You ever get a random “Hey… how are you?” text from an ex and think, Why now? Or maybe your partner says something completely innocent, and suddenly you’re spiraling over a misread message? Yep. That’s Venus in retrograde doing its chaotic little dance through your love life.
When Venus—the planet of love, beauty, and relationships—starts moonwalking across the sky, everything gets weird. It’s not just breakups and awkward reunions. It’s ghosting, texting regrets, date nights gone sideways, and feeling way too much over something small. It’s like your love life turns into a messy soap opera, full of drama, misunderstandings, and uninvited plot twists.
But don’t freak out just yet. Venus retrograde doesn’t mean you’re doomed in love. It actually comes with lessons—big ones. This isn’t about suffering; it’s about uncovering what’s been hiding under the surface. It stirs up the past to show you what still needs healing, what’s worth fixing, and what really isn’t.
So before you throw your phone out the window or send that text, let’s dig into what this retrograde actually does, why it makes your love life feel like a melodramatic TV show, and how to ride it out without losing your mind—or your heart.
What Actually Is Venus in Retrograde?
First off, retrograde just means the planet looks like it’s moving backward in the sky. Venus goes retrograde about every 18 months for roughly 40 days. Astrologically, this is a big deal, especially when it comes to love, beauty, relationships, money, and values—all Venus territory.
Think of it as a cosmic slowdown. Venus in retrograde asks you to pause, reflect, and reevaluate. It’s not the best time to start new relationships, get married, or make big beauty changes (sorry, impulsive bangs). It’s more about looking back, reassessing, and finding clarity. And yeah, sometimes that means facing things you thought were long gone—like that ex you swore you were over.
Why Exes Always Come Crawling Back
One of the most well-known (and annoying) parts of Venus retrograde is the sudden reappearance of exes. Old flames pop back into your inbox, memories resurface out of nowhere, or you bump into someone you haven’t seen in years. This isn’t just random—it’s the universe waving a neon sign that says: unfinished business.
But before you romanticize the past, take a beat. Venus retrograde often brings people back so you can finally close the chapter—not reopen it. It’s a test. Are you really over it? Did you learn what you were supposed to? Or is this just another loop of an old lesson?
Pro tip: If someone resurfaces during this time, it’s okay to feel things—but think twice before diving back in. Sometimes closure looks like a conversation. Sometimes it looks like not replying.
Texts Get Weird, Feelings Get Weirder
Communication during Venus retrograde? A mess. What you say might be taken the wrong way. What they don’t say might send you spiraling. Texts get misread. Calls get missed. People ghost or overshare. It’s like Mercury retrograde’s messy little sibling—but all about emotions.
This is the time when something as small as a “K” text can feel like a breakup. You might read too deeply into tone, punctuation, or the time it took for someone to reply. It’s not that you’re being dramatic—it’s that the emotional air is thick and confusing.
So slow down. Ask for clarity. Don’t assume. Don’t jump to conclusions. Most drama during Venus retrograde starts with one small misunderstanding that snowballs fast. Breathe. Double-check. Give people the benefit of the doubt.
Romantic Plans Go Sideways
Got a date night planned during Venus retrograde? Expect delays, weird vibes, or just plain awkwardness. It’s not personal—it’s just bad timing. This transit has a way of making things feel “off,” even when nothing is technically wrong.
You might feel disconnected from your partner for no clear reason. Or maybe everything they do suddenly annoys you. Again, this isn’t about failure—it’s about noticing what’s really going on. Venus retrograde exposes cracks in relationships. Not to break them, but to help you fix them (if they’re worth fixing).
That said, don’t force things. If the energy feels off, let it be. You don’t have to make major decisions right now. Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is take space, get quiet, and wait for the fog to clear.
Beauty + Money Mishaps? Yep, That Too
Venus isn’t just about love—it rules beauty and money, too. So yeah, that means impulsive haircuts, bad tattoo ideas, overspending, or regrettable fashion choices can pop up during this time. Be careful with cosmetic procedures, big purchases, or suddenly wanting to reinvent yourself. You might regret it once Venus goes direct.
The same goes for money in relationships. If you’re fighting about finances, this retrograde might make things feel extra tense. Try to avoid big joint purchases or signing contracts. Use this time to assess what you really value and what’s just temporary emotional impulse.
Things You Might Feel (And What to Do)
-
Extra sensitive: Everything hits harder. Let yourself feel it, but don’t act on it right away.
-
Restless: You might feel like jumping into something new. Try journaling instead of rushing.
-
Nostalgic: Longing for the past? Ask yourself what you’re really missing—was it them, or just the comfort?
-
Detached: You might suddenly feel distant from people you usually feel close to. This doesn’t mean the connection is broken—just paused.
What helps? Slowing down. Writing things out. Talking it through with someone you trust. Taking long walks. Listening to your gut, but waiting before acting. Venus retrograde isn’t a punishment—it’s an invitation to get honest about what your heart really wants.
How to Actually Survive Venus Retrograde
-
Don’t make huge relationship decisions.
Breakups, proposals, and declarations of love can wait. If it’s real, it’ll still be there when Venus goes direct. -
Avoid major beauty changes.
Haircuts, tattoos, surgeries—just hold off if you can. You might not love the results after the retrograde ends. -
Think twice before texting your ex.
If you have something to say, journal it first. Sleep on it. Then decide. -
Practice self-love like it’s your job.
This is a perfect time to turn inward. What makes you feel good, safe, and valued? -
Revisit what you value.
In love. In yourself. In your time. What needs to change? What deserves more attention?
You’re Not Broken—You’re Growing
Venus retrograde can feel intense, messy, and downright frustrating. But it’s not here to ruin your love life—it’s here to reveal it. It shines a light on the cracks so you can fill them with gold. It calls back the past so you can finally let it go. And it shakes things up so you can rebuild stronger.
So if things feel confusing, dramatic, or just plain weird—take heart. You’re not lost. You’re just moving through a stormy part of your love story. And on the other side? Clarity. Closure. And maybe even a softer, deeper version of love—starting with yourself.
