2026 Retrograde Calendar
Complete dates for all planetary retrogrades in 2026 with overlapping periods and intensity markers
2026 Retrograde Overview
Total Retrogrades
11 periods
Mercury Retrogrades
3 times
Dominant Element
Fire Signs
Complete 2026 Retrograde Schedule
Listed chronologically with dates, zodiac signs, and elements
Mercury Retrograde
Dates: March 15 - April 7
Sign: Aries
Element: Fire
Mercury Retrograde
Dates: July 18 - August 11
Sign: Leo
Element: Fire
Mercury Retrograde
Dates: November 6 - November 26
Sign: Sagittarius
Element: Fire
Venus Retrograde
Dates: March 2 - April 13
Sign: Aries
Element: Fire
Mars Retrograde
Dates: No Mars Retrograde in 2026
Jupiter Retrograde
Dates: October 9, 2025 - February 4, 2026 (continuing)
Sign: Cancer
Element: Water
Jupiter Retrograde
Dates: November 11, 2026 - March 10, 2027
Sign: Leo
Element: Fire
Saturn Retrograde
Dates: May 24 - October 13
Sign: Aries
Element: Fire
Uranus Retrograde
Dates: August 28, 2025 - January 23, 2026 (continuing)
Sign: Gemini
Element: Air
Uranus Retrograde
Dates: September 1, 2026 - January 27, 2027
Sign: Gemini
Element: Air
Neptune Retrograde
Dates: July 4 - December 10
Sign: Aries
Element: Fire
Pluto Retrograde
Dates: May 4 - October 14
Sign: Aquarius
Element: Air
Overlapping Retrograde Periods
When multiple planets are retrograde simultaneously, effects intensify
High Intensity Period: March 2-15, 2026
Overlapping: Venus + Uranus (continuing from 2025)
Relationship values undergo revolutionary changes. Technology and love combine in unpredictable ways. Expect sudden relationship insights and value shifts.
High Intensity Period: March 15 - April 7, 2026
Overlapping: Mercury + Venus
Double retrograde in Fire signs causes relationship miscommunications and impulsive value decisions. Avoid major relationship commitments and financial decisions.
High Intensity Period: July 4 - August 11, 2026
Overlapping: Mercury + Saturn + Neptune + Uranus
Four planets retrograde! Communication, responsibility, spirituality, and innovation all turn inward. Major review period for all life areas. Avoid starting anything new.
High Intensity Period: September 1 - October 13, 2026
Overlapping: Saturn + Uranus + Neptune + Pluto + Jupiter (starting Nov 11)
Five outer planets retrograde creates deep transformational period. Major life reassessment across all areas. This is a powerful spiritual and psychological review period.
High Intensity Period: November 6-26, 2026
Overlapping: Mercury + Jupiter + Uranus + Neptune
Final Mercury retrograde of 2026 overlaps with multiple outer planets. Holiday season communications extra challenging. Travel plans need flexibility. Philosophical and spiritual review deepens.
Best Times for New Beginnings in 2026
When no major planets are retrograde, it's safer to launch new projects and make big decisions
January 24 - March 1, 2026
Great time to start the year strong with new initiatives. Only slow-moving outer planet Uranus is retrograde (minimal daily life impact).
April 14 - May 3, 2026
Excellent window between Venus retrograde ending and Pluto retrograde beginning. Only Uranus retrograde in background.
October 14 - November 5, 2026
Best late-year period for launches and decisions. Multiple retrogrades have ended. Last chance before final Mercury retrograde of the year.
November 27 - December 9, 2026
Year-end window for completion and new starts. Mercury retrograde has ended. Good time for holiday planning and year-end initiatives.
2026 Month-by-Month Retrograde Summary
January 2026
Retrogrades: Uranus (continues from 2025), Jupiter (continues)
Intensity: Low
February 2026
Retrogrades: Jupiter (ends Feb 4), Uranus (ends Jan 23)
Intensity: Low
March 2026
Retrogrades: Venus (Mar 2-Apr 13), Mercury (Mar 15-Apr 7), Uranus (continuing)
Intensity: High
April 2026
Retrogrades: Venus (ends Apr 13), Mercury (ends Apr 7)
Intensity: Medium
May 2026
Retrogrades: Saturn (starts May 24), Pluto (starts May 4)
Intensity: Medium
June 2026
Retrogrades: Saturn, Pluto
Intensity: Low
July 2026
Retrogrades: Mercury (Jul 18-Aug 11), Saturn, Neptune (starts Jul 4), Pluto, Uranus (continuing)
Intensity: High
August 2026
Retrogrades: Mercury (ends Aug 11), Saturn, Neptune, Pluto, Uranus (continuing)
Intensity: High
September 2026
Retrogrades: Saturn, Uranus (starts Sep 1), Neptune, Pluto
Intensity: High
October 2026
Retrogrades: Saturn (ends Oct 13), Uranus, Neptune, Pluto (ends Oct 14)
Intensity: High
November 2026
Retrogrades: Mercury (Nov 6-26), Jupiter (starts Nov 11), Uranus, Neptune
Intensity: High
December 2026
Retrogrades: Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune (ends Dec 10)
Intensity: Medium
2026 Theme: Fire Sign Retrogrades
2026 features significant retrograde activity in Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), bringing themes of:
Aries (Cardinal Fire)
Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Neptune all retrograde in Aries. Review of leadership, initiative, independence, and self-assertion.
Leo (Fixed Fire)
Mercury and Jupiter retrograde in Leo. Reassessment of creative expression, pride, recognition needs, and authentic self-expression.
Sagittarius (Mutable Fire)
Mercury retrogrades in Sagittarius. Review of beliefs, travel plans, education, philosophy, and quest for meaning.
Overall Impact: 2026 calls for reassessment of passion, purpose, and authentic self-expression. Fire sign retrogrades ask: Are you living authentically? Are your actions aligned with your true self? Where have you compromised your fire?
Using This Calendar Effectively
✅ Mark high-intensity periods in your calendar and avoid major decisions during those windows
✅ Schedule important launches, contracts, and commitments during retrograde-free periods
✅ When multiple planets are retrograde, use the time for deep review and revision work
✅ Notice which signs the retrogrades occur in and how they affect your personal chart
✅ Build buffer time around retrograde periods for projects with fixed deadlines
✅ Use retrograde periods for their intended purpose: review, revise, reconnect, and reflect
2026 Retrograde Calendar FAQ
How many retrogrades are there in 2026?
There are 11 retrograde periods in 2026 across the major planets. Mercury retrogrades three times (March 15–April 7 in Aries, July 18–August 11 in Leo, and November 6–26 in Sagittarius), Venus once (March 2–April 13), Saturn once (May 24–October 13), Neptune once (July 4–December 10), Pluto once (May 4–October 14), Jupiter twice, and Uranus twice. There is no Mars retrograde in 2026.
When is Mercury retrograde in 2026?
Mercury is retrograde three times in 2026: March 15 to April 7 in Aries, July 18 to August 11 in Leo, and November 6 to November 26 in Sagittarius. All three occur in fire signs, making the year's communication reviews especially focused on identity, creativity, and beliefs.
Is there a Mars retrograde in 2026?
No. There is no Mars retrograde in 2026. Mars retrogrades roughly every two years, and 2026 falls in an off year, so your energy, drive, and motivation are not slowed by a Mars retrograde at any point during the year.
What is the most intense retrograde period of 2026?
The most intense stretches are July 4 to August 11, when Mercury, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus are all retrograde at once, and September 1 to October 13, when up to five outer planets (Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and eventually Jupiter) are retrograde together. These are powerful periods for review and reassessment rather than new beginnings.
When is the best time to start something new in 2026?
The clearest retrograde-light windows for launches, contracts, and big decisions in 2026 are January 24–March 1, April 14–May 3, October 14–November 5, and November 27–December 9. During these spans no major fast-moving planet is retrograde, making them safer for new initiatives.
Do retrograde dates affect every zodiac sign the same way?
No. While the calendar dates are the same for everyone, the impact depends on which sign each retrograde falls in and where that sign sits in your personal birth chart. In 2026 most retrogrades concentrate in fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), so people with strong fire placements tend to feel the year's review themes most directly.
Mercury Retrograde Survival Kit
Protection crystals, transit books & planners to navigate retrograde with confidence
Black Tourmaline & Obsidian Protection Set
$12 - $28
The classic Mercury retrograde duo. Black tourmaline absorbs chaotic energy; obsidian shields electronics and communication channels from disruption.
Check Price on AmazonPlanets in Transit — Robert Hand
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The definitive guide to planetary transits. Understand every Mercury retrograde pass in your own chart — what it triggers, when it lifts, and how to use it.
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Track Mercury retrograde dates, backup your plans, and journal through communication snags. Stay organized and grounded during cosmic chaos.
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Blue kyanite is the stone of clear communication and mental focus — exactly what Mercury retrograde disrupts. Keep one on your desk during retrograde periods.
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