A deeply emotional journey is in store this Summer as the planet of communication performs its second retrograde of the year. Between June 29th and July 23rd, Mercury is retrograde in the sign of Cancer. While some people see the back spins of Mercury as difficult, in a year like 2026, they are actually a blessing in disguise. By now, most of the planets in the sky travel in either air or fire signs, which is the reason why time feels accelerated. This watery retrograde is not only an opportunity to slow down life’s rhythm - it’s an opportunity to inspect our feelings and desires. Since Cancer is the only zodiac sign ruled by the Moon, we’ve created a ritual timeline to guide you in this process of inner reckoning.
Your spiritual tools are: The Mercury Retrograde Magic Candle and the Moonlight Bath Bag.
Mercury Retrograde in Cancer Key Dates & Energy
June 21: Mercury Slows Down
Big news could arrive now, so pay attention to what happens. Light your Mercury Retrograde Magic Candle and set the intention to make more room to explore your feelings over the next four weeks.
June 29: Mercury Goes Retrograde at the Full Moon in Capricorn
Prepare yourself a bath with the Moonlight Bath Bag, light your candle, and as you submerge yourself, think about the current energetic balance in your life. What do you need less and more of? Write down your findings post-bath.
July 12: Mercury Cazimi
Today at 6:26 p.m. PST, Mercury meets with the Sun. Prepare yourself a foot soak with the Moonlight Bath Bag, light your candle, and meditate for about 20-30 minutes. Write down any ideas that arrived when in total silence.
July 14-July 23: Mercury Clashes With Saturn
The most intense days of the retrograde begin now. Make space to repeat the bath from June 29th. Embrace silence, cry, let it all go. Post-bath, write down everything that comes up without judgment.
July 23: Mercury Goes Direct
Mercury goes direct, harmonizing with Venus in Virgo. Light your candle, and as you stare at the flame, have a conversation with a friend. Sharing your Mercury retrograde story now gives you powerful insights.
July 30: Mercury Returns to Normal Speed
It’s fully over! Light your Mercury Retrograde Magic Candle and look at both your ritual notes and any relevant texts and emails you’ve sent since June 21 to help you figure out how to move forward with an important personal story.
SEE THIS BLOG'S SPECIFIC RITUAL TOOL RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW ⬇️
