Mercury Retrograde has returned, and an astrologer has identified three zodiac signs that could be particularly affected by the latest astrological event.

The phenomenon began on October 24, 2026, and is set to continue until November 13, bringing another period of predictions surrounding communication, relationships and important life decisions.

Astrologer Clarisse Monahan, Soho House's resident astrologer, spoke to Tyla about what followers of astrology can expect from this latest retrograde.

According to Monahan, the event comes with an additional astrological twist because another planet is also retrograde during the same period.

Which three zodiac signs will be most affected by Mercury Retrograde?

Gemini, Virgo and Scorpio are the three zodiac signs astrologer Clarisse Monahan predicts will feel the strongest effects of the October and November 2026 Mercury Retrograde.

Monahan explained that Gemini and Virgo are traditionally ruled by Mercury in astrology, making the planet's retrograde particularly significant for those signs.

Scorpio is also included because Mercury is retrograding through Scorpio during this period.

She told Tyla: "Gemini and Virgo are ruled by Mercury, so when it goes retrograde, it's personal. And Mercury is retrograding in Scorpio, so Scorpios feel it too."

These predictions are based on astrological interpretations rather than scientific evidence that planetary movements influence human behaviour.

What does Mercury Retrograde mean?

Mercury Retrograde is an astronomical phenomenon in which the planet Mercury appears to move backwards across the sky when observed from Earth.

The planet does not actually reverse its orbit around the Sun.

Instead, the apparent change in direction is an optical effect caused by the relative movements of Earth and Mercury.

In astrology, however, Mercury is traditionally associated with communication, travel, information, commerce and decision-making.

Astrologers interpret its retrograde periods as times when these areas of life may become more complicated.

According to Monahan, followers of astrology may associate the coming weeks with misunderstandings, delayed travel plans, problems with deliveries and difficulties negotiating agreements.

She also suggested that the period could encourage people to reconsider decisions rather than rushing into new commitments.

There is no established scientific evidence that Mercury Retrograde causes these events, although the astronomical phenomenon itself is real.

When does Mercury Retrograde end in 2026?

The current Mercury Retrograde began on Saturday, October 24, and is scheduled to end on November 13, 2026.

That gives the event a duration of approximately three weeks.

Mercury Retrograde occurs several times each year, with the apparent backward movement arising from the planets' orbital positions.

Astrologers traditionally interpret each retrograde differently depending on the zodiac sign in which it occurs.

This latest period is associated with Scorpio, a sign astrologically linked to emotional intensity, transformation and matters that may be hidden beneath the surface.

Why is this Mercury Retrograde considered unusual?

According to Monahan, the October 2026 Mercury Retrograde coincides with another event that astrologers consider significant.

Venus is also retrograde until November 13, meaning the two planets are experiencing apparent backward movement during overlapping periods.

In astrology, Venus is associated with love, relationships, beauty and personal connections.

Astrologers believe Venus Retrograde can coincide with people reconsidering romantic relationships or revisiting unresolved emotional experiences.

Monahan suggested that the combination of Mercury and Venus Retrograde could encourage people to reflect on past relationships and conversations.

For some astrology followers, this may mean thinking about former partners, unresolved disagreements or situations where they never received an explanation.

Again, these are astrological interpretations, not scientifically established effects.

Could Mercury Retrograde affect relationships?

Monahan suggested that relationships could be a particular focus during this retrograde because of its overlap with Venus.

She explained that astrology followers sometimes associate this planetary combination with former partners returning to their lives or opportunities to revisit unresolved situations.

However, she also noted that closure does not necessarily require someone from the past to make contact.

It can instead involve reaching a different understanding of a relationship or deciding that an old disagreement no longer needs attention.

For people who enjoy following astrology, the period may offer an opportunity to reflect on their relationships and communication habits.

What should Gemini, Virgo and Scorpio expect?

Gemini

Gemini is traditionally ruled by Mercury, which astrologers associate with communication, curiosity and exchanging information.

Monahan's interpretation suggests that people born under Gemini may wish to pay particular attention to how they communicate during the retrograde.

Astrology followers may use this period to reflect on conversations, review plans and consider how their words are being understood.

Virgo

Virgo is also traditionally ruled by Mercury, giving the sign a close association with planning, organisation and analytical thinking in astrology.

Under Monahan's interpretation, Virgo is among the signs most closely connected to the themes of this retrograde.

People who follow astrology may see the period as an opportunity to review existing arrangements and reconsider decisions that have been made too quickly.

Scorpio

Scorpio is included because Mercury is retrograding through this zodiac sign.

Astrologers associate Scorpio with deeper emotions, personal transformation and uncovering information.

Monahan suggested that the overlapping Mercury and Venus retrogrades could make themes of emotional reflection and unresolved relationships especially relevant during this period.

These descriptions reflect astrological symbolism rather than verified predictions about individual experiences.

Should people avoid making major decisions during Mercury Retrograde?

Monahan suggested that astrology followers might use the period to review plans, reconsider agreements and communicate more carefully.

She advised taking extra care with travel arrangements, purchases and important conversations.

However, there is no scientific basis for postponing essential decisions solely because Mercury appears to be moving backwards in the sky.

Major choices involving employment, housing, finances or relationships are better evaluated using practical circumstances and reliable information.

For those who enjoy astrology, the retrograde can instead serve as a personal reminder to think carefully and avoid unnecessary rushing.

Is Mercury Retrograde scientifically proven to affect people?

Mercury Retrograde is a genuine astronomical observation, but the belief that it causes communication problems, relationship difficulties or travel disruptions belongs to astrology.

Scientists have not established a causal relationship between Mercury's apparent retrograde motion and events in people's personal lives.

The planet's movement does not physically reverse, and the phenomenon is a predictable result of orbital mechanics.

Nevertheless, Mercury Retrograde remains a popular topic among astrology enthusiasts, particularly when it coincides with other planetary events.

For the October 24 to November 13 period, Monahan's predictions place particular emphasis on Gemini, Virgo and Scorpio, alongside themes of reflection, communication and relationships.

Source: Tyla, October 24, 2026, featuring commentary from astrologer Clarisse Monahan. Astrological predictions are beliefs and interpretations, not established scientific findings.