Venus. The planet of love, beauty, sensual pleasure, partnerships – and yes, cold hard cash. When she’s in retrograde, all those Venusian vibes tend to go a bit… sideways. Romance gets messy or moves too fast, we make questionable choices in the bedroom, money gets tight, and suddenly we’re overdoing it on pumpkin spice everything or splurging on a Halloween costume we’ll only wear once. We may feel out of sorts in our bodies and in our bank accounts.

Sounds like a bit of a nightmare, right?

So how do we work with Venus Retrograde instead of against it?

This is your cue to revisit and re-evaluate all things Venus governs. We are taking a long, honest look at what we actually want in a relationship – and whether we are even ready for one. It’s advisable not to throw yourself back into dating until Venus goes direct (May 10, 2025); holding off on buying more ‘must-have’ decor from the HomeGoods Halloween aisle. And instead of punishing your body or pampering it expensively, look for gentler, cheaper ways to care for it (do make face masks with actual gold in them).

This moment calls for collective reflection: on how we value women, on sexual violence, on power and responsibility, on our relationships – romantic, political, societal.

It doesn’t mean we’re powerless. If teaches us anything, it’s this: just because something looks like it’s moving backwards, doesn’t mean it actually is.

And maybe burn it all to the ground. (Let’s not forget: Venus may be a goddess of beauty, but get on her bad side and she can be an absolute savage.)

So – slow down. Reflect. Take care of your heart. Reassess your finances. Nourish your relationships. And figure out how you’re going to contribute to real, lasting change.

Venus Retrograde: Do’s & Don’ts

DO:

Reflect on what you truly want in a relationship – especially romantic ones. What are your standards? What’s worked, what hasn’t? Where do you want to go next?

Resist indulgent spending. Find ways to treat yourself that don’t involve draining your bank account.

Pour your energy into creative pursuits. Art, writing, dance, music, costume design – whatever lets your soul sparkle.

Audit your finances. Be brutally honest. How much is going on coffee, impulse buys, or things you don’t actually need?

If it doesn’t spark joy or serve a purpose, let it go. Clothes, makeup, random kitchen gadgets – clear the clutter and make space for the new.

Rethink your personal style. Is it you, or just what was on sale last time you hit the high street?

DON’T:

Don’t jump into anything romantic with someone new. Not until mid-May 2025. You can flirt – just don’t fall.

Don’t get engaged.

Don’t break up with your partner just because things feel off. Ride it out until Venus goes direct, then reassess.

Don’t buy luxury items or anything impulsive. It’s not worth it right now.

Don’t revive old flames or friendships unless you’re really ready to resolve things.

Don’t launch new investment plans or open new financial accounts.

Don’t let superficial judgements – yours or others’ – define your self-worth.

Don’t ask for a raise, a loan, or lend money. Just… don’t.

Wishing you grace, insight, and a whole lot of power during this wild retrograde. May the odds be ever in your favour – and may Venus, in all her fire and glory, walk beside you.