Sky calendar
Mercury retrograde 2026: dates and shadows
Mercury has three retrograde periods in 2026; the table gives station times and both shadow boundaries. Both zodiacs are shown, so you can see where they agree and where they part. Every number comes from one open-source ephemeris, and the full method is published.
When does Mercury retrograde start and end?
A station is the instant apparent longitude changes direction. Shadow boundaries are repeat crossings of the two station longitudes. All times below are UTC.
| Pre-shadow | Retrograde begins | Direct station | Post-shadow ends | Signs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-11T22:13 | 2026-02-26T06:47 | 2026-03-20T19:34 | 2026-04-09T11:41 | Pisces → Pisces |
| 2026-06-13T00:54 | 2026-06-29T17:37 | 2026-07-23T22:56 | 2026-08-07T03:36 | Cancer → Cancer |
| 2026-10-04T09:10 | 2026-10-24T07:15 | 2026-11-13T15:52 | 2026-11-30T06:16 | Scorpio → Scorpio |
Data source: station and shadow roots from our engine. Get this as JSON →
What might each sign reflect on?
Writing prompts by Sun sign. Your chart has more than one sign, so read the ones for your Moon and rising too.
Aries
Pause before replying. Which conversation deserves a second read?
Taurus
Revisit an agreement. Are the practical terms clear?
Gemini
Check the details before sharing. What needs a source?
Cancer
Make space for a family conversation without predicting its outcome.
Leo
Return to an unfinished creative draft. What can you clarify?
Virgo
Simplify one routine. Which step causes avoidable confusion?
Libra
Ask a direct question instead of assuming a shared expectation.
Scorpio
Review a boundary. Have you expressed it in plain language?
Sagittarius
Recheck travel details and leave room for ordinary delays.
Capricorn
Revisit a plan. Which commitment is still useful?
Aquarius
Reconnect with an idea you set aside. What changed?
Pisces
Write down what you mean before a difficult conversation.
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How we calculate
Is astrology a guarantee of what will happen?
No. These calculations locate celestial bodies; astrology is a reflection and timing tradition, not evidence of guaranteed health, financial or relationship outcomes.
How are these results calculated?
Positions come from Astronomy Engine, an open-source astronomy library, and are checked against Swiss Ephemeris in our methodology tests. Western readings use the tropical zodiac; Vedic readings subtract the Lahiri ayanamsa. Terms are defined in the glossary.
Next: compare your birth chart, see today's sky, or make a private vision board.