Mercury Retrograde 2026: Oct 24 to Nov 13 Dates

Mercury retrograde begins on October 24, 2026 in Scorpio and ends on November 13, 2026, also in Scorpio. For about three weeks Mercury appears to move backward through the sky, and astrologers traditionally read the period as a time to review communication, travel, technology and contracts. Times are in UTC, and the planetary positions are calculated with the Swiss Ephemeris.

Mercury Retrograde October to November 2026: Key Dates

What Is Mercury Retrograde?

Mercury does not actually reverse. Earth and Mercury orbit the Sun at different speeds, and at regular intervals Mercury seems to slide backward against the stars as seen from Earth. That apparent motion is called retrograde. Mercury is retrograde three or four times a year, and each retrograde lasts about three weeks.

Which Sign and Degrees?

This retrograde takes place entirely in Scorpio, from about 21 degrees back to about 5 degrees. If you have a planet or angle in that stretch of your chart, Mercury crosses it three times: forward, backward, and forward again.

To see which of your natal points Mercury is crossing, use the transit chart calculator. If you have not calculated your chart yet, start with the birth chart calculator.

What Is the Shadow Period?

Astrologers describe a "shadow" before and after a retrograde. The pre-shadow starts on October 4, when Mercury first reaches the degree where it will later turn direct. The post-shadow lasts until November 30, when Mercury passes the degree where the retrograde began. In all, Mercury themes can stay in focus for about eight weeks.

How Astrologers Read Mercury Retrograde

In astrology Mercury stands for communication, learning, short trips, technology and contracts. Retrograde readings usually use words that begin with "re": re-read, re-check, rewrite. This is a tradition of interpretation. There is no scientific evidence that Mercury retrograde causes anything in people's lives.

• Communication: reading messages once more before sending them, returning to an old conversation.
• Technology: backing up files and reviewing updates and passwords.
• Contracts and documents: reading them twice before signing.
• Travel: re-confirming bookings and times.

These are good habits with or without a retrograde. You can use the dates as a calendar reminder to do them. For more on retrograde planets, see our Mercury retrograde guide and our explainer on what happens during Mercury retrograde.

Mercury and Venus Retrograde Together

What stands out this time is that Venus is also retrograde. Venus turns retrograde on October 3 and goes direct on November 14. On October 24, the day Mercury turns retrograde, Venus is in inferior conjunction with the Sun. From October 24 to November 13 both planets move backward together, both in Scorpio. Mercury retrograde is tied to communication and plans, Venus retrograde to relationships and values. For the Venus side, see Venus retrograde 2026.

The Next Mercury Retrograde

After this one, Mercury turns retrograde again on February 9, 2027 in Pisces and goes direct on March 3, 2027 in Aquarius.

Questions to Ask Yourself During Mercury Retrograde

• Which important message should I read once more before sending?
• Which of my files have no backup?
• Is there someone I have been putting off talking to?
• Is there a document I should re-read before signing?

FAQ