Love, money, and beauty hit a wall when Venus retrograde begins on October 3, 2026. For the next forty days and forty nights, Venus will slide backwards through Scorpio, then Libra, as this retrograde brings awareness to relationship problems, financial obstacles, and style choices. How will Venus retrograde in Scorpio and Libra 2026 affect you, based on your zodiac sign? Keep reading to find out!

🤓  What Can You Expect from Venus Retrograde?

According to astrology, a retrograde occurs when a planet or asteroid begins regressing. It might look like the celestial body is physically moving backward from our vantage point on Earth, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Retrogrades are the ultimate cosmic optical illusion, so the planet or asteroid never actually physically regresses. If anything, a retrograde is a period when a celestial body temporarily pauses to rethink, review, and then revise whatever it rules. Some retrogrades last a few weeks while others may last a few months. Plus, a retrograde can go through up to two zodiac signs.  

Venus retrograde is a rather unusual cosmic event, because the minor benefic doesn’t station retrograde nearly as often as the other planets and asteroids. Venus only stations retrograde every 18 months, and typically lasts forty days and forty nights. So, this means we haven’t experienced a Venus retrograde since early 2024!

Typically, a Venus retrograde will largely impact relationships of all kinds, finances, and beauty. Partnerships will be re-evaluated during this period. Some friendships, love connections, or other kinds of bonds may not make it if overarching issues aren’t addressed. Venus retrograde also calls attention to relationship wounds, as well as other unhealthy patterns and behaviors that might be hindering genuine connections from growing. Newer relationships and commitments could also unravel during this time. Aside from connection, money becomes a touchy subject. Venus retrograde could cause financial hardship, expose financial problems, and delay abundance. It might also illuminate a scarcity mindset. Lastly, beauty and creativity are impacted. Venus retrograde usually isn’t the best time to make a significant style or aesthetic choice, such as changing your hairstyle or repainting a room.

This particular Venus retrograde has two phases:

Phase one is from October 3, 2026, to October 25, 2026, since Venus initially stations retrograde in Scorpio. This will likely be the toughest phase, because Venus is debilitated (exile) in Scorpio. Between stationing retrograde and being debilitated, Venus retrograde in Scorpio is notably challenging.

Venus retrograde in Scorpio will be intense! Scorpio brings psychological complexity, taboo, paranoia, obsession, shame, and transformation to this retrograde. Expect to feel emotionally overwhelmed, especially as your intuition clashes with your anxiety. Although there might be some stubbornness and obsessiveness, it could be worthwhile to scratch an itch. Investigating something you cannot let go of will lead to purposeful revelations. These realizations might not be what you expected or wanted, but what you needed. You could see enmeshment, debt, underlying tension, and secrecy in a different light. Regardless, this phase asks you to be mindful of where you’re drawing something out. Scorpio is associated with death and rebirth, so it might be time to make a substantial change to a Venusian-influenced area of your life.

Phase two runs from October 25, 2026, to November 13, 2026, and differs because Venus will be retrograde in Libra. Phase two might be a bit easier, since Venus is dignified (domicile) in Libra. Although the retrograde is ongoing, Venus is at least in its home sign. 

The remainder of Venus retrograde focuses on Libra’s attributes, which are harmony, reciprocity, codependency, peace, pacifying, and justice. Venus retrograde in Libra highlights the imbalances in your connections, passions, finances, and more. Instead of pacifying the situation, you’re encouraged to hold yourself and others accountable. Venus retrograde in Libra says justice and truth can come without conflict. Instill true peace and harmony by owning what you want. Upholding your values, standards, and expectations may feel initially uncomfortable, but it will also create a more reciprocal situation. Aside from this, there might be creative blockages to overcome. Moving past indecision, perfectionism, and a need for validation can assist with artistic pursuits. 

⏰  How Long Will Venus Retrograde Last? October 3, 2026 - November 13, 2026

⏪  When Does Venus Rx Leave Scorpio & Enter Libra? October 25, 2026

🛑  What Will Venus Retrograde Impact? Love, commitment, aesthetics, finances, intensity, intimacy, enmeshment, power, control, taboo, shame, guilt, shared finances, debt, transformation, reciprocity, balance, commitment, codependency, peace, fairness, & justice

🫵  Who’s Affected the Most? Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius, Leo, Libra, Aries, Capricorn, & Cancer

💫  Tips & Tricks for Surviving Venus Retrograde

Venus retrograde might sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be! There are ways to mediate the chaotic, tumultuous effects of Venus retrograde. Here are our top tips for surviving Venus retrograde:

Create. Venus retrograde could lead to creative blockages, but it might also bring awareness to the hobbies, passion projects, and creative ventures that once inspired you. Having a fun, artistic outlet can also be a great channel for your energy. Just focus on enjoying the process and don’t worry about the end result. 

Save. Venus retrograde can produce financial problems, stagnancy, and even hardship. The best way to handle this is to cut corners where you can. Forgo unnecessary expenses to save an extra dollar. 

Detach. Vensus retrograde may impact current and new relationships of all kinds. Since this transit can lead to pauses, breakups, and more, it’s best to work on detachment. Learning to detach can help you feel grounded and aligned as you navigate the uncertainties of this retrograde.

✨  Here's What You Need for Venus Retrograde 

🕯️  Aphrodite Intention Candle

Whether you’re rekindling romance, elevating your creativity, or performing an intentional self-love ritual, the Aphrodite Intention Candle can help you manifest with intention.

🛡️  Black Tourmaline

Protect yourself and your energy with Black Tourmaline. This grounding crystal shields your aura, dissolves negative influences, and restores a sense of safety.

❤️  Self Love Spell Jar

Use this Venus retrograde to amplify your self-love and self-compassion with the Self Love Spell Jar. This carefully crafted spell jar is made with natural herbs and crystals to nurture self-compassion, confidence, and emotional healing.

💛   Citrine

Make this retrograde work for you, not against you. Citrine, a.k.a. the stone of abundance, can help you find the silver lining by supporting your financial endeavors and self-expression.  

🧿  Evil Eye Accessories

Deflect negative energy and psychic attacks by wearing the Evil Eye. This ancient, sacred talisman wards off negativity while enhancing your aura with calm confidence.

✨  Click here to explore the full collection →

🌟  Your Venus Retrograde Horoscope Says…

What can the zodiac signs expect from Venus retrograde? Read your sun sign and rising sign horoscopes to see what you should expect:

♈  Aries

Reconsider who you’re aligned with, Aries. Venus retrograde in Scorpio initially hits your eighth house of assets and debt, suggesting that some arrangements aren’t as beneficial as you hoped. Some of your partnerships might be costing you more than you realize. When Venus retrograde in Libra enters your seventh house of commitment, you’re asked to rebalance the playing field. Know that this might come at the cost of ending a partnership if the other party cannot match your energy. 

♉  Taurus

Ask yourself if this adds to or takes away from your life, Taurus. Your arrangements and partnerships will change, as Venus retrograde in Scorpio unwinds your seventh house of commitment. The obligations and relationships you presently have may not be what they seem. However, you won’t know for sure what’s worth the effort until Venus retrograde in Libra rebalances your sixth house of routine. Be more selective about what you commit to and work on, since it will greatly influence your daily life.

♊  Gemini

What should you prioritize, Gemini? Review what you’re doing on a day-to-day basis when Venus retrograde in Scorpio inspects your sixth house of routine and habits. You may find a lack of spontaneity, fun, and romanticism in your life, especially if you're a workaholic. Luckily, you can invite this back in when Venus retrograde enters Libra and your fifth house of joy. The remainder of Venus retrograde encourages you to make time for fulfillment, creativity, and passion—you deserve it!

♋  Cancer

Romanticize your life, Cancer. Allow yourself to have more fun, as Venus retrograde in Scorpio revitalizes your fifth house of passion and creativity. Inner child wounds regarding hobbies, self-expression, and dating may arise. Meet these wounds head-on so you can feel empowered in your artistic and romantic pursuits. Doing so could forever change the foundation of your life, as Venus retrograde in Libra moves through your fourth house of home and roots. Spend the remainder of this retrograde committing to a more fulfilling lifestyle. 

♌  Leo

Your past resurfaces, Leo. Venus retrograde in Scorpio unearths something personal in your fourth house of home and family. This could be family secrets, childhood wounds, or something else you’d rather ignore. Whatever it might be, it demands your attention. Investigate the skeletons in your closet. You may have deeper realizations about your life, thought process, and family dynamics when Venus retrograde in Libra enters your third house of communication. This process will be emotionally intense, but also spiritually revealing and mentally empowering. 

♍  Virgo

Keep your ideas close to your chest, Virgo. Your ideas matter more than you think, which can be hard to see with Venus retrograde in Scorpio coursing through your third house of communication. Even if you feel unsure of your intellect or communication skills, rest assured there are individuals who want to covet these attributes. It might become more obvious when Venus retrograde in Libra enters your second house of value and wealth. Use the remainder of this retrograde to affirm that your mind is worth millions. 

♎  Libra

Never doubt yourself, Libra. Temporary doubts are cast as Venus retrograde in Scorpio stresses your second house of security and stability. You may run into some financial hiccups that hinder your self-confidence. Likewise, a lacking mindset could also impede your self-assurance. Set the intention to work on this when Venus retrograde enters your sign and your first house of selfhood. Building yourself up by reaffirming your worth, value, and beauty will amplify your overall self-confidence. 

♏  Scorpio

Know who you are, Scorpio. Venus retrograde in your sign disarms your first house of self and appearance, implying that you may not feel as confident as usual. You could struggle with body dysmorphia, low self-worth, and more during the initial phase of this retrograde. Why are these negative thoughts and feelings coming up after all this time? The answer may arrive when Venus retrograde in Libra enters your twelfth house of unconsciousness. Personal insecurities and self-doubt go deeper than you previously thought. 

♐  Sagittarius

Who can you trust, Sagittarius? Some connections are more complex than you realize, as Venus retrograde in Scorpio unveils your twelfth house of hidden matters. Someone’s thoughts and feelings toward you become increasingly obvious. You won’t be able to ignore it any longer when Venus retrograde in Libra backpedals through your eleventh house of friendship and networking. Instead of letting it simmer, address the elephant in the room to figure out where you stand with someone.

♑  Capricorn

It’s time to follow your dreams, Capricorn. Revisit the aspirations you once abandoned when Venus retrograde in Scorpio slides through your eleventh house of dreams. Something you once aspired to accomplish comes back around for a second chance. Don’t overthink it. Make this a priority once Venus retrograde in Libra hits your tenth house of success and notoriety. Committing to this dream could change everything for you, including how you view success and what you’re known for. 

♒  Aquarius

Take one step back to take two steps forward, Aquarius. Reconsider what you want to do when Venus retrograde in Scorpio reevaluates your tenth house of career and success. The path you started on might not be the best path moving forward. Thankfully, you can revisit old avenues, ventures, and pathways. Venus retrograde in Libra reconsiders your ninth house of growth and journeying, alluding to other options that may be better aligned with your goals and spiritual journey.

♓  Pisces

Is this what you want to invest in, Pisces? Your current path may not be aligned, as Venus retrograde in Scorpio questions your ninth house journeying and growth. Something you set out to do might not be right for you. Perhaps you’re not working with the best teachers or learning important lessons. Pull back when Venus in Libra pauses your eighth house of assets and debts. Use the remainder of this retrograde to reconsider what’s truly worth your time, energy, and money.

 

🤔  How Will Venus Retrograde Affect YOU?

Discuss your personal cosmic forecast for Venus retrograde with ASCEND's in-house astrologer, Liz Simmons. Together, you and Liz will determine what Venus retrograde will bring your way and how to handle this cosmic energy to the best of your ability.

⭐️  Book your astrology reading

 

 

 

✍️  Meet ASCEND’s In-House Astrologer & Writer

Liz Simmons is a writer, astrologer, and tarot reader based in Salem, MA. Liz is the resident astrologer at ASCEND Get Lifted. Aside from providing astrological readings and tarot readings, Liz writes for ASCEND’s blog. Her expert commentary is featured in over twenty publications, including Cosmopolitan, Shape, Women’s Health, & more. Check out her work on Instagram, @the_ _crone & book a reading with her at ASCEND.