The cosmic “Check Engine” light has officially flickered on. As of today, February 25, 2026, Mercury—the planet of communication, technology, and commerce—has stationed retrograde in the nebulous, emotional waters of Pisces.
For the next few weeks, until Mercury turns direct on March 20th, the world is entering a phase of reflection rather than action. While everyone will feel the typical glitches (the “sent-too-soon” emails, the late trains, the frozen Zoom screens), two signs are sitting in the eye of the storm: Pisces and Virgo.
If you are a Pisces or a Virgo, or if you have major placements in these signs, the universe is issuing a specific warning: Do not sign that big contract yet. —
The Astrology of the Moment: Mercury in Pisces
In astrology, Mercury is the planet of logic, data, and hard facts. It loves to categorize, calculate, and communicate clearly. However, Pisces is a water sign ruled by Neptune—the planet of dreams, illusions, and spirituality.
When Mercury moves through Pisces, it is said to be in its “fall” and “detriment.” This means the messenger planet is working in an environment that doesn’t suit its nature. Imagine trying to read a complex legal document while underwater; the ink is running, the pages are floating away, and your vision is blurry. That is Mercury in Pisces.
When you add a retrograde motion to this mix, that blurriness triples. This isn’t just a time of “miscommunication”; it is a time of “non-communication.” Details aren’t just missed—they are often invisible.
Why Pisces is Vulnerable
Since the retrograde is happening in your sign, Pisces, your personal identity and way of expressing yourself are under the microscope. You might feel more intuitive than ever, but your ability to translate that intuition into practical, “real-world” terms is currently compromised. You may feel like a deal is right, but the fine print might say otherwise.
Why Virgo is Vulnerable
Virgo is the polar opposite sign of Pisces. While Mercury is your ruling planet, it is currently “stressing” your 7th house of partnerships and contracts. As a sign that prides itself on precision and data, you might find yourself dealing with partners who are being vague, or legal documents that lack the clarity you usually demand. Your usual eagle eye for detail is currently clouded by the Piscean mist.
The “Big Contract” Danger Zone
Why the emphasis on March 20th? Because Mercury Retrograde is notorious for “re-negotiations.” If you sign a major contract—be it a house purchase, a new job offer, or a business merger—during this window, history suggests one of three things will happen:
- The Hidden Clause: You will discover a detail after March 20th that changes your entire opinion of the deal.
- The Change of Heart: The person you are signing with may change their mind or fail to deliver on their verbal promises.
- The Tech/Paperwork Glitch: The document itself might be lost, filed incorrectly, or contain a “typo” that has massive legal ramifications later.
A Table of What to Watch For (Feb 25 – Mar 20)
| Potential Issue | Impact on Pisces | Impact on Virgo |
| Legal Jargon | You might “gloss over” the hard stuff because the “vibe” feels right. | You might over-analyze the wrong parts and miss a glaring error. |
| Verbal Agreements | You’ll think you’re on the same page, but you’re in different books. | You’ll expect a follow-up in writing that never comes. |
| Closing Dates | Expect delays in bank transfers or notary appointments. | Expect equipment failures or “lost” digital signatures. |
Survival Guide: How to Navigate Until March 20th
Just because the cosmos is hitting “pause” doesn’t mean your life has to stop. It just means you need to shift from “Initiation Mode” to “Review Mode.”
1. The Three “Re” Rule
Instead of starting something new, focus on the “Re’s”: Re-read, Re-search, and Re-evaluate. * Pisces: Re-evaluate your personal goals. Is this contract truly what you want, or is it what you think you should want?
- Virgo: Re-read every email twice. If a contract is unavoidable, hire a third party to look at it. Another set of eyes is your best defense against the retrograde fog.
2. Back Up Your Digital Life
Mercury rules the “code.” Before you sit down to work on that big project, ensure your cloud storage is updated. Pisces and Virgo are prone to “the blue screen of death” during this specific transit.
3. Lean Into the Intuition (But Verify)
Pisces, your dreams might be very vivid right now, offering clues about your path. Virgo, your “gut feeling” that something is off is likely correct. Use this time to gather information, not to execute it.
When Can You Act?
On March 20th, Mercury stations direct. However, there is a “post-shadow” period (often called the Retroshade) where the planet is still picking up speed. If you can wait until April 9th, you’ll have the absolute best cosmic tailwinds at your back.
If you absolutely must sign before March 20th, build in an “exit clause” or a “review period” 30 days out. This gives you a legal safety net for when the retrograde mist finally clears.
