Venus Retrograde in Capricorn Brings Profound Changes as We Welcome 2022

January 1, 2021

Venus Retrograde Dates: December 18, 2021 to January 28, 2022.

Pleasure goddess Venus takes a journey backwards every eighteen months, mixing things up for all of us Earthlings. This year, she’ll begin her retrograde journey on December 18, 2021, at 26°29’ of Capricorn. The energy of this retrograde will last until January 28, 2022, when she stations direct at 11°5’ of Capricorn.

You’ve probably noticed that whenever a planetary retrograde is upon us, social media outlets begin to buzz with complaints about the cosmic climate and cautionary tales of what’s to come. Mercury messes with our communication, Mars with our passion or energy levels, and a Jupiter retrograde can affect our luck. So, what does it mean when the planet of love and money starts to move backwards in the sky?

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn Meaning

Since Venus does rule matters of the heart, you’ll want to be on guard for any exes who try to waltz back into the picture. This retrograde takes place under Capricorn, so there may also be issues around power struggles in relationships, and issues within your career could also be activated by this energy. You may learn some lessons around setting boundaries, in both your personal and professional lives. Make sure you’re setting aside plenty of time for self-care, as Capricorn energy doesn’t always know when to take a break. For this same reason, if you end up feeling drained in your relationships, it’s okay to take a step back so you can recharge your batteries.
When compared to planets such as Uranus or Pluto, Venus is much closer to Earth, which means we will feel the energy of this retrograde more consistently than we would with a planet that’s further out in the solar system. However, there are still days in which the energy will feel even more pronounced than usual.

Venus Retrograde Astrological Aspects

On December 26th, Venus and Pluto align in the cosmos, while forming a supportive aspect to the Virgo moon, making it the perfect day to purge your space of any items that remind you of love since passed. Interesting conversations around love or money could take place on December 29, as Venus and Mercury buddy up in the sky, this is also a great day to set and communicate what your boundaries are with others.

January 5 promises to be a dreamy day, as Venus forms a lovely trine to Neptune, which could provide some much-needed healing around heartbreak from the past. The sun and Venus link up on December 8, making it a good time to examine your self-worth within both career and relationship realms. As Venus prepares to station direct, the last few days of this retrograde should be especially lively, while the planet of love begins to form a helpful aspect to Uranus—the wildcard of the cosmos.

Venus retrograde will come with its own set of challenges for each sign, though some members of the zodiac may have a harder time than others. The energy of this retrograde will feel especially intense for Taurus, Cancer, Capricorn, and Aquarius, as the cosmos asks you to go deep into your psyche and personal lives. Aries, Gemini, Leo, and Sagittarius signs will also feel the challenges of this retrograde. While Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, and Pisces have the most to benefit from, but only if they do the personal work that comes along with this cosmic climate.

Learn all about planets in retrograde!

Venus Retrograde Horoscopes

Aries:

This retrograde and most of 2021 will place much of your focus on career goals. While you’ll be motivated as ever in the professional realms, it’ll be important that you set aside time for self-care, so you don’t burn out from all of the business you’ve been handling. Since Venus is the ruler of both beauty and money, this retrograde is also a good time to assess your wardrobe, and make sure you’re taking steps to dress for the job you want.

Taurus:

This retrograde packs some serious soulmate energy for you, Taurus, as Venus activates the area of your chart that rules spirituality. You may find that you are developing connections with others quickly, which could spell trouble if you’re in a relationship. Whether you are single or partnered up, keep in mind that we all have more than one soulmate. Soulmates appear when someone has the potential to teach us a lesson on a deep level, so before moving forward with anyone romantically, ask yourself if it’s a lesson you want to learn.

Gemini:

Surface level interactions won’t cut it for you this retrograde, dear Gemini. You’ll be in the mood to share yourself fully with that special someone, with a desire for deep conversations and intimacy. However, you may find that not everyone is emotionally prepared to bare their soul, which could, in turn, cause you to close off. Look for ways to engage in heartfelt conversations with your heart’s desires, then ease your way into the more intense stuff. Remember that everyone’s comfort level is different, and try not to take it personally if someone you’re involved with needs their space.

Cancer:

This retrograde is all about love for you, Cancer, as Venus activates the sector of your chart that rules relationships. Matters of the heart will be up for review, which means past hurts or past loves could come back into play. If you’re in a partnership, try not to let emotional upsets that have been buried come back to life. Throwing resolved issues back in someone’s face is likely to cause damage to your relationships. If you’re single, be on the lookout for exes, and try not to get involved with someone who has brought you grief or toxicity in the past.

Leo:

You’re known as one of the warmest and most generous signs of the zodiac, Leo. However, this retrograde may have you analyzing the give and take within your romantic relationships. If you’ve been receiving the short end of the stick in your partnerships lately, this could be the time to address it. This is also a good time to check in with your health—if you’ve been working overtime lately, now is the time to pull back and relax a bit.

Virgo:

Where and how you spend your time will be at the forefront of your mind this retrograde, lovely Virgo. It may be difficult for you to fake happiness right now, and if your heart is not in something, it won’t be easy for you to get involved. Remember that it’s okay to say “no” to events or gatherings that don’t interest you. Instead of doing things to make others happy right now, keep your focus on the things that you want to participate in.

Libra:

They say “home is where the heart is,” and that will feel especially true for you during this retrograde. Venus will be traveling backwards in the sector of your chart that rules the home, making this the perfect time for you to go into hermit mode. Instead of forcing yourself out of the house, spend time engaging with self-care from the comfort of your living room. Use your time away from the spotlight to get rid of old junk, and reinvest into making your home the sanctuary you deserve.

Scorpio:

This retrograde is all about flirting and communication for you, sexy Scorpio. If you’re in a relationship, how you discuss issues could come up for review, so don’t shy away from trying new conversational techniques. If you’re single, this is a good time to meet new people, without going too deep too fast. For once, you might actually enjoy small talk and getting to know someone slowly, so allow any new romantic connections to unfold at their own pace.

Sagittarius:

Venus is the ruler of both love and money, and this retrograde is all about the latter for you, brave Archer. Financial woes could come up for you as Venus moves backwards in the cosmos, so don’t run away from your financial obligations. Avoid over-spending right now, and try to put some cash into the bank if you can swing it. There could be a temptation to refresh your wardrobe during this time, just make sure you set and stick to a budget, should you find yourself reaching for your credit cards right now.

Capricorn:

This retrograde will have you putting yourself first, dear Sea-goat. Since Venus is traveling backwards under your sign, it’s okay to be a bit self-involved right now. You may find yourself putting up walls, as you focus on personal goals and self-interests, just be sure you don’t end up isolating yourself from good-hearted people who care about you. Additionally, you may feel like refreshing your look right now, but try not to make any drastic changes to your appearance until Venus begins moving direct again.

Aquarius:

This retrograde will ask you to go deep, lovely Water-bearer. Venus will be camped out in the sector of your chart that rules the subconscious, making it the perfect time to do some shadow work when it comes to matters of the heart. Use this retrograde to examine past partnerships, and make a mental note of any relationship patterns you become aware of. It may be painful to take an emotional stroll down memory lane, but it will help you develop healthier habits for the future.

Pisces:

This retrograde could have an interesting effect on your friendships, Pisces. If you’re single, you may start to look at people within your circle as potential mates, and could even find yourself in a “friends with benefits” situation. Just make sure you’re not compromising platonic relationships that are important to you, especially since retrogrades don’t always bring out our best judgement. If you are currently in a relationship, this is a good time to bring bae and your buddies closer, so plan some group activities that will help everyone get to know one another better.