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Preparing for Mercury Retrograde

About a week before the Mercury retrograde period kicks in, I  advise backing up computers, mobile phones, and any other software or digital devices you have. Pay whatever bills you can, and send anything through snail mail. Complete as many major projects or works that can be done before the Mercury retrograde period or schedule them as soon as possible after Mercury turns direct. If you know the retrograde periods, the best thing to do is to mark them in your planners. Allow/plan to slow down and focus on your preplanned activities during these periods.

Typically, there are three retrograde periods per year, and in 2026, they are as follows:

Mercury

  • Mercury Retrograde in Pisces

    27 February to 21 March 2026 – Shadow completes 10 April 2026

    This Mercury retrograde in Pisces invites individuals into a subtle, inward, and emotionally nuanced period of reflection. Mental clarity may feel elusive at times, not because insight is absent, but because logic gives way to intuition, memory, and symbolism. This is a timely moment to review inner narratives, spiritual beliefs, creative ideas, and emotional assumptions that quietly shape behaviour.

    Communication may be indirect or misunderstood, particularly when expectations are not clearly articulated. Individuals may find themselves revisiting past conversations, decisions, or emotional experiences, especially those left unresolved. Dreams and intuition are heightened and can offer valuable guidance, provided they are interpreted thoughtfully rather than taken literally.

    The positive potential lies in developing deeper self-awareness, compassion, and emotional intelligence. It is an excellent time to revise creative work, reconsider personal priorities, and reconnect with inner values. The challenge arises when boundaries blur, facts are overlooked, or avoidance replaces clarity. Important decisions benefit from patience and grounding until Mercury clears its shadow, allowing insight gained during this period to be applied with confidence and realism.

  • Mercury Retrograde in Cancer

    30 June to 24 July 2026 – Shadow completes 8 August 2026

    Mercury retrograde in Cancer shifts attention towards emotional memory, family dynamics, and personal security. Individuals are drawn to reflect on how their past influences present thinking and communication. Conversations may circle around home, relationships, and emotional needs, often revealing where assumptions have been based on habit rather than current reality.

    This period is ideal for revisiting family matters, renegotiating boundaries, or addressing emotional misunderstandings that have been occurring. Old messages, memories, or patterns may resurface, offering an opportunity for healing and emotional recalibration. Listening becomes as important as speaking, and sensitivity to tone and timing is essential.

    The supportive side of this retrograde lies in strengthening emotional intelligence, deepening self-care practices, and redefining what safety and belonging truly mean. It can be a valuable time for journaling, counselling, or reflective conversations. The difficulty emerges if individuals become overly reactive, defensive, or stuck in the past. Emotional reasoning may temporarily override objectivity. Decisions involving family or property are best reviewed carefully and finalised once Mercury moves forward and clarity returns.

  • Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio

    25 October to 15 November 2026 – Shadow completes 30 November 2026

    Mercury retrograde in Scorpio brings intense mental focus. Individuals are compelled to look beneath the surface of conversations, motivations, and personal narratives to understand what is really going on. This is a period where truth-seeking is necessary. Hidden information, unspoken feelings, or unresolved power dynamics may surface, particularly in close relationships.

    Communication during this phase will be probing and emotionally charged. While this can lead to meaningful breakthroughs, it also carries the risk of suspicion and misinterpretation if conversations are not handled with care. Individuals may revisit past decisions involving trust, finances, or emotional commitment, gaining insight into what truly holds value and power.

    The opportunity here lies in psychological clarity, personal empowerment, and emotional honesty. It is an excellent time for deep therapeutic work and research. The challenge is avoiding obsessive thought patterns, emotional manipulation, or harsh self-judgement. Words spoken with intensity can have a lasting impact. Patience and self-awareness are essential. As Mercury clears its shadow, insights gained can be used constructively to make informed, grounded choices with renewed emotional authority.

Some people power up during Mercury Retrograde.

They have Mercury retrograde in their birth chart or, as we say, Natally. It can be a time when your capacity for focus and precision is at its peak. It can be a time of planning, preparing, or just sitting and thinking. This is a great time to review your everyday activities in readiness for the direct motion to kick in. However, don’t implement or send it until Mercury goes directly!

Retrograde Venus Symbol

Venus Retrograde – October – November 2026

  • The Venus retrograde from October 2 to November 15 brings a period of introspection and reassessment regarding personal values, relationships, and self-worth. Venus ( ruler of Taurus and Libra).

  • On a personal level, this Venus retrograde draws attention to self-worth, emotional attachments, and relationship dynamics. In Scorpio, individuals are invited to confront deeper truths around intimacy, trust, control, and dependency. Old relationship patterns or unresolved emotional bonds may resurface, not to reopen wounds, but to be consciously transformed. This can be empowering, though not always comfortable.

  • When Venus returns to Libra, around 25 October, the energy shifts, and the emphasis moves to balance, reciprocity, and personal values within relationships. People may reassess what they give and receive, both emotionally and materially. It is a valuable period for inner recalibration rather than outward change. The benefit lies in gaining clarity about authentic needs and boundaries. The downside is a tendency to idealise the past or delay necessary decisions until emotional equilibrium is restored.

  •  Interestingly, Venus retrograde has an approximate 8-year cycle, meaning it returns to the same zodiacal degree every eight (8) years. Often, this time brings people (friends and lovers) back into our lives. Whether the experience is pleasant will depend on how it was finished!

Mars Retrograde in 2024/2025

Mars will retrograde from December 6 2024 – February 24, 2025, in Leo. Mars (ruler of Aries and traditional ruler of Scorpio). Mars rules taking action, assertiveness, aggression and, in general, the urge to get what you want. However, the Rx periods will be particularly felt by the signs ruled by Mars (Aries & Scorpio). Issues may surface that you have completely forgotten about. Your motivation and drive may vanish, leaving you feeling depleted of energy. It is not a good idea to commence new projects. Do not become argumentative or commence a legal case. You will lose!

Retrograde Mars
  • The Mars retrograde from December 2024 to February 2025 is an extended and potent period of recalibration, urging a collective reassessment of personal drive, ambitions, and emotional underpinnings. Mars, the planet of action, energy, and assertiveness, begins retrograde in Leo, the natural ruler of the 5th house of creativity, self-expression, and joy. As Mars halts its forward motion in this bold and passionate sign, it highlights unresolved issues surrounding how we assert ourselves creatively and seek recognition. Projects tied to personal passions or leadership roles may face delays, prompting a reevaluation of motivations and the alignment of actions with authentic desires. There may be moments of frustration or self-doubt, but this retrograde offers a powerful opportunity to refine creative endeavours and reconnect with the heart of our aspirations.
  • When Mars moves back into Cancer, ruler of the 4th house of family, roots, and emotional security, the focus shifts to our foundations. This retrograde phase delves into deeper emotional territory, encouraging us to examine how our actions and ambitions are rooted in—or perhaps hindered by—family dynamics, ancestral patterns, or unresolved emotions. Conflicts may arise within the home or among loved ones, offering a chance to address underlying tensions and establish a stronger emotional foundation. Themes of vulnerability and protection may surface, asking us to find constructive ways to channel Mars’ energy in nurturing and supportive ways.
  • On a broader level, this prolonged retrograde invites a collective pause, urging individuals to balance external achievements with internal stability. It’s a time to reflect on how personal passions and creative pursuits are supported by emotional well-being and a sense of security. By February 2025, as Mars turns direct, the lessons of this retrograde will pave the way for more intentional, aligned action rooted in authenticity and emotional clarity.
Retrograde Jupiter

Jupiter Retrograde in 2024/2025 & 2025 /2026

Jupiter retrogrades in Gemini and Cancer during 2024–2026, offering opportunities for introspection and growth in communication, learning, and emotional foundations, impacting the collective at deep levels. Jupiter’s direct motion from February to November 2025 is a time of expansive action, learning, and emotional enrichment. The period invites individuals and society to harness Jupiter’s optimism and growth-oriented energy, aligning intellectual pursuits (Gemini) with nurturing, emotionally fulfilling goals (Cancer). This forward movement sets the stage for meaningful progress before Jupiter slows for its next retrograde cycle.

  • October 2024–February 2025 (Jupiter in Gemini): In Gemini, the ruler of the 3rd house of communication, intellect, and local connections, Jupiter’s retrograde emphasizes re-evaluating how we gather and share information. This period may spotlight outdated thought patterns, ineffective communication styles, or misaligned learning endeavours. On a societal level, it could bring a collective reassessment of how we process media, interact within communities, and exchange ideas. Challenges may arise in adapting to new technologies or navigating conflicting narratives, but these tensions refine intellectual and communicative clarity. It’s a time to deepen learning, reconnect with meaningful conversations, and revisit education, writing, or teaching plans.
  • November 2025–March 2026 (Jupiter in Cancer): As Jupiter retrogrades in Cancer, ruler of the 4th house of home, family, and emotional roots, the focus shifts to matters of security and belonging. This retrograde invites a collective review of how we nurture ourselves and others, explore ancestral connections, and build emotional resilience. On a personal level, unresolved family dynamics may surface, offering a chance for healing and reestablishing supportive foundations. Globally, this retrograde could spotlight housing, caregiving, and collective emotional well-being issues, urging society to address imbalances in these areas. The influence of Cancer encourages introspection and prioritization of what truly nurtures and sustains both individuals and communities.
  • Together, these retrogrades mark a period of reflection and growth, blending intellectual clarity (Gemini) with emotional wisdom (Cancer). They offer an opportunity for individuals and the collective to align expansive visions (Jupiter) with meaningful connections and supportive foundations. By the time Jupiter turns direct, both cycles will have deepened awareness and paved the way for more thoughtful communication, emotional security, and holistic growth.
  • The planet’s expansive energy drives forward momentum in communication, learning, emotional security, and nurturing during Jupiter’s direct (normal) motion from February to November 2025, spanning Gemini and Cancer. This phase represents a dynamic contrast to the reflective retrograde periods, emphasizing growth, external opportunities, and proactive development in the themes ruled by these signs. 4 February to 10 June 2025 (Jupiter in Gemini): As Jupiter moves through Gemini, the ruler of the natural 3rd house of communication, learning, and social connections, there is a collective surge in intellectual curiosity and exchange. This period encourages the exploration of new ideas, skill-building, and forming connections within local and digital communities. Innovation in education, media, and technology will likely thrive, with a heightened focus on collaboration and adaptability. Travel, networking, and communication-related ventures will gain momentum, offering personal and professional growth opportunities. However, there may be a tendency to overextend or scatter energy, making focus and discernment essential.10 June to 11 November 2025 (Jupiter in Cancer): As Jupiter transitions into Cancer, ruler of the natural 4th house of home, family, and emotional roots, the focus shifts to nurturing and creating a sense of security. This period supports growth in domestic life, housing, and familial relationships. Society may see an increased emphasis on caregiving, emotional well-being, and the importance of community support systems. On a personal level, this phase encourages investing in emotional health, creating safe spaces, and deepening connections with loved ones. Jupiter’s influence in Cancer may also inspire a renewed appreciation for cultural heritage, ancestral traditions, and environmental stewardship.

Saturn Retrograde in 2025

Saturn will retrograde from 13 July 2025 to 28 November 2025 in Aries/Pisces. Saturn  (ruler of Capricorn and traditional ruler of Aquarius): During the Rx period, we look more deeply into the structures we have created. We learn we are not always able to control our environment. We may need to reconsider the order of our priorities and how we utilise time. You may need to realise that you cannot control your environment, and your business may experience ups and downs during this time. It will continue to affect global consciousness, and if you think about it, our world is still undergoing enormous structural change and Saturn rules structures. 

Planet Saturn Symbol
  • The Saturn retrograde from July to November 2025, spanning Aries and Pisces, invites a period of reassessment regarding responsibility, structure, and the balance between self-determination and spiritual surrender. This retrograde, influenced by the dynamic and contrasting energies of Mars-ruled Aries (1st house) and Neptune-ruled Pisces (12th house), challenges the collective to reconcile personal ambition with deeper, intangible truths.
  • In Aries, Saturn’s retrograde initially focuses on themes of identity, self-leadership, and action. Aries, ruling the natural 1st house, represents assertion, independence, and courage. With Saturn retracing its steps in this bold sign, individuals and societies are prompted to reevaluate how they approach personal responsibility, leadership roles, and the structures supporting their ambitions. This period may reveal cracks in foundations built on impulsiveness or a lack of long-term planning. It’s an opportunity to refine strategies, temper rash actions, and align goals with enduring purpose. Global issues surrounding authority figures and societal leadership may be scrutinised, demanding greater accountability and integrity.
  • As Saturn moves back into Pisces, the energy shifts inward, focusing on themes of spirituality, emotional healing, and the unseen forces shaping our lives. Pisces, ruling the natural 12th house, governs intuition, dreams, and collective consciousness. Saturn’s retrograde emphasizes the need to confront fears, dissolve illusions, and release outdated emotional or spiritual patterns. This period calls for introspection, offering a chance to build inner resilience and clarify boundaries in areas where idealism or escapism has created vulnerability. Rethinking your boundaries is one of Saturn’s requirements in Pisces. Pisces (ruled by Neptune and traditionally Jupiter) can be nebulous, self-delusional and even deceitful. It can also be self-sacrificing, compassionate and creative. Very often, Pisces knows no boundaries, yet with Saturn’s influence, the mix of these energies can potentially create some practical frameworks.  You may be able to capture those wonderful creative ideas and give them form. Initially, you may find it difficult as this pattern is challenging the realities of your circumstances. Yet going with the flow, creating a space for solitude and reflection will enable the energy to do its work on a conscious and subconscious level and will, in a sense, see you give birth to new ideas. Societally, there may be heightened awareness of mental health, spiritual practices, and systemic issues requiring compassionate reform.
  • Overall, this retrograde cycle bridges the personal and the universal, blending Saturn’s call for discipline and realism with Pisces’s deeper emotional and spiritual growth. It encourages individuals and societies to balance pragmatic action (Aries) with reflective surrender (Pisces), paving the way for a more integrated and aligned approach to external achievements and internal fulfilment. By November 2025, the lessons of this retrograde will prepare the collective for more grounded and purposeful progress.
  • Saturn is typically considered limiting. I have found that if you do Saturn’s work, which requires structure and committed actions around change, Saturn’s need for structure and tenacity enables good results.

Outer Planet Overviews & Retrogrades (Rx) 2024

Although these planets exhibit their unique characteristics, at least amongst psychological astrologers, it is commonly understood that they will mostly operate unconsciously. When they contact one of the personal planets, they prompt change and growth in your consciousness. This change often creates freedom of thinking, being, and circumstance.  We often see these energies manifest through the collective unconscious. These energies are powerful and, on a personal basis, are accessed via connection and activation through the personal planets such as the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars.

Uranus (modern ruler of Aquarius) –  1  September 2024 – 30 Jan 2025 (Taurus)  6 September 2025 – February 2026 (Gemini/Taurus)

  • Uranus is called the awakener. The nature of Uranus is characterised by bringing sudden and unexpected changes into our lives. This can be quite liberating for some astrological signs and brings about a much-needed change in the native’s life. For others, it brings high levels of anxiety when unexpected or sudden changes are thrust upon them. In other words, Uranus energy is generally quite disruptive. Its energy is often described as eccentric, with Urainian individuals being unique and dancing to the beat of a different drum and sometimes showing flashes of sheer genius!
  • Rx Uranus brings into focus life’s imperfections and, with it, an emphasis on freedom. You may become disillusioned with your current situation and experience an inner conflict between the old and the new. Excitement can be replaced with anxiety; it is time to test what has lasting value.  Uranus commenced its journey through Taurus in May 2018, so it has been shaking up Taurus, Scorpio, Leo & Aquarius (the fixed signs) at varying degrees for quite some time. It will leave Taurus in April 2026  and commence its journey into Gemini!

Neptune (modern ruler of Pisces) –  2 September 2025 (Aries) – 23 October (Pisces) – 27 January 2026 (Aries)

  • Neptune started its passage through Pisces in 2011. It will be there until it enters Aries on March 31 2025, and back into Pisces in October 2025 until it re-enters Aries on January 27, 2026, for around 165 years!  Neptune will be in its own sign and, therefore, particularly important to Pisces and those of you with planets in Pisces. This major transit will also impact Virgo, Gemini, and Sagittarius (the mutable signs). However, with Neptune’s transit through Pisces ending, it will specifically impact those with planets between 25 and 30° of the mutable until 2026!
  • As we dip our toe in the universal spirit of Neptune in Aries, it sets the stage for weaving the planet of dreams, spirituality, and collective ideals into the fiery, pioneering realm of the first sign of the zodiac. This blend encourages a dynamic interplay between imagination and initiation. Under this influence, grand visions and higher ideals find a bold outlet, manifesting as inspired action and moral crusades. Individuals and communities may be driven to pursue uplifting causes, championing them with a fervour that springs from heartfelt conviction and a desire to break new ground. Leadership, guided by a profound sense of purpose, may aim for achievement and spiritual or humanitarian advancement.
  • With Neptune Rx, you may experience more difficulties establishing boundaries than usual. Additionally, with Saturn in Pisces, you will probably feel conflicted until you adjust to this combination of energies. You may have strong impressions that are not easily explained yet should be explored. You may experience some form of identity crisis and feel at the mercy of other people or circumstances. This is an opportunity to delve deeper into the intangible self, and with psychically sensitive individuals, this period may produce a form of psychic overload. Take it easy.

Pluto (modern ruler of Scorpio) -20 November 2024– Retrograde 4 May 2025 – Direct 14 October 2025

  • Pluto moved out of Capricorn for the final time on 20 November 2024. Pluto’s passage through Aquarius signals a profound period of global transformation, challenging long-established hierarchies and redefining the collective notion of power. Aquarius, the sign of innovation, humanitarian ideals, and social progress, meets Pluto’s intensity and drive for radical change. This planetary combination suggests a systematic restructuring of societal frameworks—governments, economic models, and cultural norms may be forced to adapt to newly emerging values that prize equality, digital autonomy, and collective well-being. As old regimes yield to emerging networks, influence could shift from traditional institutions to decentralised systems, making technological innovation and grassroots movements vital catalysts of power.
  • On a global scale, Pluto in Aquarius amplifies the tension between personal freedom and communal responsibility. Expect a surge of technological breakthroughs and controversies, from artificial intelligence governance to global climate initiatives fuelled by cutting-edge science. Under this influence, the world may witness the rise of international alliances formed not only by shared borders but also by shared ideals, uniting people across the globe with common objectives. While dismantling antiquated systems can be disorienting, it presents an extraordinary opportunity for humanity to reinvent itself. If approached with vision, integrity, and respect for collective potential, Pluto in Aquarius can pave the way to a more inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking global society.

The Retrograde Impact

  • When Pluto turns retrograde in Aquarius from 4 May 2025 until it goes direct again on 14 October 2025, the collective emphasis on radical change, innovation, and social progress takes a more introspective turn. Instead of pushing swiftly forward with technological advances, community reforms, or systemic overhauls, this period encourages a deep review of ongoing transformations. Projects that initially seemed groundbreaking may require revisions, ethical assessments, or a more humane application. Any reforms introduced earlier may now face scrutiny, bringing attention to the underlying motives, power structures, and unintended consequences of rapid innovation. This retrograde phase calls for honesty, patience, and a willingness to confront what isn’t working beneath the surface of emerging systems.
  • On a global scale, leaders, activists, and organisations might pull back to re-examine strategic directions. Concepts that once inspired may suddenly face resistance or reveal hidden flaws. Grassroots movements may struggle to maintain momentum, while established institutions experience heightened tensions as they adapt to changing social landscapes. Rather than stalling progress, however, Pluto’s retrograde in Aquarius offers an opportunity to refine and recalibrate. By October 2025, as Pluto turns direct, these months of reflection can yield more sustainable approaches to technology, governance, and collective well-being—ensuring that the long-term evolution initiated under Pluto in Aquarius aligns with genuine human values rather than just the allure of the new.