Mercury retrograde begins today – everything you need to know

while mercury, The crafty planet of communications, it’s not officially retrograde until November 9, and we’re ready to experience a great little preview of its surprises thanks to its pre-retrograde shadow, or retrograde shadow – which begins on October 21.

Mercury retrograde refers to the two weeks immediately preceding the transit and the two weeks following it.

These endings, known as the pre- and post-retrograde shadow, bring the same emotionally crowded and out-of-balance energy as retrograde transits, but offer lessons in preparation (pre-retrograde) and integration (post-retrograde).

When does Mercury retrograde?

Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow on October 21, 2025 at 7:11 AM EDT at 20°42 Scorpio.

Mercury officially stations retrograde on November 9 at 2:01 PM EDT at 6°51 Sagittarius.

Our mind-and-mouth planet stations on November 29, but it won’t remove its retrograde shadow until December 16.

What is Mercury retrograde?

Mercury begins its pre-shadow phase when the planet crosses the zodiac degree in which it will eventually reside direct.

As the planet prepares to retrograde, the pre-shadow can amplify anxiety and make unresolved issues, looming exes, and general emotional rage more present and urgent. Cue overthinking, chaotic expressions and questionable logic.

From the day it turns retrograde until the day it turns direct, Mercury is in its official retrograde period, which generally lasts about three weeks. During this period, everything that was slowing down and causing confusion in pre-shadow calls is called out and processed.

Many astronomers consider Mercury retrograde to be a three-part series: setting the stage (pre-shadow), a chaotic climax (retrograde), followed by a bit of order after the main event (post-shadow).

How often is Mercury retrograde?

The fastest moving planet in our solar system, Mercury, retrogrades three to four times a year. When you factor in the shadow periods of retrograde, we spend up to six months a year at the mercy of Mercury’s deceleration.

When does Mercury retrograde in 2025?

This final rotation through Scorpio and Sagittarius is Mercury’s final retrograde in 2025.

When does Mercury retrograde next?

The next and first Mercury retrograde of 2026 is in Pisces and begins on February 26 and runs until March 20, 2026. All of Mercury’s retrogrades next year will be in Pisces and back in water signs.

mine Reza Weigel Researches and provides irreverent reports on planetary configurations and their influence on each zodiac sign. Its horoscopes integrate history, poetry, popular culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, Visit her website.