This week’s horoscopes (for 23 February – 1 March 2026) are shaped by two headline sky-timing events that tend to affect how plans feel on the ground: a First Quarter Moon on Tuesday, 24 February (14:28 SAST), and Mercury turning retrograde on Thursday, 26 February.
In simple terms, the First Quarter Moon is the midpoint between New Moon and Full Moon, when the Moon’s light is growing and people often feel pressure to “do something” about the intentions they set earlier in the month.
Mercury retrograde is an astrological period linked with mix-ups, delays and reversals around communication, travel, tech and scheduling—often less about “bad luck” and more about needing extra checks, backups and clearer wording.
This retrograde begins in Pisces, a sign associated with emotion and intuition, which astrologers commonly link to misunderstandings caused by vague language, assumptions, or missing details.
Horoscope readings for this week: Here’s what you must know
Note: These horoscopes are based on general sun-sign interpretations and offer broad guidance rather than personalised birth-chart readings.
The week also sits inside Pisces season (with the Sun in Pisces from 18 February), which is traditionally associated with empathy and heightened sensitivity, meaning people may react more strongly to tone than to facts.
Aries (21 Mar – 19 Apr)
Aries may feel pushed to act quickly early in the week, especially around work targets or group projects. The First Quarter Moon often brings a “decision point,” so choose the next practical step rather than trying to solve everything at once.
From Thursday, Mercury retrograde increases the risk of rushed messages and misunderstood tone. Keep instructions short, confirm times in writing, and double-check travel or meeting details before you leave.
Taurus (20 Apr – 20 May)
Taurus is likely to do best with steady routines and clean boundaries. This is a week for reviewing commitments and trimming what is no longer realistic, especially as Mercury retrograde can create confusion around timelines.
If you are negotiating money, tasks or responsibilities, agree on the basics first: what it costs, who is responsible, and when it must happen.
Gemini (21 May – 20 Jun)
Gemini (ruled by Mercury) may feel the shift most strongly. Early-week momentum can be useful for drafting plans, but Mercury retrograde tends to reward revision more than speed. Use the First Quarter Moon to pick one priority and map it in steps.
After Thursday, re-check emails, attachments and dates; if something sounds unclear, ask one direct question rather than guessing.
Cancer (21 Jun – 22 Jul)
Cancer may find that emotional reactions are easier to notice this week, especially with the Sun in Pisces. The First Quarter Moon can bring clarity on what needs attention at home or in close relationships.
Mercury retrograde is a reminder to avoid “hinting” and instead say what you mean in simple terms. If something matters, name it calmly and confirm the plan.
Leo (23 Jul – 22 Aug)
Leo’s focus trends toward relationships and public interactions. Early in the week supports direct conversations and practical decisions. From Thursday, Mercury retrograde can make praise, criticism or “jokes” land differently than intended, so choose words carefully.
If you are revisiting an older issue with someone, keep it specific: one topic, one outcome, one next step.
Virgo (23 Aug – 22 Sep)
Virgo may feel the need to tighten systems, especially as Mercury retrograde can disrupt schedules.
The First Quarter Moon supports improving routines: cleaning up a calendar, fixing reminders, organising documents, and reducing last-minute pressure. If someone’s instructions are vague, ask for examples or written confirmation rather than filling in the blanks yourself.
Libra (23 Sep – 22 Oct)
Libra’s week highlights balance between personal enjoyment and everyday responsibilities. The First Quarter Moon is a good moment to decide what you will keep in your routine and what you will drop.
With Mercury retrograde approaching, avoid overbooking social plans or agreeing to events without checking transport, costs and time commitments. Keep flexibility for changes.
Scorpio (23 Oct – 21 Nov)
Scorpio may feel a stronger pull toward privacy and emotional truth. The First Quarter Moon can reveal a pressure point around home, family roles, or personal boundaries. Mercury retrograde can bring old conversations back, especially if something was left unsaid or unresolved.
If you revisit a topic, stick to facts and timelines—what happened, what needs to change, and what you’re agreeing to now.
Sagittarius (22 Nov – 21 Dec)
Sagittarius benefits from careful planning rather than quick movement. Early-week energy can be used to set direction, but Mercury retrograde increases the chance of travel mix-ups, missed messages and changing schedules.
If you’re booking anything, confirm details twice and keep screenshots or reference numbers saved. This week tends to reward preparation and patience.
Capricorn (22 Dec – 19 Jan)
Capricorn’s theme is practical control during shifting information. The First Quarter Moon often pushes decisions forward; choose the option that is easiest to maintain over time. From Thursday, Mercury retrograde can expose gaps in planning—missing steps, unclear responsibilities, or assumptions. A simple fix is to write a short checklist for anything important and follow it strictly.
Aquarius (20 Jan – 18 Feb)
Aquarius may feel busy socially and mentally, with momentum early in the week. Mercury retrograde suggests slowing down communication: be clear, repeat key details, and avoid relying on verbal agreements alone. If you’re leading a group plan, send one written summary (date, time, location, responsibilities) so everyone is aligned.
Pisces (19 Feb – 20 Mar)
Pisces season puts emotional awareness in the foreground, and Mercury retrograde beginning in Pisces can amplify miscommunication caused by tone, assumptions or unclear wording. Early in the week is better for setting a simple plan; later-week energy supports reviewing and refining it. Keep your decisions grounded by checking facts—times, costs, and commitments—before you say yes.
