could quickly blow through your cash or make poor love decisions. It’s always best to practice a bit of restraint during those times to avoid regrets later.

What Does Your Venus Retrograde Sign Mean? 

According to Colin, “If you’re a natal Venus retrograde, it’s your homecoming. You have a bit of an edge at navigating all the experiences with the learning you’ve hopefully acquired after you implement the research. If you’re born with a natal Venus direct, you may want to reimagine how you relate to pleasure, finances, and relationships. Perhaps you’ll want to give yourself a pivot around those practices so you can course correct and live from new wisdom.”

If you want to understand how the upcoming Venus retrograde might impact you directly, get your birth chart and look at where Venus will be from March 1 to April 12, 2025. You’ll want to find the degree when Venus stations retrograde and look at the house in your natal chart where that degree is found.

For example, Venus will station retrograde in Aries at 10 degrees on March 1st, 2025, at 7:36 PM ET. The sixth house in my birth chart has Aries on the cusp at 1 degree. Therefore, Venus retrograde will start in that house. Venus will step back into Pisces on March 27th, 2025, at 3:40 AM ET, which puts it into my fifth house. As you can see, Venus retrograde could move between two houses depending on your chart.

Once you’ve found where Venus retrograde will take place, check out these interpretations to learn how to navigate the transit.

1st house: During Venus retrograde, you may reflect on your personal image. Is it time for a rebrand? Are you tired of your wardrobe? Need a fresh hairstyle? This is an excellent period for planning a new look. However, it’s best to wait until after Venus stations direct before making a change. You might regret that drastic pixie ‘do later.

2nd house: You could feel like a big spender when Venus retrograde moves through your 2nd house. While there is nothing wrong with treating yourself, too many impulse splurges could empty your bank account. A bit of restraint goes a long way. This is a great time to focus on self-worth rather than material possessions. Remember: money can’t buy love.

3rd house: This is a fantastic period to dial back on errands, social activities, and short travels. Instead, create time to reflect, ponder, and journal. Give your mind and calendar a break. Sometimes, a Venus retrograde in the 3rd house impacts your ability to express your ideas. Think before you speak and you can find the right words.

4th house: Your home could become costly, especially if you’re in the middle of repairs during a Venus retrograde. Suddenly, that paint job turns out to be double what you were quoted. Or you may be tempted to spend on luxury items for your nest, which may not be wise investments upon later inspection. Family could also be a drain. Boundaries will be necessary.

5th house: Romance can go sideways during a Venus retrograde transit. Old flames may resurface, current relationships may fall apart, or you could feel ambivalent about commitment. This period could also create creative blocks. The muse isn’t in the mood for singing, leaving you to figure it out on your own. 

6th house: If your habits have been out of control, Venus retrograde is the ideal time to rethink how you’re taking care of yourself. It may mean better eating, less lounging, and more movement. Work relationships could test your patience. It’s best to remain calm, even if coworkers or clients act rude.

7th house: Venus retrograde in the 7th house tests relationships. Is this person reliable? Do you want a commitment? Are you receiving as much as you’re giving? Reflect on your needs and desires. If you’re willing to work on it, you can improve your situation. Sometimes, Venus retrograde in the 7th brings a breakup or the return of an ex. If either of these happens, wait until Venus is direct before making a move.

8th house: Joint finances could be tricky under a Venus retrograde transit. You could lose money through an investment, alimony, or tax situation. It’s best to stick to a strict budget to minimize problems. Intimacy issues are another possibility. This could lead to excess or sudden coldness, creating frustration in relationships.

9th house: If Venus stations retrograde in your 9th house, your travels could prove to be expensive. Romantic adventures could go bust as well. However, if you are patient and have a Plan B in place, you can save some dough and aggravation. This transit can bring out hypocrisy in business, social, or romantic partnerships. What’s good for the goose may not apply to the gander!

10th house: This tricky transit could affect your reputation if you’re not cautious. You’ll need to be mighty careful about how you come off to the public. One wrong word, and you’re canceled! Some may be tempted to use status for gain or to engage in clout-chasing behavior. It’s wise to keep your motives clean and remain ethical to protect your rep.

11th house: There is no better time to clean your friend closet than now, especially if superficial or unhealthy friendships surround you. Some friends may drop off your radar now, or folks from the past may turn up out of the blue. In some cases, a Venus retrograde transit may blur the lines between friends and romance. It’s best to be upfront if you want to keep it real.

12th house: When Venus stations retrograde in your 12th house, you may feel like Greta Garbo, “I want to be alone!” Quiet activities could soothe your nerves. This period could also bring secret romances or self-indulgences that may cause problems later. While there’s nothing wrong with doing something on the down low, it’s best to ensure it’s harmless fun before partaking.

When it comes to Venus retrograde transits, Colin advises to remember these two tips:

1. Reframe regret! I think regret is such an underrated teacher in spiritual spaces, and if you are met with regret, reach out to the person with whom you experienced it and try to apologize. That way, we can …
2. Repair! The culture significantly under-educates in owning relational mishaps, so we aren’t given the theories and techniques to practice accountability. Do a Google search on effective apologies from Dr. Harriet Lerner and others who can help you repair a discord.

Ultimately, Venus retrograde is an opportunity to review how you love and spend so you can spend more wisely and love better.