If you’ve recently experienced some heavy themes or feelings of confusion in your love life, you can blame Venus retrograde 2021, which began on December 19 and will stay until January 29, 2022. Every year and a half, Venus goes retrograde, and when it occurs, we’re encouraged to take a deep dive into what we genuinely value and wish to bring into our lives. While everyone will feel the effects of Venus retrograde in some manner, the zodiac signs most influenced by Venus retrograde should brace themselves for drama.

Romance, love, money, and beauty are all areas of our lives that Venus regulates in astrology. We’ll have to work through any underlying difficulties that are still present in these areas during its six-week retrograde period. Many people will have to deal with unresolved marital drama, while others may need to overcome issues with their self-worth or finances. These times are also known for making us reflect on our past romantic relationships, so don’t be surprised if your ex-lovers show up in your daydreams or your direct messages.

Since this Venus retrograde is the first one to occur in Capricorn since the winter of 2013, we’ll be getting honest about our standards for love and looking for clarity on what’s worthwhile. It’s time to start redressing these imbalances and placing your enjoyment first if you’ve been putting your effort into fruitless relationships or ignoring your romantic needs. For hints as to what themes may surface this time around, consider what was going on in your relationship life at the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014.

Cancer Signs (June 21 – July 22)

During this retrograde, your connections are being scrutinized, so don’t avoid difficult confrontations. With Venus backspinning through your partnership sector, you’ll have the opportunity to delve under the surface of your relationship dynamics and deal with any resentments that have been eroding the strength of your bond. While these disclosures may cause some drama or compel you to confront things you’d rather avoid, you’ll come out feeling much clearer about what you want to commit to — and what’s no longer worth your time.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

More than any other sign, Virgo, Venus retrograde is having an impact on your love life, and you may notice that your preferences are shifting as a result. You might suddenly lose interest in quirks that used to make you swoon, or you might find yourself drawn to a different collection of characteristics or “type” instead. If you’re single, now can be a good time to experiment with your changing preferences or reignite a stale romance. It’s best to hold off on any significant decisions, whether they have to do with beginning or ending relationships, as your feelings may alter by the time the retrograde is over.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

This time around, Capricorn, Venus is backspinning through your sign, so you’ll feel its impacts very keenly and strongly. You’re completely reassessing the sincerity of your relationships and the level of commitment you’re willing to make to them. It’s time to start breaking those cycles if you’ve been repeating patterns in your romantic relationships that prevent you from being who you truly are. And keep in mind that the concept of love is not limited to romantic relationships; it is also a significant retrograde theme for you. Utilize this time of reflection to address self-esteem issues and insecurities so that your best characteristics can stand out.