Mercury, the planet of communication, is combust by the all-powerful Sun in its retrograde motion, first in Cancer, then in Gemini from July 5th to 21st, 2026.

Combustion occurs when Mercury comes close to the Sun’s glare and becomes burnt up and weaker in the horoscope. Mercury moves back from Cancer to Gemini on July 7th, where it slowly catches up to the Sun, and your powers of thought and speech are affected until you find it harder to remain objective. You may have an actual problem, like a deadline, decision, or dealing with a powerful personality, but general mental pressure also exaggerates your situation. This period may be useful in retrospect if you feel compelled to speak up about an issue or are pressured into finding a real-world solution.

It pays not to commit yourself too soon, however, or give up if a plan runs into difficulties, especially in a group project where there are competing egos. The most intense phase of this transit occurs in the approach to the Gemini New Moon of July 14th, where you may be doing some planning or soul-searching. Mercury is symbolically eclipsed at this point, and your thoughts are overwhelmed with emotion and possibly anxious.

A stressful thought can take on even greater proportions, though Mercury in strength also gives you some detachment and perspective. You have pride wrapped up in your thinking and can’t face changing your mind or not having a clear exit strategy. You have diplomatic skills if you need to defer a judgment, and somebody close may even appreciate being drawn into your decision-making process.