If your phone buzzed at 2:00 AM last night with a “Hey, I was just thinking about you” text from someone you haven’t spoken to since the last time low-rise jeans were in style, don’t panic. You aren’t losing your mind, and no, it isn’t a glitch in the Matrix. It is Mercury Retrograde in Pisces, and the cosmic doors to the past have officially swung wide open.
Starting February 26, 2026, the planet of communication, logic, and “checking the receipts” is doing its infamous moonwalk through the most emotional, dreamy, and nostalgic sign of the zodiac: Pisces.
While every sign feels the tug of the past during a retrograde, there is one sign in particular that is practically wearing a “Text Me” neon sign for their exes right now. If you are a Virgo, or if you have heavy Virgo placements in your birth chart, buckle up. You are the celestial MVP for surprise messages from the past this season.
Why Virgo? The Mirror Effect of Pisces Retrograde
In astrology, we look at “sister signs”—signs that sit exactly opposite each other on the zodiac wheel. Pisces and Virgo are the ultimate cosmic pair: Pisces rules the dreams, the subconscious, and the “woo-woo,” while Virgo rules the reality, the details, and the “to-do list.”
When Mercury goes retrograde in Pisces, it hits Virgo’s 7th House of Partnerships. This is the sector of your chart that governs serious relationships, exes, and “the one that got away.” For a Virgo, who usually prides themselves on having a clean inbox and a closed chapter, this transit is like a digital ghost hunt.
The “Why” Behind the Text
Virgos are known for their discernment. You don’t just leave people; you usually conduct a full forensic audit of the relationship, decide it’s non-functional, and file it away. But Mercury in Pisces dissolves those boundaries.
- For the Ex: They are feeling the “Piscean Fog.” They’re lonely, they’re dreaming about you, and they’ve forgotten all the reasons why you two actually broke up. They only remember your “greatest hits.”
- For You: Your usual armor is a little thinner. You might find yourself wondering, “Was I too harsh?” or “What if they’ve changed?”
The Top Contenders: Other Signs on the “Ex-Watch” List
While Virgo takes the crown, they aren’t the only ones who should keep their chargers handy and their block lists updated.
1. Pisces (The Retrograde Ground Zero)
Since the retrograde is happening in your sign, Pisces, your energy is like a homing beacon. You aren’t just likely to get a message; you’re likely to manifest one by accidentally liking a photo from 2019 at 3:00 AM. Your boundaries are fluid right now—make sure you aren’t letting a “toxic sea monster” back into your beautiful lagoon.
2. Gemini (The Ruler of the Messenger)
Mercury is your ruling planet, Gemini. When it goes retrograde, your entire life feels like a “Send” button that won’t stop clicking. Because this retrograde happens in your 10th House of Career and Reputation, an ex might reach out under the guise of “networking” or a professional question. Spoiler alert: It’s rarely just about the LinkedIn endorsement.
3. Scorpio (The House of Romance)
The retrograde is moving through your 5th House of Flings and Creativity. For Scorpios, this isn’t usually the “let’s get back together and get married” message. It’s the “I miss the intensity” message. Expect a late-night DM that tests your legendary self-control.
Survival Guide: What to Do When the “Hey” Hits
Receiving a surprise message during Mercury Retrograde is a classic “Canon Event.” How you handle it determines whether you move forward into spring with clarity or spend the next three months in a cycle of “What are we?”
| The Situation | The Retrograde Reality Check |
| The “I’ve Changed” Text | They likely haven’t. Retrogrades make people feel like they’ve changed because they are reflecting, but true change takes direct motion. |
| The “I Had a Dream About You” | Of course they did. Mercury is in Pisces, the sign of dreams. It’s a transit, not a soulmate prophecy. |
| The “Can We Just Talk?” | Communication is garbled right now ($Mercury \perp Pisces$). You will likely end up more confused than you started. |
The Golden Rule of 2026 Retrogrades
Wait until March 20. If they still want to talk when Mercury goes Direct, then the conversation might have legs. If they disappear as soon as the planet moves forward, you’ll know it was just the “Cosmic Flu.”
A Note for the Non-Believers
Even if you don’t follow the stars, the “Retrograde Effect” is a psychological reality. Every few months, the collective “vibe” shifts toward reflection. We look at old photos, we clear out old emails, and—inevitably—we think about the people who used to be our “everything.”
Whether it’s the planets or just a seasonal bout of nostalgia, use this time to check in with yourself instead of checking in on them.
