While Mercury, the wily planet of communication, doesn’t officially station retrograde until November 9, we’re locked and loaded to experience a lovely little preview of its hijinks courtesy of the retrograde pre-shadow, or retroshade — which begins October 21.

Mercury retroshade refers to the two weeks immediately preceding the transit and the two weeks following it.

Known as the pre- and post-retrograde shadow, these bookends bring the same emotionally congested and off-kilter energy as the retrograde transit, but offer lessons in preparation (pre-retrograde) and integration (post-retrograde).

When does Mercury go retrograde? 4

Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow on October 21, 2025, at 7:11 am EST at 20°42 Scorpio.

Mercury officially stations retrograde on November 9

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