Before you spiral into frustration—hasn’t this year already delivered enough challenges?—here’s how to navigate the year’s first (of three!) Mercury retrograde cycles.
First Mercury retrograde of 2026: February 26-March 20
In this Article
The first Mercury retrograde of 2026 Is in Pisces
Say what? The first of three Mercury retrogrades in 2026 begins on February 26 when the messenger planet, enjoying an in-progress visit to Pisces since February 10, spins backward in the compassionate sign until March 20.
Mercury retrograde effects
While the first Mercury retrograde of 2026 is in the Fish’s kaleidoscopic waters, few things are as they appear. Brace for crossed wires, false starts and missing details. Take nothing at face value, not even people’s enthusiastic promises or cheerful nods of approval. No matter how much you want situations to work out, you can’t force them. One thing spiritual Pisces understands is that “what’s meant to be, will be.”
If you really want to know what someone’s thinking, you’ll probably have to ask them outright. Even then, expect a little vagueness or mixed signals. When in doubt, take a beat to clarify, and keep your sense of humor handy. It’ll help you navigate these murky waters with minimal stress.
Patience and precision are your allies with Mercury retrograde in Pisces, so adjust your sails accordingly. While Mercury is reversed here, you can access a deep level of creativity and divine inspiration that supports rapid growth once the retrograde ends.
Until then: back up all your important data, switch to stronger passwords and submit any lingering paperwork now!
What are good things to do during Mercury retrograde?
Observe what’s going on inside of you during the first Mercury retrograde of 2026. How do you deal with waiting for an answer: Are you anxious? Do you start making up disempowering stories about what people are thinking? Do you want to quit and move on rather than face the possibility of rejection?
Let all feelings arise without interacting with them. They are not wrong or right; they simply ARE. There is true power in being able to hold the space of the unknown. In that mystical, in-between state, miraculous solutions can arise. Just plan on taking a lot of long, deep breaths!
As with all Mercury retrograde cycles, we lean on “re-” instead of starting anything new, if it can be avoided. That means focusing on activities that start with the prefix “re-” (to go back), such as:
- Reviewing all your contracts before you sign
- Renewing your commitments, rather than making new ones
- Reuniting with old friends and family
- Rekindling a romance (maybe not with an ex, though! But if one surfaces, it’s usually to bring closure, not necessarily because they “got away”)
And prepare to REpeat yourself often during the first Mercury retrograde of the year!
2026 HOROSCOPE
When is the next Mercury retrograde?
Water, water everywhere! The first Mercury retrograde of 2026 is in Pisces, a water sign. There are three Mercury retrogrades in 2026, and ALL of them are in water!
Retrogrades are a hidden blessing, allowing us to tap into the deeper corners of our hearts, souls and psyches. Nostalgia reigns!
Mercury retrograde dates in 2026:
• February 26 to March 20 in PISCES
• June 29 to July 23 in CANCER
• October 24 to November 13 in SCORPIO
Check anytime: Is Mercury in Retrograde Right Now? And don’t forget the ‘retroshade’ —Mercury’s “shadow period” that happens about two weeks before and two weeks after the planet’s backspin.
For more tips on what to do during a Mercury retrograde, see our classic article: Mercury Retrograde: How to Survive The 3-Week Communication Crisis
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