Does it seem like everyone around you has pulled the plug on their relationships in the last couple of weeks? If so, you can probably blame the stars for that. In an astrological context, there is actually a very good reason why so many relationships seem to be coming to their end this month: The Venus retrograde.
For the uninitiated, a Venus retrograde (Venus rx) is an astrological phenomenon that occurs when the planet Venus appears to be moving backward in its orbit as observed from Earth. In reality, planets do not change their direction of motion, but due to the varying speeds of the planets’ orbits, there are times when a planet appears to slow down, stop, and then move backward for a period before resuming its regular forward motion. Ancient astrologers linked this appearance of a reversing planet to many significant occurrences here on earth.
Because Venus is often associated with love, relationships, beauty, harmony, money, and values, during a Venus retrograde, it might seem as if the qualities and influences associated with the planet are intensified.
The Venus retrograde, which officially began on Jul. 22, is retrograding in Leo (the last time this happened was in 2015) and is set to last until at least early September, with its shadow period being felt weeks before it began and after it ends.
As for what you can expect when Venus is backtracking in Leo? Intensified emotions, dramatic conflict, reconnecting with exes and past love interests, and reevaluation of your romantic relationships— all which could potentially lead to separation.
If you’re still not convinced, just think about all of the breakups and relationship problems that have come to light since the begining of the Venus rx shadow period. Seriously, if your relationship manages to survive the next couple of months, just get married at this point.
And in case you need further proof, we have taken it upon ourselves to compile a list of all of the high-profile breakups that occurred during the Venus retrograde in Leo. Be sure to check back as we update it, as we are definitely expecting more couples to call it quits in the next couple of weeks.
Update: Aug. 17, 2023
Britney Spears and Sam Asghari
The US pop singer and husband have separated after 14 months of marriage. According to TMZ, Asghari cited “irreconcilable differences” and is also asking for the star to pay spousal support along with his attorney’s fees. Spears first met the fitness trainer on set for her 2016 single Slumber Party music video. They tied the knot in June in Thousand Oaks, California, five months after a Los Angeles judge dissolved a 13-year conservatorship overseen by Spears’ father.
Update: Aug. 8, 2023
Rami Malek and Lucy Boynton
The couple, who first met during the filming of Bohemian Rhapsody, have split up after five-years together. According to a source that talked to The Sun, the US-Egyptian actor and British actress decided to part ways earlier this year as they gradually grew distant from each other. Malek openly declared his affection for Boynton on stage at the Oscars in 2019 when he picked up the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. “Lucy Boynton, you are the heart of this film, you are beyond immensely talented, you have captured my heart,” he said.
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied
After 11-years of marriage, Portman and her husband, a French dancer, have separated. According to sources close to the couple, Millepied allegedly had an affair. “After news of his affair came out, they’ve been trying to work on their marriage but are currently on the outs,” an insider told Us magazine.
Leomie Anderson and Lancey Foux
The British model seemingly confirmed that she was single after replying to a Tweet and implying that she is not dating anyone. “I’m not,” she replied to a follower who stated that she is in a relationship. Anderson and Foux, a UK rapper, first began dating in 2016.
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire
The Canadian prime minister and his wife separated after 18-years of marriage. The couple, who got married in Montreal in 2005, said they would remain “a close family with deep love and respect” in an Instagram post.
Original: July 28, 2023
Bella Hadid and Marc Kalman
The part-Palestinian supermodel and Kin Euphorics founder and the art director have called it quits this week after two-years of dating. “They were very in love, but the relationship ultimately ran its course and they decided to end things. Bella is a very nice person, but struggles with the pressures of fame,” a source said, adding, “Her split from Marc was amicable and she is always someone who takes care of herself and has been very open about it.”
Rosalia and Rauw Alejandro
The singers, who were first linked in August 2021, have also ended their engagement this week, after three-years together. The former couple revealed news of their engagement in the music video for their song Beso, which featured on their joint EP RR. On Wednesday, Alejandro issued a lengthy statement, just a day after it was reported that he and his fiancé had ended their relationship, putting an end to the rumors that he cheated on her. “There are thousands of problems that can cause a breakup but, in our case, it was not because of infidelity or a third person,” he wrote. “During this time that I’m taking to assimilate everything, there have been false public allegations, and because of the respect I have for her, our families and all we ever lived, I couldn’t stay quiet and continue to see how they try to destroy the most real love story God has ever allowed me to live.”
Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez
The couple, who tied the knot in May 2021 in a very private ceremony at Grande’s home in Montecito, are headed for a divorce. TMZ broke the news of their separation last week. Since then, the singer has sparked a new romance with her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, who filed for a divorce from his estranged wife only a couple of days ago.
Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello
The Modern Family star announced her split from her husband of seven-years in a joint statement on July 18 after she was spotted celebrating her birthday in Italy without a ring. “We have made the difficult decision to divorce,” the estranged couple said in their statement to Page Six. “As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect for our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives.” Manganiello— who wed Vergara in November 2015— filed for divorce two days after announcing their split and cited “irreconcilable differences” as the cause of their breakup,
Tina Knowles and Richard Lawson
Knowles filed for divorce on Wednesday in Los Angeles with her date of separation listed as Tuesday, according to court documents. Beyonce’s mother cited “irreconcilable differences” for their cause of divorce. The former couple got married in April 2015. Knowles was previously married to Mathew Knowles from 1980 to 2011. They welcomed daughters Beyoncé and Solange during their relationship.
