The year 2023 will see Venus retrograde in Leo, a significant astrological event. Venus retrograde is a period when the planet appears to move backwards in its orbit from the perspective of Earth. During this time, Venus’s influence on relationships, finances, and creativity is heightened.
The retrograde period will begin on July 22nd, 2023, and last until September 3rd, 2023 (the pre-shadow of Venus can be felt 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after). During this time, Venus will be entirely in the sign of Leo, which is associated with self-expression, creativity, and romance. This retrograde period may bring up unresolved issues in relationships, leading to introspection and reflection. Additionally, it may be a time when individuals revisit past creative projects or reconsider their financial strategies.
You can find my previous Venus retrograde articles here and here.
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— The Freedom Astrologer
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What is Venus Retrograde in Leo?
Venus retrograde in Leo is an astrological event that occurs when the planet Venus appears to move backwards in its orbit as seen from Earth. This phenomenon happens every 18 months and lasts for approximately 40 days. In 2023, Venus retrograde will occur entirely in the sign of Leo, starting at 28° Leo 36′, and turning direct at 12° Leo 12′.
During Venus retrograde, the planet’s energy is turned inward, which can cause disruptions in relationships, finances, and creative endeavours. It is a time for reflection and reassessment, as old patterns and habits are brought to the surface for examination. Venus retrograde in Leo specifically can bring up issues related to self-expression, creativity, leadership, and self-worth.
People with a lot of Leo energy (Ascendant, Sun, Moon, or Stellium) in their chart may feel the effects of Venus retrograde more strongly, as the planet is transiting through their sign. This can be a time of introspection and self-discovery, as they examine their values, passions, and desires.
By taking the time to reflect on past experiences and relationships, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their needs. This can lead to greater self-awareness and ultimately, more fulfilling relationships and creative pursuits.
All of this after the retrograde period of course.
Effects of Venus Retrograde in Leo
When Venus goes retrograde in Leo, it can have a significant impact on various aspects of life. In astrology, Venus is the planet of love, beauty, and pleasure, and when it goes retrograde, it can cause a shift in these areas. Here are some of the effects of Venus retrograde in Leo:
Love and Relationships
During Venus retrograde in Leo, love and relationships may be affected.
It can be a time of reflection and introspection, where people may question their current relationships or revisit past ones.
It can also be a period when communication and emotional expression may be challenging, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Old lovers sliding into Your DMs.
- Pining over long lost love.
- Trying again with “the one that got away”.
- Old contracts and business deals come back to be re-evaluated.
- This can also mean existing ones come under scrutiny by both parties.
- Friends from the past come back into Your life.
- The purpose of this is to see if there’s still “juice” left in the relationship or if You both were right about ditching it the first time around.
- People are more emotional and vulnerable during this period.
- Expect sudden breakups and divorces!
Art and Money
Venus retrograde in Leo can also have an impact on art and money. It may be a time when people may re-evaluate their creative pursuits or financial investments. It can also be a time when people may experience financial setbacks or delays.
- Delays with receiving money or even receiving less money than You had hoped for.
- Having to cut expenses.
- Deals falling through or contracts not being signed.
- This causes stress with money.
- How we handle and use our money – time to reorganize and restructure.
- Sudden expenses and/or new sudden ways to make money.
In our overall environment (human society), we can see and hear news about art projects. Even art being stolen or some issues with art, artists, musicians, etc.
Self and Directness
Venus retrograde in Leo can bring about a focus on the self and directness. People may become more self-centred or assertive in their relationships and interactions with others. Many will want to confront their fears or insecurities.
- If You have been holding back – Venus retrograde in Leo will give You time to “put Yourself out there”.
- You will still feel the insecurities inside.
- You might have to do it multiple times – reconfigure Your expression during “downtimes”.
- How You and we all express ourselves – will be under a microscope and many will be critical.
- Many will also find the courage to do it differently.
- People might feel less confident in their appearance and seek therapy to work on their self-esteem.
Partnerships and Beauty
Venus retrograde in Leo can also affect partnerships and beauty. People will re-evaluate their personal style or the beauty standards they adhere to.
It can also be a time when people may experience challenges in their partnerships or collaborations.
- Starting an entirely new beauty routine or “dress code” during Venus retrograde is not recommended.
- If it’s something You have wanted to do for a while, however – You will most likely do it during this period.
- It’s better to research, read, look, etc. slowly about what it is that You want to do and change. At the end of the period You most likely will decide that “it’s not the best idea.”
- Buying new clothes.
- Again, if it has been something You wanted for a while – green light.
- Otherwise, wait – You most likely will buy something of poor quality during the retrograde.
- Expect partnerships to be tested.
- Many will end altogether because of selfishness or the desire for autonomy. Or because the relationship has run its course.
- Lots of negotiations and communication will happen in partnerships.
- New potential partnerships coming out of the blue.
Pleasure
Venus retrograde in Leo can impact how we experience pleasure. Many will experience a shift in their desires or sexual interests. It can also be a time when communication may be challenging, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Harder to experience pleasure and things associated with it.
- This can be because of financial constraints for example.
- The yearning and desire to try something new is increased.
- The eyes start to wonder – mostly because You are experiencing problems in Your current relationships! Fix those problems first!
- The things that used to bring us pleasure – don’t really feel, taste, or smell the same.
- It seems like the juice or essence has been dried from them. They don’t offer us as much.
- But! The other side of the coin here is some old things that used to bring us pleasure now come back for us to derive some “good feeling” from.
Attention and Energy
Venus retrograde in Leo can also affect attention and energy. Specifically during this Leo retrograde – people may become more self-centred or assertive in their interactions with others. A yearning for independence in all.
It can also be a time when people may experience a lack of energy or motivation. Especially people with a strong Libra or Taurus influence in their chart.
Some questions to ask Yourself:
- Why am I doing these specific things with these specific people?
- Can I genuinely do this better without them?
How to Navigate Venus Retrograde in Leo
Venus retrograde in Leo can be a challenging time for many people. It’s a time of introspection, where you must confront your deepest desires and passions. As well as insecurities.
A time of confusion and miscommunication, especially when it comes to matters of the heart (who do I choose?).
However, with a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can navigate this period with ease.
Practical tips for Venus retrograde in Leo 2023
One of the best ways to navigate Venus retrograde in Leo is to focus on yourself (if You are alone). This is a time to work on your own personal growth and healing. Take this opportunity to reflect on your past relationships and figure out what you want in a partner. Meditate, journal, or practice self-care to help you connect with your inner self.
If You decide to start dating during this period – be prepared for cancelled dates and disappointments. On rare occasions – You might be going on a lot of dates and working hard on that “special someone”.
Venus retrograde and Mercury retrograde coincide 2023
It’s also important to be aware of Mercury retrograde, which coincides with Venus retrograde in 2023.
This can cause communication breakdowns and misunderstandings, so be sure to double-check all messages and emails before sending them.
Sending that sexy pic to a potential lover? Just make sure it doesn’t get sent to Your co-worker instead…
Take extra care when communicating with your partner, as miscommunication can easily lead to arguments and hurt feelings.
If You are in contract negotiations – allow this more time. And stay focused on specific details!
Venus retrograde in Leo 2023 for career
In terms of career and partnerships, Venus retrograde in Leo can bring about revelations and changes.
This is a time to reassess your goals and intentions and to make sure that your career aligns with your values and passions.
It’s also a time to be cautious when entering into new partnerships or signing contracts, as misunderstandings and miscommunications are more likely to occur.
Many will go over their current contracts and see how much they would be worth elsewhere.
A key area for Venus retrogrades – how much am I worth in the marketplace? We will all find out in September 2023!
We won’t feel good enough because of the things going on outside of us and what our reality is reflecting back to us. We must also understand when it’s truly us who need to change. And at times just learn new skills.
Predictions for all the Zodiac Signs for Venus Retrograde in Leo 2023
Aries: Retrograde in the 5th House
Aries, brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride as Venus retrogrades in your 5th house of romance, creativity, and self-expression. This period will push you to reassess your romantic relationships (as well as relationships with Your children) and creative pursuits.
- Tip 1: Use this time to rekindle old passions, be it an art project or a past way to have fun.
- Tip 2: Avoid making impulsive decisions in love and investments. No gambling!
Remember, this is a period of reflection and quiet action. You’ll emerge with a clearer understanding of what truly brings you joy and fulfilment.
Taurus: Retrograde in the 4th House
Taurus, Venus retrograde in your 4th house of home and family will bring a wave of nostalgia. You’ll find yourself reminiscing about the past and reevaluating your roots.
- Tip 1: Reconnect with your family or revisit your childhood home.
- Tip 2: Avoid making major changes to your home during this period. This means renovations.
- You can plan them but start after the retrograde.
- If You have planned them for a long time – this is the time to do it!
This retrograde is a chance to understand your emotional foundation better and to heal any familial wounds.
Gemini: Retrograde in the 3rd House
Gemini, with Venus retrograding in your 3rd house of communication, expect some misunderstandings and miscommunications.
- Tip 1: Be clear and precise in your communication.
- Tip 2: Avoid signing contracts or making important agreements during this period.
- Especially if they are new!
This retrograde will help you refine your communication skills and understand the power of your words.
Cancer: Retrograde in the 2nd House
Cancer, Venus retrograde in your 2nd house of personal finances and values will make you reassess your financial situation and personal beliefs.
- Tip 1: Review your budget and financial plans.
- Tip 2: Avoid making significant financial investments during this period.
- This is not the time to “go for that new crypto coin or stock.”
This retrograde is a chance to align your personal values with your financial decisions.
Leo: Retrograde in the 1st House
Leo, with Venus retrograding in your 1st house of self, this is a time of personal transformation. You’ll be reevaluating your self-image and personal goals.
- Tip 1: Reflect on your personal goals and aspirations.
- Tip 2: Avoid drastic changes in your appearance during this period.
This retrograde is a chance to better understand yourself and align your outer self with your inner self.
Virgo: Retrograde in the 12th House
Virgo, Venus retrograde in your 12th house of the subconscious will bring hidden issues to the surface.
- Tip 1: Engage in introspection and meditation.
- Tip 2: Avoid ignoring your dreams and intuitions during this period.
This retrograde is a chance to confront your fears and to heal past traumas. Many of which are subconscious.
Libra: Retrograde in the 11th House
Libra, Venus retrograde in your 11th house of friendships will make you reassess your social circle and long-term goals.
- Tip 1: Reconnect with old friends and reassess your future goals.
- Tip 2: Avoid making new friendships or joining new groups during this period.
- Tip 3: Your salary can use a “revamp”.
This retrograde is a chance to understand your social needs and to align your friendships with your future goals.
Scorpio: Retrograde in the 10th House
Scorpio, Venus retrograde in your 10th house of career will make you reassess your professional life and public image.
- Tip 1: Reflect on your career goals and public image.
- Tip 2: Avoid making drastic career moves or public statements during this period.
This retrograde is a chance to align your career with your personal values and refine your public image.
Sagittarius: Retrograde in the 9th House
Sagittarius, Venus retrograde in your 9th house of higher learning and travel will make you reassess your beliefs and plans for adventure.
- Tip 1: Revisit your philosophical beliefs and travel plans.
- Tip 2: Avoid starting new educational courses or travelling abroad during this period.
This retrograde is a chance to broaden your horizons and align your beliefs with your experiences.
Capricorn: Retrograde in the 8th House
Capricorn, Venus retrograde in your 8th house of transformation and shared resources will make you reassess your shared finances and intimate relationships.
- Tip 1: Review your financial agreements and intimate relationships.
- This involves taxes and investor money for example.
- Tip 2: Avoid making new financial agreements or commitments in relationships during this period.
This retrograde is a chance to understand your needs in relationships and to align your shared resources with your personal values.
Aquarius: Retrograde in the 7th House
Aquarius, Venus retrograde in your 7th house of partnerships will make you reassess your personal and professional relationships.
- Tip 1: Reflect on your relationships and what you want from them.
- Tip 2: Avoid entering new partnerships or making commitments during this period.
- Entirely new contracts might not be what they seem at first glance.
This retrograde is a chance to understand your needs in partnerships and to align your relationships with your personal values.
Pisces: Retrograde in the 6th House
Pisces, Venus retrograde in your 6th house of work and health will make you reassess your daily routines and health habits.
- Tip 1: Review your daily routines and health habits.
- Tip 2: Avoid starting new work projects or making drastic changes to your health routine during this period.
This retrograde is a chance to align your daily routines with your personal values and create a healthier lifestyle.
Venus birthing as a Morning (Lucifer) Star
The evening visibility of Venus will end around the 22nd of July. Morning visibility will begin around the 22nd of August. Venus will be born as a morning star. What does this mean?
First and foremost – our soft and somewhat gentle Venus will take on more masculine qualities.
When Venus is masculine – there’s less room for compromise and a rise in selfishness. “Me, me, and me” will be the rallying cry in our relationships until Venus is born again as an evening star (August 2024.)
Our new cycle for Venus (as well as money and relationships) starts also in the sign of Leo. A sign that is known for its desire for autonomy and independence. The energy of Venus (diplomacy, cooperation) and Leo doesn’t really match!
Unfortunately, all of this paints a picture of an egotistical approach to resources (money) and relationships (business or pleasure).
Astrology is a complex and nuanced field, and individual experiences can vary greatly based on the entirety of one’s chart. Therefore, it’s always beneficial to consult with a professional astrologer for personalized insights and guidance.
The Freedom Astrologer
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