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.
Mercury retrograde in Pisces is all for a good cry. So, for the mushy at heart, for anyone still in love with an ex, or yearning to reconnect with their current partner on an emotional level, this might be a powerful opportunity for breakthroughs, even if some communication snafus take place along the way.
Here’s what’s going on for your love life, sign-by-sign.
March 2 – April 19
Mercury retrograde in Pisces stands to be a slow period for you. Hopefully, this means lounging in bed all weekend with your lover; however, it could also mean accidentally muting the conversation you have going with your crush, leaving you bored as you wait to hear from them. Be mindful of communication blocks, and heed Mercury retrograde in Pisces’s call to rest.
April 20 – May 21
A friend could get you back in touch with an old crush. Or, if you’re already coupled up, you and your partner could reconnect on an intellectual level, rediscovering what it means to be friends as well as lovers. Dislike your partner’s friends? You might find them especially annoying now.
May 22 – June 21
Your partners might be particularly emotional now as they reckon with family issues or old wounds. As one of the chattiest zodiac signs, you never run out of things to say; however, now is the time to practice being a good listener.
June 22 – July 22
Long-distance relationships could be tested during this period, and even if you live together, communication issues could surface. This retrograde serves as a reminder that sharing dreams and values matters more than liking the same movies and music, and that real communication is what navigates you through love’s challenges.
July 23 – August 22
Someone who said they wanted something with no-strings-attached might realize they’re catching feelings, or someone who was clamoring for commitment might realize they’ve lost track of where they end and their partner begins. This retrograde calls for extremes to come into equilibrium; through patience, listening, and love.
August 23 – September 23
Your partner or love interest might be wishy-washy during this time. Perhaps they’re flaking on plans more than usual, or maybe they’re consistent with attention but struggling to make up their mind about something important. You might run into people from your past during this period, too: perhaps you’ll reconnect with an old flame, or maybe they’ll serve as a reminder of how far you’ve come.
September 24 – October 23
Your schedule could be a mess during this Mercury retrograde. Romantic dates might get rescheduled repeatedly, or work demands could crowd out your social and love life entirely. By the end of this retrograde, it might become clear who in your life actually helps with the day-to-day and who’s only around for the fun stuff.
October 24 – November 23
Yes, Mercury retrograde has a terrible reputation, and yes, communication might be extremely annoying during this period; but Scorpio, you could look back on this time as absolutely epic for reuniting with someone special, rekindling the flame with your current lover, or getting the heart-healing closure you need to move on.
November 24 – December 21
While this Mercury retrograde finds you focused on home and family life, your partners might feel discombobulated about their careers. If they dismiss your concerns or treat you like their career coach, pay attention. Being in a power couple is great, but reconsider connections with people who think their goals are more pressing than yours.
December 22 – January 20
Words could trip you up during this Mercury retrograde; however, your intuition is as strong as ever, so listen to your gut. This is a time to connect with your partners by sharing your emotional truth, even if it’s not worded perfectly.
January 21 – February 19
Greedy behavior in partnerships has always been a turnoff for you, Aquarius, but during this Mercury retrograde, you might have an epiphany about what feeling valued and cared for truly means. A gift or offer of support that’s long overdue might finally arrive.
February 20 – March 20
You might feel unusually indecisive during this period. Be gentle with yourself and allow time to explore before making a commitment. You’re in the middle of a major growth spurt, and your relationships are transforming too. The aha moments you have now could have a big impact on your partnerships moving forward.