Weekly Horoscope: February 23, 2026 to March 1, 2026—Winter Mercury Retrograde Arrives

While the beginning of the year—particularly January—had many sweet and soft cosmic alignments, February certainly hasn’t had that same energy. In fact, you may have felt that February has been like you’re on a boat without a paddle and the storm is coming in and the waves are rocking and rolling. The good news, though, is that I do believe that much of the coming months have some great astrological aspects to harness—especially until we get to the Autumn. Just know that the universe may be testing you at this time and it is your job to pay heed to the lessons and roll with the punches.

The Energy Profile Of This Week

Mercury retrograde tends to arrive three to four times a year, usually in similar elemental zodiac signs. This year, there’s a great emphasis on mercury retrograde in water signs, adding importance to the way that we balance our emotions with our logic and communicate our thoughts and desires while being centered. With mercury retrograde in Pisces occurring from February 26 until March 20, we can expect hidden matters, situations behind the scenes, and frustrations around mental health to emerge. Yet, I always point out: the universe is trying to teach us something from all of these transits, so it doesn’t necessarily have to feel like the end of the world. This retrograde may aid in closure, helping to heal cycles—especially karmic ones from the past and past-lives—if we are to dedicate ourselves to turning within and doing the work. Even though this mercury retrograde will overshadow March—bringing a slower pace and situations from before back to our awareness—I actually love the vast majority of astrological aspects that month, so that will be the balm to soothe our woes.

As for cosmic weather for the week, we will first and foremost notice the “slowing down” of everything as we get closer to February 26, and may experience a sudden shift in direction or whiplash effect as our cosmic messenger begins to walk backwards in the heavens above. Beware that we have a very sharp aspect between Mars and Uranus on the 27, which could be particularly aggressive and explosive. Mars aspects can be felt for about a week before and after, as if we are watching a rocket taking off into the night. Do your best to practice balance, patience, and moderation, and certainly do not put yourself in the line of fire. Despite this, February 27 does bring a delightful conjunction between Mercury and Venus—which would be a wonderful time to reconnect with someone or a situation from the past, especially one where you’re expressing how you feel.

Key Astrological Aspects and Transits This Week

• February 26 — Mercury Retrograde in Pisces (22 degrees)
• February 27 — Mars square Uranus 
• February 27 — Mercury conjunct Venus

ARIES (MARCH 21 – APRIL 19)

Mercury retrograde is rearing its head once again, Aries, and this one could frazzle your nerves a bit more than others. This is because it’s taking place in your sector of “hidden affairs,” which means that secrets, fears, or anxieties may be emerging now. The best thing to do is to try to handle them as they pop up in healthy ways.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 – MAY 20)

As mercury retrograde returns, it appears there will be some confusion or miscommunication in relation to your friendships and social network, Taurus. Yet, despite this, you may enjoy this retrograde spin more than others, as it gives you a chance to reconnect with old pals and acquaintances. If you’d like to do so, be sure to reach out and say hello now.

GEMINI (MAY 21 – JUNE 20)

Beware of some hiccups when it comes to your professional world, Gemini. You’re going to experience delays, revisions, or confusion in relation to your career and ambitions. On one hand, this can be great to reconnect with old projects or contacts, as well as give you a chance to revise certain strategies before you proceed once again.

CANCER (JUNE 21 – JULY 22)

You’re itching to explore more and see the world through fresh perspectives at this time, Cancer, but the present mercury retrograde is a thorn in your side. In fact, it could be that there are matters from the past that you thought were settled, but you’ve just got to revise your path and handle things once again. This is especially true if it is related to travel or legalities.

LEO (JULY 23 – AUGUST 22)

It’s time to be especially careful around a few different themes, Leo. This is because mercury rRetrograde is rearing its head once again! On one hand, there could be delays or confusion around large wealth matters, whether that’s an inheritance, bonus, settlement, or assets—or even a large expense. On a different note, you could simply feel that the “equality” in a key relationship is not on the right page.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22)

When it comes to all key relationships, you may find that there is confusion and miscommunication at every turn, Virgo. In fact, you may feel as if you’re just speaking in different languages! Don’t use this as an excuse to stir the pot on extra drama, but to instead find a way to align more perfectly than ever before. You’ll be glad you took the time to do so.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22)

There are several things that could feel “off” at this time, Libra, and it appears your routines and responsibilities are flying off the handle! Employment matters could also be rather troublesome right now, but on the positive side of things, you could review projects or instead try to go back to a previous employer. If something seems “off” in relation to health, this is a time to get it checked out.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21)

You’re not one to always hope to get back with “the one who got away” because when you’re done, you’re done, Scorpio. However, there appears to either be nostalgia or miscommunication around your heart’s desires at this time, especially romance. This could be a period where you hear from someone from the past or instead decide to reach out and see if the stars are better aligned.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21)

It’s important to lie low when it comes to domestic affairs now, Sagittarius. Something is amiss with Mercury Retrograde stirring the pot! The best thing to do now is to try not to get triggered and let your emotions get the best of you—you’ll be glad that you remained centered and led with kindness and compassion in relation to all home and family situations.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19)

When it comes to your communications, you may find that you and everyone seem to be speaking in tongues and just aren’t connecting whatsoever right now, Capricorn. Mercury retrograde is spinning backward in your sector of intellectual pursuits. This is a time to focus more on “listening” than speaking because you may be missing the message.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18)

Mercury retrograde is causing a bit of delays or confusion when it comes to finances, Aquarius. This is certainly not a time to make major purchases or try to change your income. Instead, it’d be best to look at your budget and find ways to cut your expenses and improve your path going forward in the months ahead.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20)

With mercury retrograde occurring in your zodiac sign, you may not be sure which way is up, down, left, or right, Pisces! You literally could feel as if you’re spinning in a cyclone! The universe is speaking in riddles, so it may be best to reflect on the past and where you’ve been, rather than where you’re going.