Mercury Retrograde All 3 Phases - February to April 2026

MERCURY RETROGRADE ALL 3 PHASES

FEBRUARY 11 2026 TO APRIL 9 2026

Pre-Shadow Begins February 11 2026

As Mercury enters the pre-shadow phase, he will be at 10 degrees of Aquarius, the point to which he will later retrograde back during his full retrograde process. This is a favorable placement for Mercury, as the conscious mind is able to roam freely and remains optimistic about the future. Mercury will also be conjunct the North Node, adding a karmic tone to this period. Old ideas are brought into the light of the present with an open-mindedness that allows them to be refined and aligned with current trends.

Pallas is also conjunct Mercury, enhancing insight and offering unique wisdom in strategy. Venus joins this conjunction as well, forming a stellium. While stelliums can sometimes feel overwhelming, in this case the energies complement one another, bringing intellectual stimulation and fated insights. Venus contributes creativity, talent, and diplomacy in how these ideas are expressed, and also points to financial potential.

During the pre-shadow phase, Mercury will form a trine with Jupiter retrograde at 15 degrees Gemini. This aspect highlights the exposure of injustices that may have been lingering in limbo. There is a strong need to trust our own instincts, particularly when it comes to narratives presented in the media. Although opportunities may appear promising, careful consideration of long-term consequences is essential.

Mercury Retrograde Begins February 26 2026

Mercury enters full retrograde at 0 degrees Pisces. At this point, the earlier sense of optimism may begin to feel unstable or even suffocating, as the mind becomes confused by the many narratives and opportunities that emerged during the pre-shadow phase. Things may not be what they initially seemed, leaving us feeling detached. Where the pre-shadow phase kept us in our heads, we may now struggle to feel grounded in our emotions, with thoughts becoming muddled and overwhelming.

It is important to remain mindful of negative thinking, as this period coincides with a powerful manifestation window. Saturn and Neptune form their third and final conjunction on February 20, a rare alignment that occurs only once every 36 years. However, over-optimism should also be avoided, as there is a tendency to build castles in the sky out of escapism rather than reality.

Piscean energy is highly absorbent, making us more susceptible to the thoughts and emotions of others. Some may struggle with mental or emotional vulnerability, experiencing lowered self-confidence that leaves them exposed to those with stronger emotional defenses. Romance may be heightened but fast-moving, often accompanied by unrealistic expectations. Relationships generally do not fare well under Mercury retrograde unless the purpose is to correct past mistakes or bring closure to unresolved matters.

Overall, this is a time to be cautious of financial recklessness, get-rich-quick schemes, unrequited love, impulsive speech, and excessive overthinking. Under these conditions, clarity can be limited, and important details may be overlooked.

Fortunately, these energies may be short-lived, as Mercury will retrograde back into Aquarius relatively quickly, offering a welcome sense of relief. Extra care is advised during the first week of the full retrograde phase.

Mercury Retrograde Ends, Post-Shadow Begins March 20, 2026

As Mercury’s retrograde phase comes to an end, the post-shadow period begins. This phase lasts until Mercury reaches the degree at which the retrograde originally started, 0 degrees Pisces. At this point, Mercury in the post-shadow has already returned to the pre-shadow degree of 10 degrees Aquarius.

If we have managed to avoid emotionally heightened situations, this is a moment to acknowledge that success. However, there is still a tendency toward bluntness or outspoken behavior, which can lead to conflict or confrontation. During this phase, the reality of events that unfolded during the full retrograde process becomes clearer, though in some cases understanding may arrive sooner than expected.

Overall, this Mercury retrograde is one of the more favorable ones of the year. With Mercury in Aquarius, greater clarity can be achieved, although there is a risk of becoming too mentally focused and not sufficiently grounded. Strong willpower emerges during this phase, along with a desire for justice and accountability.

Mercury Post-Shadow Ends April 4, 2026

Mercury reaches 0 degrees Pisces once more, the point at which the full retrograde began, officially concluding all three phases of this Mercury retrograde cycle. There is a strong need to slow down and think carefully before speaking or acting, as impulsive behavior can easily lead us astray; particularly in matters of relationships or political views.

Pent-up energy will need a healthy outlet, especially if emotions have been suppressed. While the energies remain fast-paced and adaptable, excessive adaptability under this climate can pull us away from common sense and productive action. Physical exercise is especially beneficial, with practices such as martial arts or tai chi offering balance and grounding.

Throughout this entire retrograde cycle, maintaining clarity, balance, and centered awareness will allow us to gain the greatest benefit from this Mercury retrograde period.