Mercury is Currently Retrograde!
Feb 26 - Mar 20, 2026 in Pisces
Navigate the Chaos with Cosmic Guidance
Get your personalized retrograde reading. Discover what to watch for, who might return from your past, and how to protect yourself.
5 cards revealing communication, delays, past returning, protection, and breakthroughs
Tech glitches, misunderstandings, and emails going astray. The cards reveal what to watch for.
Exes, old friends, and unfinished business resurface. Learn who or what might come back.
Your cosmic shield during retrograde. Guidance on navigating challenges safely.
Mercury Retrograde occurs 3-4 times per year when Mercury appears to move backward in the sky from Earth's perspective. This optical illusion happens as Earth "passes" Mercury in their orbital paths. While the planet isn't actually reversing course, astrologers believe this period disrupts Mercury's domains: communication, travel, technology, and contracts.
The retrograde period typically lasts 3 weeks, but astrologers also track the "shadow period" (2 weeks before and after) when effects may be subtler but still present. During these times, it's traditionally advised to avoid signing contracts, making major purchases (especially electronics), or launching new ventures—though it's excellent for reflection, revision, and reconnecting with the past.
Review & Reflect
Revisit old projects, journals, and plans
Reconnect
Reach out to old friends, resolve past conflicts
Backup Everything
Protect your data and important documents
Double-Check
Proofread emails, confirm appointments
Signing Contracts
Delay major agreements if possible
Big Tech Purchases
Electronics may have issues or need returning
Launching New Projects
Wait until direct motion for fresh starts
Important Travel
Expect delays, missed connections, lost luggage
Mercury rules communication, thinking, and short-distance travel—things we use constantly. When its energy is "reversed," these daily activities become more challenging. Some people are more sensitive based on their natal chart (especially those with prominent Gemini or Virgo placements, as Mercury rules these signs).
Retrograde energy emphasizes the "re-" prefix: reflect, revisit, reconnect, reconsider. This naturally extends to relationships. People from our past may reach out, or we may find ourselves thinking about unresolved connections. Whether to engage is your choice— tarot can help clarify if reconnecting serves your highest good.
The shadow period occurs before (pre-shadow) and after (post-shadow) the actual retrograde. Mercury slows down before appearing to reverse, and speeds up afterward. Effects may be milder during shadows, but themes of the upcoming or recent retrograde are often present. The pre-shadow is good for preparing, while the post-shadow is for integration.
Tarot excels during retrograde because it enhances the reflective energy. Cards can reveal hidden communication issues, warn about potential tech or travel problems, and show what past situations need closure. Our 5-card spread specifically addresses common retrograde themes: communication blocks, timing delays, returning people/situations, protection, and unexpected breakthroughs.
Not at all! While retrograde gets a negative reputation, it's actually ideal for completing old projects, editing creative work, reconnecting meaningfully with people, and gaining clarity through reflection. Many successful outcomes emerge from retrograde periods. The key is working with the energy (slowing down, reviewing) rather than against it (pushing forward aggressively).
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