MERCURY RETROGRADE
June 29 to July 23, 2026
Mercury Retrograde
Personally, I like the idea of having a cosmic snooze when communication planet Mercury is retrograde, i.e. in retreat. This time around Mercury’s moving backwards through the zodiac from June 29 to July 23.
The three week go-slow phase is the perfect time to unplug, slow down and let things percolate. Decisions don’t have to be made. Mulling things over, pondering and rest are recommended.
Think of this as Mercury looking backwards which can be linked to insights from the past. During retrograde phases there is more focus on the subconscious and it’s a fertile time of learning and evaluation.
Make time to listen to your inner voice. Look out for synchronicities, nudges from the universe. How are you being guided, what is life telling you?
Mercury Cancer
Mercury will be retrograde in water sign Cancer, an ideal opportunity to catch up with family or revisit your past. Take a staycation, find your cosy place and slow down. Stay home more.
Cancer’s zodiac symbol is the crab and water signs like Cancer are said to be mute. Bear this symbolism in mind. Find your protective shell, say less not more and know that even though the crab has a tough outer surface, it has a soft underbelly. The planet of communication in caring Cancer can be vulnerable and easily hurt.
Cancer is a sentimental and nostalgic star sign and nostalgia means ‘the longing to return home’. This is a powerful Mercury retrograde phase to remind yourself of the people and places no longer in your life and what they meant and mean to you.
It’s not about ruminating over the past or lamenting what’s lost. Instead, it’s about enjoying your memories and dwelling in happy times to help you deal with whatever situation you find yourself in right now.
Hold that thought and use this Mercury retrograde phase to reconnect with people from your past and to reflect on your life. Review your options so you have some clarity when the time is right to move forwards once again.
Mercury Retrograde Top Tips
Here’s a quick to-do list on how to survive and thrive when the planet ruling communication, trade and transport, is in retreat:
- 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 – think outside of the box
- indulge in a media detox
- chase up old connections
- don’t believe everything you hear
- be patient, keep your options open
- try again where you failed previously
- have plans B, C & D up your sleeve, especially if you’re travelling
- be flexible, go with the flow and see where life leads you
Note that if you have to sign and seal a contract during the Mercury retrograde phase, ensure you read the small print carefully. Mercury retrograde doesn’t mean do nothing but it is wise to pay closer attention to what’s going on. Double-check correspondence and arrangements so misunderstandings and miscommunications are less likely.
Mercury Retrograde Dates
- June 1: Mercury entered Cancer
- June 29: Mercury turns retrograde 26° Cancer
- July 13: Sun conjunct Mercury retrograde 20° Cancer – midway point
- July 23: Mercury turns direct 16° Cancer
- August 9: Mercury leaves Cancer
What It Means For You
Here are the key areas of life where Mercury retrograde in Cancer is currently in retreat. Read both your Sun sign and your Ascendant sign if you know it:
- Cancer – personal goals/aims, identity, image and self-perception
- Leo – inner work, a spiritual retreat, caring for self and others
- Virgo – friends, groups, politics, social causes, hopes and wishes
- Libra – career and vocation, status and reputation, future path
- Scorpio – travel, study, the bigger picture, life’s meaning and purpose
- Sagittarius – joint finances and shared resources, all things hidden and taboo, the metaphysical realm
- Capricorn – relationships, both personal and professional, contracts, opponents, enemies
- Aquarius – work and routine, lifestyle and health, service to others
- Pisces – children and creativity, love affairs and luck, play and entertainment
- Aries – home and family, the past, your legacy, where you come from
- Taurus – communication, siblings, neighbours, community, your voice
- Gemini – money and assets, values and self-worth
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