Venus Retrograde Is Finally Over — What's Next?

It’s hard to believe the first month of 2022 is almost over, but with January on its way out, so is Venus Retrograde. The astrological event started on December 19, kicking off the new year with a much-needed period of reflection and taking stock.

Venus Retrograde began at the end of a heavy year in which many of us were coming to terms with the less than savory parts of reality from the ongoing pandemic to the one-year anniversary of the attack on the White House, it seems like a number of folks are diving deep into the shadows to unearth the residue left over from the past two years.

According to Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologist for Astrology.com and author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power, the chaotic cosmic phenomenon brought to light "underlying relationship dynamics that were no longer aligned with who we are becoming. By unearthing themes of jealousy and control, this Venus retrograde helped us see what we need to change in order for our interactions to be more authentic and honest," Montúfar says in an interview with Refinery29.

Because the planet of love went into retrograde in Capricorn, a career-oriented sign that values hard work, Montúfar suggests that it’s no surprise many were leaving the 9-to-5 grind and questioning the status quo definition of success. "We were forced to dive deeply into our motives and the real reasons why we do what we do," she says.

Officially ending on January 29, Venus will stay in Capricorn until March 6. February 16 signals something new on the horizon as the planet will meet with Mars in Capricorn, bringing what Montúfar describes as "a beautiful opportunity for a new beginning.”