What is Mercury retrograde?
Three or four times a year, Mercury seems to slow down, stop and move backward against the stars for about three weeks. It doesn’t really reverse. Mercury orbits the Sun much faster than Earth, and when it passes between us and the Sun, our changing viewpoint makes it appear to drift backward, the same way a car you overtake on the highway seems to slip back. The moments when it appears to stand still are called stations: it “stations retrograde” at the start and “stations direct” at the end.
The shadow periods
Astrologers also watch the weeks around each retrograde. The pre-shadow begins when Mercury first reaches the degree where it will later station direct; the post-shadow ends when it returns to the degree where it stationed retrograde. In other words, the shadow covers the stretch of the zodiac that Mercury crosses three times.
What it means in astrology
Mercury rules communication, travel, technology and contracts in astrological tradition, so its retrograde is associated with crossed wires, delays and second thoughts. Many people treat it as a season for the “re-” words: review, revise, reconnect, rest. It’s a fine excuse to back up your phone, reread an email before sending it and leave extra time for travel. There is no scientific evidence that Mercury’s apparent motion affects events, so don’t cancel anything important because of it; use it, if you like, as a reminder to slow down and double-check.
Practical ideas for a retrograde
- Back up your phone and computer, and update passwords.
- Reread contracts and important messages before you send or sign.
- Finish old projects and reply to old messages before starting new ones.
- Reconnect with someone you haven’t talked to in a while.
See also the full moon calendar, today’s Moon phase and your weekly horoscope.
Frequently asked questions
When is Mercury retrograde in 2027?
In Eastern Time: February 9, 2027 to March 3, 2027; June 10, 2027 to July 4, 2027; October 7, 2027 to October 28, 2027.
When is Mercury retrograde in 2026?
In Eastern Time: February 26, 2026 to March 20, 2026; June 29, 2026 to July 23, 2026; October 24, 2026 to November 13, 2026.
Does Mercury really move backward?
No. Mercury only appears to move backward against the stars because Earth and Mercury orbit the Sun at different speeds; it’s an optical effect, like a faster car seeming to slip back as you pass it.
What should I avoid during Mercury retrograde?
Astrological tradition links it with delays and miscommunication, so people double-check plans, back up files and reread messages. There is no scientific evidence that it affects events, so don’t postpone anything important just because of it.