Have you ever felt like your words get tangled, technology turns against you, and your plans simply don’t work out as expected? If so, you were probably experiencing the influence of Mercury retrograde. Today, I want to share with you—drawing from my own experience as an astrologer—how to navigate this phenomenon in July 2025, especially because it takes place in Leo, bringing intensity, important lessons, and valuable opportunities for self-reflection.
What is Mercury Retrograde, really?
Mercury retrograde doesn’t mean the planet is actually moving backwards in space. From our perspective on Earth, it only appears to go in reverse because of the different speeds in our orbits. In astrology, Mercury is the messenger: it governs communication, thought, technology, travel, and contracts. When Mercury goes retrograde, these areas can become a little chaotic, leading to misunderstandings, delays, or technical glitches—but it’s also an invitation to slow down, review, and recalibrate before moving forward.
Mercury Retrograde Dates in July 2025
This year, Mercury starts its retrograde phase on July 18 and goes direct again on August 11. The entire transit takes place in the sign of Leo, and you’ll feel that vibrant energy in the air. If you’re one of those who thinks “everything goes wrong” during Mercury retrograde, I invite you to see it instead as a period for pausing, listening, and thoughtful review.
Mercury Retrograde in Leo: What Can We Expect?
Leo is the sign of self-expression, leadership, creativity, and personal radiance. With Mercury moving backwards here, it’s the perfect time to ask ourselves:
- Am I truly expressing my authentic self?
- Am I letting pride get in the way of my conversations?
- Do I seek attention or validation, or am I communicating from the heart?
During this transit, it’s common to revisit old creative ideas, pick up projects you had put aside, or rethink the ways you seek recognition. You might also find yourself more sensitive to criticism, or more prone to misunderstandings in situations where ego is involved. The key is to be genuine and practice mindful listening.
The Signs Most Affected by Mercury Retrograde in Leo
As with every transit, certain signs will feel the energy of Mercury retrograde in Leo more intensely. If you’re a Leo, Aquarius, Taurus, or Scorpio, pay extra attention:
- Leo: This retrograde happens in your sign, so you’ll feel it up close and personal. Avoid impulsive decisions about your image, projects, or personal relationships. Take time to reflect on how you show yourself to the world and reassess your self-expression.
- Aquarius: As Leo’s opposite, you could face challenges in important relationships—both romantic and professional. Look out for misunderstandings and try to renegotiate commitments with empathy.
- Taurus: As another fixed sign, this period could bring up issues around family, home, or financial stability. Don’t hesitate to revisit domestic agreements or take a closer look at investments before making a move.
- Scorpio: Mercury retrograde may shake up your career and public image. You might experience tension with authority figures, or need to rethink your professional strategies. Listen before acting.
Why Are These Signs More Impacted?
In astrology, fixed signs—Leo, Taurus, Scorpio, and Aquarius—tend to experience transits in one of their own with greater intensity. Why? Because fixed signs represent stability, persistence, and continuity. They’re the ones who hold things together and give shape, but for that very reason, they often feel less comfortable when life calls for change or adaptation. By nature, fixed signs tend to hold tightly to their routines, beliefs, and way of doing things.
When a planet like Mercury goes retrograde in one of these signs, the need to review, rethink, or even let go of what’s familiar can spark a certain internal resistance. This transit challenges them to be more flexible, to open their minds, and to release old patterns that may no longer serve them—even if it’s not easy to admit. It’s a time to ask, “Am I willing to see things differently? Can I reinvent the way I communicate or relate to others?”
Although it may feel uncomfortable at first, experiences like these are opportunities to grow and evolve. Life invites us, once again, to review our path and update ourselves—especially when it comes to communication, relationships, and self-expression.
Keys and Strategies for Mercury Retrograde in Leo
- Avoid signing major contracts, if possible, until after August 11.
- Triple-check your messages, emails, and documents.
- Be patient with delays: often, these are disguised opportunities to improve what we’re building.
- If misunderstandings arise, choose dialogue from the heart—not from pride.
- Take the chance to revisit creative projects from the past: this is the perfect time to polish ideas and relaunch what once inspired you.
- Meditate, breathe, and listen: self-awareness is the best antidote to mental confusion.
How to Navigate Mercury Retrograde Consciously
Remember, no astrological transit is “bad” in itself. Mercury retrograde is the universe’s invitation to pause, review our truth, and reconnect with what’s real. If you feel this period is affecting you more than usual, remember you can book a personalized astrology reading with me to see exactly which area of your chart is activated by this phenomenon.
Trust the process, and remember that every cycle helps us grow and evolve.
With warmth,
Alejandro Herryman
“Alejandro Herryman is an expert in Travel Astrology and Astrocartography, with over 10 years of experience since 2013. After years of study and practice, he has helped countless individuals discover the best places to live, thrive, and find balance in their lives. With a background as a lawyer and entrepreneur, Alejandro decided to follow his true passion for astrology and personal growth. Today, he shares his knowledge and experience to guide others toward the places that most support their life purpose and well-being.”