Embracing the Season of Venus Retrograde: A Journey of Self-Love and Renewal

Venus retrograde, often referred to as the "season of the ex," is a significant astrological event that invites us to reflect on love, relationships, and self-worth. As the planet of love and beauty, Venus influences how we value ourselves and connect with others. This retrograde, lasting 40 days until April 12, 2025, is a powerful time for introspection and growth. During this period, exes often resurface, but their reappearance is less about rekindling old flames and more about breaking free from past patterns that no longer serve us. Relationship expert Angelika Koch from Taimi, a LGBTQIA+ dating app, advises us to approach these encounters with caution. "If they were a great partner, it might be worth giving them another chance, but if they were toxic, consider it a test of your growth and let them go," she says. This retrograde is a chance to rewrite our love stories and step into new, healthier cycles.

Rewriting the Narrative of Love and Relationships

Venus retrograde offers us the opportunity to redefine what love means to us and what we deserve in our relationships. Koch emphasizes that our mindset during this time is crucial. "Focusing on past heartbreaks can keep us stuck, but opening ourselves to new experiences creates space for more fulfilling connections," she explains. This is a time to question outdated beliefs about love and attraction and to envision a future filled with meaningful relationships. By letting go of what no longer serves us, we pave the way for what we truly desire. Whether it’s healing from past wounds or nurturing current relationships, this retrograde is a call to action—to boldly step into the love we deserve.

Rituals for Attracting and Manifesting Love

In the spirit of renewal and self-love, Koch recommends four powerful rituals to help us align with the energies of Venus retrograde. The first is a "cord-cutting ritual," where we visualize and release energetic ties to past lovers who no longer serve our highest good. "Imagine these cords dissolving into golden light," Koch suggests. "Affirm that you release all past relationships with love and gratitude, making space for new, healthy love." For those who feel inspired, this can also involve purging digital spaces—deleting photos, videos, and contacts that no longer resonate with your current energy. The act of letting go can be deeply cathartic, much like the satisfaction of decluttering a physical space.

Creating a Vision Board for Love

Once we’ve cleared the old, it’s time to focus on what we want to manifest. Koch encourages creating a vision board that represents the kind of love we desire. "Write down what you want love to feel like for you," she advises. Gather materials like images, affirmations, and symbols that resonate with your vision of love. Arrange them on a board or use a digital tool, then light a candle and spend a few moments each day visualizing your desired outcome. This practice helps align your energy with the love you wish to attract, making it a powerful tool for manifestation.

Writing a Love Letter to the Universe

Another ritual involves writing a love letter to the universe, detailing everything you want in a partner and relationship. "Be specific and dream big," Koch says. Seal the letter in an envelope or box and place it somewhere sacred, like under your pillow or in a safe space. Revisit it regularly to reinforce your intentions and amplify its manifesting power. For an extra touch of magic, consider writing the letter with a mix of symbolic elements, such as ink, sugar, or even a drop of your own blood. This act of intention-setting is a bold declaration to the universe that you’re ready to receive the love you deserve.

Mirror Affirmations and Self-Love

At the heart of all these rituals is the importance of self-love. Koch suggests a simple yet profound mirror affirmation ritual: sit in front of a mirror, light a candle if you wish, and speak loving affirmations to yourself, such as "I am worthy of love" or "I attract healthy and supportive relationships." Look deeply into your own eyes as you repeat these words, allowing the energy of self-love to fill you. For an added touch, write a love note to yourself on the mirror with red lipstick and leave it there as a reminder. By nurturing self-love, we create a magnetic field that attracts love and positivity into our lives.

Navigating the Eclipses and Embracing Change

As we embrace the transformative energy of Venus retrograde, it’s important to be mindful of the eclipses on March 13-14 and March 29. These events are times of chaos and change, and Koch warns against attempting to control or manipulate outcomes during these periods. Instead, surrender to the flow and trust that the universe is working in your favor. By aligning with the energy of Venus retrograde and embracing its lessons, we can emerge from this period with a renewed sense of self and a deeper understanding of what love truly means.

This journey of self-discovery and love is guided by experts like Angelika Koch and astrologer Reda Wigle, who blend their knowledge of planetary configurations, personal experience, and pop culture to offer insightful perspectives on love and relationships. As we navigate this transformative time, let’s remember that love—whether romantic or self-love—begins within. By doing the inner work and embracing the magic of Venus retrograde, we can manifest a future filled with heart-centered connections and fulfillment.