Hermes will turn around three times: how will the water element affect fate in 2026

In 2026, Mercury, the planet of communications and logic, will enter the retrograde phase three times, and all these periods will take place in the water signs of the zodiac, which promises to make the coming year a time of deep immersion into the world of feelings, memory and intuition. Astrologers warn that instead of the usual technical failures and delays, we will have the opportunity to hear our inner voice and rethink the past. About what is recommended and not recommended to do in Mercury retrograde, see the Izvestia article.

What is Mercury retrograde?

Astrologers call retrograde motion an optical illusion in which Mercury seems to start moving backwards across the sky. In fact, the planet continues on its usual path, but from the point of view of an observer from Earth, the trajectory seems to be reversed.

As astrologer Tatiana Lukashevich explains in an interview with Izvestia, Mercury actually continues to move in its orbit, but due to the difference in the speed of movement of the Earth and Mercury around the Sun, such an optical effect occurs. This phenomenon relates to personal planets and has a stronger impact on people's daily lives, rather than on global processes.

Retrograde periods are traditionally associated with increased risks of disruptions in communications, technology, and arrangements. However, astrologer Irina Efrosinina emphasizes that these cycles are not random — they are needed to slow down and realize which ideas are really ours, and which we are just repeating after others.

In 2026, Mercury retrograde will remind you three times that a thought is born in silence, not in a hurry.

Mercury retrograde from February 26 to March 20

The first retrograde period of the year will begin on February 26 and last until March 20 in the sign of Pisces. According to astrologer Ksenia Shakhova, when Mercury becomes retrograde in Pisces, the usual order of thoughts dissipates.

— We are starting to talk more often in metaphors, believe in dreams and omens, or even wander without an exact route. During these weeks, it is worth preserving inner peace: do not rush to conclusions, check the information. Talking less means listening more," the expert said in an interview with Izvestia.

At the same time, this period can bring emotional fog and confusion in thoughts, says astrologer Anna Malineva. The likelihood of mistakes due to carelessness in documents, delays and confusion in schedules increases, she notes.

Astrologers advise you to take care of your inner peace these weeks: do not rush to conclusions, check information, talk less and listen more. It is believed that this time opens the gates to the unconscious, where images originate.

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Mercury retrograde from June 29 to July 24

The second Mercury retrograde period will take place from June 29 to July 24 in the sign of Cancer. Astrologers note that Mercury retrograde in Cancer "calls" us home. It's a time when thoughts return to childhood, to old letters, family photos, and memories. Words become softer, but more meaningful; conversations are deeper than they seem at first glance.

At this time, meetings with old friends or relatives are possible, and nostalgia can be very strong. It is noted that this is a favorable time for reconciliation and comfort, but not for buying a new home.

— Pay attention to your home: at this time, household breakdowns may occur, especially appliances, disruptions in the work of public utilities or difficulties with documents related to real estate, — advises astrologer Anna Malyneva in a conversation with Izvestia.

This period is suitable for repairs, tidying up and frank conversations with loved ones.

Mercury retrograde from October 24 to November 13

In autumn, Mercury will appear in the sign of Scorpio, a symbol of mystery, depth and transformation. During this period, hidden facts, old promises, and forgotten questions come to the surface.

Astrologers note that the energy of the period favors investigations, psychological work, document analysis, and financial auditing. In autumn, thinking becomes deep, insightful, and even suspicious.

Experts strongly recommend against borrowing or lending during this period, and also advise avoiding large loans and risky investments.

— It is absolutely forbidden to borrow or lend, apply for loans and sign documents without rereading them three times. The main rule is: do not sign documents without rereading them three times," advises astrologer Anna Malineva.

Who is affected by Mercury retrograde

The impact of the planet is felt especially strongly in the signs for which Mercury is the patron saint: Gemini and Virgo. And also in 2026, retrograde will take place according to the water signs — Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio, so the influence will increase among representatives of the water element.

During retrograde in Pisces (February 26 – March 20) Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra will find it easy to adapt to chaos, while Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio will find it difficult to let go of their usual patterns. Between June 29 and July 24, Cancers, Pisces and Virgo will get a chance to come to terms with themselves, while Sagittarians, Capricorns and Aries may face irritation due to slowness.

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The influence of Mercury retrograde manifests itself through emotional overload, forgetfulness, and the need to rethink habitual patterns of thinking.

What astrologers recommend to do on Mercury retrograde

Astrologers agree that Mercury retrograde is the ideal time to review, refine and complete old cases, rather than to start new projects. Among the key recommendations:

— return to old ideas and projects;

— repeated training, retakes and editing of what has already been done;

— restoring relationships and communicating with old acquaintances;

— traveling to familiar places, visits to family and relatives;

— keeping a diary and practicing self—relaxation - breathing, meditation, walking by the water;

— working with archives, correcting errors and clarifying details of old contracts.

Periods of retrograde are often accompanied by delays, technical failures and misunderstandings, so astrologers advise avoiding decisions that require accuracy and speed.

What is not recommended to do in Mercury retrograde

Periods of Mercury's retrogression are traditionally considered unsuitable times for beginnings and important decisions. Astrologers strongly do not recommend:

— buy a car, real estate, expensive equipment;

— open a business or start new projects;

— get a new job;

— sign important contracts;

— to formalize a marriage or new partnerships;

— perform primary surgeries and start treatment without checking the data.

In addition, it is worth refraining from emotional decisions, because during this period, perception can be colored by feelings.

How Mercury retrograde affects human health, children, business

According to astrologers, Mercury retrograde increases nervous tension, affects concentration and information exchange. There may be situations when forgetfulness increases, absent-mindedness and a feeling of fatigue appear.

For children, these periods can be a time of overwork and hypersensitivity. Parents are advised to pay attention to their daily routine and avoid overloads.

In business, Mercury retrograde is associated with the risks of communication failures, errors in documentation, and violations of agreements. Companies working with data, technology, and logistics should be especially careful. At the same time, retrograde is favorable for internal audit, retraining of personnel, repeated inspections and improvement of old processes.