The first Mercury retrograde of 2026 is starting on Feb. 26—here's how it will affect your sign

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Mercury will retrograde through your 12th house, the realm of hidden enemies and the subconscious. You might feel a pull toward unnecessary debates, but be wary: These could be traps designed to tarnish your reputation. Avoid being baited into proving you are right just for the sake of winning. Instead, use this period to audit your inner world and identify any self-sabotaging patterns. It is vital to guard your energy levels now, as you may feel more drained than usual. Prioritize solitude and find dedicated time to relax and unwind. This is a season for spiritual maintenance rather than external conquest.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

The retrograde occurs in your house of friends and social circles, suggesting a time to re-evaluate your allegiances. Avoid making new, sweeping promises to groups or organizations right now, as the terms may change later. Your best strategy is to listen deeply before offering any reaction to drama within your tribe. While your peers will naturally seek out your grounded wisdom, try to keep controversial opinions to yourself for now. Aim to be the steady peacemaker rather than the one fueling the fire. By staying neutral, you protect your standing and keep the group harmony intact. Use this time to reconnect with old friends who have drifted away.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

As your ruler turns retrograde in your house of career, the professional spotlight requires careful management. You must not promise more than you can realistically deliver under these foggy skies. Guard your reputation by being impeccable with your word and nipping any office intrigues in the bud before they grow. You may find you have extra energy for overtime, but ensure that your hard work isn't undermined by simple clerical errors. Double-check all outgoing communications and official documents for clarity. This is an excellent time to finish old projects rather than launching brand-new initiatives. Stay patient with delays in promotions or corporate feedback.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Mercury moves backward through your house of faith and higher learning, potentially sparking a profound spiritual awakening. You may find yourself revisiting old philosophies or realizations that change how you view your place in the world. While these insights are powerful, be careful not to become overzealous or preachy with your newfound truths. Others may not be on the same wavelength, and pushing your views could lead to unnecessary friction. Use this time for internal study and quiet contemplation rather than public debate. If you are traveling or dealing with legal matters, expect a few logistical hiccups. Trust the process of "unlearning" as much as learning.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

This retrograde lands in your 8th house of shared resources and deep transformations. It is a prime opportunity to perform a thorough audit of your actual financial situation and joint assets. If you have outstanding loans or debts, use this window to renegotiate terms or settle what you can. Your reputation is tied to your integrity in these private dealings, so handle them with the utmost transparency. Emotions may run high regarding intimacy or trust, but try to look at the cold, hard facts. Avoid signing major new financial contracts until Mercury stations direct. This is a transformative time for facing truths you’ve previously avoided.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

With your ruler retrograding in your house of partnerships, communication with your significant other or business associates is the top priority. It is much easier to be misunderstood right now, so you must exert extra effort to be crystal clear. Don't fall into the trap of assuming you know what the other person is thinking; ask questions and clarify matters often. If old arguments resurface, view them as an opportunity to find a final resolution rather than a reason to fight. Patience is your greatest tool during these three weeks. Slow down the dialogue to ensure both parties feel heard and respected. A little extra empathy goes a long way in keeping the bond strong.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Mercury affects your house of work and daily routines, which might lead to a sense of restlessness or boredom. While you may crave novelty, avoid changing established systems just for the sake of variety. If you want to implement a new workflow, be sure to follow the proper protocols and consult your team first. Share your ideas clearly, but remain detached from the outcome; don't insist on having it your way right now. Open dialogues in the workplace will prevent small errors from becoming major setbacks. Be particularly careful with fine details, especially those involving numbers or data entry. Slow and steady wins the race.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

The retrograde moves through your house of creativity and self-expression, making this a highly inspired, if slightly chaotic, period. You may find that words or colors provide a necessary outlet for the deep emotions bubbling to the surface. However, be aware that suppressed anger might pop up unexpectedly during your creative process. Rather than pushing these feelings down, explore the "why" behind them to gain deeper self-knowledge. Old flames or past creative projects might reappear, asking for a second look or a final goodbye. Use this time to play and experiment without the pressure of a finished product. Your intuition is high, so let it guide your artistic hand.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Mercury turns retrograde in your 4th house, bringing family matters and your home life to the forefront. It is essential to control your temper right now, especially when dealing with elders or sensitive relatives. Family members may be more emotional than usual, leading to misunderstandings that feel personal. While you naturally want to understand them, you must also find a way to make yourself understood so you don't feel isolated. This is a great time for home repairs or reorganizing your living space, but perhaps not the best time to buy a new property. Reconnect with your roots and find peace in your domestic environment.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

The retrograde occurs in your 3rd house of communication and siblings, so be ready for a shift in plans. Short trips or local commutes might be rescheduled or plagued by delays, so always have a backup plan. Use any unexpected "waiting time" to learn a new skill or pick up a language you've been curious about. Watch your words carefully, as a sharp tongue can cut deeper than intended during this sensitive Pisces transit. Double-check your emails and texts before hitting send to avoid embarrassing typos. Staying flexible will save you from a great deal of frustration. Think twice, speak once, and stay curious.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Mercury affects your house of money and personal values, signaling a time for a serious financial check-in. Start this period by getting a clear accounting of what you own versus what you owe. An honest assessment of your financial stability is required, even if the numbers are momentarily stressful. Don't ignore the facts; accepting the hard truth is the necessary first step toward fixing any leaks in your budget. Avoid making major luxury purchases or new investments until the retrograde passes. Instead, look for ways to maximize the value of what you already possess. Security comes from clarity, not avoidance.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

With Mercury retrograding in your 1st house, the focus is entirely on your self-identity and personal direction. You may experience bouts of self-doubt, but use them as a springboard for a deeper, more honest review of your recent decisions. This is an "honest-to-goodness" period for correcting your course and refining how you present yourself to the world. Seek guidance from those with more experience to help clear the mental fog. Taking care of your mental health is paramount; ensure you are getting enough sleep and regular rest. Meditation will be your best ally in navigating the internal noise and finding your center.

Resti Santiago a.k.a. Filipino Astrologer is the founder of Astrology Friends Philippines and is one of the leading proponents of traditional astrology in the country. To discover more about the potential of astrology for your life, check out his Facebook page.

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