Mercury Retrograde in Leo July 17 – August 11, 2025
Lately, I've been misplacing my words, misreading texts, and walking into rooms only to forget why I'm there. My computer is glitching like it has beef with me, and a few conversations I've had felt more like emotional dodgeball than meaningful dialogue. Welcome to the shadow phase of Mercury retrograde—where even the sloths are lapping me in terms of efficiency.
But here's the thing: I don't dread retrograde. I actually enjoy it.
That moment when the pace slows down, the noise dims just enough for clarity to creep in, and I realize…
I don't have to do it all alone.
I can ask questions. I should delegate.
And maybe, just maybe, not everything needs to be fixed—just felt and reframed.
If you're feeling frustrated, foggy, or like the universe accidentally hit "shuffle" on your life—this guide is for you. And if you're like me, using this retrograde as an excuse to breathe deeper and look inward, you're also in the right place.
Let's break it down—without the cosmic sugar rush.
What Is Mercury Retrograde, Really?
Astronomically Speaking...
Mercury doesn't actually move backward—it just appears to be from Earth's vantage point. As Mercury zips around the sun faster than we do, there are three or four times a year when it seems to loop back on itself, like a celestial U-turn.
This optical illusion, known as apparent retrograde motion, has been observed for centuries, and ancient cultures believed it had a real-world influence.
Astrologically Speaking...
Astrologers view Mercury as the cosmic messenger, as it governs communication, technology, travel, contracts, and cognition. When it retrogrades, these areas tend to misfire or feel like they're running on dial-up internet.
The energy isn't bad, but it is different. It's less about moving forward and more about:
- Reviewing
- Reworking
- Revisiting
- Realigning
Basically, don't start the thing. Edit the thing.
Oracle Card Reading 1, 3, or 5 card

$5.00
Clarity. Connection. Reflection. What’s an Oracle Card Reading? Oracle readings are intuitive tools that help you tap into what you already feel but may not yet see clearly. Think of them as a sacred pause—an invitation to listen inward, receive… read more
What to Expect During Mercury Retrograde in Leo
July 17 – August 11, 2025
This round of Mercury Retrograde is traveling through Leo, a sign of self-expression, confidence, creativity, and visibility. That means this isn't just about glitches in your email—this is about how you're showing up in the world.
Themes to Watch
- Expect ego flare-ups, communication misunderstandings, or drama when trying to lead, create, or be seen.
- Creative blocks may ask you to sit still long enough to listen to what they're really about.
- Identity questions might rise to the surface, especially if your inner truth and outer presentation are misaligned.
Larger Planetary Context
Both Saturn and Neptune are also retrograde, which means a deeper emotional and structural review is happening simultaneously.
We're being called to slow down, tune in, and revisit our purpose and plans—especially those tied to legacy, creativity, and emotional expression.
Best Practices During This Retrograde
This isn't about hiding or giving up. It's about getting clear before you speak, sign, post, or perform.
- Reread everything before hitting send—from emails to contracts to Instagram captions.
- Delay major launches or decisions whenever possible. If not, triple-check the details.
- Revisit old creative ideas instead of forcing something new.
- Avoid impulsive reactions. Ask yourself: Is this clarity or reactivity?
- Back up your tech and allow for rescheduling or unexpected miscommunications.
- Make time to reflect on where your voice feels most authentic—and where it doesn't.
If things get messy, don't panic. It's a pause, not a punishment.
Crystals & Rituals to Work With This Retrograde
When words fail, let your crystals speak on your behalf. Here are intentional pairings and practices to keep you aligned:
1. For Communication & Clarity
Crystals: Blue Lace Agate, Fluorite, Amazonite
Ritual: Rewrite & Reflect
Write out a conversation or message you've been holding in. Then, rewrite it with softness and clarity. Hold Blue Lace Agate or Fluorite in your palm as you breathe through the fear of being misunderstood.
2. For Creativity & Self-Expression
Crystals: Carnelian, Sunstone, Tangerine Quartz
Ritual: Creative Comeback
Revisit a forgotten idea. Set a timer for 25 minutes. Create freely—paint, write, sketch, or daydream—with a Carnelian or Sunstone beside you. No perfection. Just presence.
3. For Ego Balance & Emotional Regulation
Crystals: Smoky Quartz, Lepidolite, Obsidian
Ritual: Ego Check-In
Each evening, hold Smoky Quartz or Lepidolite and ask:
- Where did I act from love?
- Where did I react from pride?
- What can I release?
Jot your answers in a notebook. Let Obsidian help you see what's real, not what's rehearsed.
4. For Tech & Travel Grounding
Crystals: Shungite, Hematite, Clear Quartz
Ritual: Reset & Recharge
Cleanse your tech with smoke, sound, or intention. Place Shungite near your devices and Clear Quartz on your to-do list. Say:
"Delays don't derail me—they give me time to realign."
5. For Inner Alignment & Intuition
Crystals: Moonstone, Labradorite, Sodalite
Ritual: Realignment Journal
Ask yourself:
- What truths am I uncovering?
- What parts of me are ready to be seen without armor?
- Hold Moonstone in one hand and write whatever comes through.
Final Thoughts: Slow Down to Speak Up
Mercury retrograde might be notorious for its chaos. Still, it also brings clarity if you're willing to listen between the static.
For me, this one is whispering:
"You don't need to sprint to be seen. You need to speak from your center."
If this retrograde is getting under your skin, you're not alone. But it's also pointing you toward what needs to be healed, heard, or held a little differently.
Wherever you are—overwhelmed, inspired, annoyed, or all of the above—I hope this guide gives you something helpful to return to. Whether Mercury is in retrograde or not, these rituals and reflections are always available. You don't need cosmic permission to pause.
Want deeper insight this season?
Explore your own energetic landscape with a 10-card Oracle Reading + Guided Digital Journal. This is more than a reading—it's a transformational tool designed to help you ask better questions, reconnect with your intuition, and move forward with intention. Each card is carefully selected and accompanied by a downloadable journal that guides you through interpretation, reflection, and self-discovery.
🔮 Grab your reading here and let the messages meet you exactly where you are.
And suppose you're looking for crystals, rituals, or cosmic check-ins to support your retrograde journey. In that case, you can always find me at @allcheri—where magic, mindfulness, and a touch of Leo flair come together to help you shine with purpose.