It’s time—Mercury retrograde in Pisces begins February 26 and will last until March 20. The next three weeks will be exceptionally crazy. Not only is Mercury retrograde going on in Mercury’s least favorite sign, but the eclipse season will be underway as well. It’ll be hard to trust the process, since you may feel unable to make sense of the fated yet unpredictable experiences during this period. Everything will feel extra murky, so this won’t be the best time for committing to new relationships, signing new contracts, booking new trips, or having important discussions. With so much happening in the cosmos, how will Mercury retrograde in Pisces 2026 affect you, based on your zodiac sign? Keep reading to find out!

🤓  What Can You Expect from Mercury Retrograde?

Before we get into what this Mercury retrograde entails, we should talk about what a Mercury retrograde actually is. According to astrology, a retrograde occurs when a planet appears to be moving backward from our vantage point on Earth. However, this is an optical illusion, so no planets actually physically regress. Nevertheless, a retrograde represents a pause to rethink, review, and then revise something in your life. The planet that is stationed retrograde can tell us a little more about what is taking pause. 

A Mercury retrograde is the time to pause Mercurial themes such as communication, travel, and technology. How these themes are paused differs. Sometimes, a Mercury retrograde leads to social media shutdowns, missed calls, contacting the wrong person, or Freudian slips in conversation. Mercury retrograde could also bring something back into the conversation, such as an ex you haven’t spoken to in months or new information about an old topic. Mercury retrograde can also significantly impact local and long-distance travel. Missed flights, delays, accidents, and more are commonplace. So, this might be the time to make sure you have gap insurance or travel insurance to avoid potential financial difficulties during this retrograde. Aside from this, technology can also be a bust, so you may wind up replacing something or needing an upgrade. And before you freak out, remember that there are three to four Mercury retrogrades per year every year. You have gone through retrogrades like this before, so you can get through another Mercury retrograde again.

With all in mind, what can we expect from Mercury retrograde in Pisces 2026? The usual Mercury retrograde themes—communication, travel, and technology—still apply. However, the Piscean energy gives the retrograde a new undertone or flavor. Mercury is considered debilitated in Pisces, since Mercury is both exile and fall. A debilitated Mercury already struggles, so the retrograde will emphasize these shortcomings and inadequacies. Mercury retrograde in Pisces will likely feel elusive, confusing, and boundless. Something might be hidden out of sight, so your intuition will go off, but you may struggle to pinpoint what set off your alarm bells. Your dreams might be more hectic than usual, but they may make more sense than whatever’s going on in your waking world. If you can help it, it's especially important to avoid new commitments. Someone may try to swindle you in a contract, take advantage of your kindness by asking a favor, or create an unexpected loophole to get out of a relationship. In other words, this will be a notably disarming period. You may want to look toward Pisces’ rulers, Jupiter and Neptune, to see how these two planets will further influence this retrograde.

 

⏰  How Long Will Mercury Retrograde Last? February 26, 2026 to March 20, 2026

🛑  What Will Mercury Retrograde Impact? Communication, travel, planning, new relationships, contracts, old connections, technology, social media, & overall stability

🫵  Who’s Affected the Most? Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, & Pisces

💫  How to Survive this Mercury Retrograde

A lot of media outlets and astrology influencers hype up Mercury retrograde as one of the toughest transits, but in reality, it doesn’t have to be. Mercury retrograde happens three to four times per year, so chances are you’ve already gone through a Mercury retrograde before unscathed and even unaware. Keep this in mind, since Mercury retrograde doesn’t have to be this chaotic period filled with self-doubt and fear. You can go through a Mercury retrograde with ease if you know how to prepare accordingly. Here’s what you can do to survive this Mercury retrograde:

• Regulate Your Nervous System. Take a deep breath and come back down to Earth. You’ve already gone through three to four Mercury retrogrades per year, every year since the day you were born. So, you’re more equipped for this than you think. But if you need to ground, you may want to head into this Mercury retrograde practicing meditation, journaling daily, or setting aside no-screen time to unwind. Eating right, drinking plenty of water, getting sufficient sleep, and exercising can also help you manage your stress levels.
  
• Put Away the Tarot Cards. Or the pendulum, astrology almanac, oracle cards, etc. Whatever you use for divination should go under a metaphorical lock and key for now. Mercury retrograde isn’t known for its clarity, so using your divination tools may only further confuse you and exacerbate your stress levels. Resume your divination practice once the retrograde concludes. You may receive a clearer answer then.
• Don’t Start Something New. Retrogrades are best used to reflect on what has already happened or passed. This isn’t the best time to start something new, because Mercury retrograde will likely lead to unnecessary, avoidable complications. Relationships may fall apart, and contracts could have a sneaky clause. It’s not worth it if you can avoid agreeing to someone or signing on the dotted line. Wait until the retrograde is over to review your new potential arrangement.
• Expect Travel Issues. Whether you’re heading across town or across the pond, you can expect some kind of travel issues during a Mercury retrograde. It might be as simple as missing your exit, or as big as not having the proper visas to enter a country. Regardless of what it might be, you can potentially avoid some problems. Checking your flight status, researching a country’s visa requirements, keeping an eye on traffic, and remembering your necessary IDs (license or passport) can make a world of difference. Take the extra time to do your due diligence. Safe travels!
  
• Commitments May Unravel. Something solid can come undone throughout the Mercury retrograde. It might be a connection or contract. Personal and professional affairs are subject to change. At first, it might unnerve you if you felt sure that this agreement or partnership was airtight. However, there’s a strong chance there were already cracks in the foundation. All Mercury retrograde will do is expose the cracks and ask you if this is worth salvaging. Take your time to consider who or what you want to work on and improve.

• Stop Texting Your Ex—Seriously. I don’t care who sent the first message! If you don’t want to repeat karmic relationship cycles, then don’t engage. Block their social media accounts, delete their contact, and stop replying. They’re an ex for a reason, so don’t let this delulu Mercury retrograde convince you otherwise because the rose-colored glasses will be snatched off come the end of March.

 

✨  Here Are the Crystals You Need for Mercury Retrograde 

🤍  Clear Quartz for Clarity

Go into this retrograde with a clear heart and mind. Clear Quartz removes blockages and cleanses your energetic field, empowering your aura.

🖤  Black Tourmaline for Protection 

Mercury retrograde can leave you susceptible to anxiety, negativity, and more. Protect yourself from the typical retrograde chaos using Black Tourmaline.

💜  Amethyst for Calmness

Don’t get frazzled by this cosmic energy. Wearing or taking Amethyst with you will help you remain calm and centered as you get through the retrograde. 

💛  Citrine for Luck

What if I told you that Mercury retrograde isn’t all bad? Citrine—a.k.a. the “Merchant’s Stone”—can help you find the silver lining and reap abundance during the retrograde.

✨   Click here to explore the full collection →

 

🌟  Your Mercury Retrograde Horoscope Says…

What can the zodiac signs expect from Mercury retrograde? Read your sun sign and rising sign horoscopes to see what you should expect from this lunation:

♈  Aries

Take a breather, Aries. You may feel more overwhelmed than usual with Mercury retrograde cruising through your twelfth house of subconsciousness and mystery. Part of you may feel called to show up and be present; however, your inner voice urges you to keep to yourself. You may not understand why, but it doesn't matter right now. After all, you never know what someone else is planning or thinking if they’re waiting on you to spill the beans. Staying quiet could save you a world of trouble.

♉  Taurus

An old friend wants to reconnect, Taurus. There might be a chance to patch things up, as Mercury retrograde backpedals through your eleventh house of collaboration and community. Someone you once considered a buddy might be on your mind, and vice versa, you on their mind. Reaching out might feel initially scary if you didn’t end things on good terms. However, this retrograde might be the chance to let the dust officially settle. Who knows? You may walk away as friends again.

♊  Gemini

It’s only temporary, Gemini. Expect to hit a major blockage when Mercury retrograde puts your tenth house of career and success into a tizzy. This retrograde could revive something from your past that may affect your current professional standing or how people may view you. There might also be professional anxieties about where your industry is going and if you will be successful. Although this will feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that nothing is set in stone. Don’t let your panic take the reins throughout the next few weeks.

♋  Cancer

Don’t expect to get very far, Cancer. Whether it’s literal or metaphorical, the Mercury retrograde will pause your ninth house of journeying and exploration. Your adventurous spirit will be corralled over the next few weeks. Traveling far and wide will likely go awry, so be careful. Know that this is the time to take a step back to look at your journey thus far, instead of looking toward the future. Mercury retrograde has something from your past to show you, which could eventually help you make leaps and bounds.

♌  Leo

Secrets could be revealed, Leo. Pay attention to how people act and what they say, since Mercury retrograde will unveil your eighth house of debt and psychology. It could go one of two ways: either you accidentally give yourself away, or someone else tells you how it really is. Either way, something will come out in the way. You may want to be mindful of who you confide in. Likewise, be mindful of what people say to you. Don’t be afraid to fact-check your resources if something smells fishy.

♍  Virgo

Is this what you want, Virgo? Think twice before committing when Mercury retrograde hits your seventh house of marriage and contracts. Either a professional arrangement or a romantic situation will come into focus over the next few weeks. Regardless of the type of commitment, you may want to wait until you agree to anything. If anything, a retrograde could be better used for reviewing your offer and getting more information on whatever is on your desk. You could also use this time to revise and even negotiate an existing arrangement. 

♎  Libra

Life is about to get crazy, Libra. Whatever balance you had will probably go out the window, as Mercury retrograde stirs your sixth house mundane activities and routine. Your work life, pets, and health could take a hit this retrograde if you’re not prepared. The best way to navigate the twists and turns is by remaining flexible. Having an open mind and remaining positive can help you keep the faith as things unexpectedly pivot.

♏  Scorpio

Ring, ring, ring, Scorpio. Your ex is calling, as Mercury retrograde regresses through your fifth house of sex and pleasure. Someone from your past—a former fling, crush, one-night stand, etc.—may feel called to reconnect with you. Likewise, you could be the ex that infamously returns during Mercury Rx. Either way, this blast from the past is happening for a reason. It might be time to let the dust settle, heal, and get the answers you have been waiting for. 

♐  Sagittarius

Old memories will be at the forefront of your mind, Sagittarius. Brace yourself, since Mercury retrograde asks your fourth house of personal life and family to revisit something from your past. A family member may spark this, or perhaps traveling home could bring your attention to something you haven’t thought of in years. Whatever it might be, it’s worth exploring. You never know what you can find or surmise, even after all this time.

♑  Capricorn

Tone, turf, and timing will be all wrong these next few weeks, Capricorn. None of your conversations will go as intended, because Mercury retrograde will disrupt your third house of communication and curiosity. Try as you may, nothing will come out right. Likewise, you may struggle to pick up what someone else is putting down. Having a paper trail might help you navigate this murky period, since talking it out will likely leave you feeling dazed and confused.

♒  Aquarius

Keep an eye on your money, Aquarius. Sticking to a semi-flexible budget will be of the utmost importance, as Mercury retrograde courses through your second house of wealth and security. The next few weeks could shake your financial foundation. Unexpected expenses may pop up, causing you to use some of your rainy day fund. There might be highs and lows that could go amiss if you don’t want your spending and saving. Stay on top of your money to avoid unnecessary problems.

♓  Pisces

An identity crisis is incoming, Pisces. You may never feel more unsure of yourself when Mercury retrograde undoes your first house of selfhood and identity. This will be totally normal for the next few weeks! Mercury retrograde implores you to self-reflect on who you are, what you like, and how you look. Feeling unsure of yourself is a sign to work on your self-confidence and self-development. Use this retrograde as your chance to become the best version of yourself.

 

🤔  How Will Mercury Retrograde Affect YOU?

Discuss your personal cosmic forecast for Mercury retrograde with ASCEND's in-house astrologer, Liz Simmons. Together, you and Liz will determine what Mercury retrograde will bring your way and how to handle this cosmic energy to the best of your ability.

⭐️  Book your astrology reading

 

 

 

✍️  Meet ASCEND’s In-House Astrologer & Writer

Liz Simmons is a writer, astrologer, and tarot reader based in Salem, MA. Liz is the resident astrologer at ASCEND Get Lifted. Aside from providing astrological readings and tarot readings, Liz writes for ASCEND’s blog. Her expert commentary is featured in over twenty publications, including Cosmopolitan, Shape, Women’s Health, & more. Check out her work on Instagram, @the_ _crone & book a reading with her at ASCEND.