The astrological Venus brings us love, abundance, harmony and pleasure, expressed and channeled through whichever sign Venus currently transits. However, approximately once every 18 months, Venus turns retrograde, causing a subtle shift in how this planet’s energies are felt and experienced.

Venus tends to stay retrograde for roughly six weeks each time. Viewed from the earth, a retrograde planet will seem to be moving backwards across the sky, although in reality, it is still moving in its normal orbit – the retrograde motion is an optical illusion. Nevertheless, because symbology is so important in astrology, we interpret Venus’ apparent backward motion as an inward focus in our human lives wherever Venus rules.

This time, Venus is turning retrograde in Capricorn, from December 19th, 2021 until January 29th, 2022. Venus retrograde cycles repeat every eight years, so look back to December 2013 - January of 2014 for some clues as to how this Venus retrograde cycle is likely to affect you.

During this retrograde, we get a chance to examine our relationships up close and personal, which often reveals some uncomfortable truths. With Venus retrograde in Capricorn, the emphasis is on our power dynamics with a partner – is one partner too demanding, too domineering, too selfish? Or perhaps too submissive, too dependent or too eager to please? Neither of these extremes is healthy, and events during Venus retrograde may throw such imbalances into sharp focus. Consider it a learning curve – you’re being warned that something needs to be fixed.

There can also be an emphasis on the past during a Venus retrograde period, and some people may find old flames appearing out of nowhere or secrets from their past love life coming to light. If this happens to you, stay calm and remember that you left this person or these episodes in the past for a reason, and that reason has not changed.

Venus’ transit through Capricorn often highlights old-fashioned courtship, courtesies, traditional romance and family values. However, when Venus turns retrograde in this sign, the less sanitized underbelly is revealed – someone who seems whiter than white may be shown to have been behaving disgracefully behind the scenes. In some relationships, Venus retrograde can also expose weaknesses where the relationship has been allowed to become stale, boring and uninteresting to one or both partners. However, Venus retrograde does not destroy, it simply illuminates – so if your relationship does need work in this regard, you will be given the chance to fix it.

Because Venus is also associated with abundance and finances, the Venus retrograde period can also require a deep re-think about our relationship with money. When Venus retrogrades in materialistic Capricorn, we may be reminded that money isn’t everything – and most commonly, this happens via a period of financial shock or loss, where we have to learn to manage on less. Focus more on the values of Capricorn – stability, fidelity, responsibility – and less on the sign’s material ambitions. Rethink your work/life balance where necessary.

At its best, this retrograde period allows us to stand back and reflect on both love and money. Brand new relationships may find that Venus retrograde marks the end of the honeymoon period, but that allows for a deeper love to develop. In established relationships, ensure that power is distributed fairly, and focus on re-awakening the spark that drew you together in the first place.

Register for the free Zoom live stream event about Venus Retrograde in Capricorn and how your zodiac sign can make the most of this energy.

How Does Venus Retrograde in Capricorn Affect Each Zodiac Sign?

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn for an Aries (Aries dates: March 20 – April 19)

This retrograde activates your career zone, Aries, so think carefully about the values you are basing your career on. Are your ambitions really worth the sacrifices you are making, or is there a more authentic way for you to achieve success?

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn for a Taurus (Taurus dates: April 20 – May 20)

This retrograde period encourages you to stay close to home and to consolidate the progress you have made, Taurus, instead of seeking new horizons or new adventures. Focus on stability for a few weeks and ground yourself carefully.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn for a Gemini (Gemini dates: May 21 – June 20)

Debts and financial issues could mount up during this Venus retrograde period, Gemini, and it is not a good time to either lend or borrow money. Emotional debts are being called in too, so use this time to cleanse your conscience if you need to thank or forgive someone.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn for a Cancer (Cancer dates: June 21 – July 21)

Venus retrograde in your love zone asks you to think carefully about whether your relationship is equitable and honorable in all regards, Cancer. If you or your partner have been less than honest or less than respectful, it could be time to move on.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn for a Leo (Leo dates: July 22 – August 21)

This retrograde period encourages you to think about your work and professional relationships, Leo. Focus on becoming a better team player rather than a lone wolf. This may mean getting your ego under control in order to work better with colleagues.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn for a Virgo (Virgo dates: August 22 – September 21)

Venus retrograde activates your creative instincts, Virgo; artistic pursuits are very healing during this period, especially if you need to channel pain or anxiety about love or money issues. Express yourself creatively in order to free your demons.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn for a Libra (Libra dates: September 22 – October 22)

Venus retrograde activates your family zone and urges you to consider whether you have taken family life for granted recently, Libra. You may need to adjust your work/life balance and become a more present, more involved partner, parent or sibling.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn for a Scorpio (Scorpio dates: October 23 – November 21)

Venus retrograde sets you thinking deeply about what matters most to you, Scorpio. This is a good time for self-reflection and journaling. Through a better understanding of your own psychology, you can adjust your behavior and become a better you.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn for a Sagittarius (Sagittarius dates: November 22 – December 20)

This retrograde period activates your money zone and urges you to be less materialistic but also more responsible with what money you do have, Sagittarius. Try to cut down on reckless spending and on unnecessary expenses. You really can live with so much less.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn for a Capricorn (Capricorn dates: December 21 – January 18)

Venus retrograde in your own zodiac sign is a time of deep reflection; you will emerge from this period with a better understanding of who you are as a lover and as an individual. Don’t be afraid of your flaws; embrace them and become a more authentic version of yourself.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn for an Aquarius (Aquarius dates: January 19 – February 17)

Venus retrograde in your spiritual zone highlights karmic and soul group links, Aquarius; if there is someone you dislike or don’t get along with but who is persistently in your life, this may be why. Make an effort to move past dislike and to discover the real soul beneath.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn for a Pisces (Pisces dates: February 18 – March 19)

Venus retrograde in your friendship zone highlights power imbalances in your social life, Pisces. It may be time to move on from friendships that no longer serve you. Release people with kindness and blessing and focus on finding more like-minded souls to associate with.