Get ready—these two summer retrogrades are about to shake up your love life.

As summer heats up, so might your love life, thanks to the Venus retrograde kicking off on July 22 and Mercury retrograde starting on August 23. These planetary shifts could bring some bumps in the road, including relationship challenges, communication mishaps, and maybe even an ex sliding into your DMs. Both retrogrades will last through September, so get ready for some cosmic twists that could influence your summer love story.

When a planet is retrograding, it’s moving backward through the zodiac, which messes with the areas of life it rules. Not every retrograde affects love and relationships, but this summer is different. Venus, the planet of romance, and Mercury, which governs communication and logistics, are both going retrograde. That means most of us are in for some love life drama, miscommunications, and even some reflective moments about what we truly want. Buckle up—this summer might get a little complicated.

Here’s a breakdown of what these two retrogrades mean for your love life.

Venus Retrograde is Stirring Up Our Relationships
Have you found yourself rethinking what you want in a relationship? Maybe you’re feeling a need for closure or getting nostalgic about an old flame? That’s the Venus retrograde at work. From July 22 to September 3, Venus is moving backward through Leo, making us question our romantic preferences and values. This is a time for self-reflection—your tastes might be changing, so it’s a good moment to explore new possibilities. Reconnect with things that make you feel loved and appreciated, whether that means new experiences or simply enjoying what you already have.

Venus retrograde is also known for bringing back the past. You might hear from an ex or rekindle something with a former lover. If you’re in a relationship, old issues could resurface, or you may find yourself questioning your feelings. This is a time to confront what’s been ignored and seek closure or clarity.

Mercury Retrograde is Messing with Our Communication
On top of Venus retrograde, Mercury retrograde is about to make its presence felt, starting August 23 and lasting until September 15. While Mercury doesn’t directly govern romance, its effect on communication and timing can definitely impact relationships. Misunderstandings are common during this period, so you might struggle to sync up with a partner’s schedule or end up running late for a date.

Mercury also rules how we communicate, so be extra careful with your words. Whether you’re texting, sexting, or talking in person, it’s easy to slip up and say the wrong thing or send the wrong message. During this retrograde, take your time with communication and give your partner some grace if they miss the mark too.

How to Make the Retrogrades Work for You
Just because these retrogrades could shake things up doesn’t mean your love life is doomed. Instead, think of it as a chance to slow down and reassess where you are. Use this time to clear up past issues, reflect on your needs, and stay open to new revelations. Retrogrades may feel like a rollercoaster, but they can also steer you in the right direction.

However, it’s probably not the best time to make any big relationship decisions. You might not want to rush into new commitments or breakups, as things could change once the retrogrades end. You might even find yourself in a classic post-retrograde makeup moment. The key is to stay true to your feelings but take things slow—don’t make any major decisions when emotions are running high.

Take care, and good luck navigating these retrograde energies!