Mercury retrograde
See whether the planet is retrograde now and the dates for the year.
How to useIs Mercury in retrograde today?
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Mercury retrograde: what it is for
The tool tells you right away whether Mercury is in retrograde today and shows when the period ends or when the next one starts. A timeline marks every retrograde period of the chosen year, with start and end dates, length and sign.
You can also see the retrograde periods of Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, from 1800 to 2050. The dates are calculated from the planet's real position as seen from Earth.
How to use
- See whether the planet is retrograde today.
- Change the year to see other dates.
- Choose another planet if you like.
When to use it
- Checking whether it is a good time to sign contracts, according to astrology.
- Planning the year around the Mercury retrograde dates.
- Checking whether someone was born with a retrograde planet.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mercury retrograde?
A few times a year, seen from Earth, Mercury appears to move backwards in the sky. It is an effect of perspective, caused by the difference in orbital speeds: the planet does not actually change direction.
What does astrology say about this period?
Mercury is linked to communication, contracts, travel and technology. Tradition recommends reviewing, rereading and confirming before signing or sending anything, and seeing the period as good for picking up unfinished matters.
How many times a year does it happen?
Mercury is retrograde three or four times a year, for about three weeks. Venus goes retrograde every 18 months, Mars every two years, and Jupiter and Saturn once a year, for a few months.
How are the dates calculated?
The tool calculates the planet's position as seen from Earth for each day and marks the days when its longitude decreases. Dates may vary by one day depending on the time zone.
Is it really free?
Yes, 100% free. No sign-up, no subscription and no usage limits. All Tools123 are free.