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Mercury retrograde 2026 and 2027
When Mercury is retrograde, how long it lasts and what to do. The dates are calculated from astronomical ephemerides, and today’s status is visible right away.
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Mercury retrograde on the 2026–2027 calendar
The gold bars are the retrograde; the faint ones around them are the shadow period. Exact dates are in the lists below.
2026
- Feb 26 – Mar 20
- Jun 29 – Jul 24
- Oct 24 – Nov 13
2027
- Feb 9 – Mar 3
- Jun 10 – Jul 4
- Oct 7 – Oct 28
Mercury goes retrograde about three times a year. The dates mark the day the planet stops and turns; near midnight, depending on your time zone, they may shift by a day.
Mercury retrograde 2026
Retrograde February 26 – March 20, 2026
Mercury is in Pisces for the whole period.
Shadow period February 12 – April 10, 2026
Retrograde June 29 – July 24, 2026
Mercury is in Cancer for the whole period.
Shadow period June 13 – August 7, 2026
Retrograde October 24 – November 13, 2026
Mercury is in Scorpio for the whole period.
Shadow period October 5 – November 30, 2026
Mercury retrograde 2027
Retrograde February 9 – March 3, 2027
It starts in Pisces and ends in Aquarius.
Shadow period January 26 – March 24, 2027
Retrograde June 10 – July 4, 2027
It starts in Cancer and ends in Gemini.
Shadow period May 26 – July 19, 2027
Retrograde October 7 – October 28, 2027
It starts in Scorpio and ends in Libra.
Shadow period September 17 – November 13, 2027
What Mercury retrograde is
Retrograde is an optical effect: seen from Earth, the planet seems to move backward across the sky for a few weeks. In reality Mercury does not turn back; it only looks that way when this faster, inner planet passes Earth. It happens three times a year and usually lasts about three weeks.
In astrology, Mercury is linked with thoughts, speech, travel, technology and agreements. That is why the retrograde period is traditionally seen as a time to review, finish and clarify rather than rush into something new. There is no scientific evidence that Mercury affects daily life or devices. For many people it is simply a good reason to slow down and double-check everything.
What the shadow period is
Before the retrograde, Mercury crosses a stretch of sky that it will later cross again: this is the pre-shadow phase. After Mercury turns direct, it spends a few more weeks crossing that same stretch again: this is the post-shadow phase. The pre-shadow begins when Mercury reaches the degree where it will later turn direct, and the post-shadow ends when it returns to the degree where the retrograde began.
Astrologers see the shadow periods as a softer version of the retrograde. We show them as a separate line for each year.
How to get through this time calmly
- Reread documents, emails and agreements before sending them: it is easier to find a mistake before than after.
- Back up your files and check that you can still access your important accounts.
- Leave extra time for getting around, and check your bookings once more.
- Go back to unfinished things: finish what is pending and answer old messages.
- New projects and purchases are not forbidden. Just read the terms twice and don’t decide in a rush.
- Make time to take stock: what is working in your life, and what is not?
A good rule for all three weeks: don’t decide everything in one evening. Sleep on big decisions, reread them in the morning, and when you want something from other people, say it directly and point by point so you don’t have to ask again.
No need to worry
Mercury retrograde does not break devices or ruin relationships. It is a symbolic time for slowing down, not a danger. Life goes on: contracts, trips and new projects can all go ahead as planned. Just leave a little more margin and check the details. All of this is entertainment and a reason to reflect, not a prediction.
See also
Frequently asked questions
When is Mercury retrograde in 2026?
In 2026 Mercury is retrograde three times: February 26 – March 20, 2026; June 29 – July 24, 2026; October 24 – November 13, 2026.
When is Mercury retrograde in 2027?
In 2027 Mercury is retrograde three times: February 9 – March 3, 2027; June 10 – July 4, 2027; October 7 – October 28, 2027.
Is Mercury retrograde right now?
The answer is in the status line at the top of the page: it compares today’s date with the calculated periods. All the dates for 2026 and 2027 are in the lists above.
What shouldn’t you do during Mercury retrograde?
There are no strict bans. The traditional tips are: don’t rush to sign documents without checking them, plan trips more carefully and make backups. It is about being attentive, not about fear.
What is the Mercury shadow period?
It is the time before and after the retrograde when Mercury crosses the same stretch of sky: the pre-shadow and the post-shadow. Astrologers see it as a softer version of the retrograde itself.
Is it true that Mercury retrograde affects your life?
There is no scientific evidence. In astrology it is a symbol of slowing down and reviewing, and it is handy as a reason to pause, check your plans and take stock.