Retrograde · Astronomical event
Mercury begins retrograde
Saturday, 24 October 2026 · exactly at 08:00 · UTC
A planet changes direction in the sky — a time to slow down and look at something again.
Mercury changes direction to retrograde in geocentric motion.
What it means
Mercury retrograde means that, from Earth’s perspective, the planet appears to move backward. Astrology traditionally associates Mercury with communication, thinking, learning, travel, and the exchange of information. This period is often used to check messages, revise arrangements, and return to matters already begun, rather than making hasty decisions. On the dates provided, the phenomenon lasts approximately two days.