Venus retrograde
copyright by Gery Mews

We are in Libra season until October 23, a time that emphasises restoring balance and working toward mutual agreements. The month opens with intensity, with the Libra Sun approaching an opposition to Saturn retrograde in Aries (exact October 4), while Mars in Leo approaches a confrontational opposition to Pluto in Aquarius (exact October 3). Libra relates to the need to join forces with others to accomplish greater tasks together, to unify extremes and eventually dissolve adversaries through cooperation and diplomacy. Aries is the sign opposite to Libra pointing to the lesson of thinking independently and staying connected to one’s own authenticity. Saturn here reminds us of taking responsibility for our choices.

The opposition between Mars and Pluto signals a world at a breaking point. On a mundane level, we have witnessed the falling apart of old partnerships while new alliances have been forming. The time calls for individuals and groups with determination and courage to address what is no longer working while having the willingness to engage with and resolve complex issues.

Venus, planet of relationship, and Mercury, planet of communication, are both in Scorpio with Venus turning retrograde on October 3 and Mercury turning retrograde on October 24. Scorpio is a deep probing sign, unearthing the truth even if it might be uncomfortable or hurtful. Venus in Scorpio intensifies the already challenging opposition between Mars in Leo and Pluto in Aquarius by forming an exact square with Mars on October 11 and with Pluto on October 22. This is potentially a difficult period for relationships on all levels. We may review our loyalties and allegiances after some deep and honest reflection and adjust our expectations of one another to find a new equilibrium, renegotiating both our written and unwritten contracts. Friendships will also be tested; some might come to an end while others are strengthened and reaffirmed.
Venus turns retrograde every 19 months and will appear travelling backwards for about 40 days along the path she has recently covered. Last time Venus was performing her retrograde loop in Scorpio was during October 2018.

Besides relationships, Venus relates to values and resources, our likes and dislikes, and the people and things we therefore attract into our lives. While Venus is retrograde, we can revise and reflect on what is important to us and how to spend our resources best. The purpose of the retrograde period is to guide us back to get in tune with what really matters to us. Self-worth issues, review of morals, where and where not to invest money may all be areas that could occupy us. It is not the best time for making big new purchases or for speculation. It may not pay off the way we are expecting it. In financial astrology, retrogrades are interpreted as periods of review, reassessment, delay or reversal. Venus retrograde periods may correspond with changing judgments about what an asset is worth. The Venus retrograde cycle ends on November 14.

The New Moon on October 11 in Libra forms a square aspect with Ceres in Cancer and a supportive sextile to Jupiter in Leo. Ceres in Cancer, the archetypal mother, shifts the focus onto the deeper layers of our soul and emotional dimension. Besides fairness, equality and intellectual understanding in relationships (Libra) we also need loving care and domestic safety (Cancer). Nevertheless, Venus and Mars form a tense square aspect and Jupiter in Leo adds an extra boost of boldness and passion to a very confident and self-assured Mars. Nevertheless, ambition and big goals still require strategy, calmness, and realistic planning.

Mercury in Scorpio turns retrograde on October 24 and will be retrograde until November 14 (same as Venus!). This combined retrograde phase of Venus and Mercury signals an important period of review, hopefully delaying the current push into a very uncertain future with unforeseeable consequences for all life on Earth. Like always when Mercury is retrograde misunderstandings occur more easily, and things that are not in good working order break down then. On the positive, delays in the outer world give us extra time to tune into our subconscious and be guided by intuition, rather than pushing ahead based on personal ambition or what seems rational.

The Full Moon on October 26 is in earthy Taurus, square Pluto in Aquarius, opposite Venus retrograde and conjunct Chiron. We may feel torn between conflicting needs, still on our journey into the underworld of addressing unfinished business in our relationships, both present and past. What open wounds remain active? What regrets, resentments, and misunderstandings need to be reconciled? Venus and Mercury retrograde encourage us to do the inner work and recognise the part we have played, the lessons we have learned, and the necessity of letting go and moving on.  

Aries: This is a time of digging a little deeper into your relationships, as unresolved issues surface when Venus is retrograde. This includes reflecting on your heart’s desires and how they align with the demands and expectations of the world around you. Know what is truly important to you and let others know your truth. Give yourself the freedom and space to play, explore, and express more of your creativity.

Taurus: This is a time when you need to make a conscious choice about how and where to invest your energy and resources best. What matters most and needs prioritising?  You may want to weigh career obligations against the demands of your private life.  Use the Venus retrograde cycle for reviewing and re-negotiating your written and unwritten contracts with others.

Gemini: Use the Venus retrograde cycle for re-evaluating your daily routines and duties as well as your relationship with your body. Do you love and appreciate your body enough? Have you been living too much in the head instead of the heart? You may be ready for a deep cleanse or nourishing massage. A healthier balance between body, mind and soul might be needed.

Cancer: This is a good time for really getting involved in your creative work and finishing projects that have been waiting in the background. Make some extra time for fun activities, whether this is with your children or grandchildren. On the other hand, take care with your finances and double-check everything, especially when making online purchases.

Leo: You could feel supercharged with fresh motivation, big goals and physical strength while Mars and Jupiter are co-present in your sun sign. Channel the energy into creative projects such as redecorating your home. At the same time, you may have some difficulty being patient with loved ones. Make sure to keep an open ear and give equal value to their needs and thoughts.

Virgo: This is a period of re-evaluation and prioritising. You easily could feel overwhelmed by your work and service obligations and need to take extra care of yourself. Use soft power when you want to get something. Allow things to come to you instead of pushing for them. Unresolved sibling issues may surface during this Venus retrograde cycle for you to look at in a new way. Past resentments can be resolved, allowing everyone involved to move forward.

Libra: Your approach to possessions, resources and values is under review during this Venus retrograde cycle, a time to reevaluate your material reality, what is needed and what can be discarded to make room for new beautiful things to come in. It is a perfect time for working through unfinished self-worth and self-love issues and for speaking your truth in your relationships clearly and loudly.

Scorpio: This Venus retrograde cycle in your Sun sign is an important period for evaluating your deepest wishes, and desires. It may be time to release old fears and attachments to certain things—or even people—that no longer reflect who you are; prioritise what is important. Be honest about your ambition to make your mark on the world, even though this may need to be balanced with domestic duties.

Sagittarius: The Venus retrograde cycle is a journey into the depth of the subconscious, of honest soul-searching to realign with your essential truth. What are your unshakable values and beliefs and in which areas of life are you open for change and new growth? Go with the flow and try to be patient. New horizons will soon be opening.

Capricorn: Your friendships and loyalties within your social networks are under review. You may be figuring out who your true friends and allies are—and who may no longer belong in your life. This is a time of change and deeper shadow work. Listen to your heart; you may already know where you feel stuck and where you need to release old attachments to create more freedom.

Aquarius: This Venus retrograde cycle could bring to light unresolved issues to do with your life goals, place in the world and career path. What are your unique set of talents, and do you feel acknowledged by the world around you? It is time to step up into a firmer sense of self and confidence. Clarify expectations that others might have on you.

Pisces: This Venus retrograde cycle can be helpful for reevaluating your personal philosophy, including what you have been accepting as truth. Dogmas and ideologies may be challenged during this process, encouraging you to question what you believe. This could bring attention to your daily routines, duties and health. Do you need to make more time for rest or do you need to be more engaged in your work? What would the right balance look like?

Astrology at the Lillifield Community Centre:
“Declinations, Parallels, Out-Of-Bounds Planets: Exploring
the other Dimension in our Natal Chart”

Sunday, November 15, 2026, 10 am – 4 pm
Lillifield Community Centre, 4505 Kyogle Rd, Wadeville 2474
All welcome!

Information and Registration: 0457903957 or
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