Venus and Mercury Are Both Retrograde – Here’s What To Expect

On August 23, 2023, Venus retrograde and Mercury retrograde will join forces for a wild and crazy finale to summer.

As you look at your calendar to lock in your last-minute summer plans, there are a few important cosmic events you should consider—none more important than the wild and crazy two weeks when Mercury in Virgo takes a cosmic backspin and joins forces with Venus from August 23, 2023, to September 3, 2023. When the planet of love and the planet of communication both take a detour from their normal path, expect shake-ups in your love life and partnerships.

Leo is a sign of loyalty, courage, strength, and protection when it comes to love. And when Venus stations retrograde in Leo–you’ll be feeling more inspired to embrace self-love and assert your independence. And when Mercury is retrograde in Virgo, the focus shifts to how you express yourself and your desires in life. During this week and a half-stretch, there will be many unexpected changes to your relationships that will require flexibility. But if you can learn to embrace the chaos, this Venus retrograde will provide the clarity you need to move forward.

To navigate the many twists and turns of this hot and steamy dual-retrograde, we spoke to Meghan Rose, a professional astrologer and author of Intuitive Tarot Manifestation. Read on to see what’s in store for your zodiac sign.

Venus Retrograde in Leo: What To Expect in 2023

Venus is the planet of love, sex, beauty, glamor, indulgence, and money–which means all of these themes in our lives will be affected by the illusionary backward spin of Venus when she goes retrograde. This year, Venus retrograde occurs from July 22, 2023, to September 3, 2023, in the fiery sign of Leo. “When Venus goes retrograde in Leo, we will find that the decisions and stances that we are taking in regard to love and money are more ego-centric. This can cause disagreements and fears around love and intimacy during this time,” explains Rose.

Venus retrograde is here to show you how your life can change when you open yourself up to love, trust, and growth. You may find it difficult to give yourself and others grace during this time, but it’s important to lead with love. “When we prioritize ourselves and act out of love, the whole world benefits from us taking this vital internal step forward,” Rose explains. This summer’s Venus retrograde cycle is your chance to embody the confidence, wisdom, patience, and kindness that we desire from others.

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Aries (March 20-April 19)

This Venus retrograde is giving you the tools you need to heal your heart from past wounds and bravely move forward in love. When you invest in your relationship with yourself–it’s easier for you to give that love back to others. And Venus in Leo is asking you to be generous with your time and attention.

“The best place to practice your inner work is inside of a safe and loving relationship. Figure out what you bring to the table in a relationship, and realize that all of your power exists inside of you,” Rose explains.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Home is where the heart is. And Venus retrograde in Leo will inspire you to focus inward on your home and family. If tensions have been running high, this could be a good time to approach the problem from a new perspective. You may also use this time to assert your independence and set some boundaries.

“It’s time to redefine what family means to you and understand that your chosen family is just as valuable, if not more so, than your blood relatives. Watch who shows up for you and express gratitude to them,” says Rose.

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Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Major changes are coming to your social circle, Gemini. Venus in Leo will bring plenty of luck and opportunities to you over the next few months. You’re breaking free from whatever is holding you back. This is a liberating transit that allows for serious progress toward a personal goal or dream of yours.

"Release those misaligned loyalties in your life and find new, like-minded places to form deep bonds, Gemini. You may even get the opportunity to become a leader in your community through outreach, performance, and information sharing,” Rose says.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This is a good time to make some smart money decisions. Start by getting your budget in order before the Venus retrograde takes effect on July 22. “Your money and finances are shifting, and you're realizing which avenues of investments, savings, and spending are working (and not working) for you,” Rose explains.

On the bright side, Venus in Leo will be good for expressing your creativity. Look for ways to indulge in your passions and hobbies when you’re feeling stressed, and you’ll come out of this retrograde feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

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Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Venus in Leo is shining the spotlight on you this summer, Leo. It’s time to break out of your normal routine and have a little fun. This summer marks a time of personal growth and exploration for you. Focus on connecting with your curiosity and finding productive outlets for all your extra energy.

“This Venus retrograde cycle is all about redefining who you are and how you show up in the world. You might feel drawn to make drastic changes to your appearance, online identity, career, and outward appearance during this time,” says Rose.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

This summer is going to be a tricky one for you, Virgo, thanks to Mercury retrograde occurring in your sign alongside Venus retrograde. Feeling frazzled or burned out is normal during this transit. And it might be a sign that something needs to change. It’s time to become more discerning about where you’re directing your energy in your personal life.

“Expect big changes to your spiritual practices and beliefs. It’s time to be more aware of your dreams and think about how you want to show up in terms of “oneness” with the rest of the world,” says Rose.

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Libra (Sept. 23-Oct 22)

With Venus spinning backward in the sign of Leo, you’ll be feeling the effects of this retrograde on a deep level. Drama from the past may bubble back up in your personal life, causing you to finally see the toxic patterns you’ve been repeating. It’s time to make peace with the past and move on to something more fulfilling.

“Your friend groups and social settings will be uprooted and changed drastically. There is a calling to let go of mindlessly wandering through life to find the forever friends you've always dreamed of,” says Rose.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You’ve got money on your mind, and Venus in Leo wants you to start demanding your worth, Scorpio. You may feel the urge to change your industry or career path altogether. Just be sure not to rush the process. This is a time of transformation in your life, and nothing is going to stop you from achieving those key milestones.

“Don’t make any major changes without considering all possible outcomes first. There is no need to make hasty decisions with changing your work, but you will do well to invest your time in proper training and skill building,” says Rose.

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Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

When it comes to your love life, things are likely to change for the better during this retrograde cycle. But before you meet that special someone, Venus in Leo wants you to dedicate more energy to your own pursuits and interests. Invest in your relationship with yourself and how it impacts your partnerships.

“You’re releasing your old identity and limiting beliefs this summer, so you can find the freedom to explore beliefs that are new to you. You may even connect with soulmates through this new exploration during this time,” Rose says.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Venus in Leo is inspiring you to put your heart on your sleeve. You’ve been embracing some big changes in your life–and this summer might hold an important conversation with a partner about the future. Don’t let fear hold you back from speaking your mind.

These vibes could be very healing for your intimate relationships, especially when it comes to emotional intimacy. “You’re letting go of thinking you are invincible and instead leaning into being vulnerable,” says Rose. “It’s time to open your heart and let go of the fear you have about relying on others.”

READ MORE: The Most Flirtatious Zodiac Signs, According To An Astrologer.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Venus retrograde in Leo will give you a chance to add some heat to your relationship. Whether you’re looking to make a serious commitment to your partner or looking to put yourself back out there again, Venus in Leo is giving you the courage to go out and shamelessly strut your stuff.

“New relationships are forming during this time and will require you to be more open and honest about your wants and needs,” Rose explains. “You’re letting go of surface-level connections in order to deepen the right ones and make space for new ones.”

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Venus in Leo is your chance to put your heart at the center of everything you do. You have all the gifts and resources you need to get ahead in life. Now it’s time to use them. This Venus retrograde cycle will challenge you to find beauty in the mundane. And give you the energy you need to carry out things to completion.

“It’s time to make meaningful changes to your daily routine and habits in order to promote a healthier and happier lifestyle. Start challenging the idea that there is one set 'way of life' and find the lifestyle that works best for you,” says Rose.

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