Venus retrograde transits occur less frequently than any other planet, and is retrograde for approximately 6 weeks every 18 months. 

When Venus reaches its retrograde cycle, our capacity to consciously direct its energy is impaired, and we are challenged to stop moving forward in our desire to acquire things.  This is the time to reassess what we have accumulated and decide if it still holds value and if it is in harmony with what we want in our life.  This cycle is the time to have another look at whether we are attracting people or material things that will reflect our true needs into the future. 

Have your values changed over the last 18 months?  At these retrograde periods, you are presented with an opportunity to re-evaluate where you are in life and how your values are reflected through your relationships and acquisitions.   Relationships, finances and priorities should all be reassessed.  Your focus on internal values will tend to overshadow your need for external expression; consequently, you may make adjustments in your pursuit of materialistic and external goals.

Existing relationships can improve or deteriorate during Venus retrograde.  Sometimes there is a sense of desperation that surfaces within a relationship; you know things are changing and you may sense that the relationship itself needs a review.  There could be a fear of making adjustments, and in some cases people may make a new commitment rather than honestly reviewing their current relationship.

Also, during this cycle, it is considered unfavourable for marriage or for starting a new relationship.  Although it is not unusual to marry during this cycle, either partner may find out later that they no longer want what their spouse offers or provides.  Conversely, relationships can be severed, with the partners later realising that the separation was premature or inappropriate.   Venus retrograde provides the perfect opportunity to back up and examine the quality of the relationships in your life.  This is not the time to make external changes, but a time to evaluate how and where changes are possible.  Only after Venus turns direct will you have completed your re-evaluation process.  No final change or decision should be taken while Venus is retrograde though. 

In essence, Venus retrograde is not the time to make long-term commitments in relationships until after it has turned direct.  It is also not uncommon to attract people from your past during this cycle. Use the retrograde transit to objectively reassess relationships making sure that they are what you really want.  New values emerge out of these reflective times and can be put into action when Venus turns direct.  Take care of an unfinished past before attempting to create a new future.

Venus retrograde is not the time to purchase big ticket items such as real estate or a motor vehicle.  Major acquisitions made during this time may become a money pit (new home), a lemon (new car) or you may just change your mind on its importance or value in your life after the retrograde period ends.

Venus also rules beauty and aesthetics.  Cosmetic surgery, new clothing purchases, home renovations are all activities that could be considered and evaluated during the retrograde, however decisions should not be made until after Venus turns direct, when you will have a clearer idea of what is important to you.