Mercury in Retrograde: What does it actually mean?

Yes, Mercury is officially messing with us again.

What’s Actually Happening

If you’ve been feeling extra glitchy lately, dropped calls, delayed DMs, mood spikes, creative stalls… it’s not you. Welcome to Mercury in retrograde.

From July 17–18 to August 11, 2025, Mercury appears to go backwards in the sky, especially dramatic in fiery Leo. But it's not magic, it’s a cosmic coaster where communication, technology, travel, and even our mood hit turbulence.

Across the rest of the year, mark your calendars:

  • March 14–April 7 (Aries to Pisces)

  • November 9–November 29 (Sagittarius to Scorpio)

Astrology 101: The Basics Behind It

Astrology maps the perceived positions of planets onto our personalities, habits, and life cycles - based on signs (zodiac), houses (areas of life), and planetary rulers.

  • Mercury rules communication, travel, thinking, and tech, so its retrograde is linked to mix-ups in those areas.

  • The zodiac sign matters too. In Leo, the emphasis is on ego, creativity, and self-expression - feelings like you’re suppressing your voice, energy clashing, or old ideas resurfacing.

  • Retrograde phases encourage reflection, review, and rewrites, not new starts .

Despite astrology being labeled pseudoscience in academic circles, millions tune into retrogrades for self-awareness and ritual, whatever our proof threshold.

When Mercury’s Retrograde Hits in 2025

  • July 17–18 to Aug 11 (Leo)

  • March 14–April 7 (Aries to Pisces)

  • Nov 9–29 (Sagittarius to Scorpio)

Why It Feels So Disruptive Right Now

Mercury retrograde is literally an optical illusion, but astrologically, it symbolizes inward energy and misfires in Mercury-ruled zones: communication, travel, tech. When in Leo, it amplifies blocks to self-expression, creative outlets and social drama.

If your sign is in the fixed element (like Leo, Taurus, Scorpio, or Aquarius) expect a bigger ripple.

Your Selfcentred Guide: Make Retrogrades Work for You

  1. Double-check everything: Travel plans, emails, payments. Errors spike when Mercury’s misfiring.

  2. Save before you send: Back up files, screenshot itineraries, revisit old drafts.

  3. Slow your pace: Trips derail, communications glitch. So prep with buffer time and patience.

  4. Reflect, don’t launch: Time to re-look at stalled ideas or forgotten projects, not launch new ones.

  5. Explore your Leo side: Reflect on your creative voice, ego, and self-expression.

TL;DR: Your Retrograde Survival Guide

  • Mercury back in motion July 17–Aug 11 in Leo

  • Communication and tech glitches are common

  • Fix > launch, reflect > charge ahead

  • Double-check, screenshot, and pause

  • Use it to reconnect with your voice and creativity

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