In 2026, Mercury retrograde hits in the three water signs: Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio. When Mercury moonwalks in this element, we are pushed to think outside our comfort zone—so prepare to feel like a fish out of water! These retrogrades, the first of which starts February 26, are going to shift prospective relationships and help us better understand our emotions, as well as boundaries.
The weeks-long transit brings miscommunication, tech issues, questionable rumors, and extreme nostalgia. Exes resurface out of nowhere, accidents happen, and situations get out of control. The flip side is that we can revisit, revise, reexamine, and reevaluate things that have been on our minds and in our hearts. Mercury is moving more slowly, advising us to do the same. Most importantly, back up computers and have an alternative solution to problems.
Below, explore the Mercury retrogrades of 2026 and how to wade through them with the least amount of damage.
Mercury Retrograde in Pisces: February 26 to March 20
Simply put: this Mercury retrograde in Pisces is going to be exhausting. We're going to need a power nap to get through the day.
The reason is that Pisces is the final sign of the zodiac, and it's the least favorable placement for Mercury. Mercury focuses on details and is factual, while Pisces has a loftier and more creative view of matters. When together, the juxtaposing energy can bring faulty information our way, since it has an imaginative flair. Add in the retrograde, and it can make matters even more confusing. As a result, our heads will spin, and we will have brain fog. It'll make us question our surroundings and intuition every second, urging us to take a beat to meditate and rest from the outside irritants, like gossip or other people’s projections that are stressful.
The pre-retrograde phase occurs from February 11 to 26, so watch out for new information that crops up then because it sets the tone for the cosmic phenomenon.
The retroshade, or post-retrograde zone, clears the cycle from March 20 to April 9. This is a moment where we get a third pass to clear up the havoc and drama from the retrograde.
Mercury Retrograde in Cancer: June 29 to July 23
Mercury retrograde in Cancer highlights issues that need to be transformed in the family and living situations. Cancer is the sign of home and what we hold near and dear to our hearts. The sign speaks to what we protect most and what we want to foster. This Mercury retrograde will make us crabby, so put away the pincers, and make us feel like we need to self-soothe in a cocoon and hide from outside negativity.
However, what we will find is that it's important to connect with people who have our back and will support us if matters need to be dealt with in a family unit or close friendships. Roommate drama might reach a high — try to be diplomatic to resolve the issue smoothly. No matter how much we wish to redecorate, avoid major changes because our picks will give us the ick when Mercury turns direct.
June 13 to June 29 brings the pre-retrograde energy, igniting frustrations and moodiness. Take a step back and go to the beach or pool to unwind. Like crabs, the beach is our sanctuary.
The retrograde commences on July 23 and ends on August 6, allowing us to temper our emotions by discussing them with confidants in order to seek guidance in how to move forward.
Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio: October 24 to November 13
Mercury retrograde in Scorpio is going to be a complex moment. Simultaneously, Venus will be moving backwards through Scorpio and Libra, asking us to reflect on relationships and money. Being that Mercury in Scorpio yearns for the tea to come out, it will be interesting to see what emerges publicly.
With Venus moonwalking at the same time, we can look back and suss out the past to see that there might be interesting gossip percolating around our interests. It’ll be salacious and messy. Scorpio is the claws of justice, making us unsure about the merit of the gossip. Partnerships will be tested because we'll find out who our real friends are; those who aren't pulling their weight or who expose jealousy in the friendship will be put on ice. Those who have proven to be authentic will remain ever-present in our lives.
The pre-retrograde transit occurs from October 4 to 24, pushing us to fact check stories and to search beneath the surface to validate stories we are being told.
The retroshade lasts from November 13 to 30, making us reassess revelations and decisions from the retrograde. This is a time of reflection and contemplation.
