Mercury Retrograde 1 — January 9, 2026 to January 31, 2026
Mercury retrograde January 9–31, 2026, beginning in Aquarius and moving back into Capricorn. The first retrograde of 2026 affects social networks, technology, and collective communications (Aquarius) and career/authority matters (Capricorn). Expect technology glitches, social media miscommunications, and career delays.
Retrograde Start
January 9, 2026
Retrograde End
January 31, 2026
Sign
Aquarius → Capricorn
Nakshatra
Shatabhisha
Shadow Start
December 26, 2025
Shadow End
February 15, 2026
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- ✓Review and update technology systems, software, and digital communications
- ✓Reconnect with old friends and community members
- ✓Revisit long-term goals and social causes you care about
- ✓Double-check all technology-related communications and social posts
- ✓Back up all digital data before retrograde begins
- ✓Reflect on your role in community and collective projects
Don't
- ✗Do not launch new apps, websites, or technology products
- ✗Avoid major social media announcements or viral campaigns
- ✗Do not sign technology contracts or software agreements
- ✗Avoid misunderstandings in group communications and community projects
- ✗Do not make major career or authority-related decisions
- ✗Avoid impulsive purchases of new technology gadgets
Effect on All 12 Rashis
Retrograde moves through your 11th and 10th house — social networks and career communications both face delays. Old career connections may resurface.
Mercury retrograde in your 10th and 9th house — career and long-distance communications face delays. A professional from the past may return.
Retrograde in your 9th and 8th house — travel plans and shared financial matters face delays. A foreign or legal matter is revisited.
Mercury retrograde in your 8th and 7th house — transformation and partnership communications face delays. A joint financial matter needs review.
Retrograde in your 7th and 6th house — partnership and health communications face disruption. A former partner or colleague may return.
Mercury retrograde in your 6th and 5th house — health communications and creative projects face delays. Work routines need revision.
Retrograde in your 5th and 4th house — creative and home communications face delays. A past romantic interest may resurface.
Mercury retrograde in your 4th and 3rd house — home and sibling communications face misunderstandings. Property matters should be delayed.
Sagittarius
Full 2026 guide for Sagittarius →Retrograde in your 3rd and 2nd house — daily communications and financial matters face delays. Confirm all travel plans.
Capricorn
Full 2026 guide for Capricorn →Mercury retrograde in your 2nd and 1st house — financial and personal communications face significant delays. Be extra careful in all communications.
Aquarius
Full 2026 guide for Aquarius →Retrograde in your 1st house — your personal communications and self-presentation face disruption. Misunderstandings about your intentions are likely.
Mercury retrograde in your 12th and 11th house — hidden matters surface and social plans face delays. A spiritual or subconscious matter resurfaces.