Venus is our next-door neighbor here in the solar system, and therefore it is retrograde the least amount of time of all the planets -- only once every 18 months, for about 6 weeks at a time.
That amounts to about seven percent of the time, total. Compare that to Pluto, which is retrograde forty-four percent of the time!
When Venus, the Planet of Love, goes retrograde, it’s no surprise that relationship issues come right to the surface. Things you (or your lover!) have simply been tolerating all of a sudden become intolerable. One or both of you may say or do things that you otherwise wouldn’t.
Some folks have been known to make sudden, unilateral relationship moves when Venus was retrograde -- but we don’t recommend it. Far better to talk it out and give it some time. You can make a permanent decision later on, when Venus goes direct and you become more sure of what you want and how to make it happen.
By the same token, it’s best not to begin a relationship under Venus Retrograde, either. However, it could be a great time to reconnect with someone from your past. Just be careful not to repeat mistakes.
Perhaps the most valuable feature of Venus Retrograde is the opportunity for you to reevaluate what is important to you: What do you value? You perceive your value system with new eyes during this period, and can adjust your life accordingly.
When Venus is retrograde, it is considered a poor time to get married or open a bank account. Don't purchase luxury items, as they are likely to be overpriced. It's a great time, on the other hand, for shopping in antique stores, secondhand stores and flea markets.
Learn more about the other retrograde planets: Mercury retrograde, Venus retrograde, Mars retrograde, Jupiter retrograde, Saturn retrograde, Uranus retrograde, Neptune retrograde, Pluto retrograde