If it feels like you’ve gone from being self-protective to asserting yourself more loudly and proudly, or you’re swapping homebody vibes for stepping into the spotlight, you’re feeling the effects of Mercury in Leo. The messenger planet gets flak for its wire-crossing, confusion-spurring retrogrades, but the fact is that the planet of communication fuels our mental energy and thought processes, as well as how we take in and share information. For that reason, harnessing its powers can lead to more gratifying relationships, learning experiences, travel opportunities—you name it. All of those aspects of life are about to get a makeover, thanks to Mercury moving into Leo, the fixed fire sign. Given that the sign of the Lion is self-assured, charismatic, assertive, action-oriented—and, yep, occasionally obstinate, the way in which you express yourself and interact with others is going to take on a far more fiery tone. And it kicks off on Thursday, June 26, at 3:09 p.m. ET/12:09 p.m. PT. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of Mercury in Leo 2025.
What does Mercury in Leo mean?
Every year, in July and/or August, Mercury dips into Leo, the fifth sign of the zodiac symbolized by the Lion. The fixed fire sign is ruled by the sun, which, in astrology, colors our self-image, core identity, confidence, expression of pride and purpose. In turn, Leo is one of the most self-assured, vivacious, optimistic, independent-minded, big-hearted and driven signs of all. And when Mercury is in Leo, we’re more apt to express ourselves in a more theatrical, optimistic, dynamic and self-focused way.
Mercury, the planet of communication, transportation, and technology, influences how we connect with others, express ourselves and think. So, if you’re wondering why conversations seem to be taking on a particular tone or everyone around you appears to be in a distinct headspace, you can look at the zodiac sign that the messenger planet is currently moving through. This is something my book, Mercury Magic: How to Thrive During Retrogrades and Tap Into the Power of the Messenger Planet All Year Long, will guide you through, so you can make the most of Mercury’s moves.
You can make the most of Mercury’s time in Leo by understanding that this is a moment during which standing in the spotlight or stepping into a leadership position can feel less intimidating than it might otherwise. Leo’s a big fan of all things dramatic and the fire sign adores being the center of attention, so we’re also more likely to both exaggerate or strive to entertain others now. This is also a time during which exploring—and owning—your sense of self comes more naturally. And because Leo is associated with the Fifth House of Romance and Self-Expression, you might find you’re compelled to share your emotions in a more assertive, playful and creative way.
Heads-up: Because Leo prefers to take the reins and be in charge, Mercury’s time in the fire sign could make it more challenging to serve as a team player. It’s also one of the fixed (a.k.a. resolute but also obstinate) signs, so there’s a risk of head-butting and finding yourself at an impasse when you and/or someone else opts to dig their heels in.
What can you expect during Mercury’s trip through Leo in 2025?
Although Mercury visits Cancer annually, all of the other planets move at different rates through the zodiac, so the messenger planet’s meetups with other celestial bodies vary from year to year. A few key dates in 2025:
Right after entering Leo, Mercury will spend several days—June 27, 28 and 29—connecting with outer planets. First, it’ll harmonize with taskmaster Saturn, then dreamy Neptune, both in Aries, bolstering serious, commitment-oriented conversations and imaginative pursuits, and then it’ll oppose Pluto, the power of control, which could lead to power struggles in relationships.
On Thursday, July 17 and Friday, July 18, Mercury goes retrograde for the second time in 2025, moving backward until Monday, August 11, nudging you to reflect, revise and reimagine, especially when it comes to Leo-themed themes like self-image, confidence, commanding the spotlight and self-empowerment.
Here, how Mercury in Leo 2025 will affect you based on your sign. (Be sure to read both your sun and 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
From heartfelt conversations with loved ones to thoughtful projects tied to your home life, Mercury’s time in your home zone has inevitably been healing. Now, as the messenger planet moves into Leo, you’ll be feeling more outgoing, self-expressive, creative and eager to flirt and connect with a significant other or someone special in an upbeat, playful way. You can tap into your wide-eyed, eternally youthful side, perhaps by revisiting a beloved pastime you enjoyed years ago—especially once Mercury is moving backward through this sector from July 18 to August 11.
Click through for more on Aries.
Taurus
Your social life and learning experiences have been a major focus while Mercury has been in your communication zone, but prepare for a more restful vibe, as the messenger planet moves into your home zone. You could be called to dive into more healing inner work, pursuing a greater sense of centeredness by tending to emotional wounds. You may also find you’re compelled to connect more deeply with loved ones and map out plans to care for your physical abode. While Mercury moves backward through this sector, you can go back to the drawing board on a previously back-burnered aspiration linked to family life (think an overdue reunion or a redecorating project).
Click through for more on Taurus.
Gemini
Prepare to have an even more social summertime than usual! After weeks in your money zone, fueling your ability to make plays to boost your bottom line, Mercury, your ruler, now moves through your communication sector. This amplifies your desire to learn and pick up new skills, as well as immerse yourself in mentally stimulating conversations with friends and colleagues—even neighbors and siblings, if you have them. If you’ve been wanting to go on a weekend getaway—particularly to a beloved destination, perhaps tied to an annual family tradition—you’ll have a special opportunity to make that happen around July 31 when the sun pairs up with Mercury in this zone.
Click through for more on Gemini.
Cancer
Mercury’s time in your sign has made it possible for you to assert yourself more readily and to share your wildest dreams in a concrete, direct way. But now, you’re being called to consider your values, self-worth and income-making game plans, as it’s in your money sector. You can think about and investigate new opportunities for earning, saving, investing and bringing your skills to the table to strengthen your bottom line. You may also be inspired to detail your big picture goals to higher-ups, especially around June 27 and 28 when Mercury forms harmonizing angles to serious Saturn and imaginative Neptune in your public image zone.
Click through for more on Cancer.
Leo
The last few weeks have likely been a bit snoozy for you, given that Mercury has been in your spirituality zone, which throws a spotlight on meditative, restful, restorative practices. But now, as Mercury cruises through your sign and self-image sector, you can step into the spotlight—a place you innately prefer. Anticipate a surge of confidence and feeling even more comfortable and strong in your sense of self, which can power up your ability to share your emotions and perspective. You may also find you can more organically come up with winning strategies tied to projects that express who you are to the world (like your business website or social media). And if you feel like you’re taking two steps forward only to have to take a step back, given the retrograde, remember that’s all a part of the big picture process now.
Click through for more on Leo.
Virgo
Community-oriented endeavors and nurturing your platonic bonds have claimed your attention over the last few weeks with Mercury, your ruling planet, moving through your networking zone recently. But as the messenger planet shifts into your spirituality sector, you could be inspired to take a step back from all the hustle and bustle of showing up for others, even just a bit. This is your chance to connect with your inner voice, nurture your intuition and pour more tender energy into caring for your mental and emotional well-being. You could find that, given the retrograde, going back to a previously loved practice (like yoga or meditation) proves particularly restorative and grounding.
Click through for more on Virgo.
Libra
Your mental energy has been funneled into making strides along your professional path lately, thanks to Mercury in your career zone, but now, you’ll be called to zero in on teamwork and showing up for your social circle as the messenger planet moves through your friendships sector. Contributing to a collaborative endeavor feels right and comes naturally but also boosts your platonic bonds now. And if you’ve been wanting to either have a crucial heart-to-heart with a loved one or to let your imagination run wild when it comes to a shared goal, go for it around June 27 and 28, which is when Mercury connects to serious Saturn and then dreamy Neptune in your partnership zone.
Click through for more on Libra.
Scorpio
You’ve been called to infuse your everyday life with a little more adventure and acting on opportunities to soak up knowledge lately, given that Mercury was previously in your higher learning sector. Now, it’s in your career zone, pumping your eagerness to make an impression on higher-ups and step into your power. You’re done with playing small, preferring to shoot for the stars and dream up a bold game plan for either claiming a leadership position or earning well-deserved recognition. Around July 31, even though Mercury will be retrograde and therefore, functioning in a more introspective way, you’ll do well to make a daring move—think: a memorable presentation or swing-for-the-fences proposal.
Click through for more on Scorpio.
Sagittarius
Deeply emotional conversations with loved ones have been easier to initiate and immerse yourself in recently, given that the messenger planet has been in your emotional bonds zone. Now, your innate wanderlust will feel more intense than ever as Mercury spends time in your higher learning and adventure sector. You’ll want to expand your horizons and step back from routines and experiences that feel like a snooze-fest. Instead, you’ll want to explore new philosophies, work with a mentor to hone a different skill set or even plan—or take—a major, eye-opening, long-distance trip. You can look forward to July 31 when the sun and Mercury pair up here, fueling your confidence in taking a leap of faith.
Click here for more on Sagittarius.
Capricorn
Mercury has been in your partnership zone, emphasizing one-on-one communication, which has been something of a sneak peek of what’s to come as it moves through your intimacy sector now. This moment is all about embracing vulnerability in order to connect more deeply with a significant other or other loved ones. Sharing what’s in your heart or detailing old wounds might feel challenging, but doing exactly that could be the fast track to feeling more centered in your bonds. And because this is also a sector of joint resources, Mercury’s time here can also support your efforts to increase results on shared investments or savings plans.
Click through for more on Capricorn.
Aquarius
You’ve made applause-worthy strides on health goals and your everyday routine, thanks to Mercury’s time in your wellness sector recently, and now, you can build momentum on aspirations you share with a dear friend, loved one, significant other or close colleague, because the messenger planet is now in your partnership zone. At the same time, you can expect to have more vibrant one-on-one conversations and be able to resolve any ongoing conflicts. And if you’ve been meaning to revisit a negotiation or mediation, Mercury’s retrograde in this sector lends itself to reaching an overdue resolution.
Click through for more on Aquarius.
Pisces
The last few weeks have really stoked your creativity and impulse to be more spontaneous with a significant other or someone special, given that Mercury has been in your romance and self-expression zone. And now, as the messenger planet dips into your health sector, you can bring a surge of cerebral energy to your everyday hustle. Research that new workout, or experiment with saying “no” to certain to-dos in order to make room for others that feel right intuitively. You can also revisit a once-loved wellness practice (like yoga) you haven’t enjoyed for some time while Mercury moves back through this zone from July 18 to August 11.
Click through for more on Pisces.
