What Is Mercury Retrograde and What Does It Mean for You?

Have you ever felt that suddenly everything in life is going wrong without any proper reason? You may experience sudden wealth loss, a career setback, or a decline in your relationships. Things do not go smoothly. Astrology connects these situations with one phase known as Mercury Retrograde (Budh Vakri).   

This phase is short-term, but it may impact you negatively. One of the best ways to get rid of negative Mercury Retrograde effects is to wear an emerald stone. This blog will help you understand the meaning and impacts of this retrograde. It will also suggest some precautions you can take during this Budh Vakri.     

What Is Mercury Retrograde in Astrology?

Mercury Retrograde, or Vakri Budh, is a phase when Mercury appears to move backward, but in reality, it does not. In astrology, this backward movement, or vakri graha, means that the planet remains in the same house but also gives the results of the preceding planet. So if Mercury is in retrograde in Kumbh rashi, it will also provide results of Makar rashi. Mercury retrograde lasts for 3 weeks but can occur 3-4 times in a year.   

What Does Mercury Retrograde Mean To You? 

Budh is a planet of intelligence and expression. When it is weak in your birth chart or gazed by Kurup grahas like Rahu or Ketu, normal things start going wrong. Many people face issues like:

• Wrong communication between people
• Small talks turning into arguments
• Delay in travel plans
• Technology is not working properly
• Old problems are coming back again

In astrology, the retrograde of good planets like Mercury is considered to yield neutral results, while powerful planets like Shani and Rahu yield good results. That’s why Mercury Retrograde gets blamed for stress and chaos. Sun and Moon are the only planets that do not undergo retrograde. If you are in the Budh Vakri phase, you may find things not going as you wish. Let's explore more.   

Mercury Retrograde Effects on Communication

Budh is the planet of communication, and thus it is the most affected one. This is the reason why you get angry during Mercury Retrograde.  You are unheard and sometimes misunderstood, both in your relationship and your career. Wearing a panna stone is said to be the ultimate remedy to reduce anger during a retrograde.

Read More: Rituals for Wearing an Emerald (Panna) Gemstone  

Mercury Retrograde Impact on Career and Work

Meetings get cancelled, projects get stuck, and instructions are not clear. Astrology usually advises avoiding signing new contracts during this time. People may face payment delays, confusion with clients, or paperwork errors. This is a better time to check old files and fix previous errors than to start something new.

Read More: Panna Stone Benefits for Job

Mercury Retrograde Meaning in Relationships 

Budh Vakri impacts your relationships. If Budh is the lord of the 7th house during the retrograde, it will cause misunderstanding between the couple. The major Mercury Retrograde symptoms include loneliness, as your loved ones distance themselves from you. Since Mercury is also the planet of business, retrograde impacts partnerships. One may also find conflicts with business partners and clients. 

Learn More: Deepen Your Relations With Gemstones—Which Gem For Which Bond?

Mercury Retrograde Impact on Wealth

Since Budh is the significant planet for wealth, it is most affected in retrograde. You experience wealth loss and blocked money. 

Is Mercury Retrograde Always Bad?

Mercury retrograde gives you neutral results. It slows things down but also provides time to rethink. It helps people notice mistakes that were ignored before. 

This time is good for:

• Completing unfinished work
• Reviewing old decisions
• Reconnecting with past people
• Correcting communication gaps

The spiritual meaning of Mercury retrograde relates to gathering inner strength and devoting time to self-healing. 

Who Gets Affected by Mercury Retrograde

Zodiacs such as Gemini and Virgo are mostly affected during the retrograde as they are ruled by the same planet, which is Budh. Mercury retrograde 2026 will occur from February 26 to March 20. It will impact zodiac signs like Vrishabh, Kanya, and Kumbh. 

The effects of Mercury retrograde will be positive for these rashis, bringing wealth and good relationships with loved ones. 

Dos and Don'ts During Mercury Retrograde

Do’s

• Worship God Ganesh Ji 
• Donate Green things 
• Feeding Pigeon 
• Chant Mantra “Om Gan Ganpate Namah”
• Offering water to the Sun 

Don’ts

• Do not lend money 
• Avoid non-beg
• Avoid Arguments 
• Control your voice
• Control your anger 

Astrology Remedies for Mercury Retrograde

As per astrology, one common remedy for retrograde is to wear gemstones associated with Mercury. Gemstones help improve clarity, focus, and communication. Many astrologers recommend wearing a suitable gemstone during Mercury Retrograde to reduce confusion and mental stress. Choosing the right gemstone matters for better results. Buy an emerald stone ring during Vakri Budh. Wear it during: 

• Budh Mahadasha
• If mercury is the lord of a good house 
• Mercury and Guru combination in your birthchart

Read More in our blog: Can You Buy a Jyotish Gemstone During Mercury Retrograde?

Final Thoughts

Mercury retrograde makes you focus on spiritualism, emotional balance, controlling your bad behaviour, and building inner strength. Wearing a panna ratna during this retrograde strengthens your negative points. If you are looking to buy gemstones for a retrograde visit, visit Navratan.