From misunderstandings with loved ones to glitching out devices, unexplained delays on the road and bizarre blasts from the past, it’s time to, once again, steel yourself for the typical chaos Mercury retrograde brings. For the second time in 2025, Mercury is going retrograde, and this time it’s in Leo, the action-oriented fire sign known for loving the spotlight and fiercely pursuing whatever their heart is set on. In turn, this Mercury retrograde may very well affect your creativity, self-expression, relationships, romantic life and more. And while there may be headaches along the way, there are also silver linings and opportunities to make the most of — something I’m passionate about sharing as an astrologer and the author of Mercury Magic: How to Thrive During Retrogrades and Tap Into the Power of the Messenger Planet All Year Long.
The messenger planet’s dynamic backspin through the sign of the Lion begins on Thursday, July 17 at 9:45 p.m. PT/Friday, July 18 at 12:45 a.m. ET and will last until Monday, August 11 at 12:30 a.m. PT/3:30 a.m. ET. Read on for all the details on the latest Mercury retrograde and how you can make the most of it, based on your sign.
What is Mercury retrograde and what does it mean?
Mercury, nicknamed “the messenger planet” or “the trickster planet,” oversees communication, transportation and technology. When it moves at its typical clip forward through all 12 signs of the zodiac, all of those areas of life tend to run more smoothly. But three to four times a year, for about three weeks at a time, Mercury slows down and then appears to move backward from our point of view on Earth. It’s during these periods, aka retrogrades, when Mercury-ruled aspects of life tend to get a bit more confusing, delayed and decelerated. Traffic that generally zips along at a particular time of day is inexplicably heavier, emails get lost in the abyss or you feel like you’re speaking a different language than someone you’re usually in sync with.
As frustrating as this can be, it’s not all doom and gloom. For instance, Mercury retrogrades pave the way for us to retrace our footsteps, revise, reimagine and reevaluate. Mercury fuels not only how we express ourselves but our thought processes, and when it moves backward, it allows us a chance to prioritize introspection and blasts from the past — both of which can set the stage for more productivity and motivation once Mercury moves ahead.
You’ve heard that when Mercury is retrograde, you should avoid signing contracts, starting new projects, buying electronics and even traveling based on your zodiac sign. This isn’t always possible, of course, so the next best thing to do is to just be extra cautious, double-checking all the details to hopefully prevent any miscommunication, glitches or roadblocks. And yet, that can be particularly challenging to do until Mercury moves forward, so this period is a chance to work on adaptability and tapping into your sense of humor to move through potentially headache-inducing incidents.
What is Mercury retrograde in Leo?
One of three Mercury retrogrades in 2025 — and the second one of the year — this Mercury retrograde occurs in Leo, the fixed fire sign known for being an action-oriented, charismatic, optimistic, driven, fiercely loyal and protective natural-born leader.
When Mercury moves forward in Leo, which is ruled by the sun, the luminary that is associated with self-image, confidence, identity and purpose, you’re more likely to be assertive and self-assured, especially when sharing your needs and passions. You could be drawn to taking center stage or taking the reins on ambitious endeavors. Leo is also associated with the Fifth House of Romance and Self-Expression, so tapping into your artistic impulses and being more playful — even theatrical — come more naturally.
When Mercury is retrograde in Leo, you can do self-work around Leo subjects like feeling empowered in your sense of self, identity and self-esteem. You could revisit a beloved creative project that you had previously put a pin in. Introspective heart-to-hearts with loved ones and trusted mentors could lead to feeling more comfortable in your skin — and proud of your ability to do that challenging emotional work.
Of course, Mercury’s backspin in Leo also comes with its challenges. Cue miscommunications that stem from exaggeration, overly optimistic takes or struggles with adaptability, given that Leo is one of the fixed (aka resolute and, at times, obstinate) signs.
2025’s Mercury retrograde in Leo presents a chance to bolster your confidence
With Mercury going retrograde in Leo during Leo season (meaning the sun will be in Leo at the same time), the messenger planet and the sun will join forces on July 31. Generally, when Mercury is direct, this celestial meet-up is a chance to step into the spotlight and be especially assertive, loud, proud and bold when expressing yourself. But with Mercury retrograde, it signals a moment when you could be particularly in tune with your intuition, capable of nurturing your inner voice and allowing that meaningful work to center you in your sense of self. Reflecting on who you are in a particular area of life — depending on where this retrograde falls in your chart (more on that soon) — can fire you up to ultimately blaze even more rewarding paths forward.
2025’s Mercury retrograde in Leo allows you to revise how you’re going to bat for big picture dreams
Mercury’s retrograde falls at the same time that Mars, the planet of action, energy and drive, moves into Libra, the cardinal air sign. Mars is in its detriment in Libra, meaning it’s not able to function at its highest potential. In fact, it’ll function in a way that’s a bit wonky, because Mars literally fuels debate and aggression, whereas Libra avoids disagreements and discord at all costs. With Mercury retrograde in assertive Leo and Mars in at-times overly diplomatic Libra, we’ll be challenged to acknowledge, address and work through conflicts and anger issues in a different, unique, perhaps even creative way. And you could have a better shot at adopting a more artistic point of view to pursue your most ambitious goals.
How the Mercury retrograde in July and August 2025 will impact your sign
Here is how the Mercury retrograde in Leo will affect you — and what you can do to capitalize on it and truly thrive, based on your sign. (Be sure to read your rising sign, if you know it. If you don’t, you can find it in your birth chart or by using this CafeAstrology calculator.)
Aries
With Mercury retrograde in your romance and self-expression zone, you could find you’re being asked to put your creative energy toward projects that aren’t necessarily in alignment with what your heart truly desires. You’re being challenged to check in with yourself and stay true to what you want, and then, share that truth in a more open, empowered way. You can also take stock of your most lighthearted relationships as well as how you’re infusing your life with joyfulness and artistic energy. If it feels like it’s beyond time to hit pause on work in order to lean into more spontaneity and fun, go for it.
Taurus
Mercury is retrograde in your home zone, encouraging you to reflect on old emotional wounds you might need to take time to address as well as literal home repairs that have been put on the backburner until now. This sector oversees your emotional life so you’ll feel like you can connect even more with your heart and inner voice. And by doing that, you can strengthen your sense of security and well-being. This period also lends itself to reunions and catch-ups with loved ones. Prioritizing walks down memory lane could bolster bonds all around.
Gemini
Your ruling planet Mercury’s shadow is backspinning through your communication zone, which could fuel all of those stereotypical Mercury retrograde headaches, like delays, crossed wires, technological meltdowns and all kinds of mixups galore. As frustrating as this could be, you’re perfectly wired for managing moments like these, given your adaptability and lighthearted point of view. You could also find you’re more apt to run into friends from the past or to revive collaborative projects with your social circle.
Cancer
Mercury’s moving backward through your money zone, urging you to be sure to cross all the Ts and dot all the Is related to earning, saving or investing. Miscommunications tied to this area of your life are more likely now, so being especially clued in on the details of your finances can preempt stress. There’s also plenty of productive inner work you’ll be compelled to do now tied to this sector, which oversees self-worth and values. If the ways in which you’ve been bringing your skills to the table on the job aren’t aligned with either, it could be time to reassess how you’re exerting your energy.
Leo
With Mercury retrograde falling in your sign and self-image zone, you’ll be nudged to reflect on how you’ve been showing up in the world. Are you expressing yourself the way you’d ideally like to, and are others connecting with what you’re sharing? How might you refine your personal brand — whether that’s tied to your business, social media presence or even your sense of style — so that it’s more aligned with your authentic self? At the same time, because Mercury is backing up through your sign, you could be feeling its frenetic, confusing influence more than others, which could make you more sensitive and frustrated. Carving out plenty of time for self-care and quiet introspection is a must.
Virgo
With Mercury, your ruling planet, moving backward through your spirituality zone, you could feel short on the typically industrious, go-go-go cerebral energy that you usually bring to almost every interaction and game plan you’re involved with. And that’s OK! You have the green light to embrace more restorative practices, whether that’s yoga, meditation, visualization or deep breathing — even more time in nature. You could end up reenvisioning — and reinventing — how you’re caring for your mental and emotional well-being.
Libra
You may be inspired to reconnect with friends from the past or communities you’ve previously been a part of, because Mercury’s moving backward in your networking and long-term wishes zone. Group activities and team efforts that you haven’t been involved in for some time could suddenly be a major focus. And because this sector also oversees long-term wishes, you have a chance to do inner work to take stock of how you’ve been pursuing these aspirations. Revising your game plan now can set the stage for a win.
Scorpio
This Mercury retrograde falls in your career zone, nudging you to reflect on how you’ve been going to bat for your big picture goals and striving for recognition and rewards in your professional life. If you’ve been feeling frustrated or confused about your strategy or a little lost, that’s par for the course now. Take the opportunity to consider whether it’s time to change the goalposts so that your definition of success feels more aligned with where your heart is today versus yesterday. This is also the sector of authority figures so talking to a higher-up about your vision for the future could be productive as well.
Sagittarius
This retrograde is falling in your adventure and higher learning sector, stirring you to wish you could just hit the road or jump on a plane to one of your favorite destinations. While delays are to be expected, tapping into your wanderlust isn’t at all out of the question. Revisiting places you know and cherish could be especially fulfilling. But because this is also the sector of knowledge, you could find that expanding your horizons by working with an old mentor or reconnecting with friends from the past is also gratifying. Know that by simply trusting your gut and instincts, you’re on your way to cultivating personal growth and heightened spiritual awareness through this transit.
Capricorn
Mercury is retrograde in your intimacy and joint resources zone, which could cause some confusion and promote introspection around your closest emotional bonds. Asking yourself what you need to bolster your sense of security and comfort level within your relationships — especially with a significant other or loved ones — will be key to making the most of this moment. You might also find that resurrecting and exploring a longheld fantasy in the bedroom feels right. And because this sector also oversees shared finances, you can revise your game plan for meeting a particular money-related goal with a family member.
Aquarius
With Mercury retrograde in your partnership zone, you may very well experience more crossed wires within your one-on-one bonds. If it feels like you’re speaking a different language than your dearest friend, loved one or significant other, take heart that this is actually a useful lesson in disguise, as it’s a chance to be even more intentional with how you’re expressing yourself and hearing someone else. You could be stirred to share more about your needs, to take a cold, hard look at reciprocity within your bonds and to address an ongoing conflict once and for all, which can lead to well-deserved and lasting harmony and healing.
Pisces
With Mercury retrograde in your health and everyday hustle sector, you can take a microscope to the ways in which you’ve been caring for your physical, emotional and mental needs on a daily basis. If you’ve been saying “yes” to to-dos that just aren’t serving you anymore, you’ll be prepared to streamline your schedule. And if it’s time to makeover your go-to fitness or mind-body practices, you could be compelled to go back to a routine that you used to adore and haven’t enjoyed. Just be sure to build in plenty of breaks and to allow yourself to slow down, because this moment is all about revising your day-to-day in a way that allows you to feel even more vital.
