On 3 October 2026, the planet Venus, traditionally associated with unification turns Retrograde in the sign of her Detriment, Scorpio, from 3 October 2026 until she turns Direct on 13 November 2026 (or 14 November 2026 here in Australia) in one of the signs of her Domicile (or home), Libra.

The planet Venus

Venus is generally associated with love and affection, partnerships, marriages and unions or emotional contracts, art, aesthetics, beauty, appreciation, sensuality,
money, our sense of values, and pleasure.

Venus Retrograde

Every 18 months, lady Venus appears to change direction and move backward (retrograde) in the sky. She doesn’t actually move backwards, it is an optical illusion caused by the different speeds at which Earth and Venus orbit the Sun, like how sitting in a stationary train when a faster train passes you. When this occurs, we are asked to pause, slow down and be reflective. As Venus makes her 40-day retrograde sojourn into the underworld, we will dive into the depths of our feelings and face the fears hiding under the surface of our relationships. We are asked to reflect upon and review our relationship to being creative, beauty, pleasure, and connecting to others.

Venus’ retrograde lines up with the Sun during this 40-day timeframe, and she can’t be seen from Earth as she makes her journey, “into the underworld.”  To reinforce the “underworld” theme, Venus spends time initially during this retrograde period in a tense square aspect to Pluto in Aquarius; the planetary ruler of the underworld. Brace yourself for diving into the emotional depths to face your shadows and fears, in order to transform these into a better relationship with yourself and others, and your creative instincts.

The sign of Scorpio

Scorpio has a Fixed quality or mode (along with Taurus, Leo and Aquarius). The Fixed modality signifies the middle of the seasons. Fixed energy is steadfast; these signs are routine, regular and have a sense of pattern. With Scorpio, imagine unabiding emotional depth and loyalty. Scorpio is one of the signs (along with Cancer and Pisces) which is also associated with the Water Element concerning feelings and emotions, instinct and sensitivity. Some keywords for Scorpio include: mystery, passion, resourcefulness and power. Scorpions can also be determined, having staying power and strength of will, however they may wish for complete transformation, which can occur through crisis. Scorpions may also be secretive, jealous and possessive, be unforgiving and seek revenge – having a “sting in the tail.”

While the planet of unification is in Detriment in Scorpio, meaning Venus finds it difficult to express her energies on this sign, doing the hard slog to find peace and the harmony. We may be required to dig down and face up to our truths around trust, and emotional insecurity.

The sign of Libra

Libra has a Cardinal quality or mode (along with Aries, Cancer and Capricorn). The Cardinal modality signifies the changes of the seasons. Cardinal energy is initiatory; they are enthusiastic, action-oriented starters and enjoy “getting new things going.” Libra is one of the signs (along with Gemini and Aquarius) which is also associated with the Air Element concerning the rational mind, sharing ideas, knowledge, communication, abstract reasoning, logic and speech. Some keywords for Libra include: balance, diplomacy, grace, peace-loving, idealism and being hospitable. Librans can also be quite co-operative, sociable, artistic and companionable, and make good negotiators and mediators, however may be indecisive and crave peace and harmony at any price.

‍Venus retrogrades from Scorpio into Libra on 25 October, where she will remain until she stations direct on 13 November. As noted, Venus is in her Domicile in Libra, where she is “at home” and can more easily express her energy. During this time, we may reflect upon and review how we can negotiate, mediate, and promote more fairness, diplomacy and peace in our relationships. Ultimately this Venus retrograde period reminds us to accept others unconditionally, warts and all.

What houses do Scorpio and Libra fall in in your chart (there will be a link between these two areas of life during this Venus retrograde period):

1st house: Self, physical body, character and the beginning of life.

2nd house: Managing physical resources and money. Our innate skills and talents, and what is of value to us.

3rd house: Siblings, learning, expressing ideas, learning, local neighbourhood and short trips.

4th house: Home and living conditions, parents, family, roots, ancestry.

5th house: Hobbies, creativity, sex, romance, children and leisure.

6th house: Day-to-day work and routines, subordinates, small pets, health – diet and exercise and illness (physical).

7th house: One-to-one relationships, marriage, partnerships; either personal or business. Other people.

8th house: Death, inheritances, other people’s money, taxes, insurance and shared resources.

9th house: Overseas travel, foreign places, foreigners and higher learning (university, religion, law, philosophies).

10th house: Career and public standing, reputation, superiors, vocation, a parent.

11th house: Networks and connections, groups, community, and friendships and alliances.

12th house: Loss, sickness (mental), places of confinement or seclusion, and enemies.