Venus retrograde 2026: dates and meaning
Venus is retrograde from 3 October to 14 November 2026. It appears to move backwards from 8°29′ Scorpio to 22°52′ Libra. The pre-shadow began on 31 August 2026; the post-shadow ends around 15 December 2026. Midway through the retrograde, Venus passes directly between Earth and the Sun on 24 October 2026 (inferior conjunction, or cazimi) at 0°45′ Scorpio, beginning a new 8-year Venus cycle.
Key dates at a glance
| Event | Date | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-shadow begins | 31 Aug 2026 | 22°52′ Libra |
| Venus stations retrograde | 3 October 2026 (morning) | 8°29′ Scorpio |
| Retrogrades back into Libra | Late October 2026 | 0° Scorpio → Libra |
| Inferior conjunction / cazimi | 24 Oct 2026 | 0°45′ Scorpio |
| Venus stations direct | 14 November 2026 (01:27 CET; US sites: 13 November) | 22°52′ Libra |
| Post-shadow ends | approx. 15 December 2026 | 8°29′ Scorpio |
Astronomical calculations (geocentric, tropical zodiac). Times are Central European Time: CEST until 25 October 2026, then CET. Stations are slow transitions; sources and calculation methods can give times several hours apart.
What does retrograde mean?
No planet actually reverses its orbit. Venus overtakes Earth on its inner orbit about every 584 days. For roughly six weeks, it appears from Earth to move backwards against the stars. In astronomy, this is a perspective effect; in astrology, it is a time for looking back.
The astrological meaning in 2026
In astrology, Venus represents relationships, values, money and pleasure. Its retrograde period traditionally calls for reviewing relationships and values before starting something new. In 2026 it crosses two signs: Scorpio, where it is in detriment, and Libra, which it rules:
- Scorpio phase (until roughly late October): depth, jealousy, trust, shared money and things long pushed aside.
- Libra phase (until 14 November): partnership, fairness, compromise and whether a relationship is balanced.
In 2026, Mercury also turns retrograde on 24 October. Both planets move backwards until 13 November, a combination associated in astrology with reunions, old messages and honest conversations.
What tradition advises postponing
- Weddings, engagements and formalising new relationships, according to astrological tradition.
- Major cosmetic procedures or radical changes of appearance.
- Expensive luxury purchases, especially around the cazimi on 24 October.
What to focus on
- Assess existing relationships carefully: what do you give, and what do you receive?
- Review finances and subscriptions. Reconnect with old contacts deliberately, or bring things to a close.
- Prepare decisions and act after 14 November, or after the post-shadow in mid-December.
Which areas of your life are involved?
The personal emphasis depends on the houses Venus crosses in your birth chart between 22° Libra and 8° Scorpio, and any contacts it makes to natal planets. You need your birth date, time and place to find these.
Personal Venus Retrograde report (€14): the houses involved, whether the cazimi touches your chart, and a calendar through 15 December.
Learn more →More on Cosmolytic: Venus in depth, with her live position and station, the two signs of her 2026 retrograde, Scorpio and Libra, and the twelve houses she moves through in your chart.
Frequently asked questions
When is Venus retrograde in 2026?
From 3 October to 14 November 2026. The pre-shadow begins on 31 August; the post-shadow ends around 15 December 2026.
Which signs is Venus retrograde in during 2026?
It begins at 8°29′ Scorpio and moves back to 22°52′ Libra, covering late Libra and early Scorpio.
What is the Venus cazimi on 24 October 2026?
The inferior conjunction of Venus and the Sun at 0°45′ Scorpio. Venus lies between Earth and the Sun; in astrology, this begins a new 8-year Venus cycle.
How often is Venus retrograde?
About every 19 months (584 days), for roughly 40 to 43 days. The next retrograde after 2026 begins in spring 2028.
Should I marry during Venus retrograde?
Traditionally, astrology advises waiting before formalising a new commitment. Many people use the period to plan, then decide after 14 November.
Sources
Responsible: Maximilian Stroh, Anonyfox e. K., Hamburg