Your Official Mercury Retrograde Checklist

By the Lora Team — July 8, 2026 — 7 min read

Even if you don’t know anything about astrology, you’ve heard of Mercury Retrograde. You’ve heard it as an all-encompassing excuse for confusion, plans gone awry, and things going wrong. Maybe you’ve heard you’re not supposed to sign contracts or get on an airplane or undergo surgery. It’s scary - the idea that life has to be put on pause and you have to essentially walk on eggshells for 3 weeks. We have so much to worry about; why add another thing to the list?

I’m here to give you your realistic, practical, non-scary guide to Mercury Retrograde. Astrology is about patterns and awareness. Having a deeper understanding of the sky you’re living under can help bring clarity to times that feel foggy. And spoiler alert… you don’t need to be afraid.

When a planet is “retrograde,” it appears to be moving backward from our perspective on Earth. The sun and moon never retrograde. Every planet spends some time retrograde- Mercury 3 times a year, Venus and Mars less often, and outer planets Jupiter-Pluto spend a lot of time throughout the year retrograde.

Planetary retrogrades are not a bug in the system. They’re a feature of being alive.

Retrogrades are a time of RE- reflection, review, rest, recover, retreat, reset. In our fast-paced, overstimulated, action-packed lives, these retrograde periods of slowing down are essential. They help us hop off the hamster wheel for a moment so we can actually assess why we’re doing what we’re doing and if it’s really what we need.

Mercury is the planet of the mind. It represents our communication ability, intellect, and thought processing. It manages systems like transportation and technology. Mercury rules how we express ourselves and listen. Mercury Retrograde is a time of rethinking. We look at things from a different perspective, and of course that can get confusing. But sometimes confusion leads to asking the questions that we didn’t realize we needed answers to.

Every year, the three Mercury Retrogrades occur in the same element. In 2026, the Mercury Retrogrades all occur in Water signs - Pisces back in February-March, Cancer in June-July, then Scorpio in October-November. Water signs rule our emotions and intuition. So these Mercury Retrogrades feel like they’re slowing us down so that we can become more emotionally aware and strengthen our mental health.

If you’re feeling lost, let’s break it down with a checklist. Here are helpful tips for this Mercury Retrograde through Cancer, happening 6/29-7/23:

The last time Mercury Retrogrades happened in the Water signs was 2019 & 2020. This was obviously a heightened time– what was going on in your life then? What were you focused on? Reflecting on that time can help bring clarity to the present moment.
Spend time alone at home. Summer plans can feel like a lot of pressure, and you don’t have to participate. Cancer loves to be a homebody, and this moment is built for solitude and introspection.
Enjoy moments of nostalgia. Look through old photos and journals (the stuff from your past that you haven’t seen in years). Watch your favorite movie from childhood and make your favorite childhood snack. Cancer loves to look back and remember.
Make decisions from your gut. This isn’t about overthinking. It’s about tapping into your intuition and letting it guide you. You don’t need to be impulsive, but when deciding what to do, tap into how each choice makes you feel rather than what you think you’re supposed to do.

Curious what this Mercury Retrograde is about for your chart specifically? Here are more hyper-focused themes + to-dos by rising sign:

Aries Rising: Home, Family, Inner World/Emotions

Make your home a safe haven. How can your space feel more cozy?
Check in with family members, especially grandparents if they’re still around!
Make the therapy appointment you’ve been putting off

Taurus Rising: Communication, Learning, Self-Expression

Reach out to a friend you’ve been meaning to text back
Start a 5-minute journal. Write for 5 minutes a day (I recommend doing this when you want to pull out your phone and scroll- set a timer and journal instead)
Re-read a favorite book or re-listen to a podcast that changed your perspective

Gemini Rising: Possessions, Money, Values

Look at your bank account and credit card bills. Are there subscriptions you can cancel?
Closet clean out! Purge things you no longer need and donate them to someone who will actually use them.
Make an altar in your room with things that hold meaning (tchotchkes, crystals, photos, books)

Cancer Rising: Identity, The Body, Style

Journal about who you’ve become since 2020. What’s changed? What still feels true? Where have you gone off course?
Make a Pinterest board for style inspo for summer
Make plans with someone you haven’t seen in years. This often acts as a mirror for you to see yourself in a new light

Leo Rising: Spirituality, Introspection, Surrender

Devote time to meditation or sound bath - also, pray
Keep a dream journal or voice note them in the morning
You’re being asked to let something go during this time. Take note of what you’re stuck on and decide it’s no longer yours

Virgo Rising: Community, Friendships, Big Ideas

Attend a local community event that you’d normally say no to
Start up the stale group chat with a funny old photo of you guys
Vision board

Libra Rising: Career, Purpose, Publicity

You might be rethinking your career. Be especially aware of the thoughts that come up during this time and write them down
Rethink your social media/marketing/managing-up strategy. Is how you’re showing up publicly authentic to you?
Look at your website, LinkedIn, social media, portfolio, or resume. Does it reflect who you are today or what you are striving toward? Don’t change anything about it just yet; it’s more so a time to review & notice.

Scorpio Rising: Self Improvement, Higher Learning, Travel/Culture

You might have a second shot at a course or workshop you previously said no to. If it comes your way, it’s likely meant to be explored.
Have you ever acted like a tourist in your own city? Try it.
Revisit a belief or opinion you’ve held for years. Is it still yours, or have you outgrown it? Be open to changing your mind.

Sagittarius Rising: Mental Health, Shared Resources, Transformation

Review your current investments. No need to make any timely changes, but just take a look at where money is going and coming from.
If you’re feeling disconnected from your business partner, set a meeting to reset on priorities and ways of working.
This is an emotionally heightened time, so seek help from a professional if you feel like you need it. Even if you haven’t been to therapy in years, don’t let that stop you from reaching out.

Capricorn Rising: Relationships, Partnerships, Collaboration

If you’re in a relationship, set aside time to connect in an intimate setting: date night, slow morning just you two, a long walk in the middle of the workday. If you’re not (and you want to be), set a vibe and make your list of what you really want in a romantic partner
You might experience miscommunications with the people in your life. Take extra care to talk things out instead of resorting to passive aggression or making assumptions
You may realize the people in your life can help you more than you think. Be open to collaborative opportunities and asking people for help (Hard for a Capricorn rising)

Aquarius Rising: Routines, Work, Service

You’re going to suddenly remember all the ‘stuff’ you wanted to do. Make a list of the mundane: doctor appointments, errands, etc to clear your headspace
Double-check all the comms you send at work- re-read emails, slacks, and reports before you send them in
Do one small thing to help someone else out without expecting anything in return

Pisces Rising: Creativity, Hobbies, Romance

Revisit a hobby you loved as a kid. If you need supplies, buy them! Invest in your creative self
Come up with a weird date night idea that sounds crazy but fun (either for a romantic relationship or friends!)
Do something that brings you genuine joy (not scrolling) that is not productive at all