Retrograde Calendar 2026 & 2027
Exact begin and end dates for every Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn retrograde across 2026 and 2027 — computed from the Swiss Ephemeris and shown in US Eastern Time.
✦Reviewed by the CosmyDay Astrology TeamLast reviewed June 2026
Mercury Retrograde Dates
- ☿February 26, 2026 → March 20, 2026Stations retrograde at 23° Pisces, direct at 8° Pisces
- ☿June 29, 2026 → July 23, 2026Stations retrograde at 26° Cancer, direct at 16° Cancer
- ☿October 24, 2026 → November 13, 2026Stations retrograde at 21° Scorpio, direct at 5° Scorpio
- ☿February 9, 2027 → March 3, 2027Stations retrograde at 6° Pisces, direct at 21° Aquarius
- ☿June 10, 2027 → July 4, 2027Stations retrograde at 6° Cancer, direct at 27° Gemini
- ☿October 7, 2027 → October 28, 2027Stations retrograde at 5° Scorpio, direct at 19° Libra
All Retrogrades, 2026–2027
| Planet | Retrograde begins | Goes direct | From → to |
|---|---|---|---|
| ♃Jupiter | November 11, 2025 | March 10, 2026 | 25° Cancer → 15° Cancer |
| ☿Mercury | February 26, 2026 | March 20, 2026 | 23° Pisces → 8° Pisces |
| ☿Mercury | June 29, 2026 | July 23, 2026 | 26° Cancer → 16° Cancer |
| ♄Saturn | July 26, 2026 | December 10, 2026 | 15° Aries → 8° Aries |
| ♀Venus | October 3, 2026 | November 13, 2026 | 8° Scorpio → 23° Libra |
| ☿Mercury | October 24, 2026 | November 13, 2026 | 21° Scorpio → 5° Scorpio |
| ♃Jupiter | December 12, 2026 | April 12, 2027 | 27° Leo → 17° Leo |
| ♂Mars | January 10, 2027 | April 1, 2027 | 10° Virgo → 21° Leo |
| ☿Mercury | February 9, 2027 | March 3, 2027 | 6° Pisces → 21° Aquarius |
| ☿Mercury | June 10, 2027 | July 4, 2027 | 6° Cancer → 27° Gemini |
| ♄Saturn | August 9, 2027 | December 23, 2027 | 28° Aries → 21° Aries |
| ☿Mercury | October 7, 2027 | October 28, 2027 | 5° Scorpio → 19° Libra |
All times localized to US Eastern Time (ET). Source: Swiss Ephemeris.
What a retrograde really is
A planet doesn't actually reverse course. A retrograde is an apparent backward motion through the zodiac, caused by the changing vantage point between Earth and the other planet as both orbit the Sun. The planet slows, appears to stop (its station), and traces backward before stationing direct again. Astrologically, each retrograde is read as a period to revisit, review, and refine that planet's themes — communication and plans for Mercury, relationships and values for Venus, drive and action for Mars.
Want to know how a given retrograde lands in your chart? Start with your free natal chart and read your monthly horoscope.
Frequently asked questions
When is Mercury retrograde in 2026?
In 2026 Mercury is retrograde three times: February 26, 2026 to March 20, 2026; June 29, 2026 to July 23, 2026; October 24, 2026 to November 13, 2026 (US Eastern Time).
What does a retrograde actually mean?
A retrograde is an optical effect: from Earth, a planet appears to move backward through the zodiac for a period. The planet isn't truly reversing — its apparent motion slows, stops (stations), and reverses relative to Earth's faster or slower orbit. Astrologically, the themes of that planet are said to turn inward for review.
How were these dates calculated?
Every begin (station retrograde) and end (station direct) date on this page is computed directly from the Swiss Ephemeris — the same high-precision astronomical engine used by professional astrology software — and localized to US Eastern Time. They are not copied from another calendar.