Retrograde Calendar

Track every planetary retrograde — past, present, and upcoming. Know when Mercury, Venus, and other planets appear to move backward.

✅

No planets are retrograde right now.

All planets are currently moving direct. This is a favourable period for forward momentum in projects and communications.

Mercury Retrogrades

365

Total Retrograde Days

← 2028

Year 2029

2030 →

☿ Mercury♀ Venus♂ Mars♃ Jupiter♄ Saturn⛢ Uranus♆ Neptune♇ Pluto

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Mercury☿

Venus♀

Mars♂

Jupiter♃

Saturn♄

Uranus⛢

Neptune♆

Pluto♇

What Is a Planetary Retrograde?

A retrograde occurs when a planet appears to move backward in the sky from Earth's perspective. It's an optical illusion caused by orbital speed differences. During a retrograde, the themes governed by that planet — communication for Mercury, love for Venus, action for Mars — tend to slow down, reverse, or require revision.

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury retrograde is the most well-known astrological transit. Occurring about three times a year for roughly three weeks, it's associated with communication mishaps, travel delays, and technology glitches. It's a good time to review, revise, and reflect rather than start new ventures.

☿ Mercury Rx #1

January 8 — January 27

Aquarius → Capricorn · 20 days

☿ Mercury Rx #2

May 2 — May 25

Taurus · 24 days

☿ Mercury Rx #3

September 3 — September 25

Libra → Virgo · 23 days

☿ Mercury Rx #4

December 23 — December 31

Capricorn · 9 days

Retrograde Guide by Planet

☿ Mercury

Communication, travel, technology — misunderstandings and delays. Review contracts before signing.

♀ Venus

Love, relationships, finances — old flames may resurface. Reflect on what you truly value.

♂ Mars

Action, energy, ambition — frustration and low energy. Redirect aggression into internal work.

♃ Jupiter

Growth, expansion, luck — inner growth over outer. Reassess goals and philosophical outlook.

♄ Saturn

Structure, discipline, karma — re-examine responsibilities. Old restrictions resurface for review.

⛢ Uranus

Innovation, rebellion, change — internal revolution. Unexpected breakthroughs from past ideas.

♆ Neptune

Dreams, spirituality, illusion — clarity pierces through fog. Hidden truths surface.

♇ Pluto

Transformation, power, rebirth — deep inner shifts. Confront shadows and emerge stronger.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does retrograde mean in astrology?

Retrograde means a planet appears to move backward in the sky from our perspective on Earth. It doesn't actually reverse — it's an optical illusion caused by relative orbital speeds. Astrologically, retrograde periods signal a time to slow down and review the themes associated with that planet.

Is Mercury retrograde really that bad?

Mercury retrograde gets a bad reputation, but it's not inherently negative. It's a natural cycle that encourages reviewing communication, travel plans, and contracts. Many people use it productively for reflection, editing, and reconnecting with old contacts.

How many times does Mercury go retrograde in a year?

Mercury goes retrograde approximately three to four times per year, each lasting about three weeks. In 2026 the dates are shown in the calendar above.

Do all planets go retrograde?

All planets except the Sun and Moon experience retrograde periods. The outer planets (Jupiter through Pluto) are retrograde for several months each year, while inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars) have shorter, more noticeable retrograde periods.

What should I avoid during Mercury retrograde?

Common advice is to avoid signing important contracts, launching new projects, or making large purchases. However, it's an excellent time to revisit old projects, reconnect with people, back up data, and double-check travel plans.

Does retrograde affect everyone the same way?

No. The impact depends on your natal chart — which houses and planets the retrograde transits. A Mercury retrograde in Gemini will affect a Gemini rising differently than a Sagittarius rising. Check your natal chart for personalised insights.

What is a retrograde shadow period?

The shadow period is the zone before and after the retrograde where the planet passes over the same degrees it will retrace. Effects can begin during the pre-shadow and linger during the post-shadow. Think of it as the warm-up and cool-down.

Can retrograde bring positive things?

Absolutely. Retrogrades often bring unexpected reunions, creative breakthroughs from revisiting old ideas, resolution of lingering issues, and deeper self-understanding. The key is to work with the energy rather than against it.

Understand how retrogrades affect your personal chart:

Get Your Natal Chart Daily Horoscope