What To Look Out For When Venus And Mercury Retrograde Hit Next Week

Is love on the brain, are your exes haunting your late-night thoughts, or perhaps, are you second-guessing your current beau? All of these might be the influence of Venus in retrograde. And to make things worse, the fearsome Mercury is about to go into retrograde, too.

What does this all actually mean, though? Not to worry, as we're here to break down - in the simplest way possible - everything you need to know to help get you through this chaotic time for all things love.

Related article: Your Complete Horoscope For August 2023

When is it happening?

Venus’ retrograde cycle began on 22 July and will last until 3 September 2023. As the planet rules over love, this is a time when all romances are on the rocks.

Mercury will enter its cycle on 23 August and will only return to normal on 14 September, and by now, we are all well-acquainted with the strain it puts on communication, the backbone of all relationships, romantic or otherwise. 

What will happen when they overlap? 

It is important to understand that a planet in retrograde isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it can even help us make better decisions if we know how to harness its power. 

When Venus is in retrograde, judgment usually clouded by infatuation and lust is out the window, and this period allows us to reflect on our current relationships on a deeper level. 

Singles can "clean house" – cutting out people who aren’t value-adding to our lives. It can also be a healing time to reconnect with ourselves and fully lean into the fun of being single.

Those in a relationship should not make any big decisions – don’t meet each other’s parents for the first time, don’t move in together and definitely don’t get married, as this isn’t the most auspicious setting. 

Not to mention, Mercury will affect how we receive and perceive information from other people. Sensitive issues should be avoided or handled with more tact, especially when the two planets are in this phase. 

Related article: Ariana Grande Removes Wedding Photos With Dalton Gomez Days After News Of Split

What can we do to avoid the brunt of the planets in retrograde? 

Stay Away From Exes

Reminiscing about our exes has never been more prevalent, and it's easy for us to get swept up in the good memories we still harbour for that old flame. But remember that the relationship failed for a reason and dredging it up now will only cause more heartbreak. 

Instead, meet nostalgia head-on and revisit your typical hangouts to scratch that itch without having to pick up the phone and call them out of the blue. 

Say No

Everyone loves an endless list of suitors but there is no point keeping all of them in your roster. The overwhelming attention will do more harm than good, causing you to mix up the “tens” and the “zeros”. Take this time to reevaluate what we truly want from a partner and put it into action. 

Tackle Changes In The Relationship Head On

Finally noticed that “ick”? Well, there's no time like the present to bring it up with our partners and try to solve the situation. There’s no need to hide or beat around the bush. Have a mature conversation because we are all human and nobody is perfect. 

While this might be a make-or-break moment, take the leap of faith and hope for the best. 

Related article: Irina Shayk’s Rep Denied She Hit On Tom Brady After Gisele Bündchen Divorce

Don’t Read Into Things

Don’t fall for the trap of Mercury in retrograde – take everything said or done with a pinch of salt when it comes to crushes. It is easy to misconstrue friendliness for flirting and now isn’t the right time to confess those profound feelings you might have. 

Swipe Away

Keep dating and try giving everyone a chance. Yes, it may be hard lowering our standards, but this is a great opportunity to remove our rose-tinted expectations and face the reality that the “perfect” guy and gal do not exist. Happiness and love can come in all forms.