Venus Retrograde, 2026 (Part 1): Key Dates

Hey, beautiful people!

This is the first in a series of letters I'll be sharing over the coming weeks as we explore Venus' 2026 retrograde journey. It's a long one, so you might want to grab a cuppa and a notebook to jot down a few dates before we dive in. Ready? Let's go.

Venus entered Shadow of Her current retrograde season on 1 September, 2026 (here in Australia), at 22°52′ Libra. She then turned retrograde on 3 October, 2026, at 8°29′ Scorpio. She will return to Libra on 25 October, before then stationing direct at 22°52′ Libra, on 14 November, 2026 (AEDT).

She'll then return to Scorpio on 4 December, 2026, and complete Her post-retrograde shadow on 16 December, 2026.

So, Venus is currently in the second phase of Her current retrograde season.

(See the infographic below to easily see the exact dates and degrees.)

Normally, it takes Venus just under three weeks to travel 16 degrees of the zodiac. But during this retrograde season, She'll spend three and a half months (fifteen weeks, from 1 September to 16 December, 2026) travelling back and forth across the same 16 degrees of Libra and Scorpio, traversing this same territory in our charts three times.

There's definitely something in these two areas of your chart — and in how they connect — that She wants you to become more consciously aware of. It's a prolonged opportunity to reconsider your relationships, desires, and values; to reconnect with what genuinely brings you joy and fulfilment; and to begin making the changes that will bring your life into greater alignment with what truly matters to you.

Venus spends less time retrograde than any of the other planets . . . so we tend to really feel it when She goes retrograde. It's worth understanding what is being asked of us during this period.

When we’re new to astrology, we might read blog posts or watch YouTube videos telling us that people can suddenly have a change of heart during Venus retrograde. There will be articles out there saying that this just isn’t a good time for relationships of any kind (depending on where Venus is in our chart) — e.g. our romantic relationships,  our family, our co-workers, business partners, employees, mentors.

We might worry and think, "Oh, no! Is this going to destroy us?"

Maybe, yes. But probably not.

Venus' true goal has little to do with breaking us up . . . instead, She invites us to step back from our habitual ways of relating and how we show up in the world, and to reconnect with what we genuinely love, value, and desire. What brings us true joy and fulfilment? Where have we lost touch with ourselves, compromised what really matters to us, or settled for something that no longer nourishes us?

Sometimes, this process brings us into deeper, stronger, and more genuine connection with those we share our lives with. Sometimes, it reveals something that needs to change if the relationship is to continue. Either way, the opportunity is to become more conscious of what is arising, and to do the work of bringing our lives and relationships into greater alignment with the deep truth of who we actually are. I'll explore this more deeply in my next few posts.

To note, while it is a time to pay attention to all that is arising, to do the internal work entailed, and to raise matters with those we are in relationship with, this is typically not a good time to rush into major commitments, to get married, or to initiate divorce proceedings. Where circumstances allow, give yourself time to examine what is arising before making decisions that may fundamentally change your life.

Nor is it a good time to make major financial decisions, investments, or purchases — particularly of luxury items including luxury vehicles, jewellery, fashion, or expensive furnishings — as the true value of anything is likely to be harder to accurately assess while Venus is retrograde. Of course, if you need to buy a phone, for example, buy a phone! But if you're considering splashing out on a fancy, expensive, top-of-the-range phone, perhaps wait until Venus turns direct on 14 November.

Key Dates for Venus Retrograde, 2026

Let's begin this series of newsletters by considering the Key Dates for Venus' 2026 retrograde cycle. Maybe jot them down, and keep an eye on them over the next couple of months.

Entered Pre-Shadow:	1 September, 2026	22°52' Libra
Stationed Retrograde:	3 October, 2026	8°29' Scorpio
Stationed Direct:	14 November, 2026	22°52' Libra
Left Post-Shadow:	16 December, 2026	8°29' Scorpio

We will all feel Her retrograde cycle. But those of us with planets or key points between 22° Libra - 9° Scorpio (or in the signs squaring or opposing these) will particularly feel its impact.

Another date to note is 20 October, 2026, when Venus will square Pluto for the second time, at 3°04′ Scorpio. Their first square was on 16 September, 2026 at 3°16′ Scorpio. It's worth looking back to 16 September, or just before, to see what was being spotlighted for you. What is the connection between then and whatever arises for you around 20 October? Can you discern the continuation of a particular storyline?

It's also worth noting 24 October, 2026, as this is when Venus will make an inferior conjunction with the Sun at 0°45′ Scorpio . . . the final time She will make an inferior conjunction with the Sun in Scorpio in our lifetimes. Having disappeared from the evening sky as She approaches the Sun, Venus passes between the Earth and the Sun, disappearing from our view for a time before returning as the Morning Star on 30 October, 2026. Symbolically, Her disappearance from the night sky and then re-emergence about one week later in the morning sky marks a moment of death and rebirth in Her cycle.

And then She returns to Libra the very next day, 25 October, 2026.

Venus' previous inferior conjunction with the Sun in Scorpio was back on 27 October, 2018 at 3°06′ Scorpio, just 2 arcminutes from the degree where She will square Pluto this year. So, it's a potent degree being activated in our psyches and memory. It'd be well worth looking back through your journals etc to remember what was unfolding for you back on or around 27 October, 2018, as there is likely a connection to whatever will be unfolding for you on or around 24 October, this year.

Looking Back: Key Dates for Previous Venus Retrogrades in Scorpio/Libra

As always, precedent is our friend. Venus retrogrades every 18 months, ultimately completing five repeating (slowly shifting) retrograde seasons within each 8-year cycle. So, if you're curious to understand the potential for this period, I invite you to look back eight years to 2018, and then eight more to 2010, then 2002, 1994, 1986, and 1978, when Venus was previously retrograding in the same region of the zodiac.

2018

Entered Pre-Shadow:	3 September, 2018	25°15' Libra
Stationed Retrograde:	6 October, 2018	10°50' Scorpio
Stationed Direct:	16 November, 2018	25°15' Libra
Left Post-Shadow:	18 December, 2018	10°50' Scorpio

2010

Entered Pre-Shadow:	6 September, 2010	27°39' Libra
Stationed Retrograde:	8 October, 2010	13°13' Scorpio
Stationed Direct:	19 November, 2010	27°39' Libra
Left Post-Shadow:	20 December, 2010	13°13' Scorpio

2002

Entered Pre-Shadow:	8 September, 2002	0°03' Scorpio
Stationed Retrograde:	11 October, 2002	15°36' Scorpio
Stationed Direct:	21 November, 2002	0°03' Scorpio
Left Post-Shadow:	23 December, 2002	15°36' Scorpio

1994

Entered Pre-Shadow:	11 September, 1994	2°28' Scorpio
Stationed Retrograde:	13 October, 1994	18°00' Scorpio
Stationed Direct:	24 November, 1994	2°28' Scorpio
Left Post-Shadow:	25 December, 1994	18°00' Scorpio

1986

Entered Pre-Shadow:	13 September, 1986	4°53' Scorpio
Stationed Retrograde:	16 October, 1986	20°23' Scorpio
Stationed Direct:	26 November, 1986	4°53' Scorpio
Left Post-Shadow:	28 December, 1986	20°23' Scorpio

1978

Entered Pre-Shadow:	16 September, 1978	7°20' Scorpio
Stationed Retrograde:	18 October, 1978	22°48' Scorpio
Stationed Direct:	29 November, 1978	7°20' Scorpio
Left Post-Shadow:	30 December, 1978	22°48' Scorpio

I invite you to look back through your journals, photos, social media posts, letters and emails etc, or to ask your parents or care-givers about what was happening when you were younger. What was unfolding for you in these previous periods? What were you experiencing? What were you learning? What challenged you? How far have you come with this particular dynamic?

Can you discern the thread connecting these retrograde periods?

Chief Areas of Focus by Rising Sign/Ascendant

If you'd like a general look at the main areas of life that this Venus Retrograde Season may activate in your chart, please see the list below. I encourage you to read the zodiac sign of your Rising Sign or Ascendant, rather than your Sun Sign.

Because Venus begins Her retrograde journey in Scorpio, moves backwards into Libra, and eventually returns to Scorpio, two Houses of your chart are involved. Scorpio is where the retrograde begins and where Venus meets the Sun at Her inferior conjunction. Libra is where She returns to revisit, repair, rebalance, and perhaps rekindle something before moving forward again. As you explore these two areas of life, consider how they might be connected. What patterns or recurring themes are beginning to emerge?

I'd also encourage you to consider your natal Venus placement. The sign and House in which Venus resides, and the Houses She rules (Taurus and Libra) can add further layers of meaning to this retrograde journey.

Aries Rising

Scorpio in the 8th House: Intimacy / Trust / Vulnerability / Psychological Transformation / Complex Psychological Relationships / Power Dynamics / Trauma / Abandonment / Betrayal / Psychotherapy / Occult Mysteries / Esoteric Studies / Death / Shared Resources / Joint Finances / Taxes / Financial Entanglements / Credit / Investments / Debt / Commissions & Bonuses / Loans / Inheritance / Self Employment

Libra in the 7th House: 1:1 Relationships / Committed Partnerships / Marriage / Best Friends / Business Partnerships / Relationship Agreements / Reciprocity / Negotiation / Equality / Open Enemies / Your Customers

Taurus Rising

Scorpio in the 7th House: 1:1 Relationships / Relationship Agreements / Reciprocity / Negotiation / Equality / Projection / Commitment / Relationship Patterns / Best Friends / Business Partners / Committed Partnerships / Marriage / Open Enemies / Your Customers

Libra in the 6th House: Self-Care Routines / Health & Wellbeing / Daily Habits / Meaningful Work / Work Skills / Colleagues & Employees / Service / Work-Life Balance / Responsibilities / Pets

Gemini Rising

Scorpio in the 6th House: Self-Care Routines / Health / Illness / Meaningful Work vs Wage Slavery / Work Skills / Work Teams & Colleagues / Employees / Mentors & Teachers / Lineage / Pets / Daily Habits / Service / Work-Life Balance / Boundaries at Work / Burnout / Physical Wellbeing / Responsibilities / Rituals of Everyday Life

Libra in the 5th House: Pleasure / Joy / Play / Creativity / Addictions / Recreation / Rest & Relaxation / Self-Expression / Children / Fertility / Hobbies / Passion / Creative Risk-Taking / Romance / Love Affairs / Love We Give / Dating

Cancer Rising

Scorpio in the 5th House: Creativity / Recreation / Self-Expression / Children / Fertility / Sports / Hobbies / Play / Joy / Addictions / Rest & Relaxation / Speculation / Moving Away from Home / Creative Risk-Taking / Artistic Expression / Allowing Yourself to Be Seen / Passion / Romance / Love Affairs / Dating / Love We Give

Libra in the 4th House: Home / Family / Roots / Ancestry / Household Economy / Private Life / Emotional Foundations / Early Childhood Environment / Emotional Security / Family Patterns / Sense of Belonging

Leo Rising

Scorpio in the 4th House: Home / Family / Roots / Household Economy / Private Life / Emotional Foundations / Early Childhood Environment / Family Patterns / Emotional Security / Family Boundaries / Psychic Gifts / Ancestry / Property / Home Ownership / Where you call home / Sense of Belonging / Your Relationship with the Past

Libra in the 3rd House: Communications / Siblings & Cousins / Peer Group / Learning / Writing / Speaking / Listening / Contracts / Local Neighbourhood / Short Trips / Thought Patterns / Everyday Conversations / Personal Divination

Virgo Rising

Scorpio in the 3rd House: Peer Group / Communications / Regular Daily & Weekly Schedule / Learning / Contracts / Siblings & Cousins / Early Relationship Patterns (that we take into our adult relationships) / Goddess / Short Trips / Local Neighbourhood / the Rational Mind / Writing / Speaking / Listening / Neighbours / Neighbourhood / Everyday Conversations / Thought Patterns / How We Communicate Our Needs and Desires / Personal Divination

Libra in the 2nd House: Money / Earning Power / Personal Finance / Values / Valuables & Assets / Personal Possessions / Resources / Self-Worth / Financial Independence / Receiving / Skills, Gifts, and Talents / Material Security / Your Relationship with Abundance

Libra Rising

Scorpio in the 2nd House: Money / Earning Power / Values / Valuables & Assets / Personal Finance / Personal Possessions / Resources / Skills, Gifts, and Talents You Can Support Yourself With / Being Self-Sufficient / Attitude to Money / Self-Worth / Proving Yourself to Yourself / Investing in Your Beauty (new hairstyle or clothing?) / Financial Independence / Receiving / Pricing Your Work / Material Security / Your Relationship with Abundance / What You Truly Value

Libra in the 1st House: Personal Journey / Self-Identity / Self-Expression / Physical Body / Vitality / Self-Image / Personal Autonomy / Embodiment / Physical Appearance / Authenticity / Personal Boundaries / New Beginnings

Scorpio Rising

Scorpio in the 1st House: Personal Journey / Self-Expression / Self-Identity / A Sense of Control Over Your Direction in Life / Vitality / Physical Body / New Beginnings / Personal Autonomy / Self-Image / Physical Appearance / Personal Boundaries / Authenticity / Your Relationship with Your Own Desires

Libra in the 12th House: Private Matters / Hidden Self / Unconscious Patterns / Solitude / Retreat / Dreams / Spiritual & Psychic Experiences / Meditation / Hidden Talents / Self-Sabotage / Unresolved Grief / Endings / Compassion / Spiritual Surrender

Sagittarius Rising

Scorpio in the 12th House: Secret Opportunities / Private Matters / Matters from the Past / Hidden Self / Spiritual & Psychic Experiences / Consciousness / Meditation / Hospitals / Hidden Talents / Addictions / Secret Enemies / Endings / Selfless Care of Someone We Love / Solitude / Retreat / Dreams / Unconscious Patterns / Self-Sabotage / Spiritual Surrender / Spiritual Practices / Unresolved Grief / Compassion / The Need for Rest and Withdrawal

Libra in the 11th House: Friendships / Groups / Clubs & Societies / Allies / Community / Social Networks / Long-Term Hopes, Dreams, and Aspirations / Personal Goals / Collaboration / Shared Visions / Mutual Support / Love We Receive

Capricorn Rising

Scorpio in the 11th House: Friendships / Groups / Clubs and Societies / Allies / Long-Term Hopes, Dreams, & Aspirations / Personal Goals / Love We Receive (allowing others to love us) / Community / Social Networks / Shared Visions / Collective Endeavours / Collaboration / Mutual Support / Your Sense of Belonging Within a Group

Libra in the 10th House: Social Identity / Role in Community / Career or Profession / Vocation / Status / Reputation / Public Visibility / Leadership / Authority Figures / Professional Relationships / Career Direction / Success & Recognition / Your Contribution to the World

Aquarius Rising

Scorpio in the 10th House: Social Identity / Role in Community / Status / Career or Profession / Destiny / Mission / Vocation / Leadership / Public Visibility / Professional Relationships / Career Direction / Your Contribution to the World / Your Relationship with Success and Recognition / Public Scrutiny / Fame / Reputation / Scandal / Honours / Promotions / Your Harvest / Your Boss or Other Authority Figures

Libra in the 9th House: Philosophy / Beliefs / Religion / Spirituality / Law / Morals & Principles / Higher Education / Teaching / Publishing / Foreign Travel / Pilgrimage / Worldview / Wisdom Traditions / Relationship with the Divine / Government Paperwork

Pisces Rising

Scorpio in the 9th House: Philosophy / Re-evaluating Your Beliefs / Law / Religion / Foreign Travel / Pilgrimage / Publishing (books, oracle cards, courses, articles) / Morals and Principles / Being Out of Your Comfort Zone / Relationship to God / Higher Education / Learning / Teaching / the Abstract Mind / Government Paperwork / Worldview / Spiritual Teachers / Wisdom Traditions / Cross-Cultural Experiences / Seeking Meaning / The Search for Truth / Your Relationship with the Divine / Revealed Wisdom

Libra in the 8th House: Intimacy / Shared Resources / Joint Finances / Investments / Debt / Loans / Inheritance / Trust / Vulnerability / Power Dynamics / Complex Psychological Relationships / Occult Mysteries / Death / Psychological Transformation / Esoteric and Occult Wisdom

Venus retrograde periods are potent times for reconnecting with our true values and what makes life feel satisfying and fulfilling. I'll be sharing a number of letters with you over the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out for them.

I hope this first post has been helpful? As always, I'd love to receive your comments, insights, and stories. Please hit Reply to connect. And feel free to share this with anyone you feel may benefit from it.

As always, thank you for your company on this path. I am so grateful for it.

Peace

Juliette xo