Your Relationship Just Got an Audit – Venus in Virgo Has Arrived

Love and pleasure are about to get practical as Venus moves from expressive Leo into analytical Virgo on July 9. Instead of asking ourselves “Does this feel exciting?” Venus in Virgo asks, “Is this actually working?” Audit season has arrived. 

Venus rules love, dating, and romance—but that’s not all. She also governs our values, self-worth and that which is pleasurable. Referred to by astrologers as a benefic planet, Venus is considered an objectively positive, supportive, and helpful influence. The sign Venus is traveling through provides more detail and insight into how her qualities are expressed at any given time.

As Venus enters Virgo, her energy is filtered through a more practical and discerning lens. A mutable earth sign, Virgo is concerned with improvement through self-inquiry and careful observation. It is a sign that refines, organizes, and seeks to make things more functional and effective. Where Leo relies heavily on bravado and self-confidence, Virgo slows down and learns how things work. This attention to detail allows Virgo to fix what is broken, or sometimes—do away with the whole thing. We are talking about the sign of the editor, remember. 

Traditionally the sign of its fall, Venus operates differently in Virgo. In traditional astrology, planets in their “fall” are less comfortable. Venus is in her most supported position in Pisces; since Virgo opposes Pisces, she is as far away from her place of comfort and therefore feels less at home. Planets in their fall are not “bad”—they simply operate differently. Virgo’s attention to detail and rules can hinder Venus’ ability to bask in the sweetness of the moment, but Virgo’s analytical nature can also be an asset. In Virgo, Venus can pinpoint what is not working and how to fix it. When Venus is in this sign, the desire to dissect, edit, and improve is directed toward relationships, values, and self-concept. Venus is ready and willing to address issues and get to work.

During this transit, we adopt a more intentional and thoughtful approach to Venusian themes. Due to Virgo’s analytical nature, we may feel compelled to have detailed conversations or address any issues in our significant relationships. Anything that has been swept under the rug, or that we’ve been tolerating but are not happy with, may come up for review. Virgo cannot ignore what is out of order or imbalanced. This is also a time to question internal self-talk and refine our self-concept. Regarding pleasure, it can be helpful to put more practical plans in place for fun, play, and leisure. This way, we won’t get bogged down in perfectionism and overanalysis– some of Virgo’s less helpful tendencies.

Important Dates 

This Venus in Virgo transit does not happen in isolation. There are two notable square aspects that add friction, fire and an air of unpredictability. 

July 10-16 Venus Square Uranus

Venus will square Uranus in Gemini on July 14, but the aspect begins building almost as soon as she enters Virgo (and lingers a bit after). Uranus is the changemaker—a planet of shakeups, surprises, and sudden shifts that ultimately create more freedom. Uranus entered Gemini back in April, and over the next several years, any planets moving through the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) will connect with it. These contacts tend to feel fast-moving and less predictable.

Expect sudden developments in relationships, and perhaps some friction due to the square aspect. Remember that squares equal tension, but tension is necessary to create change. Anything that comes up is asking to be addressed, ultimately helping you feel less burdened moving forward. This aspect can also bring sudden attractions, surprising meetings, and revelatory conversations. Rather than resisting change, stay flexible. This is a strong time to make room for more authentic expression, and refresh stale or outdated relationship dynamics.

July 19-30 Venus Square Mars

Mars entered Gemini on June 28 and will remain in the sign through August 11. As Venus moves through Virgo, she will meet Mars in a square on July 19. This is a particularly long influence, lasting about 11 days. Mars is the planet of action, passion, and endings. It activates and energizes, but can also elicit anger, conflict, and separation. Venus is the glue that binds us together, while Mars is the fire that excites..but can also burn things away. When these two planets meet in a square, an aspect of tension, sparks fly—for better or for worse. 

Relationship tensions may come to the surface to be addressed, and it’s best not to avoid them. This is a time to work through the conflict directly and say our piece. Mars Venus connections can also heighten our desire to spice things up or explore something new in partnership. There is a seductive, explosive quality under this influence. Risky flirting, love affairs and even love triangles may emerge. Have your fun, but try to proceed with some caution. Together with the Venus/Uranus square earlier in the month, this long and feisty aspect sets the tone for a period of relational change and recalibration.