Mercury Retrograde in Leo 2025

We are here again in the time of Mercury Retrograde! This retrograde takes place through the sign of Leo from July 17 through August 10, 2025. To begin to understand the lessons of this Retrograde, let's first look at Mercury in the sign of Leo

Mercury in Leo: June 26 - Sept 2, 2025

Mercury in Leo ushers in a spirited energy that encourages bold self-expression and fosters personal growth. This period highlights the significance of confident communication, creativity, and embracing our unique voice. As we navigate this period, our thoughts and ideas are infused with a captivating vibrancy, resonating with authenticity and flair. We are inspired to speak our truth with conviction and passion, allowing our words to leave a lasting impact.

Additionally, Mercury in Leo invites us to nurture and celebrate our creative talents. This transit encourages us to fearlessly express ourselves through various mediums, such as writing, painting, or music. By embracing our artistic abilities, we tap into a wellspring of inspiration and unlock our full creative potential. Mercury in Leo invites us to unleash our imagination and let it soar, igniting a spark of creativity within ourselves and inspiring those around us.

However, it is essential to maintain a balanced perspective during this energetic phase. Leo's influence can sometimes tempt us towards seeking attention or recognition, and into realms of unhealthy ego. To foster meaningful growth and understanding, we must cultivate genuine listening skills and respect for diverse viewpoints. By engaging in open and respectful dialogue, we create an environment that encourages intellectual exchange and mutual growth.

June 26: Mercury enters Leo June 30 - July 17: Mercury in the Pre-Shadow zone July 16 & 17: Mercury Stationing July 17: Mercury Retrograde Begins Aug 10: Mercury Stations, Retrograde Ends Aug 10 - 25: Mercury in the Post-Shadow zone August 25: Mercury exits the Retrograde Zone September 2: Mercury enters Virgo

Mercury Retrograde in General

Mercury Retrograde is a time of REview, RElapse, REst, REalign, REpurpose, REvisit, and Re-Do. Mercury appears to travel backwards through the part of the zodiac that it already moved through.  (Yes, this is an optical illusion as planets do not reverse direction and move backwards, but astrology relates to the apparent motion of planets from our perspective here on earth, which is also in motion - so sometimes the planets appear to go backwards and then forward again)In general, during a Mercury Retrograde we tend to notice the realms of communication, trade, travel, and technology can get a little bumpy and chaotic.  Things don't go as smoothly as we had hoped, and there are delays, mishaps, communication failures, etc.

Remember - Mercury Retrograde doesn't create problems - it points out existing problems so they can be dealt with.  The planets are like teachers, and when we engage with Astrology we are opening ourselves up to the teachings and lessons of the planets.  Mercury is the teacher of all things related to our minds, thoughts, and communication.  Travel, commerce and trade are included in Mercury's realm because the process of moving goods or people from one place to another is something that involves thought and communication.  When we speak, we are moving our thoughts from inside our head, into another person's head.  When we sell or trade goods, we are moving a product from one person's possession to another person's possession.  When we travel, we are moving our physical bodies from one place to another place.  And when we use technology such as computers and phones or automobiles, we are using tools that have been designed to help with communication, trade, or travel.

When Mercury goes retrograde - there is a tendency for these things to malfunction.  It is like a teacher giving us a pop quiz to see if we were paying attention.  Do you know how to deal with travel delays when your guide goes missing?  Do you know how to deal with communication issues when your language teacher / translator is taking a vacation?  Do you know how to analyze and organize information in the classroom even if the teacher is not there?

It is easy to take on a victim mindset around Mercury Retrograde - "oh why is this happening to me?"  - but I find it much more rewarding to take a different approach.  When things are going wrong - think of this as an opportunity to learn.  Travel Delays? Maybe you need to slow down, pay attention, take a different route, or remember to enjoy the journey.  Communication issues?  Maybe your communication skills need an upgrade, and you needed a reminder to listen more, ask more questions to clarify things, stop making assumptions, and speak your mind or share your truth.  Technology issues?  Maybe this is a reminder to be less dependent on technology, or to be more grateful for our technology and remember to take care of it instead of taking it for granted.

Mercury Retrograde in the sign of Leo 

(July 18 - August 10) is a time to reflect on how your personal self expression might impact the people around you. While Mercury in Leo is great for helping us feel more confident and bold with our expression, the retrograde can serve to remind us that confidence and boldness alone do not always serve our best interests. There may be a reality check showing us that we aren't coming across as confident at all - but just coming across as entitled or rude. We may be forced to come to terms with times that our communication has failed and caused embarrassment, or we have been tactless, unbecoming, or just "Cringe". Confidence is great but narcissism and unbridled ego or entitlement are not a good look - this retrograde reminds us to practice discernment and stay humble and grounded enough that we don't destroy our own good reputation in the pursuit of recognition

Mercury Pre-Shadow: (June 30 - July 17)

During the Pre-Shadow period, Mercury is still traveling direct (forward) but it is beginning to slow down.  Mercury usually moves pretty fast through the signs, but during this time it is slowing down and therefore we might start to experience some Retrograde energy.  Additionally, Mercury is travelling over the section of the zodiac that it is going to return to during the retrograde.  Pay attention, because these Mercury Lessons are the ones you are going to have a "pop-quiz" about during the Retrograde!  In other words, themes and lessons that come up during the Pre-Shadow will often be revisited during the Retrograde.  Now is the time to prepare. back up your computer important computer files, double check your travel plans, and see what detailed work you can get done in advance before the retrograde begins.

During Mercury Retrograde in Leo:

• Watch out for unnecessary battles of Ego and Willpower. Even if you are technically "right", you may lose influence or damage your reputation by pushing too hard on certain issues right now.

  
  

• Be careful of your own narcissistic tendencies. We all have narcissistic traits (this is not the same as a full blown Narcissistic Personality Disorder - I am just referring to each person's ability to behave in narcissistic ways from time to time.) It will be easy to get wrapped up in our own ego at this time. A sense of entitlement may be over-inflated by Mercury Retrograde in Leo
  

• Alternatively, you may respond to having your ego challenged with a complete lack of self-confidence, imposter syndrome, or feeling like the world has turned against you personally. Mindfulness skills will help you respond to these feelings - try not to respond too dramatically and trust that what you are feeling is temporary.
  

• Be aware that other people are also struggling with their ego and self image -they may be excessively bold and behaving in narcissistic ways - or they may be struggling with extreme lack of confidence, or feeling attacked, left out, etc. There may be a variety of dramatic or tactless ways that people respond to the problems that arise during this retrograde.
  

• Look to your own birth chart or hire an Astrologer to look at your chart with you to find more personal relevance for this retrograde. Some things to consider are what house you have the sign of Leo in, and whether you have natal planets in the middle or beginning of any of the Fixed signs (Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio, and Taurus)

Advice from the Tarot:

The first ten days of the Mercury Retrograde (July 18 - 28) will have Mercury in the second decan of Leo; which corresponds with the Six of Wands and is sub-ruled by the planet Jupiter.

The Six of Wands: Leo and Jupiter

While the Six of Wands is often a card of success, recognition, and triumph, its challenges can lie beneath the surface of praise and public approval. One potential pitfall is becoming overly reliant on external validation, which may lead to ego inflation or a fear of failure that hinders authentic growth. There can also be pressure to maintain appearances or continue performing at a high level, even when one feels uncertain or insecure. Additionally, the card may suggest jealousy or competition from others, highlighting the difficulty of navigating attention, leadership, or recognition in a way that remains grounded and true to one’s values.

When Mercury is retrograde in the second decan of Leo (sub-ruled by Jupiter and corresponding with the Six of Wands) there’s a unique blend of fiery expression, public image, and philosophical overtones that color the retrograde experience. This transit invites a re-evaluation of how we communicate our strengths, seek recognition, and define success.

Here are some key tips and insights for navigating this particular part of the Mercury Retrograde:

1. Reassess Your Motivations for Recognition

Use this time to reflect on why you seek praise or attention. Are you acting from authentic passion, or from a need for validation? Revisit recent accomplishments and ask yourself what they mean to you beyond external applause.

2. Be Mindful of Ego in Communication

Mercury in Leo can amplify dramatic or prideful expression, and when retrograde, misunderstandings can arise from overly forceful or self-centered communication. Practice humility and clarity when speaking; don’t assume others know your intentions.

3. Expect Delays in Public Recognition or Creative Projects

Projects meant to boost your visibility (like launches, performances, or leadership roles) may need to be reworked or paused. This is a time to refine your message or artistic vision before going public again.

4. Reflect on Beliefs Around Success

Jupiter’s sub-rulership adds a philosophical dimension: Are your definitions of success, leadership, or influence rooted in your values? Revisit long-term goals or teachings you’ve shared - there may be room to expand your thinking or revise old assumptions.

5. Watch for Inflated Promises or Overconfidence

Jupiter’s influence can bring exaggerated thinking or overly ambitious plans, especially when Mercury’s clarity is clouded. Double-check facts, contracts, and commitments. Avoid over-promising or making bold declarations without follow-through.

Five of Wands - Leo and Saturn

The last 12 days of the Mercury Retrograde (July 29 through August 10) will have Mercury in the first decan of Leo, which corresponds with the Five of Wands and is sub-ruled by the planet Saturn.

The Five of Wands represents conflict, competition, and the struggle for dominance or clarity, often manifesting as chaotic energy, miscommunication, or clashing egos. A key challenge with this card is learning how to navigate disagreements without escalating them into unnecessary drama or hostility. It may point to situations where too many voices are trying to lead, making cooperation difficult and progress slow. Internally, it can reflect the feeling of being pulled in multiple directions, unsure of which passion or priority to pursue. This card asks us to find constructive ways to engage with tension; whether by setting boundaries, honing communication, or transforming rivalry into healthy collaboration.

When Mercury is retrograde in the first decan of Leo, the mental and communicative energies of Mercury pass through a fiery, expressive sign tempered by the influence of Saturn, the sub-ruler of this decan - and symbolized by the tension and conflict in the Five of Wands tarot card. This blend brings themes of creative friction, pride, discipline, and learning how to express oneself clearly in the face of internal or external resistance. Here are a few key tips and things to be aware of during this transit:

1. Expect Mental Friction & Creative Blockages

The Five of Wands speaks to energetic discord and competing forces; during Mercury retrograde in this decan, mental energy may feel scattered or combative. You might experience internal tension between what you want to say and how to say it responsibly, or disagreements with others around vision, leadership, or creative input. Allow space for brainstorming, but delay final decisions or announcements until clarity returns. Journal or record ideas privately to refine them.

2. Saturn’s Influence: Respect Limits & Structure

With Saturn as sub-ruler, this retrograde highlights the need for discipline in speech, patience in process, and respect for authority or tradition, even when you feel like rebelling against it. The frustration of the Five of Wands is heightened by delays or restrictions, making it important to recognize when rules or limitations are actually helping you refine your message or method. Revisit boundaries, contracts, or formal commitments. Don’t cut corners; slow, focused communication wins over impulsive reactions.

3. Miscommunication from Pride or Ego Clashes

Leo’s fiery pride combined with Mercury's retrograde confusion and the combative nature of the Five of Wands can lead to ego battles, defensive speech, or talking over others. Group projects, workplace collaboration, or even social conversations may feel more contentious than usual. Practice active listening. Let others finish their thoughts before responding, and avoid turning every disagreement into a competition.

4. Rethink Your Role in Group Dynamics

The Five of Wands can indicate competition or clashes for leadership or voice - this retrograde may call you to reassess your role within a team or community. Are you pushing too hard to be heard, or are you stepping back when your voice needs to be stronger? Reflect on your communication style and how it influences your relationships. This is a good time to adjust how you show up in group settings.

5. Work Through Delayed Progress, Not Against It

Saturn teaches that delays and frustrations often serve a purpose: to deepen mastery and mature your approach. Creative projects may feel slow or stuck, but this is a chance to refine your vision, not abandon it. Be patient with timelines. Use delays as opportunities to revisit your core purpose and streamline unnecessary complications.

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