Venus turns retrograde in the early hours of Saturday, October 3. On the East Coast, it happens around 3:16 a.m. Out west, it’s closer to 12:15 a.m. PT.Then Venus moves backward for about six weeks. It starts in Scorpio, slips back into Libra on October 25, and turns direct in mid-November. Depending on your time zone, that’s November 13 or 14.Venus rules love, money and beauty in astrology. So when she goes retrograde, these areas slow down and ask for a second look. Nothing is doomed. But some choices are better left for later.Here are the five to skip.
1. Getting Back With Your Ex
This is the classic Venus retrograde trap.Old flames love to reappear during this window. A “hey, been thinking about you” text at 11 p.m. is almost a tradition at this point. And with Venus starting off in intense, emotional Scorpio, the pull can feel stronger than usual.Reply if you want closure. Just don’t make it official until after mid-November, when you can see the situation more clearly.
2. Big Changes to Your Look
Planning bangs, a bold hair color or cosmetic filler? Hold that thought.Venus governs appearance, and retrograde periods are famous for regret. The haircut you loved in the salon mirror can feel very wrong a week later. Small refreshes like a trim are totally fine.
3. Expensive Shopping Sprees
Luxury buys tend to disappoint during this phase. That designer bag might arrive damaged, or you could realize it doesn’t suit your style after all.Timing makes this tricky, since early holiday sales start popping up in late October. So keep receipts and check return policies before you pay. If something costs more than your weekly grocery bill, wait 48 hours before buying.
4. Rushing Into Commitment
Engagements, moving in together or a quick courthouse wedding can wait a few weeks.Relationships that start or level up under Venus retrograde often get tested later. That doesn’t mean they fail. It means you’ll want a clear head, and Mercury also turns retrograde on October 24. Two planets moving backward at the same time makes for a foggy late October.
5. Mixing Money and Love
Scorpio rules shared finances. So the first half of this retrograde puts joint accounts, loans and debts under a microscope.Avoid lending money to a partner or friend right now, and don’t co-sign anything. If you already share finances, this is actually a good time to review them together. Just skip making new commitments.
What Venus Retrograde Is Good For
It’s not all “don’t.” This phase is great for reflection.Revisit an old hobby. Reconnect with a friend you drifted away from. Clean out your closet and donate what no longer feels like you. Venus retrograde rewards looking back, as long as you don’t stay there too long.The heart of the retrograde comes on October 23, when Venus meets the Sun at the very start of Scorpio season. Many astrologers treat this as a reset point, so pay attention to what shows up around that date.