In 1996, Mercury has four retrograde periods: in Aquarius, Capricorn, Taurus, Libra and Virgo. The first begins on January 9. The last begins on December 23 and runs into the new year.
Retrograde periods in 1996
January 9 – January 30
Over
- Shadow begins
- Retrograde begins
- Turns direct
- Shadow ends
- Sign
- from Aquarius into Capricorn
- Length
- 21 days
May 3 – May 27
Over
- Shadow begins
- Retrograde begins
- Turns direct
- Shadow ends
- Sign
- Taurus
- Length
- 24 days
September 4 – September 26
Over
- Shadow begins
- Retrograde begins
- Turns direct
- Shadow ends
- Sign
- from Libra into Virgo
- Length
- 22 days
December 23, 1996 – January 12, 1997
Over
- Shadow begins
- Retrograde begins
- Turns direct
- Shadow ends
- Sign
- Capricorn
- Length
- 20 days