Put your favorite party dress on! The goddess of love is making its annual debut via the festive sign of Leo, and it’s giving us all the more reason to celebrate. What are you most proud of? What makes you stand out in the crowd? Charismatic and sparkling with self-confidence, you’ll be surprised to learn how Venus in Leo 2023 will affect each zodiac sign. Not only will it station retrograde from July to September, but this transit will also trigger significant breakthroughs in the process. With that said, you’ll definitely want to make note of where this fixed fire sign lives in your chart, as there will be greater emphasis on this area of your life. After all, there’s nothing Venus in Leo loves more than public displays of affection.

Also known as the planet of abundance, beauty, love and values, Venusian transits never cease to bring in the sweetness, but the goddess’ love language depends on the sign it’s transiting. For example, upon slipping into intuitive Cancer on May 7, Venus took a deep dive into its cardinal waters, where she became more in tune with the emotional undercurrents that surround her intimate partnerships. Finances are no exception, as this transit could’ve also shed a light on the fluctuating dynamics of our spending habits, as well as the unconscious memories that may have influenced one’s relationship with money. All in all, this Venusian transit collectively encouraged us to cultivate self-love, and trust our intuition.

Ready or not, it’s time to come out of your shell! Venus will conclude its journey through sentimental Cancer on June 5, as it will make a grand entrance via the cinematic sign of Leo. Strike a pose! Vivacious, extravagant and unapologetically flashy, Venus in Leo will turn up the heat in our relationships, as it will spice things up in more ways than one. See, in addition to its ravenous desire for affection and praise, this transit makes us more confident and dramatic in the pursuit of our heart’s desires. To say Venus in Leo is romantic would be an understatement, as its celestial persona is equally as childlike as it is heart-centered. Creativity is also at an all-time high… so by all means, let your muse be your guide.

A big fan of the royal treatment, it’s important to be mindful of our show-stopping gestures and extravagant spending habits while Venus takes the stage in Leo. Nothing wrong with embodying authenticity and self-confidence, but the ego tends to take the lead. On another note, specifically when considering the shadowy attributes of this sassy transit, Venus in Leo’s relentless passions could easily result in competitive relationship dynamics, and/or the need to one-up a lover for the sake of the potential theatrics. Truth be told, there’s nothing Venus in Leo wouldn’t do to prove a point… and with Mars also in the mix, it’s no holds barred.

Upon activating Leo’s fixed fires, Venus will make a direct opposition to Pluto retrograde in Aquarius, which can be just as enlightening as it is overwhelming. For instance, whether financially, romantically or in terms of our core values, this transit could bring awareness to unconscious power dynamics, as well as fears surrounding authenticity and/or your heart’s desires. Similarly, if you’re surrounded by individuals who aren’t in support of your unique talents, skills and abilities, this could bring a much-needed breakthrough. Venus will eventually square Jupiter, Uranus and the North Node and this could, in turn, highlight the areas where we’ve been lacking the courage to venture out of our comfort zones.

Last but certainly not least, the planet of love will begin its retrograde journey via 28 degrees of Leo on July 22 before going direct—via eight degrees of this fixed fire sign—on September 13. Retrograde cycles are more than often frowned upon for causing delays in our personal lives, but there’s always a silver lining. For instance, in the case of sweet Venus—a planet that governs everything from our sense of self worth to our money-making abilities—its retrograde journey through Leo will present us with an opportunity to take a step back, and reflect on what we believe is truly authentic in our lives.

This could be a romantic partnership, or perhaps even a creative collaboration you’ve been exploring. Whatever the case may be, Venus retrograde is slowing down so we can revisit, reflect and reassess the value of our personal investments. In the meantime, reflect on the following questions: Does it bring you and your inner child joy? Are you being celebrated, compensated and/or recognized for the value you bring? Are you in touch with your authenticity and unique attributes? How can you share more of your light with the rest of the world? Is there a passion project you’d like to revisit? Have you explored ways to capitalize on your creativity?

Here’s how Venus in Leo will affect you, based on your sun sign and/or rising sign :

How Venus in Leo Will Affect Each Zodiac Sign