The celestial calendar for 2026 is officially shifting into high gear, and if the early whispers of the cosmos are any indication, we are entering a period defined by profound psychological recalibration. As we approach late February, the universe is issuing a collective memo: back up your hard drives, confirm those flight details, and perhaps invest in a high-quality meditation app. Mercury, the planetary trickster governing communication and technology, is preparing for its first retrograde of the year, and this particular transit promises to be anything but ordinary.
Renowned astrologer and founder of the Constellation Club, Aliza Kelly, has sounded the alarm for what she describes as a particularly "weird" stretch of time. In a recent forecast shared with her community, Kelly highlighted that the current energetic climate is being shaped by a potent combination of events. We are currently navigating the intense waters of eclipse season, hurtling toward a pivotal lunar eclipse in Virgo scheduled for early March. Because Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the planet’s upcoming retrograde—beginning February 26 and lasting 22 days—carries significantly more weight than usual. To add another layer of complexity, this retrograde is unfolding in the ethereal, boundary-dissolving sign of Pisces.
In the world of astrology, Mercury is the cosmic administrator. It oversees how we process information, how we speak to one another, and how we move from point A to point B. When Mercury stations retrograde, these areas of life often experience a "rewind" effect, characterized by technical glitches, travel delays, and misunderstood texts. However, when this transit occurs in Pisces, a water sign known for its dreaminess, intuition, and lack of rigid structure, the usual "loop" becomes a full-blown "hall of mirrors." Pisces energy tends to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, meaning that for the three-week period starting February 26, clarity will be a rare commodity.
Yet, Kelly is quick to point out that this isn’t merely a season of frustration. There is a deeper, more karmic narrative at play. "Interestingly, Mercury is also the ruler of the lunar eclipse," Kelly noted, emphasizing that the planet of communication is effectively "in charge" of the fated events triggered by the moon. Eclipses are traditionally viewed as catalysts for destiny, often bringing about sudden endings or necessary beginnings that align us with our true path. By ruling the eclipse while in retrograde, Mercury is inviting us to look backward before we can leap forward.
For those with "mutable" energy heavily represented in their birth charts—specifically Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces—the impact will be felt most acutely. Kelly warned that while the week may feel destabilizing, it also offers a unique portal for growth. "Maybe through the weirdness, there’s also an opportunity to see a situation differently than you have ever encountered it before," she suggested. This transit is less about external movement and more about internal "downloads" or revelations that can help individuals navigate long-standing challenges with a refreshed perspective.
While the general advice during any Mercury retrograde is to avoid signing major contracts or making life-altering decisions, the 2026 Pisces transit requires an even more delicate touch. Kelly’s sign-by-sign breakdown offers a roadmap for navigating these turbulent cosmic waters.
For Aries, the focus shifts inward. Kelly told E! News that this retrograde "activates your interior world," potentially dredging up old memories or emotional business that was never quite settled. While the impulsive nature of the Ram might want to "fix" these feelings immediately, Kelly advises a different approach: hibernation. This is a time for therapy, journaling, and quiet reflection rather than outward action.
Taurus finds the retrograde affecting their social sphere. Beginning February 26, friendships and group dynamics will require a "recalibration." Miscommunications within professional networks or friend groups are likely, particularly regarding shared expectations. Kelly’s advice for the Bull is to revisit plans but hold off on making final calls about any relationship until the dust settles in late March.
Gemini, being ruled by Mercury, will feel the "rewind" more than most. For these individuals, career matters may hit a temporary standstill or require a significant pivot. However, Kelly stresses that these slowdowns are not signs of failure. Instead, they are opportunities to strengthen professional foundations and refine long-term goals.
Cancers may find their very worldview under construction. The Horoscope Weekly host noted that travel plans and educational pursuits may need adjustments, but the deeper work is happening on a philosophical level. "If something challenges your worldview, don’t react defensively," Kelly advised. This is a period for reconsidering perspectives rather than declaring absolutes.
For Leo, the transit hits the sensitive areas of shared finances, debts, and emotional entanglements. Transparency is the keyword here. If a contract or a conversation feels "off," it probably is. Kelly recommends pausing before escalating any conflicts, as power dynamics are currently in flux and things may not be as they seem.
Virgo stands at the center of the storm. As the sign ruled by Mercury and the host of the upcoming lunar eclipse, Virgos will see this retrograde land directly in their relationship sector. Old conversations with partners—both romantic and professional—are likely to resurface. Kelly urges Virgos to listen carefully and avoid assuming the intent of others, as revisions to agreements are almost certain.
Libras will likely feel the friction in their daily routines. Scheduling disruptions and "annoying" glitches in workflows are to be expected. However, Kelly views this as a chance to "audit" health habits and daily systems. Her mantra for Libra during this time: "Streamline before you expand."
Scorpios should prepare for some romantic and creative cloudiness. Intuition, usually a Scorpio’s strongest suit, may be slightly dampened, leading to misinterpreted texts or body language. Kelly advises against reading into subtext without concrete evidence and suggests using this period to revise creative projects rather than launching new ones.
Sagittarius will find the retrograde hitting close to home—literally. Matters regarding living situations, family boundaries, and emotional foundations will rise to the surface. Kelly noted that the Archer is essentially "rewriting a foundational story," a process that requires immense patience and self-gentleness.
Capricorn, the sign of structure, must be extra vigilant with communication. Emails, negotiations, and texts are high-risk zones for misunderstandings. Kelly’s advice is simple: "Re-read, then re-read again" before hitting send. If a misunderstanding does occur, the best course of action is direct correction rather than letting it linger.
Aquarius needs to keep a close eye on the bottom line. Financial situations, from invoices to subscriptions, may get "screwy." Kelly warns against major purchases during these three weeks, noting that what feels like an urgent "must-have" now will likely look very different by the time April arrives.
Finally, Pisces will experience the most personal transformation, as the retrograde occurs in their own sign. This is a major moment for self-identity and confidence. While the shift may feel destabilizing, it is ultimately a positive evolution. Kelly encourages Pisceans to give themselves the space to reconsider who they are becoming. "Big pivots deserve time," she reminded, suggesting that massive declarations to the world should wait until the cosmic fog has lifted.
As we move through this 22-day stretch, the collective goal is not to fight the current, but to float. By leaning into the "weirdness" and allowing the retrograde to reveal what has been hidden, we can emerge in late March with a clearer sense of destiny and a more authentic path forward.
