Transits 2026
Mercury retrograde 2026
Mercury appears to move backwards (retrograde, or vakri) three or four times a year for about three weeks. Here are all 3 Mercury retrograde periods of 2026.
| Turns retrograde (IST) | Turns direct (IST) | UTC | Sign(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Feb 2026, 13:00 | 21 Mar 2026, 01:45 | 26 Feb 2026, 07:30 → 20 Mar 2026, 20:15 | Aquarius (sidereal) |
| 29 Jun 2026, 23:30 | 24 Jul 2026, 04:45 | 29 Jun 2026, 18:00 → 23 Jul 2026, 23:15 | Cancer → Gemini (sidereal) |
| 24 Oct 2026, 13:00 | 13 Nov 2026, 22:00 | 24 Oct 2026, 07:30 → 13 Nov 2026, 16:30 | Libra (sidereal) |
Retrograde station times are astronomical and identical in Vedic and Western astrology; only the sign names differ (sidereal signs are shown).
Mercury retrograde in Jyotish
Western astrology often treats Mercury retrograde as a time of miscommunication and travel delays. In Vedic astrology a retrograde planet is considered strong (cheshta bala), and Mercury’s results — speech, trade, learning — are said to turn inward: a time for review, revision and finishing what was started.