The first Mercury retrograde of the year stretches until March 20, when Mercury stations direct just in time for the Spring Equinox
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/february-26-mercury-retrograde-horoscope-in-pisces-021bf8f629e54a2e9f48c97a2cb828bb.jpg "Mercury Retrograde in Pisces")
Grab your receipts, double-check your texts and trust nothing at face value!
The first Mercury retrograde of the year is in full swing (Feb. 26), stretching until March 20, when the messenger planet stations direct just in time for the Spring Equinox… and well, this isn’t going to be your average retrograde.
The fact that it's backspinning through an elusive Water sign like Pisces means that something much deeper is unfolding beneath the surface. Although for some, this retrograde will expose what’s been hidden in plain sight.
In traditional astrology, Mercury is considered to be in detriment in the sign of Pisces, which is another way of saying it’s not working at its fullest potential.
This is all because the messenger planet rules things like language, details, the logical mind and logistics surrounding our day-to-day lives. Pisces, on the other hand, has everything to do with intuition, fantasy, emotion and the unseen realms.
You wouldn’t open an Excel sheet to read poetry, right? That’s the vibe. Mercury wants the facts, while Pisces prefers to immerse itself in the emotional undercurrents of its surroundings; Mercury compartmentalizes, Pisces dissolves boundaries.
During this retrograde, don’t be surprised if you find yourself re-reading messages two or three times and still missing the point. Old conversations could resurface, plans might fall through and promises are especially vague.
On a brighter note, if you’ve been quietly romanticizing a situation that’s unconsciously draining you, this retrograde will make this crystal clear.
Believe it or not, this is where the perks of a retrograde transit come into play — when a planet retrogrades (in this case, Mercury), it slows down, allowing room for what you’d normally dismiss or disregard to come into full view.
But in Pisces, the “ideal scenario” or the “potential” surrounding a situation at hand quickly falls away, and the rose-colored glasses come off with it.
More importantly, among the rest of the zodiac, Pisces can be a symbol of deception, secrets and illusions, making this retrograde all the more revelatory.
In the meantime, read on for what Mercury retrograde in Pisces means for your zodiac sign.
Aries (March 20-April 19)
Meditate before making an impulsive decision, Aries. This retrograde pulls you inward, so expect everything from vivid dreams to emotional flashbacks, and sudden realizations about patterns you’ve been repeating. You could also feel more tired than usual or crave solitude. An old secret (even one you kept from yourself) could surface.
Taurus (April 19-May 20)
Plans with friends could shift at the last minute, Taurus. Friends, collaborators or online communities could bring surprises, whether that’s you reconnecting with someone from the past or realizing you’ve outgrown certain circles. (The same goes for overhearing gossip that changes how you see someone!)
Gemini (May 20-June 20)
Double-check your emails, Gemini. Career conversations, deadlines and leadership dynamics could get foggy. You may rethink a professional goal or realize your public image isn’t aligned with who you are at your core. A boss or client could also approach you with unfinished business. It’s time to redefine success, but on your own terms.
Cancer (June 21-July 21)
Zoom out, and consider the bigger picture, Cancer. Someone could challenge your perspective, but it doesn’t hurt to listen. Besides, this retrograde could be what inspires you to rewrite your personal manifesto. You may cancel a trip or even question a long-held belief. The same goes for publishing projects and legal matters./
Leo (July 22-Aug. 22)
Read the fine print, Leo. Shared finances, emotional entanglements and intimate affairs come up for review, and though you may feel vulnerable in the process, being transparent with those you can trust will help tremendously. Delayed payments and awkward money conversations are also likely. If someone’s been abusing their power in a connection, you will see through it right away.
Virgo (Aug. 22-Sept. 22)
Say what you’ve been keeping to yourself, secretly hoping it can be said eventually, Virgo. Relationships are under a microscope, both personal and professional, so if exes reappear or midunderstandings bubble up, it’s important to have the conversation once and for all. This is especially important for those who realize they’ve been carrying the weight of a connection.
Libra (Sept. 22-Oct. 22)
Tend to your routine and deliverables before things get out of hand, Libra. Work schedules are bound to get scrambled, or perhaps you realize your burnout is starting to creep in. What have you been neglecting to see firsthand? You may also revisit an old project or finally head to the doctor for an annual check-up.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
Trust your creative impulses, Scorpio. Romance, passion projects and your inner child are suddenly center stage. An old crush could resurface, or a creative idea could return unexpectedly. You’re remembering what brings you joy and realizing where you’ve unconsciously been settling. Be intentional about your pleasure.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)
Check in with your family and loved ones, Sagittarius. Dynamics in your personal life, whether in your living space or your emotions, feel especially tender at this time. Your emotional security is top of mind as you suddenly unpack childhood memories or perhaps rearrange your space.
Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)
Slow down so you can think straight and speak clearly, Capricorn. You’re suddenly realizing something about the way you communicate, or have been communicating. Missed calls and confusing conversations are no exception, but short trips and exchanges with those in your immediate environment could also come into play. Ask questions — the more transparent the better.
Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18)
Watch your spending, Aquarius. On top of your usual expenses, this retrograde is asking you to recognize your value and stop underestimating yourself. Naturally, money themes are at the forefront, but your self-worth and pricing is no exception. A delayed payment or impulse buy could also teach you something important.
Pisces (Feb. 18-March 20)
Time to start over, but with a different approach, Pisces. This one’s got your name on it, so whether it’s your identity, appearance and personal trajectory, you’re getting a cosmic overhaul. You may change your mind about something significant, or even realize you’re extra sensitive around certain people. Trust your intuition, but stay grounded.