Mercury Retrograde 2026: Budh Vakri Dates and Times
Mercury is retrograde 3 times in 2026: 26 February 2026 to 21 March 2026 in Aquarius (Kumbha), 29 June 2026 to 24 July 2026 in Cancer (Karka) → Gemini (Mithuna), and 24 October 2026 to 13 November 2026 in Libra (Tula). Budh, Mercury, is the karaka of intellect, speech, writing, trade and communication. It is never more than about 28° from the Sun, so it is often combust (Asta), and it turns retrograde about three times a year.
Mercury retrograde dates 2026
Times for Ujjain| Starts | Ends | Duration | Sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 February 202612:17 PMAquarius (Kumbha) · 23 days | 21 March 20261:02 AM | 23 days | Aquarius (Kumbha) |
| 29 June 202611:04 PMCancer (Karka) → Gemini (Mithuna) · 24 days | 24 July 20264:28 AM | 24 days | Cancer (Karka) → Gemini (Mithuna) |
| 24 October 202612:42 PMLibra (Tula) · 20 days | 13 November 20269:24 PM | 20 daysNow | Libra (Tula) |
Mercury is retrograde now.
What Mercury (Budh) Vakri means
A planet is Vakri (retrograde) when, seen from the Earth, it appears to move backwards against the stars. It is an effect of the Earth overtaking the planet, or the planet overtaking the Earth, and in Vedic astrology a retrograde planet is said to be strong (chesta bala), giving the results of the house it moves back over again.
Mercury is retrograde about three times a year, for about three weeks each time. The days around a station, when the planet turns retrograde or direct and seems to stand still, are considered the most intense.
Mercury retrograde 2026: questions
When is Mercury retrograde in 2026?
Mercury is retrograde 3 times in 2026: 26 February 2026 to 21 March 2026 in Aquarius (Kumbha), 29 June 2026 to 24 July 2026 in Cancer (Karka) → Gemini (Mithuna), and 24 October 2026 to 13 November 2026 in Libra (Tula).
How long is Mercury retrograde?
Mercury is retrograde about three times a year, for about three weeks each time.
Are the retrograde dates the same in Vedic and Western astrology?
Yes, the start and end of a retrograde are the same moment in both systems. Only the sign can differ: Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, about 24° behind the Western one, so a retrograde that a Western horoscope places in one sign is often in the previous sign here.