The year’s first Mercury retrograde is upon us, tying tongues and breaking hearts from February 26 to March 20. This time, the trickster planet of expression and exchange is retrograding in Pisces, the sign of both its detriment and fall.

When a planet is in fall or detriment, it is hindered from fully or clearly asserting itself.

Is Mercury retrograde now

As the planet of the mind and the mouth, Mercury excels when it can process and articulate clearly, concisely, and with cause. In Pisces, Mercury is blurry as a teenage stick and poke and as coherent as a poet coming down from an ether bender.

Add a retrograde to that muddy water, and you have a recipe for apex confusion and delusion, my dudes.

What does Mercury retrograde mean

Contrary to the terminology, Mercury and other planets do not ever move backward in space; they merely slow down, a deceleration that appears to be a reversal from our vantage point on Earth.

In Pisces, Mercury is blurry as a teenage stick and poke and as coherent as a poet coming down from an ether bender. dreamdes – stock.adobe.com

When a planet is retrograde, its energy works in the opposite direction, not necessarily against us, but certainly not as a trusted sidekick.

As Mercury rules the mind, its retrograde signifies a period of challenge in organizing, expressing, and creating order in our lives

Mercury retrograde Pisces 2026

As Mercury is a personal planet and Pisces is a sign that struggles with boundaries, these themes are guaranteed to spill over into our relationship.

“Pisces is associated with secrets, the subconscious, and mystery. So we may feel Mercury retrograde in Pisces more strongly in our communication — especially in relationships,” Polina Arutiunian, an astrologer and spiritual advisor at Nebula, told The Post.

She notes, however, that awareness is the first step, and misunderstandings and wounded pride can be remedied when you know what to expect. Read on to see how Mercury retrograde in Pisces will affect your zodiac sign.

Mercury retrograde dates

Mercury will be retrograde from February 26 to March 20 and will clear its post-retrograde shadow on April 9th.

Next Mercury retrograde

After this cycle, Mercury will go retrograde in the sign of Cancer on June 29th

ARIES (March 21 – April 19) eugeneudav – stock.adobe.com

For Aries, this retrograde is shaking the skeletons loose from their twelfth house of hidden enemies, the otherwise unseen, and the unconscious mind.

“This period may bring old fears and anxieties to the surface,” said Arutiunian

“So misunderstandings or emotional triggers in relationships may remind you of the past in a big and painful way. People — or information — you didn’t have access to before may resurface, too. But take it as a marker of progress: it can show you how much you’ve already grown.”

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) eugeneudav – stock.adobe.com

Team Taurus will see Mercury meddling in their eleventh house of community and ideals.

“For you, Taurus, Mercury retrograde may stir up misunderstandings around friendships, boundaries, and personal space — especially if a partner feels left out or you feel pulled in too many directions,” said Arutiunian. “Try not to take things too personally, because it’s easy to turn conversations into conflict right now.”

GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) eugeneudav – stock.adobe.com

“This period may bring future plans, timelines, and deadlines into focus. Misunderstandings can occur when you try to define everything quickly and set firm boundaries,” said Arutiunian.

“If you need to have serious conversations about the future, Gemini, lead with a softer tone and leave room for flexibility.”

CANCER (June 21 – July 22) eugeneudav – stock.adobe.com

For the Cancer contingent, Mercury retrograde in Pisces is mucking about in their ninth house of spirituality and broadened horizons.

“Mercury retrograde may make it harder to understand your partner’s values, beliefs, or perspective,” said Arutiunian.

“Conflicts can come up around different priorities or long-term goals. Even if you’re aligned, this retrograde can create a feeling that you’re out of sync. Give each other space to express yourselves — and try not to judge too quickly.”

LEO (July 23 – August 22) eugeneudav – stock.adobe.com

Big cats will see their eight house of sex, death, power dynamics and shared resources activated by this retrograde.

“This period may bring uncertainty when you’re discussing major changes in your relationship, big financial investments, or business decisions with your partner,” said Arutiunian.

“Try not to push your point right now, and take a more flexible approach to these conversations, Leo.”

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) eugeneudav – stock.adobe.com

For team Virgo, Mercury retrograde in Pisces activates their seventh house of trusted partnerships.

“You’re one of the few signs for whom Mercury retrograde can bring opportunities to revisit past relationships, have an important conversation, and clear up lingering uncertainty,” said Arutiunian.

“The key is to pay attention to the details and stay grounded in what’s actually being said — without idealizing or imagining a situation unrooted in reality.”

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) eugeneudav – stock.adobe.com

“For you, Libra, Mercury retrograde highlights the importance of clear, concise communication day to day,” shared Arutiunian.

“Misunderstandings may pop up over small things — shared responsibilities, scheduling, or planning. Keep your tone gentle and calm so minor issues don’t turn into bigger conflicts.”

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) eugeneudav – stock.adobe.com

Scorpions will have their fifth house of pleasure, play, romantic flings and creativity activated by this retrograde cycle.

“This period may bring old romantic connections back into the picture — ones that never became serious,” warned Arutiunian.

“Now is a good time to clarify where things stand and close the chapter if needed. Misunderstandings may also come up around planning trips, dates, or leisure time, so double-check details.”

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) eugeneudav – stock.adobe.com

Archers will see this retrograde come calling to their fourth house of home, ancestry and childhood wounding.

“This period may lead to miscommunication with family, friends, or a partner, Sagittarius — especially around housing, travel, or relocation,” said Arutiunian.

“Conversations may feel more emotional than usual, so try to notice when fear or resentment is driving the conversation—and when you’re speaking from a place of compassion and clarity.”

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) eugeneudav – stock.adobe.com

This retrograde is particularly trying for Capricorns as it activates your third house of langauge, exchange and short distances

“You may notice more misunderstandings in texts, emails, and other written communication, especially with your partner. If you’re doing long-distance or spending time apart, it’s easy for messages to get misread, so try to address issues calmly and avoid being impulsive,” said Arutiunian.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) eugeneudav – stock.adobe.com

For Aquarius folk, this retrograde hits their second house of money and material goods, wealth and worth.

“Mercury retrograde may stir up misunderstandings around finances, material items, and gifts,” said Arutiunian.

“Important conversations about money, spending, or future income plans may come up in your relationships.”

PISCES (February 19 – March 20) eugeneudav – stock.adobe.com

“Mercury retrograde may bring communication hiccups with your partner around new plans and projects Pisces— especially work-related ones,” said Arutiunian

“You may also see misunderstandings around appearance, fitness goals, or sports, so be clear and avoid jumping to conclusions.”

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Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports 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.