Another round of Mercury retrograde kicks off on July 18th 2025, and it lasts until August 11th. This one is entirely in Leo – hear the lion’s roar!
This is the second bout of Mercury retrograde for this year, and the last one occurred in Aries and Pisces, coupled with Venus retrograde and Neptune moving from Pisces to Aries, so it was quite the trip.
This time, the other planets aren’t complicating matters so much, so it’s a bit easier than the first one was. It does end with a lot of aspects, but we’ll get to that!
If you want to stay on top of all astrological happenings like Mercury retrograde, follow the free astrology calendar to keep up!
What is Mercury Retrograde?
In astrology, a planet or body is called retrograde when it appears to be moving backward through the zodiac. It isn’t actually, it just appears that way, but normal motion is forward, so this can throw the body off.
Mercury retrograde is perhaps the most notorious. It occurs roughly 3 – 4 times each year for about 3 weeks at a time, so it occurs the most often but is the shortest in duration.
Since Mercury is a tech ruler, Mercury retrograde can throw off our modern world in a big way! As we become more and more reliant on technology, we become more and more impacted by Mercury retrograde.
All sorts of things can go wrong during Mercury retrograde. If it can go wrong, it often does, and we tend to get pushed off track, delayed, or have to go backward.
It’s not all terrible though. Mercury retrograde is excellent for the re-’s: redo, revise, revisit, rethink, restore, reconnect, renovate, etc.
All retrogrades also connect with second chances, and Mercury retrograde can be a great time to pursue one. The energy tends to be pretty high for it, and there can be lots of opportunities to take another shot at something you tried before and failed at, started but didn’t finish, or planned to do but didn’t get to begin.
This tends to be focused on the areas of life ruled by the zodiac sign the retrograde occurs in for all of us; on a personal level, you can see this focused on the areas of life ruled by the house in your natal chart the retrograde occurs in.
If you don’t know your birth chart, use our free calculator and look for your Leo house!
Impact of the 2025 Mercury Retrograde in Leo
So, this Mercury retrograde occurs entirely in Leo, a Fire sign full of energy and creativity, and a Fixed sign who doesn’t like to budge. How does this impact us?
First, Leo is a theatrical sign, literally ruling the theater, so Mercury retrograde in Leo usually brings out the drama. It might seem like everyone is overreacting in various situations where things aren’t actually that bad.
Then add in the stubbornness about it, and people might have a hard time actually seeing that they’re taking it too far, and that cooling down is all that’s needed to solve the problem.
Cooler heads prevail, so try to keep calm during this retrograde. If you can avoid giving in to theatrics, you can sail through troubles with greater ease.
Leo is a proud sign, so if pride is an issue, you may find that it gets in the way for you. Or, you may end up dealing with too many prideful people who cause problems for you, and you have to find a way to handle them and their egos.
Leo is the sign of creativity, so this retrograde is fantastic for creative projects and ventures. You might be extra inspired, and this can help with mundane tasks.
Dealing with work and the mundane might prove challenging, and you’d rather take time away to have fun and enjoy yourself. Try to be creative with the mundane so you can get things done, and carve out time for more fun when you can.
Leo is also the sign of love, so you may reconnect with an old flame, or pick back up an old hobby. You can connect with your heart, remind yourself to be joyful, and give your inner child some attention.
This Mercury retrograde ends with Mercury sextile, which is a beneficial aspect, transit Mars in Libra and Uranus in Gemini; trine, which is also a beneficial aspect, Saturn and Neptune in Aries; and in opposition to Pluto in Aquarius. Very active!
The sextiles and trines are great because they are easy energy, and there can be lots of energy and enthusiasm with Mars, experimenting with Uranus, discipline with Saturn, and imagination and intuition with Neptune.
All of this helps with getting back on track if you get thrown during the retrograde, or making progress with what has gone right. Great strides can be made coming out of this retrograde.
The opposition to Pluto is the only challenging aspect, and Pluto is power struggles and control issues,so we do need to keep this in mind and avoid the urge to fight. Keep an open mind and listen to find a way out that doesn’t involve destruction.
Venus and Jupter will conjunct, or align, the day after this Mercury retrograde ends, so they help with some very pleasant, almost lucky energy that is ready for the taking.
So, get through the retrograde period and you can emerge in really great shape!
5 Tips for the Leo Mercury Retrograde
1. Pick back up a creative project.
With Leo being the sign of creativity, this is an excellent period for picking back up an old creative project. Think about the projects that you were really invested in, cared a lot about, and that got you excited, and pick one from there.
This can be a great way to channel creative energy productively, and you can become inspired yet again. Opportunities can come out of nowhere to help you make progress this time.
2. Pick back up an old hobby.
Since Leo also rules your hobbies, this period is also great for picking back up an old hobby. Think about the hobbies you used to have, even going back to your childhood, that you enjoyed a great deal and could potentially enjoy again.
Coloring? Jump rope? Water slide? It might all seem silly, but it could be just what you need.
3. Reconnect with your heart.
Leo is the sign of the heart, so take some time during this retrograde to nurture and nourish your heartfelt energy.
How often are you listening to what your heart wants, and pursuing goals and projects in a heartfelt way? Assess, and see how you can improve.
4. Prioritize play, but balance with work.
Leo hates work and wants to be all play, all day, but there are practical matters to tend to as an adult, so that’s not a good thing to do. Make extra time to play, to have fun and goof off and be silly, but balance this with enough time to get work done.
This can include both your actual work, the job that pays, as well as the unpaid work at home and personally. Try making the work more fun so you have an easier time finishing.
5. Let out your inner romantic.
Leo is the sign of romance and dating, so take advantage of this retrograde by bringing out your inner romantic. You can go all out with Leo, and recreate your favorite scenes from films or books, and make a bold statement.
If single, you may want to reconnect with someone you’ve dated in the past; just make sure you’re clear-eyed and remember exactly why it didn’t work in the first place.
If in a relationship, try recreating your first date, first vacation, or anything that would reignite the sparks between you.
Mercury Retrograde in Leo for the Zodiac Signs
Aries
You may have way less patience for anything you’d consider “boring” during this Mercury retrograde, Aries, so try to give yourself plenty of time to deal with the “boring” stuff. If you don’t give yourself the time, it might not get done, so take the time, and try to be creative while you’re at it.
Once the work is done, make the most of time to play. Go on vacation, take some quick getaways, hit the beach, play some board games, and simply enjoy yourself without any stress.
Taurus
Your emotions can be stronger during this Mercury retrograde, Taurus, and you may need to make some time to take care of your emotional needs. They can be stronger, louder, and more demanding of you if you don’t take the time you need.
Once you do, you can feel better emotionally, and this can help you improve your support system, take care of home or family matters, or strengthen the foundation of something.
Gemini
Your mind can be active during this Mercury retrograde, Gemini, and you may want to pick back up an old idea or plan. There can be an opportunity to do something with it now that excites you, so work quickly to make the most of it.
Try to keep yourself active to use up extra mental energy, but also try not to take on too much and make yourself anxious. Use your mind, but also give your mind breaks.
Cancer
You may want to slow things down with this Mercury retrograde, Cancer, and you can take your time with doing anything. Just make sure you don’t slow down so much that you end up stuck and unable to get out.
This can be a beneficial period for you to work on blocks to stability and security, and to try to improve your confidence levels.
Leo
This retrograde is in your sign, Leo, which often triggers all sorts of little issues to pop up. This can be frustrating, but try to tackle them as they come quickly and creatively.
This can be the best time for you to pursue a second chance, so think about something you’d like to give another try. You might feel extra focused on it during this period, and can make speedy progress.
Virgo
Get some time to yourself with this Mercury retrograde, Virgo. Your energy levels might be low, and you could benefit from extra time to rest and recharge, otherwise you may struggle with little things.
Take the opportunity to get more time alone to reflect, to understand, and to get ready to release. This can free you moving forward.
Libra
The future can be on your mind during this Mercury retrograde, Libra, and you may question yourself a little bit, wondering if what you dream of is possible. Don’t make any rash decisions yet, and let things play out a little.
Reconnect with an old friend, and let yourself enjoy the time together, even if you don’t stay in each other’s lives after this.
Scorpio
The Mercury retrograde in Leo might result in some delays and setbacks with one of your goals, Scorpio, and you may need to give extra attention to your plans and direction. You want to make certain you’re on the right path, so assess all information carefully.
This can be a good period to pick back up an old goal, and you can feel renewed inspiration to quickly succeed.
Sagittarius
You may crave more freedom and space with this Mercury retrograde, Sagittarius, and this can lead you to push to get it. Try to avoid that though, otherwise you might regret it later. It’s better to work within the limitations you have creatively.
An old idea can pop back into your brain, and you can be more optimistic about it now. See if you can give it a try.
Capricorn
There can be something serious that requires your attention during this Mercury retrograde, Capricorn, and you may need to work on getting to the heart of it. This can help you solve the problem, once and for all, and move on.
You may need to work on a transformation for the better, and this can be a lot of work, but well worth it. It might be something you’re taking a second shot at, and you can have better focus this time.
Aquarius
The people in your life might be more demanding with this Mercury retrograde, and you can focus on trying to help out where you can, Aquarius. Just make sure you’re not giving so much that you become out of balance, and don’t have enough time, energy, or resources for yourself.
Keep balance in mind, and restore balance where it’s been zapped. Avoid chaotic people too, and prioritize a peaceful, calm daily life.
Pisces
There can be lots of little things for you to take care of during this Mercury retrograde, Pisces, and this can be an opportunity to get tasks and chores that have been put off done. You can tackle them quickly, and can make improvements to productivity.
It can be tempting to do too much and not give yourself breaks, but this just creates unnecessary stress, so don’t do that. Manage your schedule in a healthy way, and take care of yourself.
Remind yourself to have some fun with Mercury retrograde in Leo!
It can be easy to let the drama unfold and give in to stubbornness, but if you can avoid that, this can be a pleasant retrograde.
This year has been one full of really intense change thanks to Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune changing signs, and we’re in the middle of a paradigm shift that is shaking up everything.
This Mercury retrograde in Leo is your chance to get a slight break from this, and to remind yourself that life shouldn’t be serious all the time, all day, every day. It’s not worth living if you’re not laughing sometimes.
Make some memorably fun times!
Related article: Your Ultimate Guide to Controversial Mercury Retrograde
Leave a Reply