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Planet retrogrades
Mercury retrograde 2026 and 2027
Mercury goes retrograde about three times a year for around three weeks. Between January 2026 and December 2027 there are 6 retrograde periods touching those years.
Dates (UK time)
| Stations retrograde | Stations direct | Length | Zodiac span |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 February 2026, 06:47 GMT | 20 March 2026, 19:34 GMT | 23 days | 22° Pisces → 8° Pisces |
| 29 June 2026, 18:37 BST | 23 July 2026, 23:56 BST | 24 days | 26° Cancer → 16° Cancer |
| 24 October 2026, 08:15 BST | 13 November 2026, 15:52 GMT | 20 days | 20° Scorpio → 5° Scorpio |
| 9 February 2027, 17:35 GMT | 3 March 2027, 12:34 GMT | 22 days | 5° Pisces → 20° Aquarius |
| 10 June 2027, 19:18 BST | 4 July 2027, 20:40 BST | 24 days | 6° Cancer → 27° Gemini |
| 7 October 2027, 15:40 BST | 28 October 2027, 15:10 BST | 21 days | 4° Scorpio → 19° Libra |
Each Mercury retrograde
In astrology
Mercury rules communication, travel and technology in astrology, so its retrogrades are the famous ones: a traditional time to double-check messages, back up files and leave room in travel plans.
We share astrology as tradition and for reflection, not as prediction.
The astronomy
Mercury orbits inside Earth's orbit. It looks retrograde around the time it passes between Earth and the Sun.
Dates here are the 'stations', the moments the planet's apparent motion along the ecliptic stops and reverses, worked out with astronomy-engine to the nearest minute or so.
Questions answered
How often does Mercury go retrograde?
About three times a year for around three weeks.
When does Mercury go retrograde in 2026?
26 February 2026 until 20 March 2026, in Pisces.
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