Mercury retrograde 2026
Yes: Mercury is retrograde today. It turns direct on November 13, 2026, in Scorpio.
Mercury retrograde dates 2026
| Turns retrograde | Turns direct | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Pisces | Pisces | 23 days |
| Cancer | Cancer | 24 days |
| Scorpio | Scorpio | 20 days |
Dates are in UTC: the day each planet appears to stop and turn. The sign is the one the planet is in on that day.
What is a retrograde?
A planet is retrograde when, seen from Earth, it seems to move backwards against the stars for a while. Nothing changes in its real orbit: Earth and the planet travel at different speeds, and as one overtakes the other the line of sight swings back. Mercury, the planet closest to the Sun, does this three or four times a year, for about three weeks each time.
The dates on this page are calculated from the planets' positions, the same way astronomers find them.
What astrology reads into it
In astrology, Mercury rules communication, travel, technology and contracts, so a Mercury retrograde is traditionally read as a time when plans slip and messages cross. Many people use it as a prompt to slow down: double-check the details, back up files, return to unfinished projects and leave room in the diary. It is often said to suit reviewing and finishing more than starting something new.
Other planets retrograde in 2026
| Planet | Turns retrograde | Turns direct | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranus | Gemini | Taurus | 151 days |
| Jupiter | Cancer | Cancer | 119 days |
| Pluto | Aquarius | Aquarius | 162 days |
| Neptune | Aries | Aries | 158 days |
| Saturn | Aries | Aries | 137 days |
| Uranus | Gemini | Gemini | 151 days |
| Venus | Scorpio | Libra | 42 days |
| Jupiter | Leo | Leo | 121 days |
Mercury retrograde dates 2027
| Turns retrograde | Turns direct | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Pisces | Aquarius | 22 days |
| Cancer | Gemini | 24 days |
| Scorpio | Libra | 21 days |