Mercury retrograde – October 24 to November 13, 2026
The planet of communication Mercury will turn retrograde this weekend on October 24. This means it will disappear from view in the night sky and give the illusion of moving backwards through the zodiac.
Mercury retrograde is a time that often coincides with communication chaos when the messenger of the Gods, fleet-footed Mercury, takes a break and hangs up his winged sandals.
Post goes missing, technology breaks down, dates get muddled, plans go awry, appliances go wonky, mishaps, delays and misunderstandings occur and the world gets even crazier. Plans can unravel when Mercury turns retrograde and you end up having to wait on information and other people. Clarity goes for a walk and confusion reigns.
Yes, you may lose things while Mercury’s retrograde but sometimes you find things that have been lost. Either way, go searching on this Mercury retrograde phase and see what you discover.
Mercury Retrograde Tips And Tricks
Notice what happens at the start of the Mercury retrograde phase. Are there delays, frustrations or changes of plan? Be flexible and adaptable when the communication planet is up to its tricks as things often take longer than planned. Try not to rush, as this could lead to accidents or regret.
Mercury will remain retrograde for three weeks until November 13. This can be a time when you’re playing a waiting game and it’s wise to develop patience.
Scorpio is the star sign of secrets and linked to the underworld. Therefore, keep your cards close to your chest during this retrograde phase and tune in to what’s happening behind the scenes. Be savvy and strategic.
It’s a super spooky Mercury retrograde phase as Mercury is in retreat in deep water sign Scorpio, the star sign linked to the underworld and all things hidden and taboo. People from the past may come back into your life during this retrograde phase. Or you hear messages from beyond the grave.
It is a positive time for all the re-words: review, revise, reconsider, reflect, rework, reconnect, retreat, research.
Here are some more ways of harnessing the Mercury Retrograde planetary energy:
- take a step back and leave the big decisions for another time
- give yourself permission to change your mind
- look at life from a fresh perspective – upside down or back-to-front, think outside of the box
- chase up old connections, reconnect with people from your past
- keep your options open
- have plans B, C and D up your sleeve, especially if you’re travelling
- listen out for signs and synchronicities
Double Whammy Retrograde
This feels like a particularly powerful Mercury retrograde phase as the planet of relating Venus is retrograde at the same time. It’s a double whammy effect. So what does this mean?
For starters, if you have planets/angles between 5-8° Scorpio, you’re in the hot zone. Venus turned retrograde at 8° Scorpio on October 3 and Mercury turns direct at 5° Scorpio on November 13.
It’s unusual to have the planet of love and money Venus retrograde at the same time as the planet of communication and the mind Mercury. Both planets are linked to money and trade and Scorpio is one of the money star signs.
Therefore, it’s a triple no-no for making major financial decisions or investments. Keep a close eye on the stock markets too. Ideally, put off the big decisions until mid-November if possible.
Both Mercury and Venus turn direct close to one another. November 13 is the key date. If you do need to make a big investment during the next three weeks, ensure you read the small print carefully and ask all relevant questions.
Otherwise, the two planets represent different areas of life. Venus rules love and Mercury’s a social planet. Venus rules beauty and Mercury rules communication and transport.
What may happen during this double whammy retrograde phase is that your life is impacted because of what’s going on in a partner’s life or regarding a third party.
Also, it’s an indication that you’re wise to find your tribe, your people and plot and plan in secret or behind the scenes. Venus & Mercury are both social planets and are working as a team, in cahoots.
What does feel helpful is that Venus leaves Scorpio and moves back into Libra on October 25, the day after Mercury turns retrograde.
She moves from Scorpio, ruling sex and taboo issues, into Libra, ruling marriage and contracts. Venus is happier in Libra, where there’s balance, equality and equilibrium. Don’t underestimate her power in Scorpio, however, as this is warrior woman Venus.
Either way, it seems as if relationships are under the cosmic spotlight. Here too, you’re wise to proceed cautiously and don’t make up your mind about love until that key date, November 13. Often, more information comes to light when the personal planets turn direct. Or there’s a clarity after a period of not knowing.
Dates & Degrees
Here are the all-important Mercury retrograde dates.
- October 5 – Mercury entered its shadow phase (5° Scorpio)
- October 7 – Mercury/Venus R conjunction (8° Scorpio) – an important conversation?
- October 24 – Mercury turns retrograde 20° Scorpio
- November 4 – Sun/Mercury R conjunction 11° Scorpio – the mid-point, listen out for insights
- November 13 – Mercury turns direct 5° Scorpio – news comes to light
- November 14 (early hours) – Venus turns direct 22° Libra – reach out, reconnect
- November 30 – Mercury leaves its shadow phase (20° Scorpio)
- December 4 – Venus returns to Scorpio – diving in again with more awareness/insight
- January 7, 2027 – Venus leaves Scorpio – what started early October may be complete
It’s a super spooky Venus/Mercury double whammy retrograde phase, especially as Mercury’s going deep in Scorpio over Halloween, Samhain and the Day of the Dead.
You may be on a journey of self-discovery and want to strip back the layers to reveal your true authentic self over the next few weeks. Mercury retrograde phases are ideal for going into self-analysis and listening to your inner voice. And, don’t forget, be strategic and keep your cards close to your chest.
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