Episode 17 - Venus Retrograde: A Deeper Look at Desire

On October 3rd, Venus stations retrograde at 8 degrees Scorpio, beginning a journey that lasts until November 13th, when Venus turns direct in Libra. To understand the power of this astrological event, it’s essential to first look at what Venus represents: the archetype of receptivity. Venus is more than just love and beauty—it governs our ability to receive pleasure, abundance, and what we truly value. Venus retrograde is a call to examine how open we are to receiving all that life has to offer.

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Receiving What We Desire

Imagine something you deeply desire—maybe it’s a beautiful object, a meaningful experience, or simply a feeling of joy. Sometimes, what we want is right in front of us, but if our channels for receiving aren’t open, we can’t truly experience it. Venus retrograde asks us to reflect on how open we are to receiving the good things life brings our way. Are we allowing ourselves to welcome in pleasure, value, and abundance?

We often block these channels ourselves—sometimes unconsciously. Limiting beliefs around worthiness, possibility, or whether we’ve “earned” our desires can all close us off from receiving. Sometimes it isn’t just our beliefs, but also our willingness to pursue and accept what we want that makes all the difference.

This is why remembering to receive is so vital. Practicing gratitude for what we already have helps open those channels, creating space for more of what we love and appreciate to flow into our lives. Gratitude is a key to inviting abundance.

The Venus Archetype

Venus represents the receptive, intuitive, and feminine aspects within us, while Mars brings assertiveness and action. We need both energies: the drive to take action (Mars) and the openness to receive and experience (Venus). When these two work in harmony, we can pursue what we desire and truly enjoy and receive it.

For example, if you want to improve your finances, it’s important to take practical steps—apply for jobs, make investments, or reach out to potential clients. That’s the Mars energy in action. But don’t forget the Venus side: allow yourself to experience the feeling of abundance and imagine what it’s like to receive what you desire. Both are crucial for true fulfillment.

Notice What You Already Have

Try this simple exercise: imagine $10 in your wallet and consciously appreciate its value. Spend it on something meaningful, or simply savor the feeling of potential and abundance it brings. By fully experiencing what you already have, no matter how small, you open the door to more joy and possibility.

With Venus retrograde in Scorpio, the invitation is to go deep. Scorpio brings transformation, mystery, and intensity, so this period becomes a powerful review of how we receive and what stands in the way of our desires. It’s a chance to uncover and heal blocks at a profound level.

A Journey Within

As Venus turns retrograde in Scorpio, we’re being called to embark on a journey within. This is a time to unblock old patterns, confront deep truths, and open ourselves to greater trust and honesty. Whether it’s love, resources, beauty, or money, Venus retrograde gives us the opportunity to transform our ability to receive at the deepest levels.

Love takes many forms—romantic, familial, friendship, or even love for humanity. Venus retrograde can activate any or all of these, depending on where it lands in your personal chart. No matter the focus, this is an invitation to get honest about what you truly want in relationships and to release whatever is blocking deeper connection and fulfillment.

Of course, transformation isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes we have to let go of old patterns or comforts—maybe even admit where we haven’t been fully honest with ourselves or others. This retrograde period is a chance to explore these possibilities gently, with self-compassion.

Be Honest with Yourself

By choosing to acknowledge and embrace the truth, we shed old skins—much like a snake letting go of what no longer fits. This honesty opens the door to deeper vulnerability, greater authenticity, and more meaningful relationships—whether that’s with a romantic partner, a friend, a colleague, or even yourself.

Honesty with ourselves unlocks new possibilities in every kind of relationship. Whether it’s love, friendship, collaboration, or even navigating conflict, this deeper self-awareness allows us to co-create stronger, more authentic connections. The Venus retrograde transformation is about moving toward healing and greater depth in all areas of life.

Open the Channels to Abundance

Venus also shines a light on money and resources. This retrograde is a chance to reflect on what abundance means to you—what you want, why you want it, and how it would feel to receive it. By getting honest and clear about your desires, you open the channels for more prosperity to flow your way.

This process requires vulnerability and a willingness to let go of old patterns—especially those that once provided comfort or control. As you transform your relationship with receiving (whether it’s love, beauty, money, or any other value), ask yourself why you want these things, and how you might allow yourself to experience more of them now. Honest self-reflection is the gateway to deeper transformation.

Key Dates to Watch: Venus Retrograde Highlights

• October 3, 2026: Venus stations retrograde at 8 degrees Scorpio
• October 23, 2026: The Sun and Venus conjoin at zero degrees Scorpio
• October 25, 2026: Venus enters Libra
• November 13, 2026: Venus stations direct at 22 degrees Libra
• December 4, 2026: Venus enters Scorpio
• January 7, 2027: Venus leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius

On October 23rd, Venus and the Sun meet at zero degrees Scorpio, marking a powerful turning point. At this time, Venus disappears from the evening sky, re-emerging later as a morning star—a symbol of new beginnings and a shift in how we pursue and receive what we desire.

This celestial shift mirrors an inner transformation. As Venus transitions from evening star to morning star, we are invited to move from a more reflective, receptive relationship with our desires to a bolder, more proactive approach. Venus retrograde is a chance to rewrite your story around receiving and valuing yourself.

After the conjunction, Venus retrograde moves back into Libra, spotlighting one-to-one relationships of all kinds. This is a time to review and rebalance your connections—romantic, platonic, professional, or otherwise. Consider what balance means to you, and how you can co-create more harmony in your relationships.

On November 13th, Venus turns direct, and the process of transformation begins to move forward. As Venus returns to Scorpio, you’ll continue to deepen your capacity for intimacy, trust, and the sharing of values and resources. It’s a time for renewed growth and authentic connection.

Venus’s journey through Scorpio is an extended one this year, giving us ample opportunity to work with these profound themes. From September 10th through January 7th, pay attention to how your relationship with receiving, intimacy, and shared resources evolves.

Want to Go Deeper?

For personalized insights on how Venus retrograde is activating your chart, I’m offering mini readings at transformationalastrology.com. Discover where to focus your energy to make the most of this powerful period of transformation!

Thank you for reading! For more astrology insights and healing guidance, be sure to subscribe to the Astrology Heals podcast or visit transformationalastrology.com. Wishing you clarity, courage, and creative power as you move through this Venus retrograde journey.