Mercury retrograde pre-shadow begins today — here’s everything you need to know

While Mercury, the wily planet of communication, doesn’t officially station retrograde until November 9, we’re locked and loaded to experience a lovely little preview of its hijinks courtesy of the retrograde pre-shadow, or retroshade — which begins October 21.

Mercury retroshade refers to the two weeks immediately preceding the transit and the two weeks following it.

Known as the pre- and post-retrograde shadow, these bookends bring the same emotionally congested and off-kilter energy as the retrograde transit, but offer lessons in preparation (pre-retrograde) and integration (post-retrograde).

When does Mercury go retrograde?

Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow on October 21, 2025, at 7:11 am EST at 20°42 Scorpio.

Mercury officially stations retrograde on November 9 at 2:01 pm EST at 6°51 Sagittarius.

Our planet of the mind and the mouth stations direct on November 29, but won’t clear its post-retrograde shadow until December 16.

What is Mercury retroshade?

Mercury begins its pre-shadow phase when the planet crosses the zodiac degree in which it will eventually station direct.

As the planet readies itself for retrograde, the pre-shadow can amplify anxiety and make unresolved issues, looming exes and general emotional chaffing more present and pressing. Cue the overthinking, the messy expressions and the questionable logic.

From the day it turns retrograde until the day it turns direct, Mercury is in its official retrograde period, generally lasting about three weeks. During this period, everything that was slowing down and causing confusion in the pre-shadow calls is called out and addressed.

Many an astrophile considers Mercury retrograde a three-part series: setting the stage (pre-shadow), a chaotic climax (retrograde), followed by a little tidy-up after the main event (post-shadow)

How often is Mercury in retrograde?

The fastest-moving planet in our solar system, Mercury, goes retrograde three to four times a year. When you factor in the shadow periods of the retrograde, we spend up to six months a year at the mercy of Mercury’s slowdown.

When does Mercury go retrograde in 2025?

This latest backspin through Scorpio and Sagittarius is the final Mercury retrograde of 2025.

When is Mercury retrograde next?

The next Mercury retrograde and the first of 2026 falls in the sign of Pisces and begins on February 26 and extends through March 20, 2026. All of next year’s Mercury retrogrades will go down, and back, in water signs.

Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.