Venus Retrograde In Leo: Practising Self-love

Venus Retrograde 

July 23 to September 4, 2023.

Venus, the planet ruling love & money, art & beauty turns retrograde at the weekend. This means Venus will be retreating back through the zodiac from 28° to 12° Leo.

What does Venus retrograde mean, what do you need to avoid and how can you make the most of Venus’ change of direction over the next six weeks? 

Retrograde Venus

When a planet turns retrograde, its energy is said to be weakened. Venus will disappear from the night sky and return as a morning star. She’ll be hidden from view for a short while.

This gives you a clue as to the themes of Venus retrograde. What’s hidden from you or is changing direction? 

Traditionally, this is not the time to engage avidly with Venusian pursuits, i.e. don’t marry, have cosmetic surgery or make a major investment. This is because you may regret your decision or choice once Venus is back up to speed.

When planets are retrograde, it’s time to turn your attention inwards. You may be reflecting about love, what it means to you, whether you’re in the right relationship, what sort of relationship you want, etc.

Money too may fall under the cosmic microscope during this retrograde phase. A time to let go of some of your long-held beliefs or ideas around money or explore new ways of making money. It’s a time for contemplation rather than out-and-out action.

As with all retrograde phases, Venus retrograde connects you to the past. Therefore, you may hear from an ex or a childhood sweetheart. Or, perhaps you’re drawn back to your past for a sentimental reason.

If you still have strong feelings for someone you loved previously, this can be a good time to get back in touch to explore those feelings once again. And, with Venus in fire sign Leo, it may be a passionate encounter.

Yet, sometimes, a lover goes absent or quiet on you during Venus retrograde. Alternatively, you’re the one who’s in retreat.  Use this Venus retrograde phase as an enquiry into love.

Venus Retrograde In Leo

Venus in Leo is loud and proud, confident and bold. If you’ve been spending too much time at home recently, get back out into the world, be a sun-seeker and prioritise fun times.

Venus in Leo craves pleasure and desire and wants to show off and be colourful. Wear bright colours to celebrate Venus’ transit through Leo, hang out with the kids, laugh and play more, lounge around indulgently. Even more important when Venus is in her slower phase.

Venus loves to be in Leo where she can be Queen Bee. Venus in Leo wants to take centre stage, enjoy life to the full and make sure she does whatever’s necessary to be noticed and admired.

Venus retrograde in Leo is a symbol of self-love, a reminder that it’s only when you love yourself deeply that you may find more ease and happiness in your close relationships. Focus on your own happiness while Venus dives deep into Leo, the star sign linked to self-expression and artistry.

Venus Retrograde Important Dates

Venus has been the brightest star in the evening sky for the past few months but when she turns retrograde for approximately 40 days and 40 nights, Venus disappears from view to re-emerge as warrior woman in the morning sky.

Venus gathers energy and strength in her retrograde phase. The turning point will come mid-August as she gets ready to re-emerge stronger early September. A classic way to use the Venus retrograde phase is to rest and retreat, do inner work, go on holiday, indulge and enjoy yourself.

There’s an 8 year pattern which repeats almost exactly in the zodiac. Which means that if you want to know what this year’s Venus retrograde phase in Leo may bring in your own life, look back to the summers of 2015, 2007, 1999, 1991, 1983 and so on. 

Was it a summer of love? Or, a season of passion, if you live in the southern hemisphere. There is a slight shift backwards so this doesn’t work going back into infinity but it is pretty accurate for the last few occasions.

Here are the key dates of Venus’ transit through Leo:

• Venus enters Leo – June 5, 2023
• Venus turns retrograde [28 Leo 36] – July 23, 2023
• Sun conjunct Venus R [20 Leo 28] – August 13, 2023
• Venus turns direct [12 Leo 12] – September 4, 2023
• Venus leaves Leo – October 9, 2023

Jupiter & Uranus Squares

When a planet turns retrograde, it often makes the same planetary aspect three times. This time around, Venus in Leo will square both Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus. Jupiter is the biggest planet linked to freedom and over-the-top hedonism and indulgence. Uranus has an erratic orbit and is linked to change, rebellion and independence.

This combination of planetary aspects feels exciting and could bring in new opportunities. It doesn’t feel like being trapped or held back. In fact, it’s the opposite.

This is about living life to the full and loving yourself deeply to be the person you truly are. There may be some twists and turns along the way when it comes to love or money. Yet, while is Venus is in Leo, keep coming back to your heart.

When Venus is square Jupiter, you may feel more creative or fun-loving. This is a big-hearted, generous combination. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself and letting your hair down but not if it leaves you out of pocket or you don’t honour yourself.

When Venus is square Uranus, things can happen quickly around love and money. These dates are the time to be more cautious, less impulsive and watch out for other people going crazy. Uranus is the planet linked to splits and divorce.

Emotions could be full-on during all these planetary aspects. Notice when there’s too much ego, too much bravado, either from yourself or a third party. Don’t let over-excitement flip into vanity, idleness or selfish behaviour. And, be wary of how much you’re spending on yourself and others – keep close tabs on money.

• Venus 5° Leo square Jupiter 5° Taurus – June 11, 2023
• Venus 21° Leo square Uranus 21° Taurus – July 2, 2023
• Venus R 22° Leo square Uranus 22° Taurus – August 9, 2023
• Venus R 15° Leo square Jupiter 15° Taurus – August 22, 2023
• Venus 15° Leo square Jupiter R 15° Taurus – September 17, 2023
• Venus 22° Leo square Uranus R 22° Taurus – September 29, 2023

R = retrograde. Also, n.b. that on the day Venus turns direct, September 4, 2023, Jupiter turns retrograde. Plus, communication planet Mercury will be retrograde from August 23rd to September 15th.

There’s a love dance going on in the cosmos – how’s this playing out in your life? Perhaps, you make up your mind about love but you’re out of sync with someone else. When in doubt, keep coming back to your heart and learn to love yourself deeply and fully.

What It Means For You

Venus retrograde will fall in a particular sector of your horoscope. This is where you’re being asked to tread gently or to dive in deeply, passionately & obsessively if you’re ready to throw caution to the winds. Read both your Sun sign and your Ascendant sign. 

• Leo: Your relationship with love, your body, your image and appearance 
• Virgo: Unrequited feelings, private yearnings, your inner journey and spiritual path
• Libra: Love and friendship, a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship
• Scorpio: Love and business, an affair with your boss, power and status
• Sagittarius: Foreign connections, a long-distance love affair
• Capricorn: Your sexuality, money and sex, taboo issues
• Aquarius: Love and relationships, personal and professional, your exes, love contracts
• Pisces: Everyday love, devotion and service, self-love and your well-being
• Aries: Romance and love affairs, your creative source, whatever brings you pleasure
• Taurus: Your family and past connections, love from the past
• Gemini: Flirtations, love letters, numerous love connections
• Cancer: Your values, love and self-worth, money and love

Weekly Horoscopes

If you would like to receive weekly horoscopes so you know what’s happening when and what it means for you, you can join my subscription service here: Weekly Horoscopes.