Retrograde Tarot: Navigating Mercury, Venus, and Mars Retrograde with Tarot
Published: 2026-03-20 | Tarot Knowledge Series | ⏱ About 6 min read | 🌿 Intermediate
Planetary retrograde is the universe's "rewind moment"—a time for review, correction, and introspection. This complete guide teaches you how to use tarot correctly during Mercury, Venus, and Mars retrograde periods to avoid common pitfalls.
Retrograde Isn't Bad—It's a Chance to "Redo"
Planetary retrograde is when a planet appears to move backward from Earth's perspective. Astrologically, retrograde means the matters governed by that planet need to be "rewound and reviewed"—not new beginnings, but re-examining what already exists. Many people tense up the moment they hear "Mercury retrograde," feeling everything will go wrong. But actually, retrograde is the universe forcing you to slow down and rethink—and if you use it well, you'll find many details and blind spots you previously overlooked. Tarot during retrograde is a particularly useful tool for seeing clearly "what needs to be reviewed."
Mercury Retrograde (3 times per year, about 3 weeks each)
Mercury governs: communication, contracts, travel, technology, thinking. Retrograde effects: increased misunderstandings, equipment failures, delays, old topics resurfacing. **Tarot advice**: during retrograde, especially suited for asking "What have I missed in this communication/decision?" rather than "What new decision should I make?" Most fitting cards: The High Priestess (hidden information surfacing), The Hermit (introspection), The Hanged Man (seeing from a different angle). **Readings suited for retrograde**: "What needs to be said more clearly?" "What decision needs reassessing?" **Major decisions to avoid in retrograde**: signing new contracts, purchasing important equipment, starting entirely new communications.
Venus Retrograde (about every 18 months, about 6 weeks each)
Venus governs: love, aesthetics, money, relationship values. Retrograde effects: ex-partners returning, relationship reassessment, financial values restructuring. **Tarot advice**: suited for asking "What do I truly value in this relationship/financial situation?" Most fitting cards: The Lovers (reassessing relationships), The Empress (redefining your values), Justice (balance in relationships). **Important note**: ex-partners who return during Venus retrograde need careful evaluation—is this a genuine "second chance," or repeating old patterns? Use tarot to ask: "If I allow this relationship to restart, what will be different? What will be the same?"
Mars Retrograde (about every 26 months, about 2.5 months each)
Mars governs: action, desire, conflict, goal pursuit. Retrograde effects: reduced drive, loss of direction, old conflicts reigniting, insufficient motivation. **Tarot advice**: suited for asking "Does my current direction of action truly align with my deep desires and values?" Most fitting cards: Strength (inner determination), Four of Pentacles (conserving energy), The Hanged Man (pause and introspection). Mars retrograde is a rare opportunity to "recalibrate the direction of action"—don't force yourself to rush; ask tarot instead: "What is worth continuing to push forward? What should be reassessed?" Retrograde is suited for revising plans, not for forcing new projects forward.
Curious what your soulmate looks like? Get your soulmate sketch →
Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Further Reading
Is it suitable for divination during Mercury retrograde?
Is it suitable for tarot divination during Mercury retrograde? This article t...
Read Article →Eclipse Tarot: A Tarot Guide for the Universe's Most Powerful Turning Points
Solar and lunar eclipses are the most powerful "destiny turning points" in as...
Read Article →Transit Tarot: When Planetary Movement Meets Tarot for Precise Life Timing
Astrological transits tell you the timing of cosmic energy; tarot helps you u...
Read Article →