What is Mercury retrograde?

A simple term in astronomy but something much deeper in astrology.

Every once in a while, particularly 3-4 times a year, one might read about the phenomena known as the “Mercury retrograde” in the media. It’s a term well known to both Astronomy and Astrology, but its meaning varies to each their own. 

The term is much more complex in astrology. Mercury is considered as the planet of intellect and communication, hence, when the planet “reverses”, it may cause disruptions to communication, travel, decision-making, and may even cause confusion. Astrologers believe that during these periods, it is best for people to be extra cautious when doing activities that involve communication and to never make life-changing decisions such as; making big purchases, quitting a job, or going on a trip. On the other hand, it is also believed that a Mercury retrograde is a proper time for people to reflect and reanalyze themselves.

Meanwhile In astronomy, a Mercury retrograde refers to the planet Mercury retrograding – moving in reverse or in the opposite direction. However the planet itself is not going in reverse, but rather from Earth’s perspective. This phenomena occurs when Mercury passes by Earth on its orbit, giving the optical illusion that Mercury moves backwards across the sky for a few weeks.

Mercury will retrograde three times in the year 2026, with the first period already started last February 26 and is expected to last until March 20. The second retrograde will occur in late June, and the third in late October.

Whether one believes a planet is responsible for disruptions in life or not, one should still be careful of the decisions they make as those decisions may affect them in the near future.