Mercury Retrograde: Dates, Meaning and What to Do
Mercury retrograde is the period, three or four times a year, when Mercury appears to move backwards through the zodiac for about three weeks. Astrology links it with miscommunication, delays and things from the past coming back, and reads it as a time to review rather than to start.
Not happening today. Next: Mercury retrograde in Scorpio on 24 October 2026.
Coming up
- Mercury retrograde in Scorpio: 24 October 2026 to 13 November 2026
- Mercury retrograde in Pisces and Aquarius: 9 February 2027 to 3 March 2027
- Mercury retrograde in Cancer and Gemini: 10 June 2027 to 4 July 2027
- Mercury retrograde in Scorpio and Libra: 7 October 2027 to 28 October 2027
Past dates
- Mercury retrograde in Cancer: 29 June 2026 to 23 July 2026
- Mercury retrograde in Pisces: 26 February 2026 to 20 March 2026
- Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio: 9 November 2025 to 29 November 2025
- Mercury retrograde in Leo: 18 July 2025 to 11 August 2025
- Mercury retrograde in Aries and Pisces: 15 March 2025 to 7 April 2025
| How often | Three or four times a year |
|---|---|
| How long | About three weeks, plus shadow periods either side |
| Rules | Communication, thinking, travel, contracts, technology |
What Mercury retrograde means
Mercury rules messages, plans, paperwork, short trips and devices. While it is retrograde, astrologers advise checking details twice, backing up files, allowing extra travel time and leaving room for plans to change. It is a good time for any word starting with re: review, revise, repair, reconnect.
The shadow periods before and after the retrograde cover the same stretch of the zodiac. Issues often first show in the pre-shadow and are settled in the post-shadow.
Should you sign contracts or buy electronics?
Traditional advice is to delay signing, launching or buying important technology until Mercury turns direct, because plans made now tend to need revisiting. If you cannot wait, read the small print and keep receipts. Mercury retrograde is a reason for care, not panic.
Every date by year
Which part of your chart does this one touch?
Each Mercury retrograde falls in a different house for each person. A Precision Horoscope shows where this one lands in your chart. Get my free personal reading