Venus turns retrograde on October 3, 2026 at 8°29′ Scorpio and turns direct on November 13, 2026 (US time; November 14 in Europe and Turkey) at 22°51′ Libra. For six weeks the planet of love, money and pleasure appears to move backward, slipping out of Scorpio and back into Libra on October 25. Counting the shadow period, the full cycle runs from August 31 to December 15, 2026.
Venus retrograde comes around roughly every 19 months, far less often than Mercury’s. This one stands out for two reasons. From October 24 to November 13, Mercury is retrograde too. And on October 24, Venus passes between Earth and the Sun, leaving the evening sky and returning as the morning star. In astrology, that makes this a season to review relationships, spending and self-worth, not to rush new beginnings.
Venus retrograde 2026: key dates
The cycle has three parts: the pre-shadow, the retrograde itself, and the post-shadow. Venus covers the same stretch of sky, 22°51′ Libra to 8°29′ Scorpio, three times.
| Event | Date (UTC) | New York | Istanbul | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-shadow begins | Aug 31, 10:45 AM | Aug 31, 17:45 | 22°51′ Libra | |
| Venus stations retrograde | Oct 3, 3:15 AM | Oct 3, 10:15 | 8°29′ Scorpio | |
| Inferior conjunction with the Sun | Oct 23, 11:44 PM | Oct 24, 06:44 | 0°45′ Scorpio | |
| Venus re-enters Libra | Oct 25, 5:09 AM | Oct 25, 12:09 | 0° Scorpio → 29° Libra | |
| Venus stations direct | Nov 13, 7:27 PM | Nov 14, 03:27 | 22°51′ Libra | |
| Venus returns to Scorpio | Dec 4, 3:12 AM | Dec 4, 11:12 | 0° Scorpio | |
| Post-shadow ends | Dec 15, 1:43 PM | Dec 15, 21:43 | 8°29′ Scorpio |
Times are calculated with the Swiss Ephemeris and rounded to the minute; other sources may differ by a minute or two. They match Cafe Astrology and EarthSky.
Other dates to watch
- Oct 7: Venus meets Mercury at 8° Scorpio (evening of Oct 6 in the Americas).
- Oct 10: New Moon in Libra at 17°21′. Late that day (UTC), Venus squares Mars in Leo.
- Oct 20: Venus squares Pluto in Aquarius at 3°, the most intense date of the cycle.
- Oct 24: Mercury turns retrograde at 20°58′ Scorpio, just hours after Venus meets the Sun. Both personal planets are now retrograde.
- Oct 26: Full Moon in Taurus at 2°45′, in Venus’ own sign.
- Nov 4: Venus sextiles Jupiter in Leo, the gentlest date of the cycle.
- Nov 13: Mercury turns direct at 5°02′ Scorpio (15:53 UTC), about eight and a half hours before Venus.
- Dec 9: Venus squares Pluto a second time, closing the Scorpio chapter.
What Venus retrograde means
In the sky, Venus never actually reverses. It orbits the Sun faster than Earth, on an inside track. Every 584 days it overtakes us, and for about six weeks around that pass it appears to drift backward against the stars.
In astrology, Venus rules love, attraction, beauty, pleasure and money, and the signs Taurus and Libra. When she turns retrograde, those themes turn inward. It is a time to review rather than launch. Common patterns include:
- old feelings or former partners resurfacing
- questioning what you really want from a relationship
- second thoughts about purchases, prices and what you are worth
- changing your mind about your look or style
The 8-year echo. Venus repeats nearly the same pattern every eight years. Her last retrograde through these signs ran from October 5 to November 16, 2018, from 10° Scorpio back to 25° Libra. If you remember what was happening in your love life or finances that autumn, it may hint at the lessons returning now.
The previous Venus retrograde ran from March 2 to April 13, 2025, in Aries and Pisces. The next one comes from May 10 to June 22, 2028, in Gemini (dates in UTC).
From Scorpio to Libra: the two chapters of this retrograde
This retrograde splits cleanly in two. The first half digs into trust and intimacy; the second half rebalances partnerships and agreements.
Chapter 1: Venus retrograde in Scorpio (October 3–25)
Scorpio is one of Venus’ hardest signs. Here love wants depth, loyalty and total honesty, and anything less feels unsafe. Expect themes of trust, jealousy, secrets and power in relationships. Shared money also comes up: debts, loans, joint accounts and what partners owe each other.
Two aspects sharpen this chapter. Venus squares Mars in Leo on October 10, creating friction between desire and affection. Venus squares Pluto on October 20, which can bring control issues or feelings that are hard to let go of.
On October 24, Venus meets the Sun. Many astrologers see this as the heart of the retrograde: a quiet reset point that shows what you truly value. It also marks the start of a new 19-month Venus cycle.
Chapter 2: Venus retrograde in Libra (October 25 – November 13/14)
In Libra, Venus is at home. The focus shifts from intensity to fairness. Contracts, commitments, the give-and-take in close relationships and your sense of style all come up for review. This is a good window for honest renegotiation and, where it makes sense, reconciliation.
Mercury is retrograde for this whole chapter too. Misunderstandings, delayed replies and revisited agreements are more likely. The Full Moon in Taurus on October 26, in Venus’ own sign, may bring a money or comfort matter to a head.
After the station: slow down the exit
Mercury and Venus turn direct within hours of each other on November 13–14, so that week may feel like a fog lifting. Venus stays in her shadow until December 15, though. Let decisions settle before you make them final.
How Venus retrograde 2026 affects every sign
Read for your Sun sign, and for your rising sign if you know it. Each sign has two focus areas: one for the Scorpio chapter (October 3–25) and one for the Libra chapter (October 25 – November 13/14). Your October horoscope on ReYep names the exact date windows. Once a window has passed, rate whether it came true.
Aries
Scorpio lights up your 8th house of intimacy and shared money; Libra then moves into your 7th house of partnership. First, look at what you share: debts, joint finances and how much you really trust. From October 25, a key relationship asks for a fairer balance. Let the other person finish before you answer. Aries October 2026 horoscope
Taurus
Venus is your ruling planet, so you feel this one personally. Scorpio falls in your 7th house of partnership, and a partner may need a real conversation about trust. From October 25, the focus moves to your 6th house of work and daily habits. The Full Moon in your sign on October 26 may show what you need to feel valued. Hold off on big purchases until Venus turns direct. Taurus October 2026 horoscope
Gemini
Venus starts in your 6th house of work, health and routines. A workplace dynamic, or a habit you have outgrown, deserves a second look. In the Libra chapter she moves into your 5th house of romance and creativity. An old flame or a shelved creative project may resurface; enjoy it, but test it before you commit. Gemini October 2026 horoscope
Cancer
Scorpio touches your 5th house of romance, pleasure and children. You may revisit what truly makes you happy, or an old romance may come back to mind. From October 25, Venus moves into your 4th house of home and family. Family ties or a home project may need rethinking. Save costly home décor for after the retrograde. Cancer October 2026 horoscope
Leo
With Mars and Jupiter in your sign, you feel Venus’ squares directly. Scorpio sits in your 4th house of home and family, so private matters and old family patterns come up. The Venus–Mars square on October 10 may test your patience at home. In the Libra chapter, the focus moves to your 3rd house of conversations and siblings. With Mercury retrograde too, reread messages before you send them. Leo October 2026 horoscope
Virgo
Venus begins in your 3rd house of communication. Words said in the past, or a talk you avoided, may come back for a better version. From October 25, she moves into your 2nd house of money and self-worth. Review your budget, your prices or what you charge. Avoid big splurges until mid-November. Virgo October 2026 horoscope
Libra
Venus is your ruling planet, and from October 25 she retrogrades through your own sign. The Scorpio chapter first reviews your 2nd house of income, spending and self-worth. Then the spotlight turns to you: your image, your needs and how you show up in relationships. It is a good time to rediscover your style. Save major makeovers for after the shadow ends on December 15. Libra October 2026 horoscope
Scorpio
The retrograde begins in your sign, so this is your personal review. Until October 25, look at how you present yourself and what you want from love. Venus meets the Sun in your sign on October 24, a strong moment to reset your values. In the Libra chapter she moves into your 12th house of rest, the past and private feelings. Quiet reflection works better than big declarations now. Scorpio October 2026 horoscope
Sagittarius
Scorpio falls in your 12th house of endings, rest and hidden feelings. Old emotions may surface in dreams or quiet moments; let them. From October 25, Venus moves into your 11th house of friends and groups. A friendship may need rebalancing, or someone from an old circle may reach out. Sagittarius October 2026 horoscope
Capricorn
Venus starts in your 11th house of friends, networks and future plans. You may notice who truly supports you. In the Libra chapter she moves into your 10th house of career and reputation, so work relationships need care. With Mercury retrograde too, double-check contracts and job offers before you accept. Capricorn October 2026 horoscope
Aquarius
Scorpio falls in your 10th house of career and public life. With Pluto in your sign, the October 20 square may bring a power dynamic at work into the open; stay calm and keep records. From October 25, Venus moves into your 9th house of travel, study and beliefs. Revisit a plan to travel or learn, but book with flexible terms. Aquarius October 2026 horoscope
Pisces
Venus begins in your 9th house of travel, learning and beliefs. A trip, a course or a long-distance connection may come back into focus. From October 25, she moves into your 8th house of intimacy and shared resources. Talk openly about money with a partner, and avoid new loans or joint investments until the retrograde ends. Pisces October 2026 horoscope
What to do (and avoid) during Venus retrograde
Good for:
- honest talks about what is and isn’t working in a relationship
- reconnecting with people who still matter to you
- reviewing your budget, subscriptions and prices
- repairing, restoring or decluttering instead of buying new
- returning to an old creative project, hobby or favorite outfit
Better to wait, if you can:
- engagements, weddings or moving in together
- big luxury purchases such as jewelry, art or designer items
- drastic makeovers: a new hair color, cosmetic procedures, tattoos
- new partnership or financial contracts, especially between October 24 and November 13, when Mercury is retrograde too
- getting back with an ex purely out of nostalgia
Life doesn’t stop for a retrograde. If a decision can’t wait, make it: read the fine print, keep your receipts and leave room to adjust.
How to see it in the sky: evening star to morning star
The retrograde is also a real astronomical event you can follow. Venus is passing between Earth and the Sun.
- Early October: Venus is the brilliant “evening star” low in the west-southwest after sunset. From northern latitudes it sits low this autumn, because it runs about 7° south of the Sun’s path.
- Mid to late October: it sinks lower each evening and disappears into the twilight glow.
- Through binoculars or a small telescope: the crescent grows larger and thinner. It is about 13% lit on October 3 and under 1% lit on October 24.
- October 24, inferior conjunction: Venus passes about 6.5° south of the Sun. Do not look; never point binoculars or a telescope near the Sun.
- Mid-November: Venus returns in the east shortly before sunrise as the “morning star.” It reaches its greatest brilliancy around November 29, according to EarthSky.
Frequently asked questions
When is Venus retrograde in 2026?
Venus is retrograde from October 3 to November 13, 2026 (November 14 in Europe and Turkey). It starts at 8°29′ Scorpio and ends at 22°51′ Libra. Including the shadow, the cycle runs from August 31 to December 15, 2026.
Which zodiac signs are most affected by Venus retrograde 2026?
Scorpio and Libra feel it most, since Venus retrogrades through both signs. Taurus, the other Venus-ruled sign, comes next. Leo and Aquarius are touched through Venus’ squares to Mars in Leo (October 10) and Pluto in Aquarius (October 20).
Are Mercury and Venus retrograde at the same time in 2026?
Yes. Mercury is retrograde in Scorpio from October 24 to November 13, 2026, overlapping Venus for about three weeks. The two planets turn direct within nine hours of each other on November 13–14.
Does Venus retrograde mean an ex will come back?
It often brings old feelings or former partners back to mind, and sometimes back in touch. Whether to reconnect is your choice; the retrograde is a time to review, not a rule.
Is it bad to start a relationship during Venus retrograde?
Not necessarily. Traditional astrology advises against big commitments, such as engagements or weddings, while Venus is retrograde. A new connection can still grow; see how it feels after Venus turns direct.
Can I shop or get a haircut during Venus retrograde?
Everyday purchases are fine. Astrologers usually suggest postponing big luxury buys and drastic changes to your look until Venus turns direct, or ideally until the shadow ends on December 15.
What happens in the sky during Venus retrograde?
Venus passes between Earth and the Sun. It leaves the evening sky in October, reaches inferior conjunction on October 24 and returns as the morning star in November.
When is the next Venus retrograde?
The next Venus retrograde runs from May 10 to June 22, 2028, in Gemini. The previous one ran from March 2 to April 13, 2025, in Aries and Pisces.
