Mercury retrograde occurs three to four times a year, marking a period of disorganization and miscommunication, and therefore, a potent time for scuppering romance, break-ups, and surprise encounters with exes. Even though Mercury’s backward motion in the sky is an optical illusion, it remains astrology’s most-hyped phenomenon, often resulting in havoc down here on earth—and potentially, your love life. This year’s first retrograde runs from February 26 through March 20, meaning we can expect to feel its effects for around a month.
Mercury is the planet of communication, so retrogrades can challenge our ability to connect—and missteps are to be expected. Around this time, confirming plans (like, say, a first or second date) multiple times and generally being more forgiving if someone makes mistakes is appropriate. Even when plans are understood, retrogrades can require rescheduling due to factors beyond our control, so keep your calendar flexible. Astrologers commonly say that retrogrades rule all the “re” words: rescheduling, reworking, reconsidering, and redoing (and maybe, re-reromancing!) are all part of the mix right now!
In terms of romance, retrogrades call us to look to the past, so you and a lover might revisit a topic that needs rehashing. What’s great about a Mercury retrograde is that it can reveal information that was previously hidden or obscured, so while rehashing a discussion with an ex or old flame can sometimes be a total drag, it might actually get resolved, or some important new perspective or closure could come to light. Think of it as going two steps backward to propel three steps ahead!
Mercury retrograde has a terrible reputation—and while yes, people might be lazier, flakier, or ditzier than usual, it can also be an incredible time to reconnect with people you miss, to revisit conversations that you’re not done with and to take it slow more generally. Here’s everything you need to know about Mercury retrograde and how it’ll effect your love life.
Understanding the Mercury retrograde “shadow period”
A two-week shadow period bookends the Mercury retrograde, offering both a preview and a period for resolution. This winter, Mercury entered its pre-retrograde shadow on February 11 2026, so note conversations or plans that arise up to the beginning of the retrograde, as these may be the themes the retrograde focuses on.
The post-retrograde shadow begins when Mercury stations direct on March 20 and lasts until April 9 2026, giving us a period to tie up loose ends before moving forward with new plans.
Who gets a free pass this Mercury retrograde?
If you were born during Mercury retrograde (check your birth chart or ask the astrology-obsessed in your life!), this could actually be an incredibly illuminating period for you. Not only might you feel heard and validated during this period, but understanding others could come much easier. Whatever the case, and even for those not during a Mercury retrograde, this is a time to clarify the past and to generally rest up and take it easy on ourselves: every astrological transit is what we make of it.
What does Mercury retrograde in Pisces mean for our love lives?
Mercury in Pisces is intuitive, sensitive, and poetic. During the retrograde, these traits amplify, and romance could feel even dreamier and emotionally charged. But because communications aren’t running as smoothly as usual, love letters could return to sender, we could feel overwhelmed by our psychic impressions and bottled emotions could burst.
This is a powerful time to dive deep into our emotions, though we probably shouldn’t expect changes overnight. Finding the words to express our emotions might take longer than usual, making it all the more important to take it slow. We might rethink our decisions now, especially those made with our heads, not our hearts. Mercury is the planet of logic, but Pisces is all about gut instinct, so expect some haziness between the two.