This Easter, my husband and I returned to Rome — our first-ever travel destination as a couple back in 2009. Sixteen years later, under a different sky and different transits, we found ourselves once again walking cobblestone streets, sharing gelato, stories, and long conversations about life, love, and the years behind and ahead of us.
What made this trip extraordinary wasn’t just nostalgia — it was timing.
Back in 2009, on our first trip to Rome, we visited the Vatican, like so many first-timers do. This time, we chose a different kind of beauty — a visit to Santa Maria Maggiore. We were both struck by the peaceful atmosphere and the detailed artwork. The church is incredibly beautiful — grand, yet somehow calming. At the time, we had no idea that just two weeks later, Pope Benedict XVI would be buried there. That added a quiet weight to the visit afterward. Rome is like that — full of layers you don’t always see right away, but that slowly unfold.
Venus in Aquarius and Pluto in Transit
Both my husband and I have Venus in Aquarius in our natal charts — a sign that values freedom, shared ideals, and intellectual connection. Our kind of romance isn’t showy or scripted; it’s built on conversation, movement, shared vision. And that’s what Rome gave us this time: long walks, deep talks, quiet corners, and a sense of renewal.
But there’s more: right now, Pluto is transiting both our natal Venus and our composite Venus. A Venus-Pluto transit is no small thing — it peels layers, reveals shadows, asks us to love more truthfully. Being in Rome, surrounded by the architecture of legacy, love, and empire, was strangely fitting. We weren’t just tourists; we were witnesses — to change, to grief, to resilience. And in our own way, to each other’s growth.
Venus Transiting the 3rd House: Talk, Walk, Remember
During the trip, Venus was transiting our 3rd house — the house that rules communication, everyday movement, and how we share thoughts and ideas. It couldn’t have been more fitting. Our days were filled with the kind of connection that doesn’t always happen in the busyness of everyday life. We walked for hours — through Rome’s winding alleys, across quiet piazzas, into sun-drenched churches — and just talked. About the kids, about work, about what we want the next ten years to look like. Some conversations were light and playful, others more honest and searching.
There was no pressure to be “romantic” in the traditional sense. What felt truly intimate was having the space to listen to each other again — without distractions, without being pulled in five directions at once. That’s the 3rd house in action: love expressed in words, in shared observations, in the comfort of easy companionship. It wasn’t about big gestures — it was about getting back in sync, one conversation at a time. In many ways, it felt like we were walking beside younger versions of ourselves — the couple who had first come here in 2009 — but with more perspective, more gratitude, and maybe a little more patience. That’s what time (and Venus) can bring.
For You: How will your Venus experience Rome?
Rome isn’t just romantic — it’s Venusian at its core. From the curve of a marble statue to the scent of espresso at sunrise, the city is drenched in beauty, history, sensuality, and meaning. But the way you connect with Rome depends on your Venus sign and whatever Venus is doing in your chart right now. How you love, what delights you, and what makes you feel most alive is all filtered through Venus. Here’s how you might feel Rome — not just see it.
Venus in Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)
You feel your way through the world, and Rome will likely move you on a soul-deep level. Expect to be stirred by sacred spaces: the soft light inside a church, a statue that speaks to something ancient in you, the hush of a chapel at dusk. You’ll notice the water — fountains tucked into quiet corners, the Tiber gliding past old bridges, rain on worn stone.
This is a city that can awaken your imagination and your longing — for love, for meaning, for something eternal.
Tip: Visit places like Santa Maria Maggiore or the Protestant Cemetery. Let your emotions lead the way.
Venus in Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
You’ll likely fall in love with Rome’s conversations — spoken and unspoken. There’s something about the contrast between old and new, ruins and Vespas, sacred and casual, that energizes you. You may not care as much about luxury as you do about rhythm — the buzz of a piazza, a spontaneous street performance, a deep chat over wine. You’ll want to share thoughts, explore ideas, and connect through the senses of sound and story.
Tip: Book a walking tour with a quirky guide, spend time in Trastevere’s backstreets, and people-watch with a notebook in hand.
Venus in Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
For you, Rome is alive. It’s a stage, a spark, a sensory playground. You’ll thrive on the color, warmth, and spontaneity — vibrant piazzas, loud family dinners, passionate gestures from strangers and street musicians alike. You want your love (and travel) to feel epic. Rome gives you drama, sunlight, and those goosebump moments when history and life collide.
Tip: Catch the sunset from Gianicolo Hill, explore with zero itinerary, and let your enthusiasm guide the day. And don’t forget to dress up — Venus in Leo especially appreciates a bit of flair.
Venus in Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
For you, beauty is quiet, intentional, and rooted. Rome might not sweep you off your feet right away — but give it time. You’ll notice the textures of ancient walls, the rhythm of daily rituals, the slow unfurling of timeless beauty. You may love the everyday sensuality of Rome: the feel of cool marble, the satisfaction of a perfectly made espresso, the joy of returning to the same trattoria twice because they remembered your name. This is a city that rewards stillness and appreciation.
Tip: Stay in a neighborhood where locals live, explore early mornings at the markets, and take your time in places like the Roman Forum or the Pantheon.
Travel during Venus transit – what might be stirred?
Whether you’re on a romantic weekend, a solo retreat, or traveling with family, Venus transits shape how you connect — to people, to pleasure, and to place. Venus isn’t just about love in the romantic sense. It’s about what you value, how you express affection, what you find beautiful, and what makes you feel good. When Venus moves through different houses in your chart, it highlights different aspects of life — and in travel, it adds a unique flavor to your experience. Here’s a look at what might be stirred, depending on where Venus is transiting:
Venus in the 3rd House (like ours during our Rome trip)
This is a transit of connection through words, movement, and mental stimulation. Perfect for city breaks, spontaneous conversations, and rediscovering joy in the little things — a shared coffee, a favorite song playing from a doorway, a walk that turns into a heart-to-heart. You might feel most nourished by:
- Wandering without a fixed plan
- Talking about everything and nothing
- Visiting bookstores, galleries, or cafés where locals chat
This transit is ideal for reconnecting with your partner (or yourself) through shared memories and thoughtful conversation.
Venus in the 4th or 12th House
This is a more inward-facing energy. With Venus in these houses, you may crave quiet, cozy, or spiritual experiences. Travel might feel more meaningful if it’s tied to your roots or offers space for emotional reflection. Try:
- Visiting sacred sites, cemeteries, or family homes
- Choosing accommodations that feel like a retreat (think: small, atmospheric, and private)
- Bringing a journal or art supplies to process feelings through creativity
If you’re traveling with others, you may need extra solitude woven in to feel centered.
Venus in the 7th or 8th House
These houses bring intensity and intimacy. Relationships may feel more heightened — more romantic, yes, but also more revealing. You may find yourself having big talks, clarifying boundaries, or going deeper into commitment. In travel, this could show up as:
- A relationship-defining moment or realization
- Passionate experiences — from candlelit dinners to late-night soul talks
- Encounters with others (even strangers) that stir something emotional or transformative
This is a good time to travel with someone you trust — or to be open to deep connection, even briefly.
Venus in the 10th House
Here, Venus highlights how you present yourself publicly — your reputation, ambitions, and creative output. During this transit, you may be drawn to beautiful places that feel iconic or elevated, or you may find yourself thinking about visibility, career direction, or how to bring more beauty into your work life. Great for:
- Photoshoots or sharing your travels on social media
- Brainstorming new career paths in inspiring settings
- Attending stylish events or exploring artistic neighborhoods
Think: sipping wine on a terrace in Trastevere while outlining your next creative project — or even planning an engagement shoot in front of the Colosseum.
Rome as a Mirror
Rome isn’t just a destination — it’s a mirror. It reflects your inner world in surprising ways: through the light in a quiet church, the curve of a statue, the rhythm of footsteps on cobblestone streets. It doesn’t offer answers so much as invitations — to notice, to feel, to reflect. For us, Rome mirrored where we are now in our relationship. The layers of the city — ancient foundations beneath modern life — reminded us of our own layered story. We came for a break, for beauty, maybe for a few plates of pasta and some sun. But what we found was more enduring: a gentle reflection of who we’ve become, and who we’re still growing into. As we walked through familiar streets and sat in new cafés, the past and present blended together. The city — like love — is never static. It evolves, crumbles, rebuilds. It surprises you when you slow down enough to look. So I invite you to ask yourself:
💫 What would your Venus fall in love with in Rome?
💫 Under your current Venus transit, what part of love, beauty, or connection is asking for your attention — to be revisited, rewritten, or reimagined?
💫 Could a city — layered, ancient, and alive — help you understand your own heart more deeply?
Maybe it’s not Rome. Maybe it’s another place that tugs at your soul. But when you travel with Venus in mind — with awareness of what you value and how you love — the journey becomes something more. Not just a getaway, but a mirror.
We came to Rome seeking rest, warmth, and maybe a bit of rekindled romance. What we found was a version of love that felt quieter, deeper, and more rooted in who we are now — not just who we were when we first visited. That’s the gift of Venus, and of a place like Rome: helping you see what’s always been there, just with fresh eyes.
Read more on astrology and travels here: Exploring the cosmic compass: Astrology and Travel or Astrology and Travel: Discover Your Ideal Vacation Style
