Starting July 18, Mercury is back to its old tricks, going retrograde once again—this time in bold, self-assured Leo. For the next three weeks, we’re invited (okay, maybe nudged) to slow things down, take a closer look at how we express ourselves, and ask the big questions about identity, creativity, and personal influence. Think of it as a cosmic mirror reflecting back what truly drives you—and what might need a little fine-tuning.
Let’s be honest: Mercury retrograde has a bit of a reputation. Lost emails, awkward conversations, travel mix-ups—yes, those sorts of things can still happen. But when Mercury rewinds in a fire sign like Leo, the focus shifts to something more personal: who we are, how we shine, and whether we’re being authentic or just playing a part.
The Bigger Picture: Why This One Feels Different
The timing’s interesting. Mercury starts retrograding right before the Sun enters Leo, which means the themes of self-worth and expression are about to turn up the volume. Leo energy is all about heart—courage, passion, and creative fire. But with Mercury moonwalking through that same territory, we’re being asked to check in with ourselves before charging ahead.
And then there’s the New Moon in Leo just around the corner, opposing Pluto in Aquarius. That brings a whole extra layer. We’re not just asking, “Am I expressing myself enough?” We're also looking at the power dynamics that shape that expression. Who am I trying to impress? Where am I compromising my truth for approval?
This retrograde isn't necessarily about making big decisions—it’s about rethinking the ones already on the table.
Looking Back to Look Forward
Here’s a little cosmic breadcrumb trail: Mercury last retrograded in Leo back in July 2018. What was going on in your life then? Were you stepping into the spotlight? Struggling to speak your truth? Reigniting an old passion? You might be surprised by how those themes resurface now—not in a copy-paste kind of way, but more like a reminder to finish what you started or see how much you’ve grown.
Who Feels It Most?
If your rising sign falls in the group of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius, you might feel this transit more intensely than others. That’s because Mercury is retrograding through one of your chart’s angular houses—essentially the spots that represent the big cornerstones of life.
Here’s what that might look like:
- Taurus Rising – Themes around home, family, or emotional roots are up for reevaluation. Is your foundation still supporting who you're becoming?
- Leo Rising – This one’s personal. You might find yourself reworking your plans, health routines, or how you present yourself to the world.
- Scorpio Rising – Your career or public image might be under review. Are you climbing the right ladder—or has someone else been setting your goals?
- Aquarius Rising – Relationships and partnerships (professional or romantic) could be shifting. Are you being heard in those spaces, or are you compromising too much?
Staying Grounded Through the Static
Mercury retrograde periods have a way of stirring the pot. But just because things are moving slowly—or not at all—doesn’t mean you’re stuck. In fact, this is the perfect time to reset, reflect, and realign.
One of the simplest ways to stay centered? Create daily touchstones. Maybe it’s lighting incense each morning, setting a small intention, or scribbling a quick reflection in your journal. These rituals don’t have to be elaborate—they just have to remind you that your inner compass still works, even when everything else feels a bit foggy.
So, What’s This Retrograde Really About?
At its heart, Mercury retrograde in Leo is asking you one key question: Are you living in a way that matches who you really are?
It's not about being perfect or reinventing yourself overnight. It's about adjusting the dial—amplifying the parts that feel true, quieting the ones that don’t.
This isn’t a time for bold, sweeping moves (those come later). It's more like a rehearsal. Step back, read over the script, and ask yourself if your lines still feel right. If they don't? You’ve got time to rewrite them before stepping back on stage.
Take your time. This retrograde might just reconnect you to the version of yourself that’s been waiting in the wings.
