Was Venus Retrograde a Doozy For You, Too?

By Amber C. Snider

When Venus, the planet who rules matters of the heart, home, and finances, goes retrograde, it can be especially intense — especially for those ruled by the planet, like Libras. Here’s what to reflect on while it comes to an end and what to expect in the coming weeks. ​

Photo by SIMON LEE on Unsplash

For those of us ruled by the planet Venus (shoutout to Libras, I’m here with you), Venus Retrograde can be a particularly perplexing time. It’s a time when old loves come sweeping back into your life, a time when exes reach out, when romantic connections from the past resurface, and along with it, a range of emotions. It seems like a flurry, a clusterfuck, or even a reawakened dream that you may be tempted to stay in. Just remember it’s all for something higher. Most of the time, Venus Retrograde is meant for closure, not necessarily new beginnings, but it all depends on what you do with the lessons of the past. 

Unlike other retrogrades, Venus Retrograde only occurs roughly every year or so, and this most recent trip, from March 1 to April 12th, 2025, has felt especially intense. In the mix of political turmoil and social upheaval, it may seem futile to focus on romantic love, but the truth is, love is really all we have. But many of us have been willingly or unwillingly carrying around leftover baggage from our past and those lessons, those brilliant teachings, tend to get buried over time. 

When Venus goes retrograde, it gives us a chance to reflect on them in new ways, to view each moment and time period from a different, albeit higher perspective. It’s a profoundly spiritual time too, when you may see things through the eyes of Divine Love, rather than just earthly love. With that said, you may have found yourself thinking about your past love connections, what they meant to you, and how to either somehow move on or reintegrate the experience in your present. The latter, for some of us, can seem impossible, but the planets are calling out for us to look back in order to begin anew. 

While you’re still in your “feelings,” here’s how you can harness and channel some of the lessons of Venus Retrograde for a higher purpose, plus what you can look forward to towards the end of the week and beyond. 

Get to journaling.
While Venus also rules creativity and you may find yourself a little creatively “stuck” right now, take some time to do brief journaling exercises and free writes. Let yourself explore your thoughts and feelings, especially those of the past, in an uncensor, free way, giving it all to the page. You don’t have to overanalyze right now, just put it down on paper. You can also light “Divine Muse” or “Inspiration” incense from Enchantments to assist you in your free write sessions. 

Refrain from texting that ex — any more. 
If that planet of Love has done her job, you’ve most likely already had an encounter with a romantic or platonic love of the past in the last couple weeks and either hashed things out or reset a new stage together. Closure is an illusion (in my humble experience), but that doesn’t mean we need to keep digging for gold in the same spaces that we’ve already unearthed. Practice self-restraint and after April 12th, no more texts/calls/emails, especially if you’ve found what you’re looking for – whether that’s clarity, insight, or a new perspective. 

Physically clean your space.
Since Venus rules matters of the home, now that she’s been in retrograde, you may be looking around your home and thinking “What have I been doing??” Take one room/space at a time and after you physically scrub it, cleanse the space with either Orange, Rose, or Florida water, too. You can use it (water it down first, especially on certain surfaces) to wipe down your home or floor for a reset. 

Don’t do anything drastic to your physical appearance until after retrograde ends.
Thinking of bangs? Cosmetic treatments? A new buzz cut? Don’t do it. Just wait until after this week to make any changes to your physical appearance while the Ruler of Beauty is in retrograde. Think about it and if you’re still feeling it after April 12th, wait an extra week, and then go for it. 
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Photo by Victor Castro

​Practice self-love.
As humans, we all want validation from others, and while that’s a totally normal feeling, don’t rely on it or need it. It’s one this to want it, but another to base your decisions and feelings of self-worth around the opinions (good or bad) of others. Practice self-compassion and self-love at this time, whether that means giving yourself positive affirmations in the mirror, taking care of your physical and spiritual self, taking ritual baths, or performing empowerment rituals.

Perform a Love Spell after Venus Retrograde ends.
If you're feeling that it's time to welcome in new love with a fresh perspective, after this week, now is the time baby. Rather than focus on one individual person, focus on an individual partner who meets your needs and will be for your highest good. Try Enchantments' custom, hand-carved candles for a ritual: Either the "Catch a New Love" candle, "Mystere" candle (a very powerful spell for attraction), a "Venus" candle which can also be used as a devotional candle to the Goddess, or a "Love and Happiness" to welcome in new love and abundance.