Here’s Why This Mercury Retrograde Could Be Even More Powerful Than Usual

Few astrological phenomena get as much airtime as mercury retrograde, a period long believed to bring chaos, mayhem and misfortune. Whether it’s a flight delay, a fallout with a friend, a miscommunication at work or simply feeling off, the zodiac event is blamed for all sorts – and though sceptics could easily dismiss it as cosmic fodder, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence to back up its reputation. Every time the retrograde hits, millions of people report malfunctioning electrical appliances and unexpected changes of plans, while websites often face outages. Remember the famous Facebook crash of 2022? Yep, that was during a mercury retrograde. 

We’ve already faced two mercury retrogrades this year, with another about to hit this October. And according to astrologers, this one could be even more intense than usual due to the overlap with the Venus retrograde – currently running until 13 November. 

What Is Mercury Retrograde?

Mercury retrograde is an astronomical optical illusion in which the planet Mercury appears to move backwards across the sky; this occurs because Mercury orbits the Sun much faster than the Earth. Mercury represents communication, language, coordination, travel and technology, so when the planet goes into retrograde astrologers believe these areas are most affected – cue misunderstandings, arguments, travel cancellations and technology failures. 

The phenomenon has been observed for hundreds of years: Babylonian astronomers tracked planetary shifts as long ago as the 7th century, viewing the patterns as divine omens. In medieval Europe, astrology was a big influence for farmers, who took care to avoid finalising land leases or making big business decisions when mercury was in retrograde. But it was during the ‘10s that the concept really took off, spurred on by the rise of social media sites like Tumblr and X (then Twitter).

When Is The Next Mercury Retrograde?

Mercury goes into retrograde three to four times a year, with each period lasting for roughly three weeks. The next one takes place from 24 October – 13 November 2026.

(c) Daniel Olah, Unsplash

What Does It Mean To Have Mercury & Venus Retrograde At The Same Time?

If you feel Mercury’s powers even more strongly this season, there’s a reason for that. ‘When Mercury turns retrograde in Scorpio on 24 October, Venus will already be retrograde in the same sign,’ Polina Arutiunian, astrologer and spiritual advisor at Nebula, tells us. ‘The overlap in Scorpio is brief, as Venus moves back into Libra on 25 October, but both planets remain in retrograde until 13 November.’

This overlap can make us question many aspects of our lives, adds Arutiunian. While Mercury is the planet of communication and information, Venus is associated with relationships, attraction, pleasure, money and self-worth. ‘When Venus is retrograde, the questions are often less about whether something is working practically and more about whether it still feels right,’ Aruitunian adds. ‘I sometimes explain the difference this way: Mercury retrograde can make you wonder whether you understood the message correctly. Venus retrograde can make you wonder whether you still want the person who sent it. When both happen at once, we can end up asking both questions.’

The fact that the overlap occurs in Scorpio makes things feel even more intense, she adds. ‘Scorpio is associated with intimacy, trust, secrets, vulnerability, power and the things we don’t always talk about openly. Conversations may become more personal. Something that wasn’t fully discussed may come back. You might realise there’s a question you never asked, a feeling you didn’t express or a detail you overlooked because you weren’t ready to deal with it at the time.’

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean relationship drama. ‘Venus retrograde may already have brought attention to an imbalance, an old attraction or a relationship pattern you recognise. Mercury retrograde can then bring the conversation about it. That could mean an ex reaching out. But it could just as easily mean finally discussing something with your current partner that has been sitting beneath the surface. If someone from the past does return, I wouldn’t immediately ask, “Are we meant to be together?” A better question might be: “Why is this relationship back in my life now, and has anything actually changed?” Retrogrades can bring the past back for review. That doesn’t automatically mean it belongs in the future.’

What Should We Avoid Doing?

Some astrologers warn against rushing into important decisions, signing contracts too quickly, taking big trips or launching new projects when mercury is in retrograde. However, Arutiunian argues retrogrades shouldn’t be filled with forbidden lists. ‘Life doesn’t stop because Mercury or Venus appears to be moving backward. But both retrogrades are associated with reconsideration, so if a decision feels unusually emotional or urgent, giving yourself another day can be useful.’

She also notes that it can be worth giving yourself some extra time to consider major purchases, transactions or documents. 

Ultimately, she concludes, there’s no need to worry. But be prepared that there could be an unusually reflective period ahead. ‘Mercury asks us to reconsider what we think and say. Venus asks us to reconsider what and who we value. When both are retrograde at the same time, those questions can start overlapping.’

And despite its reputation, a mercury retrograde can bring positive outcomes. ‘Retrogrades can be useful for returning to unfinished matters, organizing information, reviewing financial agreements, refreshing your knowledge, or finally dealing with something that has remained unresolved.’

How Will Mercury Retrograde Affect Your Star Sign?

Aries (21 March-19 April)

‘Debts, loans, shared finances, and other people’s resources may come back into focus. An old financial agreement could resurface, along with questions around trust, intimacy, or personal boundaries.’

Taurus (20 April-20 May)

‘A former partner or someone you’ve known for a long time may get in touch. Unresolved relationship questions or old disagreements could also return. Give conversations a little more time before deciding what a reconnection means.’

Gemini (21 May-20 June)

‘Work, routines, habits, and everyday responsibilities may need another look. You might return to unfinished work, reconnect with former colleagues, or reconsider how your current schedule is working for you.’

Cancer (21 June-22 July)

‘A former romantic interest may reappear, or you may find yourself thinking about an old relationship. Creativity, hobbies, and personal projects can also return to your attention, especially something you once enjoyed but left unfinished.’

Leo (23 July-22 August)

‘Family, home, housing, and property may require attention. An old family matter, unfinished repair, or previous housing decision could come back into focus.’

Virgo (23 August-22 September)

‘Documents, tickets, travel, education, and communication may require extra attention. An old acquaintance could also get in touch. This can be a useful time to finish something you’ve been putting off or organize information.’

Libra (23 September-22 October)

‘Money, purchases, and personal resources may need reviewing. A delayed payment or old financial matter could return. Taking a little more time with purchases and financial decisions may help.’

Scorpio (23 October-21 November)

‘With Mercury retrograde in your sign, you may feel more reflective than usual. Old ideas, plans, desires, or unfinished personal matters may return. Give yourself time before making a major change.’

Sagittarius (22 November-21 December)

‘This can be a more introspective period. Old feelings or unresolved situations may return, and something that was previously hidden or unclear may come into focus.’

Capricorn (22 December-19 January)

‘An old friend, acquaintance, or online connection may reappear. Friendships, group projects, and long-term goals may also need another look.’

Aquarius (20 January-18 February)

‘Career and work matters may require reviewing. You could face delays, have to redo something, or hear from a former colleague or supervisor. Be especially clear around agreements and expectations.’

Pisces (19 February-20 March)

‘Travel, education, foreign languages, documents, or legal matters may return to your attention. You might finish a course, return to something you were studying, or revisit a familiar place.’