Is Mercury Retrograde Today?
A traffic light shows you whether Mercury or Venus is retrograde today, until when, and what's worth reviewing during those periods.
By Roberto Rodriguez · Updated
What Is a Retrograde Planet?
Seen from Earth, a planet sometimes appears to move backward in the sky. It's an optical effect of orbits, but astrology reads it as a time to review: Mercury retrograde affects communication and travel, and Venus retrograde affects relationships and money.
Mercury Retrograde in 2026 and 2027
The last period of 2026 runs from October 24 to November 13. In 2027 there will be three: February 9 to March 3, June 10 to July 4, and October 7 to 28. More details in Mercury retrograde.
What a Retrograde Planet Really Is
A retrograde planet is an optical phenomenon: seen from Earth, it appears to move backward for a few weeks, even though its orbit doesn't change. It happens because our planet and the other one pass or catch up with each other at different speeds. Mercury goes retrograde about three or four times a year, and Venus roughly every year and a half. In astrology, these periods are associated with review and reflection rather than catastrophe.
What to Do During Mercury Retrograde
- Double-check: contracts, emails, addresses, and dates.
- Back up your files and your phone.
- Avoid major tech purchases if you can wait.
- Take the chance to revisit: reunions, paused projects, getting organized, and finishing loose ends.
- Communicate clearly: confirm what was agreed in writing.
All of this is useful common sense at any time of year, and the retrograde period works as a reminder.
Where to See the Dates for Each Year
The traffic light above shows you the status of Mercury and Venus right now and how long it lasts. To see the periods for the year, read Mercury retrograde in October 2026. To understand how it affects your personal chart, calculate today's transits and check your rising sign. Retrogrades are a symbolic tradition, and there is no scientific evidence that they cause real problems.
Frequently asked questions
What shouldn't you do during Mercury retrograde?
Traditionally, the advice is to double-check contracts, back up your data, and avoid making hasty decisions.
How often does it happen?
Mercury goes retrograde three or four times a year, for about three weeks each time.
What about the other planets?
You can see all the retrograde planets for any day in today's transits.
Portal Místico readings are symbolic and for entertainment purposes only. They are not a substitute for professional advice.