Venus Retrograde 2026: exact dates, shadow periods and meaning
Author: Viktor Balakirev · Published
In 2026 Venus is retrograde once: October 3 – November 14. Below: exact station times, signs and degrees, and the shadow of each loop. All times are UTC.
Period: October 3 – November 14
- Retrograde
- — · 42 days
- Arc
- from 8°29′ Scorpio back to 22°51′ Libra
- Pre-shadow
- from · 33 days
- Post-shadow
- until · 32 days
- Whole loop with shadow
- 106 days
- Venus — enters the pre-shadow (degree of the coming direct station)
- Venus — sign change: Libra → Scorpio
- Venus — stations retrograde in Scorpio (8°29′)
- Venus — inferior conjunction with the Sun — the middle of the loop
- Venus — sign change: Scorpio → Libra (backwards)
- Venus — stations direct in Libra (22°51′)
- Venus — sign change: Libra → Scorpio
- Venus — leaves the post-shadow (degree of the retrograde station)
How often and how long
From the ephemeris 2000–2050: Venus turns retrograde on average 0.62 times a year (a new period every 585 days on median); one period lasts 41–43 days, the whole loop with the shadow 104–110 days.
What Venus retrograde means
Venus retrograde is an apparent backward motion of the planet as seen from Earth, not a change in Venus itself. According to Vronsky, during this phase everything ruled by Venus moves into a different dimension: it becomes harder to follow your emotions, mood turns unstable, and periods of melancholy or longing may appear. What was hidden behind politeness, tact, and diplomacy — jealousy, distrust, suspicion, dissatisfaction with relationships — tends to surface. The superficial fades, and the inner essence shows. A person begins to realize that some relationships no longer suit them and that something needs to change. This is a time of re-evaluation of values, things, people, and attachments. Decisions about a radical change of image are often made now.
Venus retrograde in 2026: dates and signs
In 2026, Venus turns retrograde on October 3 at 07:16 UTC, while in Scorpio, and stations direct on November 14 at 00:27 UTC, in Libra. The retrograde period lasts 42 days. This is a typical duration: on average, Venus is retrograde once every 585 days, and each period lasts 41–43 days. The inferior conjunction with the Sun, which marks the middle of the retrograde, occurs on October 24 at 03:44 UTC, also in Scorpio.
During the retrograde, Venus changes signs once: on October 25 at 09:10 UTC, it moves back from Scorpio into Libra. So the retrograde begins in Scorpio, spends most of its middle in Scorpio, then shifts to Libra for the final stretch. This sign change while retrograde adds a layer of nuance: the deep, intense themes of Scorpio give way to the more relational, harmony-seeking tone of Libra.
The shadow periods
The retrograde is not an isolated event. It is framed by shadow periods, when Venus is slower but not yet retrograde. The pre-shadow begins on August 31, 2026, when Venus passes the degree of its coming direct station — that is 33 days before the retrograde station. During this time, themes of the upcoming retrograde start to brew: old issues may begin to surface, and you may feel a subtle pull toward unfinished relationship matters. On September 10, 2026 at 08:07 UTC, Venus moves from Libra into Scorpio while still in the pre-shadow, deepening the tone.
How to work with this period
According to Vronsky, this is a good time to sort out feelings in both marital and business partnerships, to try to understand the motives and feelings of the other person. If you feel the urge to revisit a past relationship, treat it as an opportunity to clarify what was left unsaid — but only if you feel ready. For some people, it may be hard to express feelings now; they may withdraw into themselves. In that case, it is better not to stir up the past, so as not to raise a wave of old grievances.
FAQ
When is Venus retrograde in 2026?
Venus is retrograde in 2026: from October 3 07:16 to November 14 00:27 (Scorpio → Libra) (UTC).
When are the Venus retrograde shadow periods in 2026?
from August 31 to December 15 (the whole loop 106 days). The pre-shadow starts when the planet passes the degree of its coming direct station; the post-shadow ends when it gets back to the degree of the retrograde station.
How long does Venus retrograde last?
In 2026: 42 days. From the ephemeris 2000–2050: 41–43 days, on average 0.62 times a year; the whole loop with the shadow 104–110 days.
Where does this fall in your chart?
The dates are the same for everyone; the house and aspects are yours alone. A free natal chart and personal transits show which area of your life it touches.
- Вронский — Вронский, т.11 «Транзитология II»
- Robert Hand — Horoscope Symbols
Dates, times, signs and degrees are computed with the Swiss Ephemeris.