Mercury retrograde 2026: all dates
Three times a year Mercury seems to stand still and then moves backwards through the zodiac for a few weeks. Here are all three phases of the year, calculated to the minute, with the shadow phases before and after.
26 February to 20 March
in Pisces- Shadow before
- from 11 February 2026, 23:13until 26 February 2026, 07:47
- Retrograde
- from 26 February 2026, 07:47until 20 March 2026, 20:37
- Shadow after
- from 20 March 2026, 20:37until 9 April 2026, 13:41
29 June to 24 July
in Cancer- Shadow before
- from 13 June 2026, 02:54until 29 June 2026, 19:37
- Retrograde
- from 29 June 2026, 19:37until 24 July 2026, 00:55
- Shadow after
- from 24 July 2026, 00:55until 7 August 2026, 05:37
24 October to 13 November
in Scorpio- Shadow before
- from 4 October 2026, 11:11until 24 October 2026, 09:11
- Retrograde
- from 24 October 2026, 09:11until 13 November 2026, 16:55
- Shadow after
- from 13 November 2026, 16:55until 30 November 2026, 07:17
All times in German time (CET or CEST). Calculated with an astronomical ephemeris, apparent geocentric longitude.
What ‘retrograde’ means
Mercury does not really move backwards. Because it circles the Sun faster than the Earth, it overtakes us on the inside, and from here it looks for a few weeks as if it were drawing back across the sky. The moment it seems to stand still is called the station.
In astrology Mercury stands for language, contracts, journeys and technology. When it moves backwards, the time is seen as poor for new beginnings in these things and good for everything that starts with ‘re’: rereading, asking again, picking things back up.
The shadow phases
Before the station, Mercury already passes through the degrees it will later move back over. After the retrograde, it needs just as long again to return to the point where it turned. If you are cautious, count these weeks too.
What you can do during this time
- Read contracts before you sign, with the previous day’s version next to them.
- Answer old messages that have been left lying.
- Plan journeys with a buffer and check bookings twice.
- Back up your data before your phone does it for you the hard way.
Frequently asked questions
When is Mercury retrograde in 2026?
Three times: 26 February to 20 March in Pisces, 29 June to 24 July in Cancer, and 24 October to 13 November in Scorpio. The exact times and shadow phases are above.
Does Mercury really move backwards?
No. Mercury overtakes the Earth on the inside track, and from here it looks for three weeks as if it were drawing back. In the sky it is a loop, not a reversal.
Should I avoid signing anything during this time?
Signing is fine. Just read more carefully, ask about anything unclear and give yourself time for the second draft. This is not legal advice, just old caution.
Does Mercury retrograde affect me?
More strongly when it touches one of your birth positions, for example your Sun or your Ascendant. Your personal horoscope shows you.