You’re working your way through a sizzling Venus retrograde, but you aren’t quite out of the cosmic woods just yet. In fact, you’re headed toward an end-of-year kaleidoscope of astrological turbulence with the final Mercury retrograde of the year on Oct. 24 in the ever-so-elusive sign of Scorpio. For many, this overlapping retrograde drama prompts a major test of your personal relationships and patience – and for that, you’ll want to be prepared for what’s to come.
A little astrology refresher: retrogrades describe the illusion that happens when a planet appears to move backward through the sky when seen from Earth. Energetically, retrogrades carry that same backward energy: disrupting your daily flow, evoking nostalgia – and, yes, bringing back exes. Mercury retrograde is happening in Scorpio, a sign associated with control. Its retrograde vibes? Power struggles, stifled emotions, and a tug-of-war between desire and motivation.
With Venus retrograde switching from Scorpio to Libra on Oct. 25, you can expect even more dramatic relationship faux pas, miscommunication, and general dating fatigue. Whatever conflicts from the past you thought you buried are on full display during this overlapping stretch, which lasts until both planets station direct on Nov. 13. Read on for your sun sign (and your rising sign, too) for what to do – and what to avoid – during Mercury retrograde in Scorpio 2026.
Do: Let things go
Don’t: Go ghost
Aries, there’s a lot that Mercury retrograde will teach you about taking the high road. Confrontation can feel extra heavy, especially when you’re not used to holding your tongue, but this period is helping you pick your battles and let the universe take care of the rest. It’s not about burning bridges or ghosting to “protect your peace,” but discerning where to give your energy.
Do: Strengthen your boundaries
Don’t: Experiment with your aesthetic
Love’s been on your mind, Taurus, and during Mercury retrograde, you’re noticing patterns. You may get that text from an ex that throws you totally off course, or be kept up by the nostalgia of a past relationship. Either way, you get to decide how much the past can hold onto you. And with Venus also retrograde, you may want to hold off on getting a dramatic new haircut or rebranding your style.
Do: Review your daily commitments
Don’t: Obsess over minor inconveniences
Gemini, you’re typically quick on your feet, but it might be beneficial to take things slow during Mercury retrograde. This period is making it really easy for things to fall through the cracks, so be sure to double-check appointments and important meetings and keep your foundation strong. Not everything will go according to plan, but your go-with-the-flow attitude will come in handy when things get a little chaotic.
Do: Connect with pleasure
Don’t: Start new creative projects
Mercury retrograde is a whirlwind, and Cancer, you’re absorbing all the chaotic energy. Fellow water sign Scorpio is emotionally charged, and it’s asking you to protect time for simple joy. It’s OK to take a day off from putting out fires for proper TLC. Taking your time with new projects is encouraged right now, but it’s a great time for rediscovering a beloved hobby, finally finishing that book, or putting final touches on a painting.
Do: Tackle light housekeeping
Don’t: Overindulge in the past
Leo, Mercury retrograde is shaking up your foundation, literally and figuratively. Family drama, gossip, or secrets may be revealed, or you may be struck by the sharp pang of nostalgia. Either way, it’s best not to get swept up by what you can’t change. Major home renovations and legal agreements call for extra care during Mercury retrograde, but cleaning out your closet is encouraged!
Do: Check your tone
Don’t: Sugarcoat your true feelings
You get straight to the point, Virgo, and you have no qualms about sharing how you really feel. But Mercury retrograde is proving that how you say something matters just as much as what you say. Scorpio’s emotional energy is teaching you to be considerate of others’ feelings, but to stand firm on business. Finding a balance can be tricky, but your discernment will come in handy.
Do: Check in on your confidence
Don’t: Spend frivolously
Feeling a little insecure lately, Libra? Mercury retrograde may feel like your inner critic has a megaphone. For that reason, take a confidence boost wherever you can, whether it’s getting ready for yourself or putting extra money in your savings for added security. That said, that chic and pricey new product you have in your cart right now? Yeah, you’ll want to hold off on that for now.
Do: Reflect gently
Don’t: Rush a major life change
The urge for a rebrand is palpable, Scorpio, and your birthday season would normally be the time for reinvention. But with Mercury retrograde overlapping your birthday season, it’s teaching you to spend a little extra time with your past self before you make major adjustments. Reflection through journaling, revisiting a memory box, or writing your past self a love letter can remind you to appreciate the journey to where you want to be.
Do: Explore old patterns
Don’t: Ruminate
The fog is particularly heavy for you during Mercury retrograde, Sagittarius. Old wounds will start to resurface and trigger you, and the need to prove yourself becomes undeniable. For that reason, you’ll want to investigate via shadow work right now. It might be an intense ride, sure, but this transformative retrograde is helping you heal something you might not understand yet.
Do: Reconnect with old friends
Don’t: Overshare on socials
Capricorn, Mercury retrograde is kicking your social world into high gear. Be prepared for platonic blasts from the past: think reunions with old childhood friends or new perspective on a friendship breakup. With all the drama unfolding in your circle, it makes sense to take the private route and avoid airing out your feelings on your Close Friends story.
Do: Update your portfolio
Don’t: Take work drama personally
Aquarius, Mercury retrograde is stirring up a little chaos in your professional life. Scorpio’s energy may cause you to feel like you’re under a microscope or take constructive criticism at work to heart. Remember that others aren’t as invested in your missteps or success as you think they are, and give yourself grace when you slip up. Review your resume, update your skills, and focus on the details of a current work project.
Do: Practice discernment
Don’t: Believe everything you see
Mercury retrograde brings a lot of knowledge for you, Pisces. New information and hidden motives may be revealed, forcing you to take on a new position on a situation. If you want real clarity, you must be committed to asking the right questions, doing your research, and reading between the lines. Mercury retrograde is notorious for misinformation, so don’t take every rumor, headline, or vague text at face value until you’ve seen the full picture.
Mercury retrograde in Scorpio has a way of dragging whatever’s been hiding beneath the surface into the light, and with Venus retrograde along for the ride, nobody’s love life gets a pass. Slow down, double-check the details, and save the big moves for after Nov. 13, when both planets finally station direct.