Think of Venus retrograde in Scorpio and Libra, from 3 October to 13 November, as a steamy, scandalous romance novel that fuels our passions and liaisons. The planet of love and desire is slowing down, rewriting the next chapters more deliberately. Venus retrograde, which happens every 18 to 19 months, is a check-in to make sure we are growing and receiving tenderness. Yes, it’s going to be messy and dramatic – unions will be on and off for the next 40 days and 40 nights. It’s break-up and make-up season.
A few noteworthy themes arise from this retrograde. First, Venus in Scorpio and Mars in Leo abruptly link up on 10 October under the New Moon in Libra, pushing us to chase love. The cat-and-mouse game intensifies, urging us to figure out what we truly crave from commitments. Do we want to play games, or do we want a secure foundation? The choice is yours.
Venus in Scorpio also squares Pluto in Aquarius. The two planets clashed for the first time on 15 September, when Venus was in its pre-retrograde shadow; these celestial forces meet again on 20 October, with a final standoff on 9 December during the post-retrograde period. This transit highlights themes of resilience, transformation, jealousy, competitiveness and power dynamics. Pluto is the planet of evolution, but shedding old skin is never easy. Venus prefers to indulge in pleasure and stay comfortable – rarely keen to get its hands dirty – which simply won’t work right now. The fraught exchange between the two will shake our foundations. Bonds don’t necessarily have to end, but they do have to evolve. If they don’t, tensions will mount, because connections cannot remain stagnant.
Another pivotal moment during this cosmic backspin is the “cazimi” (derived from the Arabic for “in the heart of the Sun”) between the Sun and Venus in Scorpio on 23 October, marking the midpoint of the retrograde. It is the most clarifying day of the cycle. At this juncture, we will gain clear insight into which path to take as we redefine our sense of self.
Astrologer Arielle Guttman refers to the cazimi as the Venus Star Point, part of an eight-year cycle that resurfaces every four years as the planet traces a five-pointed rose star in the sky. Look back to 2022, 2018 and 2014 to understand its personal and collective resonance. The Venus Star Point serves as a major barometer for cultural shifts, collective values and how we care for both others and ourselves.
As Guttman tells : “This Venus retrograde will feature the last Star Point of Scorpio. It has been a 100-year-long cycle of the VSP in Scorpio (1926-2026), but this is the final one. Many things are ending as well as beginning as we navigate this major transition into the Libra point four years from now.”
Symbolically, this alignment marks Venus’s shift from an evening star (visible at dusk) to a morning star (rising before dawn), undergoing a rebirth often associated with bold, unpredictable energy – a classic descent and resurgence as we undergo a necessary reset.
Venus backs into Libra on 25 October, the day after Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio. Venus’s retreat through Libra will bring tensions to the surface as we try to restore balance in our partnerships. Exes and old flames may resurface for a dalliance, even if their motives seem questionable. Be cautious with financial ventures before taking unnecessary risks. On 30 October, the North Node brings us closer to our core motivations, though we may still question what we must sacrifice to get there.
The retrograde officially concludes on 13 November; however, the post-retrograde shadow lingers until 15 December. During this window, we will assess the fallout and interrogate the revelations that surfaced along the way.
Read your Venus retrograde horoscope below.
Emotional triggers are running high. You feel pulled between two impulses: eager to push ahead, yet caught up in unresolved history. The only way forward is to break repetitive habits rather than carrying old grievances into the future. Recognising what triggers you provides the perspective needed to finally release it.
Cutting cords is necessary to clear your life of draining attachments that no longer serve you. Because you rarely cut ties easily, taking that step can feel daunting. As the retrograde unfolds, it will become obvious which bonds require distance. Stepping back is how you reclaim your power.
The body keeps score, and yours is asking for care. The mental and emotional tension you’ve stored away is catching up with you, manifesting in fatigue or physical strain. Slow down and give yourself time to decompress. Prioritise restorative routines that help you reset.
Nostalgia for former flames or fixating on someone else’s expectations can keep you from genuine romantic fulfilment. Lean into fresh territory by branching outside your familiar social circle. Starting anew will feel grounding, allowing you to show up as the partner you actually want to be.
Venus retrograde hits close to home. You have the resilience to break generational patterns and mend family dynamics, provided you are willing to face the past honestly. Letting go requires both vulnerability and patience. Focus on steady personal healing rather than quick fixes.
Keep your eyes open: you may be tempted to gloss over practical details concerning a financial or personal arrangement. Overly idealising a scenario will only obscure the facts. Don’t avoid uncomfortable realities; addressing them head-on will spare you unwelcome surprises later.
Editing your wardrobe or personal environment is the perfect outlet for your aesthetic instincts right now. Just be sure to set a budget before you indulge. Scour vintage shops or archival resale for timeless finds – true beauty during this retrograde lies in the enduring and restored.
Expect your emotions to fluctuate in the coming weeks as suppressed feelings rise to the surface. Clearing out lingering grievances can be cathartic, even if it brings a few heavy moments. Letting yourself feel the weight of it all is the only way to move past the limbo you’ve felt trapped in.
Lean on close confidants for perspective when things feel overwhelming. Trusted friends will offer steady ground and sound counsel in the days ahead. If you share vulnerabilities or candid thoughts, make sure it’s with those who have earned your trust and champion your growth.
Be mindful not to take financial or social commitments on blind faith. Before lending money or overextending favours to keep the peace, look at the reality of the situation. You are entirely within your rights to set firm boundaries and say no without feeling pressured.
Workplace comparisons can easily breed frustration, especially if you measure your progress against colleagues who have logged years on their own paths. Sustainable recognition takes time and consistent execution. Focus on honing your craft and letting your work speak for itself.
Certain partnerships are showing mixed signals, so step back before committing entirely to one path. If compromise feels difficult right now, it may be because your expectations are too rigid. Instead of spiralling into disappointment, tune into your instincts, hold your ground and wait for clarity before taking the next step.