Summer lovin’ may have lost its meaning this year, as the scorching heat seems to mirror the sizzling celebrity breakups of 2023. Hollywood is witnessing a wave of splits that has seemingly become a game of musical chairs, with famous couples making headlines in an unending rotation from Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro to Sofia Vergara & Joe Manganiello.
Even political power couples, who were once seen as invincible, are not immune to this season of separation. We’re looking at you, Justin Trudeau.
So, it’s no surprise that many find themselves wondering: Why does it seem that, literally, everyone is calling it quits right now, and is it coming for me?! There’s something in the air, and it isn’t Cupid’s arrow. It’s Venus retrograde, amiguis.
Venus is known for its sweet nature in astrology and bears a reputation for governing matters around relationships. So why is everyone going from “Ojitos Lindos” to “Te Bote” right now?
Don’t blame it on the full moon. Move over Mercury retrograde; Venus retrograde is rattling up Tinseltown and possibly your love life, too.
In astrology, Venus rules art, beauty, and romance. But Venus is also a planet of morality, money and represents our primal instincts. The planet retrogrades every 18 months for 40 days. Coincidentally (or shall we shall in a synchronistic fashion?) Venus began its retrograde transit on July 22 and will last until September 3.
That timeline adds up with the most recent shocking romantic breakups of music cool kids Rauw Alejandro and Rosalía and actress Sofía Vergara’s divorce from Joe Manganiello. Ricky Martin and Jwan Yosef weren’t exempt when they announced their divorce in July as well after six years of marriage. The respective couples’ separate announcements simultaneously went public in July amid the current transit we’re experiencing as a collective.
People break up every day, eso sí. But an influx of relationships ending tends to occur during Venus retrograde transits. Interestingly, it’s worth noting that we’re seeing couples in pop culture parting ways due to this particular Venus retrograde transit sitting in the zodiac sign of Leo. Leo is the astrology sign of entertainment. Ruled by the Sun, Leo is all about the spotlight and is known as the entertainer archetype.
Should you freak out and contemplate whether your love life will be rocked by this brutally honest Venus retrograde? Absolutely not. Astrology shouldn’t serve as a fearmonger. However, if you’re avoiding serious growth as a couple – or with your love interest, you can expect this Venus retrograde transit to inflame issues that have been avoided. Venus is helping relationships end that honestly need to reach an expiration. On the brighter side, it could help your relationship evolve into a more honest and intimate dynamic if both parties feel there’s no ultimatum needed.
Unfortunately, expect the breakup announcements to continue rolling in until the end of September once Venus exits its post-shadow phase from retrograde in Leo. It’s giving Shakespearean vibes of “…parting is such sweet sorrow.”
Jasmin Alejandrez-Prasad aka Esoteric Esa (she, her, ella, they), is an Astrologer, Psychic, Intuitive, and Numerologist creator of The Modern Spiritual Latina Oracle, Host of seven season two-time award-winning podcast, Better Work Bitch! and Founder of the SOULIMINATI brand and community. She dedicates her time empowering others through tarot readings, twin flame checks, natal chart sessions, one-on-one coaching, workshops, and conferences. Follow her on Instagram.
