Greetings, star seeds. Mercury retrograde, the most maligned of all astrological transits, is upon us.

Beginning February 26, Mercury, our planet of the mind and mouth, so named for the messenger of the gods, will go retrograde in the Care Bear poet placenta of Pisces until March 20.

Mercury will then clear its post-retrograde shadow on April 9.

How often does Mercury go retrograde?

As the fastest-moving planet in our solar system, Mercury goes retrograde three to four times a year for about three weeks.

During this retrograde, Mercury operates in the unconscious, rather than the conscious mind. Morphart – stock.adobe.com

While planets, Mercury included, do not move backwards, they do slow their proverbial rolls, a deceleration that looks like a reversal from our vantage here on beautiful, broken planet Earth.

Author and tarot reader Kerry Ward tells The Post this optical illusion is due to Mercury’s shorter orbit, which “makes it look like it hustles past Earth, slows down, and then moves in a backwards loop. It’s actually, dare I say, showing off.”

What happens during Mercury retrograde?

When the planet of ideas and intellect shows off and slows down, the realms it rules are ruffled, namely commerce, communication technology, and travel.

As above, so below, folks.

This retrograde’s villainous reputation is undue. erika8213 – stock.adobe.com

Ward tells The Post that this retrograde’s villainous reputation is unwarranted and masks a real opportunity.

“If Mercury retrograde interferes with our ability to connect efficiently and openly to the external or outside world, then the swing side of that is that it boosts our ability to turn inwards and reflect, contemplate, re-evaluate, and tap into our past, life story, ego, ideas, and self-awareness.”

Ward is on deck (pun intended) with her pulls for the tarot cards that will guide each sign this retrograde season, featuring her Light In The Dark Tarot & Oracle deck.

To book a tarot reading with Ward, see here.

Mercury retrograde dates 2026

• February 26, 2026 – March 20, 2026, takes place in Pisces.
• June 29, 2026 – July 23, 2026, swims through Cancer.
• October 24, 2026 – November 13, 2026, stirs the depths of Scorpio.

Fire signs – Aries, Leo, Sagittarius Queen of Swords Fire signs need to take charge like the Queen of Swords during this time. @inlovewithcameras'

Ward shared that fire signs should take charge and collect receipts this retrograde.

“Check for yourself. Validate and prove competence and completion, rather than letting others’ reassurances be the answer. Ask questions, probe, and assume responsibility for knowing what’s going on and how it’s being handled.”

She notes that when you take control, it’s not about asserting power but about building confidence.

“It’s a beacon of attraction and will bring many new opportunities and ideas this retrograde. Take charge like the Queen of Swords.” 

Earth signs – Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn Ace of Coins Earth signs should plant new seeds. @inlovewithcameras'

“Some folks think that retrogrades are a time to stop all activity and hunker down until it’s over,” said Ward.

However, she notes that this is neither practical nor necessary, particularly for earth signs.

“This retrograde is beckoning you, with the steadfast Ace of Coins, to go ahead and plant a new seed in the realms of either health, wealth, work, or home. This commitment will last long beyond the retrograde. Beginning it now feels like a challenge, a defiant kind of ‘I can do it no matter what!’ and that’s the kind of force this project needs. Start.”

Air signs – Gemini, Libra, Aquarius Five of Coins Air signs need to just let things be. @inlovewithcameras'

Retrogrades are notorious for disrupting our lives, but often this is done to curb rushing and foster reflection.

“In Pisces, this retrograde fuels emotions and sensitivities, and it’s likely that this will catch up with you. Just let it flow. Find the space and solace you need to cry, grieve, unleash a heavy emotion or opinion, mourn, or ask for help,” said Ward.

She notes that while you are not alone in your pain, you may require solitude to recognize its form and scope

“Grant yourself grace before you talk about these things. But then DO talk about them with folk you trust, this will help process and heal what you’re acknowledging. This is a powerful phase of healing for you.” 

Water signs – Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces  Six of Swords Water signs need to make a long-overdue change in their lives. @inlovewithcameras'

Ward shared that this retrograde will offer water signs an exit door or a long-awaited escape hatch.

“This is a welcome departure that you’ve contemplated for ages, but you may have felt trapped or unable to make that final move. Retrogrades stir up the energy, create openings, and change the status quo. Be on the lookout for such an event and use it to your advantage,” said Ward.

She assures you that divine timing guarantees your exit will be graceful and free of rancour.

“It was all a long time coming; it was all meant to be. Say goodbye, breathe a sigh of relief, and walk out the door before the retrograde ends.” 

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Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.