Realizing After the Fight That You Misremembered: Mercury and Venus Retrograde Through 11/13, 4 Signs Most Likely to Find "Oh, the Problem Was Me"

The Sky This Time: Mercury Retrograde Overlaps Venus Retrograde, Most Noticeable 10/24–11/13

Venus stations retrograde in Scorpio on the afternoon of October 3, moves back into Libra on October 25, and turns direct on the morning of November 14. Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio on the afternoon of October 24 and turns direct late at night on November 13. All times are Taiwan time. The window when both planets are moving backward is these three weeks, from 10/24 to 11/13.

Mercury rules messages, memory and speech, while Venus rules romance, preferences and how we get along with others. With both retrograde, old conversations, old grudges and old habits are more likely to resurface for a second look. As you dig through them, some of you will realize the key to that spot you've been stuck on was in your own hands all along. That's not a bad thing. It's one of the rare chances to see things clearly without a fight.

Libra: Scroll Back Through the Chat and Find That You Replied "Let me see" Three Times in a Row

The scene: You've felt that a friend has been cold lately, with shorter and shorter replies. One day you scroll up through your chat and see that last month they invited you to dinner, you replied "let me see" three times, and then nothing ever happened.

Why: Venus is your ruling planet. It moves back into your sign on 10/25 and turns direct there on 11/14. During this time you're especially prone to looking back at how you show up in relationships, and you can more easily see all those invitations you left hanging because you didn't want to upset anyone.

Little tip: You don't need to write a long self-reflection. A simple "We never managed to meet last time, are you free this Friday?" is enough. Actually meeting up for a meal works better than an essay-length apology.

Scorpio: Open the Chat Log Mid-Argument and Find in Black and White That You Misremembered

The scene: You're sure your partner said they'd go home with you this weekend, and they say they didn't. Full of confidence, you open the chat log to prove it, only to find it says, "I'll see if I can get time off."

Why: Mercury is retrograde in your sign, so memory and interpretation easily pick up your own filter. Venus also begins its backward walk from your sign, which magnifies your expectations in love, and once expectations grow, it's easy to hear "maybe" as "no problem."

Little tip: Check the record before the argument starts, and if you find you misremembered, just say, "Okay, okay, I made that up in my head." A bit of self-teasing usually helps the mood far more than digging in. For important plans, over these three weeks, send a text to confirm after you talk.

Taurus: About to Blame a Coworker for a Mistake, Then Realize You Only Said "Do It Like Last Time"

The scene: The thing you delegated got done wrong again, and you've already silently rolled your eyes. Looking back at the message you sent, it's just one line, "do that one like last time," and the problem is there were two versions last time.

Why: Mercury retrogrades in Scorpio, right through your partnership and collaboration zone, while your ruling planet Venus backs into Libra, landing in your daily work routine zone. Your collaborators and your everyday workflow are both being re-examined at the same time, so you're more likely to notice your own habit of "I assumed you'd get it."

Little tip: When you delegate, add one more line spelling out the file name, date and version. If they get it right once, you'll save far more time than you would by stewing in silence.

Aries: Complaining Your Partner Never Plans Dates, Then Remembering You Shot Down All Their Suggestions

The scene: You complain that ever since you got together, you're always the one deciding where to go. Your partner quietly points out that of the three places they suggested last time, you said one was too far, one was too expensive, and for the third you replied, "we'll see."

Why: Venus retrogrades in Libra, passing through your partnership zone, while Mercury retrogrades in Scorpio, passing through your shared resources zone, like money you spend together and decisions you make together. With both lines rewinding at once, the division of roles in the relationship, who comes up with ideas and who does the vetoing, becomes very obvious.

Little tip: On your next date, let them make all the decisions, and your only job is to show up on time and not nitpick. If you enjoy it, remember to say so in person, and they'll feel braver about suggesting things next time.

3 Things to Do First During This Period

1. Check the record before you start arguing: Memory tends to get discounted over these three weeks, so confirm first and speak second. It can save you a lot of cleanup effort.
2. Swap "I thought" for "let me double-check": For plans, delegated tasks, and lending or returning things, follow up with a text after you talk.
3. If it turns out to be your problem, say so within 24 hours: A simple "I misremembered" is much easier than putting off an explanation until the end of the month.

If someone specific came to mind as you read, feel free to send them this article with a line like "we're all on the list." Mercury and Venus turn direct on 11/13 and 11/14, and what you see clearly during this stretch will be much smoother to handle by then.

Further Reading

• The Last Mercury Retrograde of 2026: 4 Signs Who Feel It Most, 7 Survival Rules
• Five Planets Retrograde at Once: The One Thing Each of the 12 Signs Must Face
• Did Your Ex Suddenly Text You? Mercury and Venus Retrograde, 4 Signs Most Likely to Hear From Someone From the Past