Round Top Antiques Week 2026: My Guide to Shopping, Staying and Eating Like a Local

ashlina kaposta October 7, 2026

If you've ever wanted to spend a few days wandering through barns full of vintage treasures, sipping coffee under the oaks, and coming home with a car full of finds, Round Top Antiques Week is calling your name.

Twice a year (plus a smaller winter show), the tiny town of Round Top, Texas, turns into one of the biggest antiques events in the country. Miles of country highway fill up with barns, tents, fields and pop-up shops selling everything from French antiques and crystals to cowboy boots, jewelry and flea market finds.

I've been shopping Round Top for years, and here's the first thing I tell every friend: you can't do it all in one day. It takes a few days to make it through the whole thing. So in this guide, I'm sharing exactly how I shop it, where I love to stay, where to eat and drink, and what to wear, so you can plan the perfect Round Top getaway.

Quick Plan
When: Fall show, late October 2026 (dates below)
Where: Round Top, Texas, about 1.5 hours from both Houston and Austin
How long: Plan 2 to 3 days
Where to stay: Book early. Rooms fill up fast. Check Round Top hotel availability
Wear: Comfy boots, layers and a crossbody bag

What Is Round Top Antiques Week?

Here's what confuses most first-timers: Round Top isn't one show. It's dozens of independent venues spread along about 11 miles of Highway 237, through Round Top, Warrenton and the countryside around them. Each venue (they're often called "compounds") has its own dates, hours, tickets and events.

The town itself has only about 90 full-time residents, but during show weeks it welcomes several hundred thousand shoppers from all over the world. That's why planning ahead, especially for where you'll stay, makes all the difference.

Round Top Fall 2026 Dates

The next show is the winter show, January 21–23, 2027, followed by the spring show. Tip: check each compound's website or Instagram before you go, since dates and events vary venue to venue.

Where to Stay in Round Top

If you want to shop Round Top the right way, stay at least two nights. Rooms book up fast during antiques week, so reserve as soon as you know your dates. Use the map below to see what's still available and compare prices near the venues.

My Favorite Boutique Stays in Round Top

Staying in town is part of the magic. You can walk to dinner, sip wine on a porch, and be first in line when the barns open.

The Frenchie Boutique Hotel: A beautifully restored 1900s farmhouse just outside downtown, elegant and so romantic.
Hotel Lulu: A chic boutique hotel within walking distance of the restaurants and shops in Henkel Square.
The Wander Inn: Absolutely adorable. It sits on the grounds of Junk Gypsy, so it's a fun, girlie stay that's perfect for a girls' trip. My Favorite place to stay!
Round Top Hotel: it’s a classic stay if you can get a room. It’s almost always booked up.
Skull Creek Ranch Cottage: a cozy holiday home with one bedroom and a living room. The cottage features a patio with outdoor furniture, perfect for relaxing in the fresh air.
Solaire: A rare + luxurious on site overnight camper experience.
Cottages at Round Top: Charming restored cottages and farmhouses, walkable to popular areas.
Lone Star Glamp Inn: a super cute compound where you can rent a small tent or camper and stay overnight. It’s right in Warrenton so you can wake up and shop!

Can't Find a Room? Stay Nearby

When Round Top is booked, look at the small towns around it. They're all a short, pretty drive away:

Fayetteville: Tiny and charming, with a historic town square. I adore
Brenham: More hotel options, plus Blue Bell Creameries
La Grange and Columbus: Good for more budget-friendly stays

Local tip: don't rule out a place because of its address. In rural Texas, a rental with a Burton or Carmine address can be closer to Round Top than one with a Round Top zip code. Check the map distance before you book.

How to Shop Round Top: My Route From Inspiration to Bargains

My strategy is simple: start where the high-end, beautifully styled booths are to get inspired, then work your way toward the fields where the real bargains are. By the time you hit the flea market finds, you know exactly what you're hunting for.

1. Start in Round Top Proper for Inspiration

The venues in and right around town carry the more expensive finds, but they're the best design inspiration you'll get all year. Think of it like walking through a magazine.

The Arbors: This is where I start my day. Grab a coffee, then browse great finds, jewelry, clothes and the most adorable accessories.

Market Hill: My go-to for higher-end antiques. Look for Antica Collection which has gorgeous antiques imported from Europe and delicious candles. Paul Michael, which has fun, trendy exotic decor and fabulous crystals for the home. I also love checking out Vincent Peach’s latest jewelry collections.

antica collection at round top — Antica Collection

The Compound: A fun stop for unique gifts. Great if you're shopping for someone else (or yourself, no judgment).

2. Blue Hills for Fun, Whimsical Finds

Blue Hills is just plain fun. You'll find new, whimsical pieces, unique finds and food trucks for a break. Last year they even had a Lucchese boot pop-up, which was such a treat. Blue Hills also opens earlier than many venues, so it's a great first stop if you come early in the season.

3. Excess 1 & 2 and Marburger Farm

I love both Excess venues for browsing. And when Marburger Farm is open, don't miss it. It's one of the most famous venues at Round Top, with great furniture, art and jewelry. It's ticketed and sets its own dates, so check before you go.

4. Warrenton and Bar W for Bargain Hunting

When you're ready to treasure hunt, head to Warrenton and the Bar W fields. This is flea market territory, where you'll find affordable treasures if you're willing to dig. Bar W also hosts a fun event with live music, so check their schedule. Bring cash and be ready to negotiate. Zapp Hall is my go to for adorable and unique finds.

5. Don't Miss Junk Gypsy

Junk Gypsy is a fun, girlie experience you don't want to skip. When they host events, it's a party. Check their calendar before your trip, and if you're staying at the Wander Inn, you're right on the grounds.

Tip: each compound has its own event schedule (live music, book signings, pop-ups). Follow your favorite venues on Instagram a few weeks before you go so you don't miss anything.

Where to Eat and Drink in Round Top

Shopping all day works up an appetite. These are my favorite spots to refuel.

Coffee at The Arbors: The perfect way to start your morning before you shop.
Food trucks at Blue Hills: Easy, tasty and right where you're shopping.
Ellis Motel: a classic for a quick cocktail break
Prost: My pick for wine and charcuterie at the end of a long shopping day. Grab a table with your girls and compare finds.
The Garden Company: A lovely spot for dinner.
Manditos: The best margaritas in Round Top. Trust me on this one.

Tip: restaurants get packed during show weeks. Make dinner reservations where you can, or eat a little early.

What to Wear to Round Top

Round Top style is relaxed Texas chic: comfortable enough to walk miles, cute enough for wine at Prost after. Fall weather can swing from warm afternoons to cool mornings, so layering is everything.

round top fashion what to wear.jpeg — image source

Broken-in boots or comfy sneakers: You'll walk on grass, gravel and dirt all day. Cowboy boots are the unofficial uniform, but only if they're already broken in.
Layers: A tee or tank with an oversized denim jacket, shacket or light cardigan you can tie around your waist.
A flowy dress or jeans: Both work. Choose fabrics that breathe.
A crossbody bag: Keep your hands free for digging through treasures.
A hat and sunglasses: There's not much shade in the fields.
A rain jacket or umbrella: Texas weather can be unpredictable.
A rolling cart: If you expect to shop till you drop, these come in handy.

shop now

shop now

shop now

Round Top Tips for First-Timers

Give yourself 2 to 3 days. You truly can't see it all in one.
Book your stay early. Rooms near Round Top fill up fast during show weeks. Ask about cancellations if your favorite is booked.
Bring cash. Many vendors take cards, but cash helps when you're negotiating, especially in Warrenton and the fields.
Bring your vehicle (and measurements). Know the size of the space you're shopping for. Bring a tape measure, blankets and bungee cords.
Ask about shipping. Shippers and porters are on site for bigger pieces you can't fit in the car.
Go early. The best pieces go fast, and mornings are cooler.
Stay hydrated. Pack water and snacks. It can still be hot in October.
Take photos of booth numbers. If you're thinking about a piece, snap the booth sign so you can find it again.
Check each compound's events. Live music, pop-ups and parties change each season.

My 3-Day Round Top Itinerary

Day 1: Inspiration Day

Morning: Coffee and browsing at The Arbors
Midday: Market Hill (don't miss Paul Michael's crystals) and The Compound
Evening: Check in at your hotel, then wine and charcuterie at Prost

Day 2: Fun Finds Day

Morning: Blue Hills for whimsical finds and food truck lunch
Afternoon: Excess 1 & 2, then Marburger Farm if it's open
Evening: Dinner at The Garden Company

Day 3: Treasure Hunt Day

Morning: Warrenton and the Bar W field for bargain hunting
Afternoon: Junk Gypsy, especially if there's an event
Evening: Margaritas at Manditos before heading home

Book your Round Top stay here

Round Top Antiques Week FAQ

When is Round Top Antiques Week in fall 2026? The fall show runs through late October 2026. Blue Hills is open October 17–31, and the Original Round Top Antiques Fair runs October 25–31. Other venues set their own dates, so check each one.

How many times a year is Round Top? Three: a big spring show, a big fall show and a smaller winter show. The next winter show is January 21–23, 2027.

How many days do you need at Round Top? Plan 2 to 3 days. Venues stretch along about 11 miles of highway, and there's far too much to see in one day.

Where should I stay for Round Top? Stay in Round Top itself if you can (The Frenchie, Hotel Lulu, the Wander Inn and Round Top Inn are favorites). If it's booked, look in Fayetteville, Burton, Brenham, La Grange or Columbus.

How far is Round Top from Houston and Austin? About an hour and a half from each, which makes it a perfect weekend getaway.

Is Round Top expensive? It can be both. Venues in town and Marburger Farm carry higher-end pieces, while Warrenton and the Bar W field are great for affordable flea market finds.

Do I need tickets? Most venues are free to walk, but a few are ticketed, including Marburger Farm and the Original Round Top Antiques Fair. Buy tickets on their websites.

Can I ship furniture home from Round Top? Yes. Shippers and porters are on site to help you get larger pieces home.

Plan Your Round Top Getaway

Round Top is one of my favorite ways to romanticize fall in Texas: crisp mornings, coffee in hand, wandering barns full of treasures with my girls, then wine and margaritas to end the day. Whether you're decorating your home, hunting for gifts or just want a gorgeous weekend away, it's worth the trip.

The most important step is locking in where you'll stay. Check availability near the venues before rooms sell out:

Pin this guide for later, and tell me in the comments: what's the best thing you've ever found at Round Top?

Venus Retrograde 2026: The Complete Guide for Women Over 40

ashlina kaposta October 5, 2026

Venus goes retrograde from October 3 to November 13, 2026, and especially if you're a woman over 40, this is your invitation to stop settling and start choosing yourself.

Let me be honest with you, bestie. The very first time I heard the words "Venus retrograde," I rolled my eyes. It sounded like one more excuse for an ex to pop up in my DMs at 11:47 p.m. talking about "I've been thinking about you." (We all know that text.)

But then life humbled me. I turned 41 right around the time the whole world shut down. My relationship with my son's father ended, and suddenly I was a single mom starting over. No roadmap. No backup plan. Just me, my little boy, and a whole lot of questions about what I actually wanted my life to look like.

That season forced me to look at everything: how I loved, what I tolerated, how I spent my money, and whether I even believed I deserved more. I used the time to cleanse myself of any old lingering stale energy and started with fresh eyes. Soon after, I got into the best shape of my life, quantum leaped into a new season of expanded income & bought a home for me and my son. And I can tell you that none of it happened until I got brutally honest with myself.

Related Reading: 5 unusual signs you’ve quantum leaped

That's exactly what Venus retrograde asks of us. It's not a curse. It's a mirror.

So whether you're married, divorced, dating, happily single, or somewhere in the messy middle, this guide is for you. We're going to cover what Venus retrograde really is, the 2026 dates you need on your calendar, what each phase means, how it touches your love life, your money and your glow, and exactly what to do (and not do) while it's happening.

Grab your tea, your journal, and your reading glasses if you need them. Let's lock in.

What Is Venus Retrograde, Really?

Venus retrograde is a roughly six-week stretch when Venus appears to move backward in the sky, and astrologers read it as a season to review love, money, beauty and self-worth.

In astrology, Venus rules the things that make life sweet. She's about love and partnership, yes, but she's also about pleasure, beauty, style, values, and money. Most importantly for us, Venus rules self-worth. What you believe you deserve. What you allow. What you walk away from.

Now, Venus isn't actually slamming on the brakes and reversing. From our view here on Earth, the planets' orbits line up in a way that makes Venus look like she's drifting backward for a while. It's an optical illusion, kind of like when you're sitting at a red light and the car next to you rolls forward, and for a second you swear you're rolling back.

But astrologers have long treated that backward look as symbolic. When Venus "reverses," her themes turn inward. Instead of chasing, launching and pursuing, we're asked to pause, review and reflect.

Here's what makes it a big deal: Venus only does this about once every 18 months. Mercury retrograde gets all the attention because it happens three or four times a year. Venus retrograde is rarer, which means the lessons tend to feel deeper and stick around longer.

Think of it as a quarterly review for your heart, except it only comes around every year and a half. You're not being punished. You're being audited. And honey, after 40, we are overdue for an audit.

Venus Retrograde 2026: The Dates to Know

The main retrograde runs October 3 to November 13, 2026, but the full emotional window stretches from August 31 to December 15.

This year, Venus starts her backward walk in deep, intense Scorpio and backs up into fair-minded, peace-loving Libra. Put these on your calendar:

A quick note on "shadow periods": the shadow is the stretch before and after the retrograde when Venus travels over the same degrees she'll retrace. You might feel the themes stirring early, and you might still be processing them into December. That's normal.

If you already felt something shift around the start of September, like an old flame crossing your mind, a sudden urge to overhaul your wardrobe, or a nagging feeling about a relationship, now you know why.

Phase One: Venus Retrograde in Scorpio (October 3 to 25)

The Scorpio phase is about truth: what's real in your relationships, what you've been hiding from, and what you're holding onto out of fear.

Scorpio doesn't do surface level. This sign wants to know what's underneath the smile, the "I'm fine," and the relationship that looks perfect on Instagram. When Venus backs through Scorpio, she pulls up the stuff we buried.

The big question for this phase: Am I staying because I love this, or because I'm scared to let go?

That question can apply to so much more than romance. It can be a marriage that feels more like roommates. A friendship where you're always the one reaching out. A job that pays the bills but drains your spirit. A version of yourself you've outgrown but keep performing because it's familiar.

During this phase, you might notice:

Jealousy, possessiveness or trust issues bubbling up, in you or in someone else
Old wounds from past relationships suddenly feeling fresh again
Secrets coming to light, including ones you've been keeping from yourself
An intense pull toward someone from your past
A desire to finally deal with debt, shared finances, or money you've been avoiding looking at

That last one matters. Scorpio rules shared resources: joint accounts, debt, inheritance, what you owe and what you're owed. If you've been "not looking" at a credit card balance or avoiding a money conversation with your partner, this is when it tends to come knocking.

My advice for the Scorpio weeks? Feel it, but don't act on it yet. Let the truth surface. Write it down. Talk to your therapist or your best friend. But don't send the 2,000-word text, and don't burn anything down. You're gathering information right now, not making final decisions.

Phase Two: Venus Retrograde in Libra (October 25 to November 13)

The Libra phase is about balance: whether your relationships are fair, and whether you're receiving as much as you give.

Once Venus slips back into Libra, the energy softens. Libra is Venus's home sign, so she's more comfortable here. Where Scorpio digs, Libra weighs. Where Scorpio asks "what's true?", Libra asks "what's fair?"

The big question for this phase: Is this relationship balanced, or am I doing all the heavy lifting?

Women over 40, I need you to sit with that one. So many of us were raised to be the fixer, the peacekeeper, the one who holds it all together. We manage the calendars, remember the birthdays, keep the house running, and make sure everybody else is okay. And somewhere in there, we forgot to ask who's taking care of us.

During the Libra weeks, you might notice:

Resentment about the mental load you carry at home
A stronger need for peace, and less patience for drama
Clarity about which relationships feel equal and which feel one-sided
A pull to renegotiate agreements, from chores to money splits to boundaries with family
A desire to beautify your space and your life in a more intentional way

This is a gentler phase, and it's a beautiful time for honest, calm conversations. Not fights. Conversations. Libra loves diplomacy, so if you need to ask for more support, this is a wonderful window to practice asking with love and without apologizing.

Put the two phases together and you get the full healing arc: first you get honest about what's real (Scorpio), then you rebalance your life around that truth (Libra).

The Double Retrograde: When Mercury Joins the Party

From about October 24 to November 13, Mercury is retrograde at the same time as Venus, which makes it the most relationship-charged stretch of the year.

Here's the simple difference:

Mercury retrograde messes with communication: texts, emails, plans, tech, and misunderstandings.
Venus retrograde stirs up love, values, money and self-worth.

When they overlap, your heart and your words are both under review. That's when old conversations resurface, exes "just check in," and a simple "we need to talk" can turn into a three-hour conversation about 2019.

I'm not saying hide under your weighted blanket until November. I'm saying be intentional. A few rules I'm personally following during the double retrograde:

Read it twice, send it once. Especially after 9 p.m. Especially if wine is involved.
Sleep on big conversations. If it's important, it'll still be important tomorrow morning.
Double-check the money details. Contracts, bills, subscriptions, and payment dates. Mercury loves a typo.
Assume good intent first. A lot of "attitude" during this window is really just miscommunication.
Say the honest thing, kindly. This is actually a rare chance to clear the air, if you lead with calm instead of heat.

Done right, this window can bring closure you've needed for years. Done wrong, it can bring a whole lot of drama you didn't order. You get to choose which one.

Why Venus Retrograde Hits Different After 40

After 40, Venus retrograde is less about "will he text me back" and more about "is the life I built actually the life I want?"

In our twenties, a lot of us thought love was something that happened to us. We waited to be chosen. We shape-shifted to fit into relationships. We said yes when we meant no because we didn't want to seem "difficult."

But something changes in your 40s. Maybe it's the hormones. Maybe it's the wisdom. Maybe it's that you've finally buried enough dreams to know you don't want to bury any more. Either way, your tolerance for nonsense drops, and your desire for peace goes way up.

That's why this retrograde is such powerful medicine for us. Here's what it tends to stir up for women in this season of life:

Reinvention energy. Empty nests, career pivots, divorce, new love, or just waking up one day and saying "I don't know who I am anymore, and I want to find out."
Self-worth reckonings. Realizing you've been underpaid, underappreciated, or under-loved, and deciding you're done with that.
Body and beauty shifts. Perimenopause, menopause, gray hair, changing skin. Venus asks you to redefine what beautiful means on your own terms.
Money wake-up calls. Retirement suddenly feels real. You start asking whether you'd be okay financially if you were on your own.
Relationship truth. Whether you're partnered or single, you get clearer about what kind of love you actually want for the second half.

I want you to hear me on this: you are not too old to change your life. Venus retrograde isn't asking you to start over from zero. It's asking you to start over from experience. And that, my friend, is a head start.

Venus Retrograde and Your Money

Venus rules money and values, so this retrograde is a perfect time to review your finances, not to make impulsive purchases.

Most Venus retrograde articles skip right past this part, but you know me. We talk about wealth around here. Venus doesn't just rule who you love. She rules what you value and what you spend on. Your bank statement is basically a love letter to your priorities, and this retrograde is asking you to read it.

Here's how I'd use this window for your money:

Do a spending audit. Pull your last three months of statements. Where is your money going? Does it match what you say matters to you?
Cancel what you don't love. That streaming service you never watch. The subscription box you forgot about. Venus retrograde is the ultimate declutter season.
Revisit your prices or your pay. If you're a business owner, are you undercharging? If you work for someone, is it time to prepare your case for a raise once Venus goes direct?
Get honest about shared money. Especially during the Scorpio phase. Know what's in the joint account. Know your debts. Know your own numbers.
Hold off on big luxury buys. Traditional astrology says purchases made during Venus retrograde may not feel as good later. That designer bag or new car can probably wait until after November 13.

I learned the hard way that nobody is coming to rescue you financially. When I was starting over, I had to figure it out on my own, and building my own stability became one of the most empowering things I've ever done. Venus retrograde is a beautiful time to start that journey, or to recommit to it.

Think of it this way: self-worth and net worth are connected. When you start valuing yourself more, you stop letting money leak out on things that don't serve you. Lock in on your money this season, and you'll feel the difference by the new year.

Beauty, Style and Your Glow During Venus Retrograde

The classic advice is to avoid dramatic beauty changes during Venus retrograde, and instead focus on the rituals that make you feel good in your own skin.

Venus is the goddess of beauty, so when she goes retrograde, astrologers traditionally warn against big appearance changes. You know the ones: the impulsive bangs, the bold new hair color, the cosmetic procedure you booked on a whim. The idea is that you might not love the results once Venus goes direct and your tastes settle.

But that doesn't mean you have to let yourself go for six weeks. It just means this is a season to refine, not reinvent, your look. Here are some Venus-approved ideas:

Revisit old favorites. That perfume you used to love. The lipstick shade that always made you feel powerful. Retrogrades love a comeback.
Edit your closet. Try everything on. Keep what makes you feel like the woman you're becoming. Donate what belongs to the woman you used to be.
Upgrade your self-care basics. A consistent skincare routine, earlier bedtimes, more water, more movement. Boring? Maybe. Glow-producing? Absolutely.
Make peace with your mirror. Instead of picking yourself apart, try naming three things you love about how you look each morning. It feels awkward at first. Do it anyway.
Plan, don't book. If you're dreaming of a big change, research it now, save the inspiration photos, and make the appointment for after November 13.

This is the heart of what I teach in The 40+ Glow Code: real glow isn't about chasing your 25-year-old face. It's about the confidence that comes from finally taking care of yourself on purpose. Venus retrograde is the perfect time to build those habits quietly, so you step into the new year looking and feeling like yourself again.

Learn more

Which Venus Retrograde Woman Are You?

Most women feel Venus retrograde in one of four ways, and knowing yours tells you where to put your energy.

Read through these and notice which one makes you say "oh, that's me." (Spoiler: you might be two or three at once. That's normal.)

1. The Woman Getting the Call From Her Past

Someone is back. Maybe it's an ex, an old friend you fell out with, or even a past version of yourself you thought you'd left behind. They're showing up in your dreams, your memories, or your actual phone.

Your work: Pause before you respond. Ask yourself, "Do I miss them, or do I miss who I was back then?" Sometimes people come back to give us closure, not a second chance.

2. The Woman Quietly Questioning Everything

Nothing dramatic has happened. But lately you keep wondering, "Is this it? Am I actually happy?" You're looking at your marriage, your job, or your friendships with brand-new eyes.

Your work: Let the questions breathe. You don't have to make big decisions right now. Just keep noticing, and keep writing it down. The answers will be clearer after November 13.

3. The Woman Reclaiming Her Worth

This one isn't really about anyone else. It's about you finally seeing how much you've been giving and how little you've been asking for in return.

Your work: This is the true gift of Venus retrograde. Pour your energy into rebuilding your self-worth, your boundaries and your standards. When you change what you accept, your relationships have to change with you.

4. The Woman at Peace

Honestly? You feel good. Maybe you're happily single, content in your relationship, or just done with drama. You're watching everybody else spin out while you sip your coffee.

Your work: Enjoy it, and use it. This is a beautiful time to rest, dream and set your intentions for the next chapter. Peace is a gift, so protect it.

Your Venus Retrograde Game Plan: Before, During and After

Prepare during the shadow, review during the retrograde, and act once Venus goes direct.

Before (Now Through October 2)

We're already in the pre-shadow, so this is your prep window. Start a dedicated journal for this season. Notice which people, memories and money worries keep crossing your mind. Get clear on your non-negotiables before emotions run high.

During (October 3 to November 13)

This is review time, not launch time. The golden rule: reflect, don't react.

Do:

Journal, reflect and pay attention to your patterns
Have honest, calm conversations with the people you love
Revisit old creative projects, hobbies or dreams you set aside
Review your budget and cancel what you don't value
Rest more than usual, because emotional work is real work
Reconnect with old friends who genuinely poured into you

Don't:

Rush into a brand-new relationship or make it "official"
Get married or engaged (if you can avoid it)
Make a drastic change to your hair, face or body
Make big luxury purchases or major financial commitments
Go back to an ex just because you're lonely
Make permanent decisions based on temporary feelings

Now listen, life doesn't stop for astrology. If your wedding date is set, get married! If you need a new car because yours died, buy the car. Use this as guidance, not a prison. Just add a little extra pause and intention to whatever you do.

After (November 13 Onward)

Venus goes direct, the fog lifts, and things start moving forward again. Now you act on what you learned. Have the conversation. Set the boundary. Book the appointment. Make the money move. By the time the shadow ends on December 15, you'll feel solid and clear, and you'll walk into the new year as a woman who knows what she wants.

A Simple Venus Retrograde Self-Love Ritual

This 15-minute ritual helps you come back to yourself, and you can repeat it once a week through the retrograde.

You don't need anything fancy. If you love crystals, rose quartz is the classic Venus stone, but a candle, a cup of tea, or just your own two hands work beautifully too. I like to do this on Sunday evenings as part of my reset.

Set the mood. Light a candle, put on soft music, and put your phone on do not disturb. This time is yours.
Get grounded. Sit comfortably, place one hand on your heart and one on your belly, and take five slow breaths.
Tell yourself the truth. Ask: "Where have I abandoned myself lately?" Maybe you said yes when you meant no. Maybe you skipped your workout again to handle someone else's crisis. Just name it, with zero judgment.
Make yourself a promise. Ask: "How will I show up for myself this week?" Keep it small and doable. Ten minutes of quiet each morning counts.
Speak it out loud. Close with: "I give myself the love I've always given everyone else."
Write it down. Put your promise somewhere you'll see it, like your bathroom mirror, your fridge, or your phone lock screen.

That's it. This isn't about winning anyone back or manifesting a new man. It's about becoming your own safe place. Once you do that, everything else gets easier.

Venus Retrograde Journal Prompts

These prompts are split by phase so you can go deeper as the retrograde unfolds. Pick one a day, or sit with a whole section on a quiet weekend morning.

For the shadow (right now):

What keeps showing up in my thoughts lately, and what might it be trying to tell me?
What do I want the next six weeks to teach me?

For the Scorpio phase (October 3 to 25):

What am I pretending not to know?
Where am I staying out of fear instead of love?
What would I stop tolerating if I truly believed I deserved better?
What money truth have I been avoiding?

For the Libra phase (October 25 to November 13):

Which of my relationships feel balanced, and which feel one-sided?
What do I need to ask for, and who do I need to ask?
Where am I over-giving, and what would happen if I gave a little less?

For after Venus goes direct:

What is the biggest lesson this season taught me about love?
What is one brave action I'm ready to take now?
Who am I becoming in this next chapter?

Take your time with these. Venus retrograde rewards honest answers, not fast ones.

Venus Retrograde Affirmations for Women Over 40

Say these out loud in the morning, in the car, or right before a hard conversation. Pick the ones that make you a little emotional. Those are the ones you need.

For self-worth:

I am worthy of the same love I pour into everyone else.
My value does not decrease with age. It compounds.
I no longer audition for love.

For boundaries:

I can be kind and still say no.
Protecting my peace is not selfish. It is necessary.
I don't have to shrink to keep anybody comfortable.

For money:

I spend on what I value and release what I don't.
I am building a life I don't need to be rescued from.

For the next chapter:

It is not too late for me. It's right on time.
I choose myself, today and every day.
The best love stories of my life are still being written, starting with the one I have with me.

Venus Retrograde FAQ

When is Venus retrograde in 2026?

Venus is retrograde from October 3 to November 13, 2026. The shadow period runs from August 31 to December 15.

Does Venus retrograde bring back exes?

It can. Because Venus retrograde turns our attention to the past, old flames often resurface. But their return is usually about closure or a lesson, not a happily ever after. Before you respond, ask whether you miss the person or just the comfort of the familiar.

Is it bad to start a relationship during Venus retrograde?

Traditional astrology says it's better to wait, because what feels right during the retrograde may feel different once Venus goes direct. If you meet someone wonderful, you don't have to run away. Just take it slow, get to know them, and save the big commitments for after November 13.

Can I get my hair done during Venus retrograde?

A trim, a refresh or your usual color? Go for it. A dramatic chop, a totally new color, or a cosmetic procedure? Most astrologers would say wait until Venus goes direct, just in case your taste shifts.

Is Venus retrograde bad for money?

It isn't bad, but it's better for reviewing than for spending big. Use this time to audit your budget, cancel subscriptions, and plan your next money moves. Save major purchases and investments for after the retrograde if you can.

Can a relationship heal after Venus retrograde?

Absolutely. Many couples come out of Venus retrograde closer, because the honest conversations they had created deeper trust and healthier boundaries. The clarity you gain can be exactly what a relationship needed.

Do I have to believe in astrology for this to help?

Not at all. Even if you see astrology as just a fun lens, taking six weeks to reflect on your love life, your money and your self-worth is good for anybody. Call it Venus retrograde or call it a fall reset. The work is the same.

The Bottom Line: Venus Retrograde Is Your Permission Slip to Choose Yourself

Venus retrograde isn't here to wreck your life. It's here to show you where you've been settling, so you can stop.

For six weeks this fall, the universe is handing us a pause button. A chance to look back with honest eyes, feel what we've been avoiding, and decide what kind of love, money and life we want for this next chapter.

I know what it's like to rebuild from scratch after 40. I know how scary it is to admit that the life you have isn't the life you want. And I also know how incredible it feels on the other side, when you finally realize you were the one you'd been waiting for all along.

So here's my challenge for you this Venus retrograde: pick one area of your life, whether that's love, money, boundaries or your glow, and lock in. Journal on it. Get honest about it. And when Venus goes direct on November 13, take one brave step forward.

Want to go deeper? My guided workbook, Choose Yourself: The Reinvention Workbook, was made for exactly this kind of season. It walks you through rediscovering your worth, rewriting your standards, and building a life that feels like yours. You can grab it for $27 in my e-boutique.

And if you want more real talk about wealth, mindset and thriving after 40, come hang out with me on my YouTube channel. Subscribe so you don't miss what's next.

Now tell me in the comments: which Venus retrograde woman are you right now? I'll go first. I'm a little bit of number three, with a sprinkle of number four.

Choose Yourself: Become the Main Character of Your Life

$27.00

Stop waiting to be chosen. It's time to choose yourself.

If you've spent years overgiving, people-pleasing, or losing yourself in relationships or responsibilities, this workbook will guide you back to yourself.

A guided workbook experience for women ready to stop abandoning themselves and start choosing themselves.

Choose Yourself: Become the main character is a structured reset designed to help you reconnect with your inner voice, release old identities, and step into the woman you're becoming.

This is not about becoming someone new — it's about returning to who you truly are.

Inside this guided workbook you'll:

• Clarify the woman you're becoming through activities
• Reconnect with your intuition and desires through journaling + meditation sequences
• Release patterns of self-abandonment
• Guided work on creating meaningful personal rituals
• Map out your feminine identity and values to build confidence
• Build deeper self-trust
• Design a vision for your next chapter & take practical steps to get there

The guided reset many women spend months trying to create on their own — now available in one focused workbook.

Instant download. Become the main character of your life today!

**As soon as you purchase, you will receive an email with a download link for the ebook, make sure you download the pdf to your device. The link only lasts for 24 hours.

**This workbook is from my The Glow Code Masterclass

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