RETROGRADE CALENDAR · 22 October 2026
Mercury retrograde: is it retrograde right now?
In most years Mercury appears to move backwards across the sky three times, for about three weeks each time. Here you will find where things stand right now, all the dates and what to watch out for during these periods.
Mercury retrograde dates
| Year | Starts | Ends | Sign and degree | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 March 2025 | 7 April 2025 | 9° Aries → 26° Pisces | 23 |
| 2025 | 18 July 2025 | 11 August 2025 | 15° Leo → 4° Leo | 24 |
| 2025 | 9 November 2025 | 29 November 2025 | 6° Sagittarius → 20° Scorpio | 20 |
| 2026 | 26 February 2026 | 20 March 2026 | 22° Pisces → 8° Pisces | 23 |
| 2026 | 29 June 2026 | 23 July 2026 | 26° Cancer → 16° Cancer | 24 |
| 2026 | 24 October 2026 | 13 November 2026 | 20° Scorpio → 5° Scorpio | 20 |
| 2027 | 9 February 2027 | 3 March 2027 | 5° Pisces → 20° Aquarius | 22 |
| 2027 | 10 June 2027 | 4 July 2027 | 6° Cancer → 27° Gemini | 24 |
| 2027 | 7 October 2027 | 28 October 2027 | 4° Scorpio → 19° Libra | 21 |
| 2028 | 24 January 2028 | 14 February 2028 | 19° Aquarius → 3° Aquarius | 21 |
| 2028 | 21 May 2028 | 14 June 2028 | 16° Gemini → 7° Gemini | 24 |
| 2028 | 19 September 2028 | 11 October 2028 | 18° Libra → 3° Libra | 22 |
| 2029 | 7 January 2029 | 27 January 2029 | 3° Aquarius → 17° Capricorn | 20 |
| 2029 | 1 May 2029 | 25 May 2029 | 26° Taurus → 17° Taurus | 24 |
| 2029 | 2 September 2029 | 25 September 2029 | 1° Libra → 17° Virgo | 23 |
Dates are shown in UTC. A retrograde runs from the moment the planet appears to stand still until it starts moving forward again.
What is Mercury retrograde?
Mercury retrograde is an optical effect. Mercury orbits the Sun much faster than Earth does. At certain times, seen from Earth, it seems to slow down, stand still for a while and then move backwards against the stars. The planet never actually changes direction.
In astrology Mercury stands for communication, correspondence, travel, technology, contracts and the way we think. That is why retrograde periods are known as times when delays, misunderstandings and technical glitches come up more often. The traditional reading suggests using these three weeks to review, fix and finish what was left half-done rather than to launch new ventures.
The sign a retrograde takes place in is read as an astrological clue to which themes will come to the fore. A retrograde in Scorpio, for example, puts shared resources and trust in the spotlight, while one in Gemini highlights everyday communication.
What to watch out for during Mercury retrograde
- Read important messages and emails through once more before you send them.
- Double-check travel plans, bookings and appointment times.
- Back up the files on your phone and computer.
- Read the details carefully before you sign a contract, and ask questions if you need to.
- Use this period to finish half-done jobs, sort out old notes and review your plans.
- Do not jump to conclusions over a misunderstanding; picking the conversation up again at a calmer moment is often enough.
Retrogrades of the other planets
Every planet from Venus to Pluto goes retrograde from time to time. Venus and Mars turn retrograde only rarely, while the outer planets from Jupiter onwards spend several months retrograde every year.
| Planet | Now | Retrograde period |
|---|---|---|
| Venus | Retrograde | Retrograde now: 3 October 2026 – 14 November 2026 |
| Mars | Direct | Next: 10 January 2027 – 1 April 2027 |
| Jupiter | Direct | Next: 13 December 2026 – 13 April 2027 |
| Saturn | Retrograde | Retrograde now: 26 July 2026 – 10 December 2026 |
| Uranus | Retrograde | Retrograde now: 10 September 2026 – 8 February 2027 |
| Neptune | Retrograde | Retrograde now: 7 July 2026 – 12 December 2026 |
| Pluto | Direct | Next: 8 May 2027 – 17 October 2027 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mercury retrograde right now?
Mercury is not retrograde right now; the next one begins on 24 October 2026. Mercury retrograde happens three times in most years and lasts about three weeks each time.
How many times a year does Mercury go retrograde?
Mercury goes retrograde three times in most years and four times in some. Each retrograde lasts roughly 20 to 24 days, and they follow one another about four months apart.
Should you sign a contract during Mercury retrograde?
Astrological tradition suggests putting off important signatures during this period. If waiting is not an option, read the text carefully, ask about anything unclear and keep copies. You do not have to put necessary things on hold just because of a retrograde.
Does Mercury really move backwards?
No. Mercury always travels in the same direction. Because Earth and Mercury move along their orbits at different speeds, at certain times Mercury appears to move backwards when seen from Earth. This is known as retrograde motion.
Sky data is based on astronomical calculations. Astrological interpretations are for entertainment and personal reflection.