Venus Retrograde 2026: A Tarot Reading for Every Venus Sign

Venus, the planet of love and beauty, embarks on its journey into the underworld on October 3, where it’ll remain until November 13. For about two weeks in the middle of this period, Venus will be in such proximity to the Sun that you’ll be unable to see her.

Most likely you’ve heard of Mercury retrograde, which famously creates difficulties around communication and technology. Venus retrograde is a whole different ball game.

So, what does it mean for you when the planet of love disappears from the visible eye?

Venus Retrograde in Scorpio: October 3-25

Especially during the start of this retrograde, you can expect some emotional upheaval.

Venus retrograde begins in the sign of Scorpio, the sign ruled by Pluto, the planet of death, rebirth, and mystery. The energy Scorpio brings to the first few weeks of this retrograde is transformation in motion. Since Venus is in its detriment in Scorpio, you may be dealing with discomfort as you navigate your inner world at this time. Plunge into this discomfort with trust, knowing that there’s something for you to unravel. 

Looking Back at the Astrology of 2018

Think back to October and November of 2018, the last time Venus went retrograde in Scorpio. Where were you, what were you worried about, who were you surrounding yourself with? What was your relationship to pleasure and creativity at this time? What habits were alive and well for you at this time? Journal about the difference between now and then: you’re an entirely different human being these days. Notice also what beliefs and fears you still carry with you today.

This can be a beautiful time to reexamine your relationship with love. Since 2018, chances are you’ve grown and healed a great deal. You’ve become more aligned with your personal aesthetics. You know who you are in a deeper way. You have higher standards for your relationships. You don’t tolerate as much melodrama. Home is hopefully a more pleasant place to be now. Honor how you’ve changed, and know that even more shedding is possible now.

Venus Retrograde in Libra: October 25-November 13

On October 25, Venus enters the sign of Libra, a much cozier place for it to be. Venus is in its domicile in Libra, which will feel like a breath of fresh, balanced air after some intense emotional weather. Venus retrograde in Libra brings lessons around fairness, truth, and authentic expression. While sharing the truth can be painful, it’s also the key ingredient to intimacy. The more vulnerable you can be, the better. Remember, people want to see the real you, just like you want to see the realness in those around you.

Your Venus Retrograde 2026 Tarot Reading by Sign

Below, find the sign Venus falls in for you for a mini reading to guide you through this retrograde. If you don’t know your Venus sign, look for your sun or rising sign.

Aries Venus / King of Cups & 2 of Wands

Aries, moments where your emotions get the better of you may be on your mind during this retrograde. You can see clearly where you had a choice in your reactions and can now acknowledge that you probably should have chosen differently. You may feel regret for reacting in a way that’s out of alignment with your values. Chances are, this cycle didn’t start with you. Pay attention to feelings of anger, shame, and remorse during this time. Know that you’re in control. Feel your emotions before they explode!

Taurus Venus / Seven of Cups & Knight of Swords

Taurus, amidst this Venus retrograde, consider the choices you have in front of you. Sometimes you want other people to be able to read your mind and just deliver what you need, but the truth is, internally you’re not entirely sure what you need. You may feel overwhelmed by all the choices that are available to you. Use this Venus retrograde to befriend your own heart and trust its wisdom. Let people go who you don’t actually want. Ask for what you need, loud and clear.

Gemini Venus / Page of Cups & 8 of Swords

Gemini, you have a clean slate to rewire the way you communicate with yourself during this Venus retrograde. For a long time, you’ve been plagued by internal belief systems that have kept you small and afraid. These beliefs have tried to convince you that you’re undeserving of your dreams, but the Page of Cups promises that you have a lot to offer. You may find yourself falling in love this season: whether it be with another person, an art form, or yourself. You’re finding a way to love yourself in ways you never have before, and it feels exhilarating.

Cancer Venus / Four of Wands & Four of Cups

Cancer, your tender heart is thinking about the grand finale of love during this Venus retrograde. You may fear being fully known and then rejected, and so you’ll be led to examine the parts of yourself that you deem the most unlovable. Finding love for yourself allows you to fully let in the love of another. Your standards have changed drastically over the years. You’re no longer chasing a high with love; instead, you’re seeking what’s grounded and stable.

Leo Venus / 7 of Wands & the Magician

Leo, it’s time to evaluate your relationship to defensiveness. What have you been fighting for, and why? Who has made you feel small on your journey towards self-liberation? What is it you feel like you have to prove? You may be questioning what you’ve been working so hard towards, but don’t give up. You’re powerful, creative, and deserving of what you want most out of life. Take ego out of the equation and relax a little. See what happens when you lean back and step into the role of the observer.

Virgo Venus / Page of Cups & the Devil

Virgo, this retrograde is when you’ll learn to befriend your own darkness. You’ll be softening up to parts of yourself you normally avoid, looking at them through the eyes of love. Venus retrograde will be teaching you that you can’t hate yourself into loving yourself. You’re ready to look your habits in the eye and call them what they are: a wounded person crying for love.

Libra Venus / Ace of Swords & Queen of Wands

Libra, Venus retrograde is revitalizing some creative ideas you once were excited about but never jumped on. Pay attention to what you find intellectually and artistically stimulating during this retrograde. As the leaves fall, so do any beliefs you hold that you’re not ready to take the leap. Be your own biggest cheerleader right now. Others can’t see the vision unless you share it with them, so get out there!

Scorpio Venus / The Sun & King of Wands

Scorpio, you’re spending your retrograde thinking about what truly makes you happy. Maybe you used to idealize being the boss and the visionary, yearning to be the one who calls the shots; but these days you’re finding more peace in less responsibility. Or, you’re taking your power back from an energy vampire who robbed you of your vitality. Either way, prepare to feel unbothered by BS that’s not yours to carry.

Sagittarius Venus / Page of Wands & 8 of Pentacles

Sagittarius, don’t shy away from something you truly want just because the road ahead will require a hefty investment of your time and energy. Talent is natural, but nothing that good comes too easily. The ones who thrive are the ones who show up and do the work. You have something of value to offer, so sit with your avoidance right now and ask what it’s really afraid of.

Capricorn Venus / Strength & Queen of Pentacles

Capricorn, did you forget who you are again? You source a lot of value from work ethic. Your love language is to give it your all in everything that you do. But when you feel your strength begin to dwindle, that’s a clear sign that you need to slow down. Use this retrograde period to teach yourself that it’s all going to come together in due time, but you have to put your body first.

Aquarius Venus / 8 of Swords & Page of Pentacles

Aquarius, Venus retrograde is going to teach you about your relationship to self-doubt. It might be time to call out your own victim mentality and take ownership over your circumstances. Something’s clicking; you’re realizing there’s no one else to blame. This is a painful but enlightening process that will allow you to get serious about where you intend to invest your energy.

Pisces Venus / Page of Swords & the Fool

Pisces, during this retrograde period, the unknown, unfamiliar, and unpredictable are calling out to you. You’re being faced with a choice: stay where things are comfortable, or take a leap of faith. Whatever you’re feeling called to study or explore, listen to that. This is a brief moment in time when you can shake up your day-to-day life to move towards more excitement and fulfillment.