Mercury Retrograde
February 26 to March 20, 2026
The planet of communication Mercury will turn retrograde this week on February 26. This means it will disappear from view in the night sky and give the illusion of moving backwards through the zodiac.
Mercury retrograde is a time that often coincides with communication chaos when the messenger of the Gods, fleet-footed Mercury, takes a break and hangs up his winged sandals.
Post goes missing, technology breaks down, dates get muddled, plans go awry, appliances go wonky, mishaps, delays and misunderstandings occur and the world gets even crazier.
Plans can unravel when Mercury turns retrograde and you end up having to wait on information and other people. Clarity goes for a walk and confusion reigns.
Yes, you may lose things while Mercury’s retrograde but sometimes you find things that have been lost. Either way, go searching on this Mercury retrograde phase and see what you discover.
Mercury Retrograde Tips And Tricks
Notice what happens at the start of the Mercury retrograde phase. Are there delays, frustrations or changes of plan? Be flexible and adaptable when the communication planet is up to its tricks. Often, things take longer than planned.
This Mercury retrograde phase takes place during eclipse season. Therefore, it’s a double whammy of illusion, confusion, a cosmic muddle and a mess. Take your time and don’t rush into anything new.
Mercury will remain retrograde for three weeks until March 20. This can be a time when you’re playing a waiting game and it’s wise to develop patience.
It is, however, a positive time for the re-words: review, revise, reconsider, reflect, rework, reconnect, retreat, research. Here are some more ways of harnessing the Mercury Retrograde planetary energy:
- take a step back and leave the big decisions for another time
- give yourself permission to change your mind
- look at life from a fresh perspective – upside down or back-to-front, think outside of the box
- chase up old connections, reconnect with people from your past
- keep your options open
- have plans B, C and D up your sleeve, especially if you’re travelling
- go with the flow and see where life leads you
- switch off, unplug from the news and social media
Mercury Retrograde Pisces
This year’s Mercury retrograde phases all take place in the water signs, Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio. Water signs are emotional and intuitive, empathic and psychic.
Plus, they’re pure retrograde phases, i.e. Mercury doesn’t change star sign during the three week retrograde phase. Instead, it dives deep into each water sign.
During this particular Mercury retrograde phase when Mercury’s in Pisces, you could be feeling unusually emotional. Or perhaps, you’re immersing yourself in an artistic, caring or spiritual activity.
Schedule in less for when Mercury’s on go slow and favour inner work and contemplation.
Pisces is a star sign that Mercury doesn’t feel particularly comfortable in. This is because Mercury represents facts and figures and likes to think things through. Whereas, Pisces is sensitive, touchy-feely and heart-led, also potentially gullible and easily fooled.
You may be more sensitive while Mercury is in Pisces or have more emotional conversations. Be wary of sob stories, however, and people playing victim. Don’t allow yourself to be seduced or scammed.
You could be overthinking things with Mercury in Pisces. Or it feels harder to reach a decision.
Plus, with a Lunar Eclipse cutting across the Virgo/Pisces axis on March 3 while Mercury’s retrograde, this Mercury retrograde phase could be more of a muddle and a mess.
Both eclipses and retrograde phases have hidden themes and it may be hard to get to the truth of the matter until March 19/20, when eclipse season is over and Mercury turns direct.
Until then, it’s not the time to leap into action, speak without thinking or believe everything you hear or read. Mercury retrograde phases often coincide with misunderstandings and you’re wise to take the pace slow and go with the flow.
Aim to tap into your inner knowingness, your intuition and listen out for synchronicities. Mercury in Pisces is a positive influence for creative thinking and trusting that the universe will guide you.
Dates & Degrees
Here are the all-important Mercury retrograde dates:
- February 6 – Mercury enters Pisces
- February 26 – Mercury turns retrograde – 22° Pisces
- March 7 – Sun conjunct Mercury retrograde – 17° Pisces – the cazimi mid-way point (listen out for insights)
- March 20 – Mercury turns direct – 8° Pisces
- April 14 – Mercury leaves Pisces
There may be confusion while Mercury’s retrograde in Pisces. Alternatively, you could be on a journey of self-discovery and want to strip back the layers to reveal your authentic self. Mercury retrograde phases are ideal for diving deep into self-analysis and listening to your inner voice.
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