Mercury in retrograde in July: what you can do during this period, and what is strictly forbidden
Key dates for Mercury retrograde in 2026
To better understand the cyclical nature of this phenomenon, it is important to look at the planet’s overall chart for this year. The period in July marks the ‘midpoint’ of the retrograde phase:
First period: 25–26 February – 20 March (in the sign of Pisces).
Second period (current): 29 June – 23 July (in the sign of Cancer).
Third period: 24 October – 13 November (in the sign of Scorpio).
It is in July 2026 that Mercury will be in its most active retrograde phase, forcing us to slow down and enter ‘standby mode’.
What is Mercury Retrograde?
Mercury retrograde is a specific astronomical phenomenon that creates the illusion of the planet moving in the opposite direction due to the peculiarities of Mercury’s and Earth’s orbits as they revolve around the Sun.
As this phase gains momentum (and this will continue for most of July, right up until the 23rd), processes related to communication, technology, paperwork and travel begin to slow down.
Please note: The July retrograde temporarily ‘puts active endeavours on hold’. This is not the best time for successful sales and purchase agreements, launching new large-scale projects or signing crucial contracts.
Instead, this period is conducive to analysing past mistakes, restoring order to your affairs and completing what was started earlier.
What to do during Mercury retrograde
First and foremost, this is a good time to finish everything that’s left undone. If you’ve been putting off a particular task for a long time, now is the time to return to it and finally bring it to a close.
It is also recommended that you:
- check documents, correspondence and important messages several times;
- back up your photos, files and important data;
- finish old projects rather than starting new ones;
- analyse past mistakes and review your decisions;
- reconnect with useful old contacts;
- devote more time to rest and emotional recovery.
It is often during Mercury retrograde that people unexpectedly return to old hobbies, unfinished courses or matters that have long been ‘on hold’.
What is strongly advised against
Astrologers warn that this period is not the best time for major new ventures or hasty decisions.
It is better to postpone:
- signing important agreements and contracts;
- buying new gadgets, smartphones, computers or cars;
- impulsive large purchases;
- launching a new business or large-scale projects;
- sorting out relationships on the spur of the moment;
- making radical decisions regarding work, moving house or your personal life.
It is also worth being more careful when travelling: there may be flight delays, booking mix-ups or technical faults.
Astrologers emphasise that Mercury retrograde is not a period of disaster, but a time to slow down, review your actions and pay attention to matters that have long remained unresolved.
IMPORTANT! Astrology, tarot, numerology, fortune-telling, prophecy, folk magic and psychic abilities are not sciences, and predictions do not always come true 100 per cent of the time. The information is often of an entertaining nature, so it should not be taken too seriously, but merely as a possibility of events that anyone can bring about if they have the strength of spirit and inspiration to change their life for the better.
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