Venus in Leo 2023: What the Dual-Retrograde Means

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

There are a few critical cosmic events left this summer — 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 usual path, expect shake-ups in your love life and partnerships. When Venus stations retrograde in Leo, you’ll feel more inspired to embrace self-love and assert your independence. Meanwhile, Mercury retrograde in Virgo shifts the focus to how you express yourself and assert your needs.

During this week-and-a-half stretch, you can expect many unexpected changes to your relationships that require flexibility. But if you can 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" to learn more.

Read to see how the dual Mercury x Venus retrograde will affect 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 our decisions and stances regarding 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 a time to reassess what you value and reimagine how you view romance. Everything you thought you knew about your romantic connections, your relationship with money, and how you express yourself is under review.

Venus retrograde shows how your life can change when you open up to love, trust, and growth. You may find giving yourself and others grace during this time challenging, but leading with love is essential. Mercury will join Venus in its cosmic backspin from August 23, 2023, to September 3, 2023. Expect the focus to shift to your interpersonal skills for these two weeks. Respect in relationships is essential to having a happy, healthy partnership. This dual retrograde cycle is your chance to display the care, patience, and kindness you desire from others. "When we prioritize ourselves and act out of love, the whole world benefits from us taking this vital internal step forward," Rose says.

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Aries (March 20-April 19)

This Venus retrograde gives you the tools to heal your heart from past wounds and bravely move forward in love. When you invest in your relationship with yourself, giving that love back to others is more manageable. And this retrograde cycle is asking you to be generous with your time and attention. “The best place to practice your inner work is in a safe and loving relationship. Figure out what you bring to the table in a relationship, and realize that all your power exists inside 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 run high, this could be an excellent 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)

Significant changes are coming to your social circle, Gemini. Venus in Leo will bring you plenty of luck and opportunities over the next few months. You're breaking free from whatever is holding you back. This retrograde is a liberating transit that allows for serious progress toward your personal goal or dream. "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 retrograde is an excellent time to make smart money decisions, Cancer. 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 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 your everyday 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 about redefining who you are and how you appear in the world. You might feel tempted to drastically change your appearance, online identity, career, and outward appearance during this time,” says Rose.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

This summer will be tricky for you, Virgo, thanks to Mercury retrograde occurring in your sign alongside Venus retrograde. Feeling frazzled or burned out is expected 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 feel this retrograde's effects on a deep level. Drama from the past may bubble back up in your personal life, causing you to 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 retrograde is a time of transformation in your life, and nothing will 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)

Your love life will likely improve during this retrograde cycle, Sagittarius. But before you meet that special someone, Venus in Leo wants you to dedicate more energy to your 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 new beliefs. 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 significant changes in your life–and this summer, you might hold a meaningful conversation with a partner about the future. Don’t let fear hold you back from speaking your mind. These vibes could heal your intimate relationships, especially regarding 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 your fear of relying on others.”

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Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Venus retrograde in Leo will allow you to add some heat to your relationship. Whether you’re looking to commit to your partner or 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 to deepen the right ones and make space for new ones.”

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

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 to promote a healthier and happier lifestyle. Start challenging the idea that there is one set 'way of life' and find the best lifestyle for you," says Rose.

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