The retrograde planets of 2026 Effects and meanings to be ready for astrological changes

A new year has just begun, full of planetary changes and also retrograde movements of the planets, impossible to ignore and often challenging to manage. For this reason, we have compiled a small guide to the retrograde planets of 2026. The keyword is reflection, but don’t worry, we also have some good news: there is one planet that will remain direct all year. But let’s take it one step at a time.

All the planets in the solar system (except the luminaries Sun and Moon) undergo retrograde motion. Retrograde motion is an optical illusion in which a planet appears to move backward instead of forward and occurs periodically for each planet depending on its speed. When a planet is in retrograde, there is a slowdown, and the characteristics and influence of the planets on the signs change, becoming introspective and often causing some unexpected events.

 

Mercury is the planet closest to Earth and is the one that undergoes the most retrograde motions each year, changing its transit 3 or 4 times for about three weeks each time. During Mercury retrograde, communication slows down, causing misunderstandings, reevaluation of thoughts, malfunctions, delays, electronic interruptions, and more.

 

The 2026 dates will affect only the Water signs:

February 26 - March 20: Mercury retrograde in Pisces

June 29 - July 23: in Cancer

October 24 - November 13: in Scorpio.

During the retrograde motion of Venus, relationships slow down, leading to discussions and difficulties finding compromises. This retrograde affects not only the love we feel for others but also the love for ourselves: self-esteem may drop, we question ourselves, and we may feel less at ease with our own identity, noticing flaws. The 2026 period will begin on October 3 in Scorpio and end on November 14 in Libra.

Abundance and well-being slow down. Optimism drops, it’s easy to feel drained or like everything is working against you. There is a tendency to analyze your beliefs more deeply and reflect on life’s philosophical themes and your goals for personal growth. 2026 starts with Jupiter already in retrograde motion in Cancer. This phase will end on March 11. The second period will begin on December 13 in Leo and continue into the following year.

 

Focus turns to the past, both the good and bad experiences. Many challenges may resurface, and it is important to learn from past lessons. During Saturn retrograde, it is recommended to review responsibilities. Saturn retrograde can increase wisdom, seriousness, and a sense of duty. In 2026, this period will last from July 26 to December 10, taking place in Aries.

New discoveries and ideas, sudden events around the corner… change and independence come to the forefront when Uranus is retrograde. We may reevaluate our ideals and beliefs, learning perhaps that we need a new perspective. In any case, eccentricity will dominate. 2026 starts with Uranus already retrograde from the previous year, continuing until February 4 in Taurus. The second retrograde period will be from September 10 in Gemini, lasting into the following year.

What is real and what is fantasy? Illusions intensify, clarity fades, and our minds become clouded, making understanding more difficult. Misunderstandings and deception make the Neptune retrograde period chaotic, sometimes causing us to lose hope for success. In 2026, this period will begin on July 7 and end on December 12 in Aries.

 

Our deepest parts emerge along with our inner shadows. Pandora’s box is opened: shadows are brought to light for processing, cleaning our lives, and reflecting on ourselves, both our strengths and weaknesses. In 2026, this retrograde will last from May 6 to October 16 in Aquarius.