There’s big news this month: as of 4 March, Venus, the planet of romance and riches, is going backwards. While you may be familiar with Mercury retrograde, which happens around four times a year, Venus retrograde is much less common – in fact, it only occurs once every 18 months. And so, for that reason, it's important to welcome the reverse cycle into your life and make the most of it.

Venus retrograde is the time to re-evaluate everything. It's an opportunity to determine if the life you’re living really matters to you. Take stock and see if your actions and your schedules are in tune with your priorities. Are you spending enough time with the people who matter to you? Or are you too busy to do the things that make you feel good? If it’s the latter, this is the ideal month to figure out how to make a change.

Relationships can feel more detached than usual during this cycle, but that's OK. It's time to work out who you really care for and who cares for you – and sometimes a little bit of distance can make these things easier to analyse.

Financially, Venus retrograde can be a time of delayed payments, but also a time when money that has been a very long time coming finally arrives. So, wait and see what Venus retrograde brings – it lasts until mid-April.

PISCES

20 Feb to 20 Mar

In the short-term, there is a chance that money you're waiting for is going to be delayed. However, with riches planet Venus spending extra time in your Money Zone thanks to its retrograde cycle, you're actually in a good position to make more cash than usual over the coming months. This could come in various ways, but overall it depends on you believing in yourself enough to charge properly for whatever you're doing – whether it's a 'side line', such as dog walking or eBay, or simply asking your boss for a raise. Value yourself and others will too.

Power date: 5 March – an excellent day to express yourself and ask for what you want

ARIES

21 Mar to 20 Apr

You are in the eye of the Venus retrograde storm, as it reverses in your sign. This makes it the perfect time to do three things: firstly, give yourself a makeover; secondly, consider who and what really matters to you; and finally, work out if you are giving enough time to the people and things that you really value. If you're pining for a lost love, that person could somehow come back into your life this month – perhaps for reconciliation, or for closure. If you've had a falling out with someone you care about (romantic or otherwise), this is a wonderful time to extend an olive branch.

Power date: 5 March – working hard brings results today, whatever your goal.

TAURUS

21 Apr to 21 May

As your ruling planet Venus reverses, you could feel as though you're a bit stuck. Projects you would like to progress might feel as though they have stalled. What is really happening is that you're being given extra time to lay low and work on making a dream come true. Keep moving towards your goals. Don't allow any fears, such as a lack of cash or not feeling popular, hold you back. What do you want for yourself or a loved one? What you can believe, you can achieve.

Power date: 25 March – a day when you're in the spotlight, whether you like it or not!

GEMINI

22 May to 22 Jun

As Venus reverses through your 11th House of Friends, this is the time to look up some old pals you haven't seen in a while. All travel plans in March are very well starred, so what better excuse to pack your bags than to see someone who means a lot to you? Think about who you know far away that might appreciate a visit. We all know the pressure you have been under. A little getaway could do you the power of good.

Power date: 18 March – a great day to talk about your feelings and/or your finances.

CANCER

23 Jun to 23 Jul

The Venus retrograde this month encourages you to focus on your finances and reconsider an old method you once used to generate cash. If you don't work, perhaps you’ve been considering a part-time job or another source of income? A project you considered at some point in the past could now provide some valuable revenue. Socially, you'll have extra motivation to get out and about in March, but be warned, your temper is shorter than usual. Avoid people who may provoke this and don't let an upset go too far, especially towards the end of the month.

Power date: 30 March – too much of a good thing could cause a drama today. Act with kindness.

LEO

24 Jul to 23 Aug

Can you fit in a break this month? Venus is going backwards in your Holiday Zone, which is as good an astro-excuse as you're ever going to get to revisit a place you already know you love. Sure, it's wonderful to explore new lands, but right now your chart suggests going back to somewhere familiar and cherished will be an enriching experience. Also, if you have been thinking of studying a subject you're passionate about, you will have excellent celestial support. Health-wise, this is an ideal time to seek advice on the benefits of a detox.

Power date: 8 March – a little effort could go a long way.

VIRGO

24 Aug to 23 Sep

Virgos are usually very good at being sensible when it comes to cash. Some might even say you’re a little bit frugal. However, right now (and until October), you have the planet of plenty, Jupiter, in your Money Zone. That can lead to you getting your hands on more cash. But it can also be a time when you ditch the Virgo habits of a lifetime and start to splurge a little more than you can afford. Watch out for any impulses like that this month! You know it makes sense to spend wisely.

Power date: 24 March – this could be your lucky day.

LIBRA

24 Sep to 23 Oct

Whether you're single, a newlywed, or long-time married, March could be interesting, as your ruling planet Venus is reversing in your Love Zone. The skies want you to slow down, so you need to tread water. Trying to forge ahead won't work. For some, an old flame could be relit. For others, there is more emotional or physical distance than you might like between you and someone you love. Use the month to remind yourself why you care for that person and then reveal how you feel about them.

Power date: 17 March – use the evening to talk about how you really feel.

SCORPIO

24 Oct to 22 Nov

The stage is set for you to clear the air with someone who has been getting on your nerves. This can be a really positive thing, but be careful you’re not too hard on them. Clearing the air is one thing, alienating them is another. If you're single and looking for new love, you will be more motivated in your search this month. If you’re attached, it could go either way, since Mars is in your Love Zone while Venus reverses. You and your partner could reignite the spark, or end up arguing. If it’s the latter, you may want to revisit the first sentence!

Power date: 30 March – be as nice as you can be, otherwise today could be explosive!

SAGITTARIUS

23 Nov to 21 Dec

If you feel like you need to have more fun, you might be right. With Saturn in your sign, life may have felt rather heavy lately. But there is finally some respite in sight. The planet of love and pleasure, Venus, is spending a long time in your 5th House of Fun. Think of how you used to enjoy yourself and do more of that. You might feel that you have no time for fun, but you do. Believe it or not, exercising could be a real source of enjoyment for you now. It will certainly make you feel in better shape.

Power date: 30 March – don't start an argument you're not willing to finish.

CAPRICORN

22 Dec to 20 Jan

There are some very important questions to ask yourself this month, Capricorn. Are you focussing on the little niggles and upsets of life or are you seeing the bigger picture? Are you frustrated by the things you can't change or are you focussing on doing what you can to change what you can? And one more… are you counting your blessings? The more you think about what you want (as opposed to dwelling on what you don't want), the happier February will be. It really is that simple. Take up the challenge and reap the rewards.

Power date: 21 February – don't let your ego or anger alienate someone you love or need.

AQUARIUS

21 Jan to 19 Feb

It's easy to have too stiff an upper lip and not to say the things that are on our minds and in our hearts. Have you been guilty of this lately? If so, use the power of loving Venus reversing in your Communication Zone to find the words you need to let someone know that, despite appearances, you really do care. Letting those we love know we are there for them is hugely important, and you have the chance to make a difference in someone's life now. In other news, you're going to be extra motivated around the home this month – clear out the old and make room for the new.

Power date: 26 March – a conversation could turn things around for you very nicely.

Your monthly horoscope from Bon magazine's astrologer Yasmin Boland of www.moonology.com