According to Times Now, Mercury turned retrograde on October 24 and will stay that way until November 13, 2026 — the third and final retrograde of the year, following February's in Pisces and June–July's in Cancer.

The outlet reports the planet of communication, tech and travel appears to move backwards in an optical illusion created when Earth overtakes Mercury in its orbit.

Astrologers say the effect can bring mixed-up messages, resurfacing exes, travel disruptions and unexpected revelations — with the outlet noting frozen phones, 'hey stranger' texts and baffling boss emails already making the rounds.

Times Now highlights three reasons this retrograde has readers spooked. First, it never leaves Scorpio — moving backwards from about 21 to 5 degrees of the sign of secrets, jealousy, shared money and endings, unlike most retrogrades that slip between two signs.

Second, Venus has been retrograde since October 3, and both planets turn direct on the same day, November 13, tangling love, cash and communication together — when astrologers say the 'we need to talk' message lands.

Third, Halloween sits right in the middle of the window, and the whole thing ends on Friday the 13th, what the outlet calls the most superstitious date on the calendar. The shadow period also stretches the cycle from around October 4 to November 29.

Times Now lists practical advice astrologers offer for the period: back up photos, work files and chats immediately; read the fine print on festive-sale deals, checking dates, prices and return policies twice; sleep on that 2 a.m. text to an ex; build buffer time into travel plans since flights get delayed and cabs get lost; and lean on the 're' words — review, revise, repair, reconnect — because retrogrades are seen as good for finishing old projects, not starting shiny new ones.

The outlet also suggests double-checking messages before sending, avoiding major purchases where possible, and re-confirming appointments.

The Times of India's Leo horoscope for October 26 tells readers the Full Moon falls in Taurus, their 10th house of career and status, so weeks of effort now show results and work gets noticed — but each fact should be checked before taking credit.

The paper says Mercury retrograde in Scorpio sits in Leo's 4th house, pulling attention back to home and old papers, with someone possibly questioning an earlier figure, so keep the source email ready and confirm new titles in writing.

On money, the TOI advises holding new credit and large buys until Mercury moves direct, and getting two quotes on household costs or property papers.