Venus retrograde 2026 begins on 3 October at about 8 degrees of Scorpio and ends on 14 November at about 23 degrees of Libra, UK time. For roughly six weeks, the planet of love, attraction and values appears to move backwards, inviting an honest second look at relationships, what you value in them, and how you give and receive affection.

If a relationship question is already pressing, you do not need to wait for the retrograde to end. Send us your question and I will look at it in the light of your horoscope.

Venus retrograde 2026 at a glance

31 August 2026 – Venus enters its pre-shadow in Libra, crossing the degree where it will later turn direct.
3 October 2026 – Venus stations retrograde in Scorpio.
25 October 2026 – Venus moves back from Scorpio into Libra.
14 November 2026 – Venus stations direct in Libra, in the early hours UK time.
4 December 2026 – Venus returns to Scorpio.
15 December 2026 – Venus leaves its post-shadow and the cycle completes.

Venus turns retrograde roughly every eighteen months, far less often than Mercury, so these periods tend to feel more significant when they arrive. This autumn, Mercury is retrograde too, from 24 October to 13 November, which puts communication and affection under review together.

Two chapters: Scorpio, then Libra

3 to 25 October: the Scorpio chapter

Scorpio is the sign of intimacy, loyalty, trust and what is shared. With Venus backing through it, the reflection turns inwards and deep: where do I feel truly close, and where am I holding back? Old jealousies, unspoken hurts or questions of trust may surface. So can a renewed sense of what real closeness means to you.

25 October to 14 November: the Libra chapter

Libra is Venus's own sign, concerned with balance, fairness, partnership and harmony. Here the focus shifts from depth to give-and-take. Is the effort in the relationship shared? Are agreements between you still fair? Is harmony being kept at the cost of honesty?

Why the change of sign matters

People often find the first half of the retrograde feels heavier and more private, and the second half more about conversation and rebalancing. Knowing this can make the period easier to navigate: the intensity of October is not the whole story.

Common relationship themes and gentle ways to meet them

Past partners reappearing

Retrogrades are associated with returns, and Venus retrogrades with people from the past. A message from an ex can be an invitation to closure as much as to reunion. Give yourself time before replying.

Questioning a current relationship

Doubts that surface now are worth listening to, but they are not instructions. The retrograde is better for understanding than for dramatic decisions. Write down what you notice and revisit it after mid-November.

Reassessing what you value

Venus also describes personal values and what you find beautiful. Some people use this time to rethink how they spend their time, what they want from partnership, or how they express affection.

Things many astrologers suggest keeping for later

Beginning a brand-new relationship with big commitments straight away.
Dramatic changes to your appearance you may later regret.
Formal engagements, if you have genuine flexibility over the date.

Five questions to journal on before mid-November

Retrogrades are easier when you give the reflection somewhere to go. Try returning to these questions once a week between now and the direct station, and notice how your answers shift from the Scorpio weeks to the Libra weeks.

When do I feel most at ease with the people closest to me, and when do I feel guarded?
Is there a conversation I have been postponing because I fear how it will land?
Does the effort in my closest relationship feel balanced? If not, what would fairer look like?
What did I value in love five years ago that I no longer need, and what have I started to value instead?
What would I like to say, calmly and clearly, once Venus turns direct?

Using the retrograde for a compatibility reading

A retrograde is one of the most natural moments to look at a relationship through astrology, because the whole period is about reviewing. A Compatibility Reading is a 30-minute online session that compares two birth charts to show the strengths and challenges within a relationship and how you can improve communication and avoid misunderstandings. It works for couples, for someone considering a new partner, and for business partnerships too.

In the context of Venus retrograde 2026, a reading can show where Scorpio and Libra fall in each of your charts, which tells you which areas of shared life are most likely to be under review. It is guidance for understanding each other better, not a verdict on the relationship. If you have been together for some time, our article on a compatibility reading for an established couple describes how that conversation usually goes, and if you are both far apart, the piece on long-distance relationship compatibility may help.

What to have ready

Dates, times and places of birth for both people, as precisely as possible, and a sentence or two on what you would like to understand. If one birth time is unknown, the reading is still possible, with broader timing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Venus retrograde a bad time to get married?

Traditionally it is not considered ideal for beginning a marriage, but many weddings are booked long in advance. If your date is fixed, a date and time reading can help choose the most supportive hour on the day.

Will an ex come back during Venus retrograde?

No one can predict that for certain. The period is associated with reflecting on the past, and sometimes that includes contact, but the meaning is personal.

Does Venus retrograde affect friendships too?

Yes. Venus describes all affectionate bonds, so friendships and even close working relationships can come up for review.

When is the next Venus retrograde after this one?

Venus retrogrades about every eighteen months, so the next one will not arrive until 2028.

When you get in touch, tell me a little about the relationship and share both sets of birth details. Send us your question and I will suggest whether a compatibility reading or a single written answer suits you best, so you can use these weeks for clarity rather than worry.