Venus in Leo Is Upgrading TF Out of Your Love Life

Get ready: your love life is taking center stage, as Venus enters the confident and passionate sign of Leo. If you aren't already aware of what this major astronomical event means, consider it to be a pretty BFD. Not only will Venus in Leo give you the confidence to love openly and freely, but it will also encourage you to speak with your heart. And after Venus's stay in Cancer the last few weeks, the planet of love is heating up areas of romance, pleasure, and affection as it links up with fierce Leo on June 5.

"There's no such thing as too much when it comes to Venus in Leo," Lauren Ash, a resident astrologer for the Sanctuary app, tells POPSUGAR. "Venus in Leo is a time for grand gestures of love, generosity with others, and sharing your adoration with the people around you."

Ash explains Venus will be spending an extended amount of time in the fire sign, which includes an annoying retrograde between July 22 and Sept. 3, giving your love life a slight detour before finding its balance again. Retrograde aside, you can expect things to get steamy, as Leo empowers you to prioritize your passions and indulge in well-deserved self-love (think: wine-and-sip nights or candlelit baths). And since Venus also rules beauty and creativity, you can thank Leo for bringing out your inner artist.

From creative projects to steamy date nights, Venus in Leo is all about indulging in the things that set your heart on fire. Read on to learn more about this warm and ultra-erotic transit.

As Ash puts it, the trek of Venus through warm-hearted Leo puts your heart and ego on full display. Leo is the sign of courage, creativity, and passion, putting light-hearted fun and beloved hobbies at the very top of your list. You might feel inspired to express yourself creatively and pick up where you left off with old projects.

Venus in Leo is also a major confidence boost, spicing up your sex appeal and craving for romance, according to Ash. That's because Leo rules your pleasure sector, firing up your hedonistic tendencies. If you're single, Ash says, Venus in Leo might rekindle old flames. It could be a good time to revisit your values and needs when it comes to love. Because Leo leans on self-obsessed, this could be an ideal time for singles to prioritize self-love, Ash says.

If you're in a relationship, Venus in Leo may inspire you to spice things up with your partner. "This transit is giving you a look at what the future looks like for you and that special someone." Regardless of your relationship status, though, don't hold back when it comes to expressing affection. "It's a good time to be a little sappy," Ash says.

But like all signs, Leo has a dark side that may show up during Venus in Leo. For one, "you may find yourself being too stubborn and prideful for your own good during this time, which could cause friction in your relationships," Ash says. It's a good idea to keep your cool and avoid fiery and impassioned responses to your loved ones.

From June 5 to Oct. 8, Venus will be stationed in Leo, but sandwiched between July 22 and Sept. 3 is its retrograde period. While this transit is sure to get the creative and romantic juices flowing, there could also be tension. Retrogrades are déjà vu-inducing transits, as they bring up exes and may cause you to revisit burned bridges.

Ash explains that since Venus rules money, new experiences, and opportunities, you can expect your approach to love, values, and finances to take on a different shape. But unlike some retrograde periods (ahem, Mercury retrograde), Venus's retrograde tends to be a little less turbulent. "For some signs, Venus retrograde will be a time of creative exploration and breakthroughs," Ash explains. "It gives some signs a chance to see a problem from a new perspective and find a creative solution for their problems."

Ultimately, it'll be important to weed out the energy that's been holding you back, Ash says, especially around Aug. 9, when Venus retrograde squares off with Uranus, aka the planet that brings unexpected twists. This transit is all about self-love, which requires a lot of filtering things out of your life that no longer work. But regardless of Venus retrograde or purging the old, it's still a good time to connect to your artistic side, whether by breaking out your paintbrushes or appreciating beauty in a quaint museum date.

Below, here's how Venus in Leo may impact your zodiac sign and how you can harness the power of this pleasure-seeking transit, according to Ash.

Aries (March 20-April 19)

Venus in Leo is sparking your passions in a major way, Aries. It could also activate your inner child, so indulging in all of your favorite pastimes — like finger painting or playing outside — is totally on brand with this transit. But ultimately, "it's a good time to focus on the things that bring you joy in life and seek pleasure in all forms," Ash says.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This transit is pulling at your heartstrings as Venus lights up your family and home sector, Taurus. It might be a good time to check in with yourself. As Ash suggests, quietly retreat to your sanctuary during Venus in Leo, and get your domestic affairs in order. "Put your life on 'Do Not Disturb' for a bit so you can rest," she adds.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Put logic and reasoning in the backseat, Gemini — Venus in Leo is helping you speak from the depths of your heart. But just like Leo can get extra heated in a debate, Ash says stubbornness could come out in the way you express yourself. "Think before you speak, and focus on your listening and communication skills," Ash says.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Money may take up a lot of space on your mind during Venus in Leo, Cancer. Financial abundance may find its way to you, so it's important to review your expenses and make responsible adjustments in order to meet your goals. "It's time to make a plan for budgeting for your future," she says.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Venus in your native sign is reiterating the importance of self-love, Leo. Putting yourself first may bring clarity to underlying needs and desires, so pay attention to the newness that lights up your world. "You're completely changing the way you see yourself and how you show up in your relationships," Ash says. "It's time to embrace the new you."

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Venus in Leo is causing you to psychoanalyze everything, Virgo — especially your relationships and your ability to grow mentally. "You're realizing what didn't work for you in the past and making the changes within yourself to leave old patterns behind for good," Ash says. Introspection is key, but don't isolate yourself from the pleasure that other people may bring.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct 22)

Your native planet, Venus, is showing you the power of community, Libra. Your social circle is important to you, but if you have outgrown people or feel bogged down by those in your orbit, Ash says it could be time to grow in other places. "Try going to a new workout class, bar trivia, or neighborhood event to meet new people," she says.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Venus in Leo is bringing your reputation and legacy to the front of your mind, Scorpio. Appreciate the momentum that Leo is igniting, as well as the milestones you've reached so far. Ash explains envy from others could show itself in ways you can't and shouldn't ignore. "Instead, ask yourself if you're getting what you want out of your current career," she says. If a career switch has been close to your heart, this could be the time to explore your other passions.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Fellow fire sign Leo is sparking your inspiration and leading you down exciting new paths, Sagittarius. While retrograde could pose creative blockages, "Don't let the sudden changes in life keep you from seeing the silver lining," Ash says. Follow your optimism, and lean on the wisdom of others for support when you need it.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Venus in Leo is reminding you of the importance of the roles of those in your orbit, Capricorn. It's OK to lean on others for support, and Leo is empowering you to see the power of attachment. "Whether you need financial or emotional support during this transit, you're learning to ask for what you need in life," Ash says.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This romantic transit is bringing all of your deepest desires up to the forefront, Aquarius, and you deserve to have your needs met. You might have some intense but necessary conversations, according to Ash. "It's time to double down on what you want and leave what isn't working behind," she explains. Don't hold back from speaking from your heart.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

The passionate energy of this transit might feel too hot to handle, Pisces. Ash suggests prioritizing your health and wellness, even if it means you need to hit pause and retreat to your safety net. "Close the doors and windows, and get back in touch with yourself and your body," she suggests. If you need a social media cleanse, this could be a perfect time.