Mercury will be in retrograde in Cancer until 24 July 2026. On 24 July, it will become stationary before resuming its direct motion, but this does not mean that everything will be resolved immediately.
Every planet in retrograde goes through a period we call the «shadow». During this time, the events that arose during the retrograde phase continue to unfold, and many decisions remain unresolved. For this reason, the whole of July functions more as a period of review than as a period of new beginnings.
The year 2026 presents a particular astrological peculiarity. All of Mercury’s retrograde periods take place in water signs. This means that logic often takes a back seat to emotion, intuition, memories and personal needs. Decisions are not made solely on the basis of facts, but also on the basis of how we feel. Click here if you want to to find out how it will affect you personally?;
Why general predictions are not enough
Many people look for information on how Mercury retrograde will affect them by reading horoscopes for their star sign. However, two people of the same star sign may experience completely different events.
The reason is simple.
Mercury in retrograde doesn’t just affect your star sign. It affects specific areas of your personal birth chart.
To understand what you really need to look out for, you should consider:
- Which house does Cancer occupy in your birth chart?.
- Which houses is Mercury ruling?.
- In which zodiac sign and house is your natal Mercury?.
- If Mercury in retrograde forms aspects with personal planets.
- If it affects your Ascendant or Midheaven.
What does Mercury rule in your birth chart?;
Mercury rules the zodiac signs of Gemini and Virgo.
Consequently, the points on your chart that begin in these zodiac signs take on particular significance. In other words, wherever you have a house cusp (line) in the sign of Virgo or Gemini, those houses will be affected.
If, for example, Gemini is on the cusp of a house associated with finances, then Mercury in retrograde may cause delays in payments, a review of financial agreements or refunds.
If Virgo is linked to your career, then you may need to reconsider career decisions, partnerships or goals.
That is why the same planetary transit manifests itself differently for each person.  You can read the next chapter to find out more about the house of government.
Where is Cancer located on your chart?;
Cancer indicates the area of life in which the events of Mercury’s retrograde will unfold.
For some people, it will be about work.
For others, it’s the finances.
For others, it might be a relationship, family, a home or an important personal project.
Mercury in retrograde rarely brings about anything new.
It usually highlights situations that need to be corrected, reviewed or finalised.
Where will Mercury in retrograde be in your chart?;
The house in which Mercury is retrograde indicates the area of your life that needs to be re-examined, reviewed and given more attention during this period.
1st house
You are re-evaluating your self-image, your personal choices and the way you present yourself to others. You are likely to change your mind about goals or decisions that directly affect your life.
2nd house
Issues relating to finances, self-esteem and personal values are coming to the fore. You may need to take a fresh look at your expenses, sources of income or the way you manage your money.
3rd house
Communication, travel, agreements and relationships with siblings or close relatives require more attention. Old discussions may resurface.
4th house
Home, family and issues from the past come to the fore. You are likely to be dealing with family matters or reconsidering decisions relating to your home.
5th house
Love, creativity, hobbies and children are all being re-evaluated. Old acquaintances or relationships may resurface.
6th house
Your daily routine, your work and the way you organise your life need to be rethought. Now is a good time to change habits that no longer work.
7th house
Relationships and partnerships are put to the test through discussions, clarifications and redefinitions. Old contacts or unresolved issues with important people may resurface.
8th house
Shared financial matters, loans, debts and deeper psychological issues require attention. This is a time for self-reflection and the uncovering of hidden information.
9th house
Travel, studies, legal matters and future plans are all being re-evaluated. You may change your mind about a course of action that, until recently, you took for granted.
10th house
Career plans, public image and career goals need to be reviewed. Past career opportunities may come back into the spotlight.
11th house
Friends, groups and long-term goals are currently being assessed. You’ll find out which people still fit in with your future plans.
12th house
The most introverted of all Mercury retrogrades. It brings introspection, a need for rest and a reconnection with your inner world. Hidden information or answers you’ve been searching for may come to light.
Aspects involving planets, the Ascendant and the Midheaven
When retrograde Mercury forms an aspect three times (first whilst direct, then whilst retrograde, and finally direct again), the theme of the aspect unfolds in three stages: initiation, review and final resolution or decision.
☉ Mercury – Sun
Important realisations and shifts in mindset. Something you took for granted may be seen from a completely different perspective.
☽ Mercury – Moon
Emotion and reason are trying to find common ground. Past discussions and situations resurface to bring things full circle.
☿ Mercury – Mercury
Reviewing plans, agreements and decisions. This is the classic time when you change your mind or discover information that was previously missing.
♀ Mercury – Venus
A re-evaluation of relationships, finances and personal values. Old acquaintances or conversations may come back into the spotlight.
♂ Mercury – Mars
Decisions are made in haste and often need to be corrected later. Watch out for arguments, misunderstandings and impulsive reactions.
♃ Mercury – Jupiter
You’re re-evaluating your plans, studies or career prospects. A great opportunity may need a second look before you can move forward.
♄ Mercury – Saturn
Delays, obligations and the need for careful planning. Anything that stands up to scrutiny is built on solid foundations.
♅ Mercury – Uranus
Unexpected information and sudden revelations change the situation. Something you weren’t aware of until now could throw your plans into disarray.
♆ Mercury – Neptune
Confusion, misunderstandings or unrealistic expectations need to be cleared up. Your intuition is heightened, provided you don’t ignore the facts.
♇ Mercury – Pluto
Information that was previously hidden is now coming to light. Discussions and decisions are taking on greater depth and a transformative character.
⚷ Mercury – Chiron
Old wounds are reopened so that they can be healed through new realisations. Words, conversations or revelations can have a healing effect.
ASC Hermes – Ascendant
You are changing the way you present yourself to others or the way you communicate. You are likely to reconsider your personal goals and choices.
MC Hermes – Midheaven
A reassessment of professional goals, career and public image. Past professional opportunities or unresolved matters may resurface.
What to do during Mercury retrograde
July isn’t the time to rush into things.
It invites you to reconsider.
- Tie up loose ends.
- Review contracts and agreements.
- Be aware of misinterpretations in communication.
- Take your time when making decisions.
- Don’t ignore the things that resurface from the past.
Retrograde Mercury often doesn’t cause any obstacles. It brings information that you didn’t yet have at your disposal.
Which stones can help?;
Although no stone can replace common sense and personal effort, quite a few people choose to use crystals as a reminder of their intentions.
Hematite
It is symbolically associated with grounding, stability and focus. It can serve as a reminder to stay calm before making decisions.
Quartz
It is considered one of the best-known stones for promoting clarity and a positive mindset. Many people use it when they need to redefine their goals.
Statue stone
It is symbolically associated with calmness, inner balance and observing events without overreacting.
The general forecasts reflect the mood of the period.
Your personal chart, however, shows exactly where these influences manifest themselves and how you can make the most of them.
Because Mercury in retrograde doesn’t affect us all in the same way.
The coming weeks will bring a number of revisions, delays and decisions that require more attention than usual.
If you’d like to find out how the energies of July affect your personal birth chart, I’ve created the Astrina July package.
In your personal forecast, we will look at:
✔ What you need to bear in mind in July
✔ Which opportunities are worth taking advantage of?
✔ Which areas of your life are most active?
✔ Where more patience and strategy are needed
✔ How do significant planetary movements affect your birth chart?
🎁 A lovely choice, whether for yourself or for someone you love.
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👉 Click here to get Astrina July.
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