Quick answer: Mercury goes retrograde four times in 2029 (Eastern time): January 7 to January 27 (Aquarius back into Capricorn), May 1 to May 25 (Taurus), September 2 to September 24 (Libra back into Virgo), and December 22, 2029 to January 11, 2030 (Capricorn). Four cycles in one calendar year happens now and then, because the last one starts in late December.
Mercury retrograde is the stretch, usually about three weeks, when Mercury appears to move backward in the sky. Astrologers link it with mixed messages, delays, second thoughts and the past coming back for another look. Knowing the dates ahead of time lets you plan around them instead of being surprised.
Mercury Retrograde Dates 2029
| Cycle | Pre shadow begins | Retrograde (Eastern time) | Post shadow ends | Signs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | December 21, 2028 | Sunday, January 7, 2:56 AM to Saturday, January 27, 1:40 PM | February 16 | Aquarius, backing into Capricorn |
| 2 | April 17 | Tuesday, May 1, 7:05 PM to Friday, May 25, 3:20 PM | June 10 | Taurus |
| 3 | August 13 | Sunday, September 2, 8:18 AM to Monday, September 24, 10:01 PM | October 9 | Libra, backing into Virgo |
| 4 | December 4 | Saturday, December 22, 12:50 AM to Friday, January 11, 2030, 12:45 AM | January 30, 2030 | Capricorn |
A note on dates. These are Eastern times. A few stations happen late at night, so calendars set to other time zones can show a different day. For example, September 24 at 10:01 PM Eastern is already September 25 in UTC, and December 22 at 12:50 AM Eastern is still December 21 on the West Coast. Our guide to Mercury retrograde shadow periods explains the pre and post shadow.
What to Expect in 2029
January 7 to 27: Aquarius back into Capricorn. The year opens with a review of big plans, friendships and work goals. It's a good time to ask whether your goals still fit you, and to fix the plan before you push harder.
May 1 to 25: Taurus. This cycle stays in Taurus, so money, comfort, values and slow, steady plans get a second look. Revisit budgets and purchases, and give practical decisions a little more time.
September 2 to 24: Libra back into Virgo. Starting in Libra, conversations in relationships and partnerships may need patience. As it backs into Virgo, the focus moves to schedules, routines and details. Double check plans and appointments.
December 22, 2029 to January 11, 2030: Capricorn. The last cycle runs right through the holidays and New Year, in Capricorn. Expect travel and planning hiccups, and use the quiet to review commitments and career goals before setting new ones.
Want Help Planning Around the Retrogrades?
The Psychic Line is an independent psychic service you can trust, since 1991. Call us at (800) 966 2294 to connect with a reader, or book an astrology reading or clairvoyant reading whenever you feel ready. New client readings start at $30 for a full 15 minutes.
Mercury Retrograde Dates by Year
See every cycle side by side in our Mercury retrograde dates guide, or jump to a year: 2026, 2027, 2028. For the basics, see the Mercury retrograde FAQ and our planetary retrogrades FAQ.
Mercury Retrograde 2029 FAQ
When is Mercury retrograde in 2029?
Four times, in Eastern time: January 7 to January 27, May 1 to May 25, September 2 to September 24, and December 22, 2029 to January 11, 2030. The last cycle starts in late December, which is why 2029 has four.
When does the September 2029 Mercury retrograde end?
Mercury turns direct on Monday, September 24, 2029, at 10:01 PM Eastern time, at 17 degrees Virgo. Some calendars list September 25 because they use UTC or a time zone ahead of Eastern. The post shadow ends October 9.
Is Mercury retrograde over New Year's 2030?
Yes. Mercury is retrograde in Capricorn from December 22, 2029 to January 11, 2030, Eastern time, so it covers the holidays and New Year's Day. Leave extra time for travel and read messages twice.
What signs is Mercury retrograde in during 2029?
Aquarius backing into Capricorn in January, Taurus in May, Libra backing into Virgo in September, and Capricorn in December. That mix leans toward practical themes: goals, money, routines and commitments.
How can I prepare for Mercury retrograde?
Back up your devices, read important messages twice, leave room in travel plans, and save big launches for after the post shadow when you can. Use the retrograde to review and finish rather than start.
Ready to Talk with a Gifted Reader?
The Psychic Line is an independent psychic service you can trust, since 1991. Call us at (800) 966 2294 to connect with a reader, or book a relationship reading or spiritual reading whenever you feel ready. New client readings start at $30 for a full 15 minutes.