Understanding Venus Retrograde 2025
Comprehensive Guide and Horoscopes
Venus officially began its retrograde phase on March 1st, retracing its steps until April 12th, giving us approximately 40 days and 40 nights to deeply reflect on all Venusian themes—relationships, money, creativity, income, self-worth, values, aesthetics, and fashion. Like all planetary retrogrades, Venus retrograde is absolutely necessary, offering a critical opportunity to step back, gain a 360-degree perspective, and refine our understanding and integration of Venus’ energy in our lives.
Why Venus Retrograde Matters
Despite the popularization of Mercury Retrograde as a supposedly terrifying three-week marathon of mishaps, planetary retrogrades are nothing to fear. They are in fact necessary slowdowns that help us accomplish a few key things:
They help us develop a 360 degree view of something that we’re currently too close to
They help us re-center and achieve moderation with a planet that we’ve naturally steered too far out of balance
They help us review and reconsider something in order to work with it more effectively
Ideally, retrogrades represent an opportunity to reintegrate that planet’s energy more coherently and holistically in our lives. For example:
Mercury retrograde: we pause and review key conversations, decisions, connections, processes, appointments etc from the previous three months or so.
Mars retrograde: we review our stress management capabilities, motivations, ability to compete, etc.
Pluto retrograde: the collective reflects on the transformation they want to see in the world.
During Venus retrograde specifically, we deeply reconsider Venus themes—values, relationships, creativity, finances, self-worth, and our personal natal Venus placement.
Venus represents values on two fronts — our personal values (and by extension our sense of self-worth) as well as the value we place in other people. It ultimately is about our relationship to ourselves first and then our relationship to others as a reflection of that self-worth. Everything truly flows from our personal values.
Each Venus retrograde happens approximately every year and a half, lasting about 40 days and nights. The retrograde is split into two halves, with the first 20 days marking the end of Venus’ synodic cycle (its cycle in relation to the Sun) and offering us a chance to discard anything that no longer resonates with us from Venus’ 584 day cycle. We then have an “a-ha” moment at the midpoint of the retrograde that informs the new direction we’d like to go in, representing the beginning of a new Venus cycle. The second half of the retrograde then offers us another 20 days to reflect, although for many people it brings increasing clarity about the best next steps to take within anything Venusian. (If you are totally overwhelmed right now, devote most of your time to reflecting on personal values during the retrograde. Remember—everything stems from those values!)
Reflecting on Key Dates and the Special Venus-Saturn Alignments
“You can do all the manifestation rituals you want visualizing your perfect partner—but when they show up, they won’t be perfect, and it will take consistent effort to cultivate a true long-term bond.” — me on a random TikTok Live recently
To better understand this current Venus retrograde, think back to recent key astrological dates:
October 14th, 2023: Venus in Virgo opposed Saturn in Pisces.
March 25th, 2024: Venus conjunct Saturn in Pisces.
October 2nd, 2024: Solar eclipse in Libra with Venus trine Saturn.
These dates set the stage for the current retrograde, culminating in the Saturn-Venus conjunction during the Libra full moon on April 12th, 2025.
Understanding the Venus Retrograde Phases
Venus retrograde behaves differently across distinct phases. Venus has a 584-day synodic cycle, similar to a lunar cycle, with a metaphorical new moon, full moon, waxing and waning phases. Currently, we're in the final waning crescent phase of Venus's cycle which began on August 13th, 2023. Since then, you've likely adopted a different “relationship” to relationships, money, fashion, aesthetics, income, and self-worth.
March 1–March 22: The Closing Phase
Right now (at the time of writing on March 3), Venus is an evening star—visible in the night sky, symbolizing a mature phase of the cycle. We have a mature perspective on how Venus energy is both working for and against us. Eventually Venus will disappear from view and we will begin to discard Venusian elements of our lives that are no longer leading to positive outcomes from the prior cycle. During this hyper-reflective period, you should:
Reflect deeply on your progress since August 13th, 2023, in relationships, finances, fashion, aesthetics, and self-worth.
Journal honestly on how your values and relationships have evolved since then. Grade areas of your life—relationships, income goals, fashion—to identify which areas need improvement or have stalled.
Tweak and finesse things gently—your style, hair, clothing, skincare—but avoid wholesale changes during this closing phase.
March 22: The Inferior Conjunction (Cazimi)—A New Beginning
On March 22nd, Venus reaches its inferior conjunction (Cazimi) with the Sun, marking the start of a new Venus cycle—like a "new moon" for Venus. It's a seed-planting moment. You will begin planting seeds for new approaches to relationships, fashion, self-worth, financial objectives, and friendships. However, don’t expect to necessarily act on anything right away. Nevertheless, key insights will come through.
On the day of the inferior conjunction, be open to receiving any epiphanies regarding your relationships, creativity, values, self-worth journey, etc.
March 22–April 12: The Rebuilding Phase
From March 22nd until April 12th, we enter the second half of Venus retrograde, technically marking the beginning (waxing crescent phase) of Venus's new cycle. Now we can reflect on how we want to implement any new insights from the Cazimi practically. We are also beginning to witness an evolved set of personal values and their manifestation into our reality in myriad ways.
However, this must be navigated with nuance and the understanding that any actions should be done with care. Also, we should delay any major new initiatives within the themes of Venus until the retrograde officially ends.
Some tips and guidance on this phase:
For example, let’s say a relationship from August 2023 is currently in shambles—on and/or after March 22nd, new strategies or ideas to salvage the relationship could emerge.
During Venus's final days in retrograde, Venus becomes visible again as a morning star. This signals an increasing awareness of new strategies tied to Venus (relationships, fashion styles, or creative projects). Others might experience greater clarity regarding their personal values.
During the second half of Venus Retrograde, you can begin to more confidently wrap up ongoing Venusian endeavors like an unfinished creative project or aesthetic redesign, or you can start to strategize on new approaches to relationships, money, etc. It’s important to remember that it’s best to wait until Venus stations direct to launch any new full-scale initiatives that fall within Venus’ themes.
It’s best to not make any final decisions about existing or past relationships until Venus retrograde is officially over, however, expect your view of the relationship to become increasingly clearer throughout this second half of the retrograde.
During Venus retrograde we can reflect on past relationships quite effectively, however, we should also recognize that we have a slight bias towards the past, which can cloud our judgement (e.g. deciding to ask an ex on a date purely based on nostalgia or a yearning for the past).
Venus Retrograde in Aries (March 1–March 27): Independence and Boundaries
Venus retrograding in Aries is uncomfortable and a little grating (Venus is in detriment here). It highlights where we fall on the spectrum of independence and self-reliance within our relationships. Use this time to reflect specifically on:
Your degree of independence in relationships, finances, and creativity.
Are you too independent or not independent enough? (Remember, retrogrades are an opportunity to bring things back to center and to pursue moderation after a period of potential imbalance).
Do you view your partner as your oxygen, or do you push people away?
Review your passion and physical intimacy, asking yourself honestly: "Am I satisfied with my physical intimacy? Is the passion still there?"
Mars, which rules Aries, will be in Cancer squaring Chiron, potentially triggering family-related disputes or reawakening family wounds through relationships. Reflect on lessons learned during Mars retrograde in Cancer (December 6th, 2024–February 23rd, 2025)—did you resolve family conflicts or stress rooted in family wounds? Your success during Venus retrograde in Aries hinges on how thoroughly you've internalized those Mars retrograde lessons.
Venus retrograde in Aries is a chance to spice things up, boosting passion. Creatively, reflect if you've lost passion working with your current collaborators (in a band, comedy group, etc.). Perhaps it's time to break away and pursue your authentic creative direction.
Venus Retrograde in Pisces (March 27–April 12): Facing Delusions, Sacrifice, and Empathy
From March 27th, Venus retrogrades in Pisces (the sign of its exaltation) alongside Saturn, prompting reflection on the work required to manifest and maintain your dream partner and other ideal Venusian situations:
Are you idealizing someone or something financially or romantically?
Have you been deceived or are you deceiving yourself financially or romantically?
Reflect honestly on whether you've been non-confrontational or overly idealistic.
Balance empathy and openness with discernment and clear boundaries.
Consider if you’re seeking a quick, easy way to attract a dream partner that asks nothing of you, or if you are realistic about the effort and sacrifice required to nurture the relationship on a daily basis.
Reflect on whether you and your friends or partner are emotionally open with one another, compassionate and willing to help one another, all without being oblivious to personal boundaries and needs.
Look to Jupiter and Neptune (dispositors of Venus in Pisces) for guidance. With Jupiter still in Gemini, Venus retrograde in Pisces could help you complete creative writing projects or tap into new inspiration via seemingly innocuous sources of information or mundane conversations.
Venus-Saturn-North Node Conjunction: Realism, Commitment, and Manifestation
At the end of the retrograde on April 12th, Venus aligns with Saturn and the North Node in Pisces, coinciding with the Libra full moon (with Venus ruling Libra). Saturn repeatedly reminds us that the best relationships require hefty investment and that everything has an opportunity cost.
Recognize there's no perfect scenario. Reflect on your willingness to sacrifice certain desires to cultivate lasting relationships, financial stability, or creative success. Manifestation alone isn't enough—you must execute.
Blend realism into your manifestation efforts—sure, you can imagine what your dream partner looks like, talks like, tastes like, etc, but what happens two years from now when you go through a rough patch? Do both parties give up and pursue another dopamine rush? Or is the relationship built to last? That depends on whether both partners recognize the sacrifice required to be in a long-term relationship. When your dream partner manifests, it may arrive imperfectly—be prepared for daily investment and work.
“Manifest, then execute.”
Mercury Retrograde Simultaneous with Venus Retrograde (March 14–April 7)
Mercury retrograde overlaps Venus retrograde, amplifying nostalgia and temptation to reconnect with ex-partners or past situations, especially ones where the passion was greater. Be mindful of traps and tests from the universe—if you're not careful, you could get drawn back into old, unhealthy situations.
Signs Most Affected:
Venus-ruled signs (Taurus, Libra, especially as the Rising Sign), placements from 24-29 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces as well as 0-10 degrees of Aries, Libra, Capricorn and Cancer will feel this retrograde strongly. However, Venus retrograde is not a cause for fear—it's an opportunity to elevate your relationships, fashion, finances, and values.
Final Practical Advice
Remember, every retrograde is a chance to incorporate planetary energies more coherently into our consciousness. Use the first half (evening star phase) to reflect honestly on what needs letting go. Expect a revelation of some kind on March 22nd (cazimi), and thereafter, focus on rebuilding—taking deliberate action, creating clear strategies, and planning new approaches or continuing to reflect on unresolved situations regarding relationships, money, creativity, values, etc.
And if nothing else, write down your top 5 values in order of priority and gauge whether they are aligned or misaligned with the people you’re connected to, with the job you have, with the creative projects you’re committed to, etc. By the end of Venus retrograde, you'll emerge with greater confidence in your relationships, fashion sense, financial strategies, and personal values.
You have 40 days and 40 nights to figure this out—take advantage, reflect thoroughly, and prepare to rebuild meaningfully.
Venus Retrograde Horoscopes by Sign
Aries
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