Stellune
Few phrases in astrology have escaped into everyday life like “Mercury is in retrograde”. It gets blamed for lost keys, crashed laptops and texts sent to the wrong person. What’s actually happening in the sky, when it happens, and a calm way to work with it.
What retrograde means
Mercury doesn’t really move backwards. Earth and Mercury both orbit the Sun, and Mercury is much faster. About three times a year, as Mercury overtakes us on the inside track, it appears from Earth to slow down, stop, drift backwards against the stars for about three weeks, then stop again and carry on forwards.
It’s the same illusion you see from a train when a faster train passes: for a moment the other one seems to slide backwards.
Dates
Times are worked out from our app’s astronomy and rounded to the day.
| Period | Retrograde from | Direct again |
|---|---|---|
| Late 2026 | 24 October 2026 (in Scorpio) | 13 November 2026 |
| Early 2027 | 9 February 2027 (in Pisces) | 3 March 2027 |
| Mid 2027 | 10 June 2027 (in Cancer) | 4 July 2027 |
| Late 2027 | 7 October 2027 (in Scorpio) | 28 October 2027 |
Astrologers also watch the week or two either side, called the shadow, when Mercury passes over the same stretch of sky before and after.
What it’s traditionally linked to
Mercury rules communication, thinking, travel, contracts and technology. When it’s retrograde, the tradition says these areas run less smoothly:
- messages misunderstood or going astray;
- travel delays and changed plans;
- technology glitches;
- second thoughts about agreements.
There’s no evidence that phones fail more often. But the idea is useful in a quieter way: it gives you three short seasons a year to slow down, check details and revisit unfinished things.
The “re-” words
A good way to use a retrograde is to think in words that start with “re”:
- Review plans and contracts before signing.
- Revise work you’ve already drafted.
- Reconnect with people you’ve lost touch with.
- Rest a little more than usual.
- Repair what’s been quietly breaking.
Many people find these weeks good for finishing rather than starting.
Should you avoid signing contracts?
Traditional astrology advises caution, not panic. If something has to be signed during a retrograde, read it twice, ask questions and keep copies. That’s good advice in any week.
Does it affect everyone the same way?
Not according to astrology. The retrograde happens in a particular sign, and it’s said to be felt most in the area of life that sign falls in your own chart. The late 2026 retrograde is in Scorpio, so people with personal planets in Scorpio, or with Scorpio in a busy house, may notice it more. Our app shows when a planet in the sky is touching a point in your own chart.
Questions people ask
When is the next Mercury retrograde?
After the one ending on 13 November 2026, the next runs from 9 February to 3 March 2027.
How often does Mercury go retrograde?
Usually three times a year, for about three weeks each time.
Is Mercury retrograde bad?
It’s traditionally linked with delays and mix-ups, but many people use it well, for reviewing, finishing and reconnecting.
Do other planets go retrograde?
Yes. Every planet except the Sun and Moon appears to go retrograde at times. Mercury’s are the most frequent and best known.
Astrology here is for reflection and self-understanding. It doesn't predict events, and it isn't medical, legal or financial advice.