Mercury’s June‑July 2026 apparent retrograde phase begins

From 29 June to 23 July 2026 Mercury will appear to move backward in the sky, marking its second retrograde period of the year. Astronomers explain that the effect is an optical illusion caused by the relative speeds of Earth and Mercury, not an actual reversal of the planet’s orbit. The phenomenon repeats three to four times annually and lasts about three weeks.

Astrologers note that this retrograde will occur in the sign of Cancer. Álvaro Norambuena advises that “the communication will stop being rational and become purely emotional” and recommends avoiding impulsive contracts or new projects until the transit ends. He adds that the “pre‑shadow” phase began on 13 June, when early conversations and memories started to surface, and the “post‑shadow” integration phase will continue until 7 August.

Additional astrological aspects include a conjunction of Mercury with Jupiter in Cancer, an opposition to Pluto retrograde in Aquarius, and a full Moon in Capricorn that pits responsibility against emotional needs. Astrologer Marcelo Zurita explained, “in the case of inner planets, they overtake Earth in their orbit, so we observe an apparently retrograde motion when they are passing behind or in front of the Sun.” The overall guidance across the articles is to use the period for reviewing past emotions, family matters, and unfinished conversations, while postponing major decisions.