The second Mercury retrograde of 2025 occurs from July 17 to August 11, when it takes a backward spin through the fiery sign of Leo. But despite what you may hear on social media, Mercury retrograde isn’t a reason to panic. In fact, this celestial passage could bring some essential breakthroughs—especially when it comes to self-expression—thanks to Leo’s courageous energy.
“Mercury retrograde is less about chaos and more about clarity, if you lean in with awareness,” explains Priscila Lima de Charbonnières, astrologer, author, and founder of the personalized astrology app Soulloop. “Think of it as a cosmic edit button, one that makes you sharper, bolder, and more self-aware.”
To find out how to use this Mercury retrograde to your advantage and what it will mean for your sun sign, specifically, read on.
What is Mercury retrograde?
“Mercury retrograde happens when the planet of communication appears to move backward in the sky, an illusion with very real effects,” explains Lima de Charbonnières. “It’s a time when communication, travel, contracts, and technology may feel glitchy, but it’s also a powerful moment for reflection.”
If it seems like Mercury is always retrograding, that’s because its backward orbit happens pretty frequently—around three to four times a year, to be exact. But as Lima de Charbonnières points out, the planet is not really moving backwards—it only appears that way because Mercury is the closest planet to the sun and has a shorter orbital route.
How to use Mercury in retrograde to your advantage
We can think of the perceived backward motion as a reminder to check in with certain aspects of our lives. After all, Astrology is all about working with energy—not against it. “Mercury’s energy turns inward, inviting us to revisit the past, resolve misunderstandings, and shift the way we think, speak, and connect,” says Lima de Charbonnières.
In other words, Mercury retrograde is a chance to “slow down, reflect, and realign,” Lima de Charbonnières says. “Whether it’s refining your message, reconnecting with people who matter, or reworking plans that once felt ‘off,’ this period helps you course-correct with more wisdom and purpose. It’s a second shot to get it right. Use this time to fine-tune your communication, rethink decisions, and breathe new life into old ideas.”
Mercury retrograde in Leo
As Mercury is the planet of communication, and Leo is the sign of warmth, passion, and self-expression, you should expect your charisma and sense of expression to be supercharged. “This Mercury retrograde is a reset of your voice, creativity, and confidence,” Lima de Charbonnières says. “Whether you’re pitching an idea, leading a team, or reigniting a personal passion, this is your moment to refine how you show up.”
Tips for Mercury retrograde
In general, the overarching advice for this Mercury retrograde is to “show up as the most aligned version of yourself, and don’t be afraid to rewrite your own script,” says Lima de Charbonnières. Below, she shares her tips for taking advantage of this passage.
- Don’t rush decisions: If something feels off, it probably is. Give it space.
- Reflect and revise: Whether it’s a business pitch, a love letter, or a creative project, let yourself edit before hitting send.
- Reconnect: Old friends, clients, or ideas might resurface. This isn’t random, there’s something valuable there.
- Back it up: Tech glitches are real. Save your work, double-check details, and read the fine print.
- Lead with heart: Leo energy asks you to be bold, but also authentic. Let your true self take the mic.
Which zodiac signs are most affected by Mercury retrograde?
Every sign will be impacted by Mercury retrograde in some way, but it manifests differently for each. “For some signs, like Aquarius and Cancer, it’s about healing old dynamics,” says Lima de Charbonnières. “For others, like Scorpio and Leo, it’s about rebooting your goals and spotlighting your purpose.”
As this Mercury retrograde runs through Leo, anyone with a strong Leo placement (sun, moon, or rising) can expect to feel this retrograde most intensely. “For Leos, it will activate your identity and communication style,” says Lima de Charbonnières.
Leos aren’t the only ones in the spotlight, however. “Cancer will also feel the heat, especially around emotional security and financial clarity,” notes Lima de Charbonnières. “Aries, Scorpio, and Aquarius will get a big push to reset personal expression, leadership, and relationships. And, Virgo, with Mercury as a ruling planet, will feel the retrograde’s introspective energy deeply, meaning it’s time for internal cleanup and spiritual clarity.”
Advice for Mercury retrograde by sign
A creative recalibration. Revisit what brings joy and passion, especially in love and artistic expression. Try again, with more courage, more style, and more of you.
It’s a home-and-heart check-in. Family conversations, domestic plans, or emotional security themes may need a second look. Focus on what truly feels like home and rebuild from there.
Rewire how you communicate. Conversations from earlier this summer may return, especially around siblings, neighbors, or close connections. Speak from the heart, not just the head.
Revisit your approach to money, value, and self-worth. This is a chance to align your earnings with your values and express your talents with greater clarity and confidence.
This is personal. Self-image, your voice, and even your life path. Let yourself slow down and explore different versions of how you want to present yourself, act, and make choices.
A quiet reset unfolds behind the scenes. You may feel more introspective. Give space for healing and internal clarity. Let your inner voice lead the way.
Friendships and group dynamics are under review. Who really shares your values? Recalibrate your social world to reflect the future you’re building.
You’re reworking how you’re seen. Career, leadership, and reputation are all up for review. Step back, clarify what success really means to you, and lead from there.
Big-picture plans may stall, but for good reason. Travel, education, or belief systems may shift. Be open to learning something new about yourself through the detour.
It’s time to rethink how you share your resources, power, or vulnerability. Negotiate with more clarity and integrity. Let deeper trust guide your steps forward.
Relationships are the focus. Old dynamics may resurface for clarity or closure. Let go of what’s performative. Choose connection that reflects who you are now.
Your well-being takes center stage. Health habits, routines, and workflow are under review. Clear out what’s draining you. Rebuild with rhythms that restore and support you.
