Planet Positions Today
Here’s where every planet sits in the zodiac right now, including which ones are currently retrograde. This updates automatically, so you’re always looking at today’s real positions — not a guess from last week.
Today's sky
Planet positions
Calculating…
Astronomical positions are shown in the tropical zodiac. Interpretations are for reflection and entertainment.
What “retrograde” actually means
A planet doesn’t actually move backward — it only looks that way from Earth because of the difference in orbital speed between our planet and the one you’re watching. It’s an optical effect, the same way a car you’re overtaking on the highway can seem to slide backward relative to you. Mercury does this a few times a year; the outer planets do it less often, but for much longer stretches.
What each planet’s retrograde is said to affect
- Mercury — communication, technology, travel and contracts. Many astrologers recommend double-checking details and backing up devices during this period.
- Venus — relationships, money and self-image. Old connections can resurface, and it’s often treated as a time to reassess rather than commit to something new.
- Mars — action, drive and conflict. When Mars retrogrades (it skips some years — not in 2026), momentum tends to stall and old frustrations can resurface.
- Jupiter — growth, luck and belief systems. Retrograde periods are often treated as a time to reflect on plans rather than expand them.
- Saturn — responsibility and long-term structure. A common time to review commitments and rework plans instead of starting new ones.
- Uranus — sudden change and independence. Shifts tend to happen internally first, then surface once the planet turns direct again.
- Neptune — dreams, intuition and illusion. Often described as a good stretch for spotting self-deception or clarifying what’s real.
- Pluto — power and deep transformation. Slow, internal reckonings with control rather than sudden events.
These are traditional astrological associations, not scientific claims — treat them as a lens for reflection rather than a forecast.
2026 retrograde calendar
Dates are given in US Eastern Time.
| Planet | Retrograde period in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Mercury | Feb 26 – Mar 20; Jun 29 – Jul 23; Oct 24 – Nov 13 |
| Venus | Oct 3 – Nov 13 |
| Mars | No retrograde in 2026 |
| Jupiter | Jan 1 – Mar 10 (continuing from 2025) |
| Saturn | Jul 26 – Dec 10 |
| Uranus | Sep 10 onward (into 2027) |
| Neptune | Jul 7 – Dec 12 |
| Pluto | May 6 – Oct 15 |
Common questions
Is Mercury in retrograde right now? Check the live tracker at the top of this page — it updates automatically, so it always reflects today’s actual status rather than a fixed schedule.
What planets are in retrograde right now? The tracker above lists every planet’s current status live. As a reference, the 2026 calendar below shows each planet’s full retrograde window for the year.
When does Mercury retrograde end? Mercury has three retrograde windows in 2026, ending March 20, July 23, and November 13 — see the calendar below for the full picture.
How long does Mercury retrograde last? Usually about three weeks, and it happens three to four times a year.
Is retrograde actually bad luck? That’s a belief, not a fact. Astrologically it’s treated as a better time to double-check and revise than to launch something new — but it isn’t a scientifically supported effect.
Sources: Cafe Astrology retrograde cycles.
