Astrology
What 2025’s Mercury Retrograde in Leo Means for Your Love Life, According to Your Zodiac Sign
Head’s up, everyone: Mercury retrograde hits this week! We know “Mercury retrograde” is a bit of a buzzword these days, but trust us when we say that each one comes with its own unique flavor. This Leo-driven Mercury retrograde, from July 18 to August 11, will ignite the fire to be acknowledged, which may cause a lot more drama than usual in your partnerships.
But first, let’s backtrack a little. What is Mercury retrograde? In a nutshell, a “retrograde” period symbolizes a time when the planet in question isn’t operating at its full potential. With Mercury being the planet of communication, technology, and thought, these are the themes that are affected during any Mercury retrograde. The way (the “how”) they are affected will depend on the sign that the retrograde period is moving through.
On July 18, Mercury will turn retrograde in Leo and stay in this sign for the duration of its retrograde phase. Leo is the showman. This sign loves to be charming and make people laugh. But at the darker heart of it all, Leo craves attention and values self-worth based on outside validation and feeling publicly acknowledged. So, when Mercury turns retrograde in this sign, the way that we communicate our need for validation or acknowledgement is going to be a little wonky. Additionally, we might find that our thoughts turn more inward and self-conscious. And, of course, technological mishaps will occur. However, they might be more prone to affect public shows, stages, speeches, movies, or anything of entertainment value.
The very first and only connection Mercury retrograde will make is on the day of its shift. In the afternoon of July 18, Mercury will make a supporting connection to the love planet, Venus, in frenetic Gemini. So many things can go wrong here in partnerships — from miscommunications to overthinking in partnership to saying the wrong thing entirely.
Mercury Retrograde in Leo Horoscopes 2025
In any case, buckle up for the very last Mercury retrograde of 2025! Read your sun sign and rising sign below for the most accurate horoscope.
Aries
This movement is happening in your House of fun, friendship, entertainment, dating, and… sex. In general, you may be a little more vigilant of being used in partnerships. So, whether you’re with someone or not, you’ll find that you’re more sensitive to what people say to you (and any sexual or demeaning undertone they have underneath). This may be a moment where you lash out over text or in person, but just remember it comes from a place of hurt. Try to think about where the hurt actually comes from and how it may be a signal of low self-worth.
Taurus
This retrograde is occurring in your House of home and family. While this has less to do with love relationships, it can definitely still affect “the household” if you’re living with a partner. Mercury retrograde in this area may predict household items breaking down or needing TLC. Depending on who fixes things in the house, make sure you’re very appreciative of them — leaning into Leo’s need for acknowledgement. This retrograde can also represent issues with family… particularly as it relates to feeling unacknowledged as a child or within a group of siblings. Tap into your inner child here to help you through bigger feelings.
Gemini
Your affected House is actually the House ruled by Mercury: communication, short-distance travel, and technology. This is when your glib nature doesn’t operate as well as you know it can. You may say the wrong thing, you may not be able to explain things in the way you like, or you may just feel completely misunderstood or unheard. Additionally, since this affects travel, watch your daily commute a little more vigilantly. No texting and driving, watch where you’re walking, keep your eyes peeled. This Mercury retrograde can give you an even shorter attention span than you have already.
Cancer
Mercury retrograde will be traveling through your House of earned income, values, and self-worth. Since Leo is such a self-aware sign, you may feel more self-conscious these days. Remember that asking your partner for validation can only give you so much reassurance. The best reassurance you can find is already within yourself. When it comes to money during these few weeks, make sure you’re keeping track of your wallet. Additionally, you may see some delays in paychecks (even though you’ve shared the issue), which will make you feel unheard and unappreciated. Just know this issue will pass!
Leo
Ah, a Mercury retrograde in your sign! When this happens, the “self” is really activated. At this point in time, you might be feeling incredibly uncertain of who you are. In fact, you might feel a little lost right now. Don’t worry, this is normal! Try to lean on your friends and partner for support during a moment when you don’t feel like you’re fiery hot self. In your partnership, try to keep a level head so that you’re not so sensitive. Of course, all your feelings are valid. But just know that everything will hit extra hard during these few weeks.
Virgo
Happening in your House of subconscious narratives and escapism, you honestly might not even recognize that this retrograde is happening. However, you may find that your dreams are extremely vivid during this period. That’s not a coincidence! Use this time to tap into your subconscious and identify any ways you’ve repressed feelings of unacknowledgement. Dreaming about work? Maybe you feel you’re due for a raise. Dreaming about love? It could be that you really need your partner to tell you they care.
Libra
This retrograde is happening in your House of social networking and acquaintances. This is less about specific people in your life and more about how you fit into society. And with Leo energy? It’s like everyone’s staring at you for the wrong reasons. A few examples of how this might play out (or simply feel) are: experiencing public embarrassment, feeling like an outsider, not “fitting in,” or feeling like everyone is gossiping about you. Just make sure you know what’s true before you approach or accuse anyone!
Scorpio
As Mercury retrograde moves through your career House, it suggests that you may not feel as acknowledged at work during these few weeks. Maybe someone else receives the accolade you were supposed to get, or someone steals the spotlight from you, or talks over you in a meeting. All of these things can make you feel as though your words and thoughts aren’t good enough. As much as it is about career, this is also the House of public image. So, you’re likely going to feel much more sensitive about how others perceive you. This won’t last forever! Just keep trekking.
Sagittarius
In your House of long-distance travel, now is not the time to take a trip! We know you love a good vacation. But if you’re planning to have a getaway during late July to early August, you may want to double or triple-check flight times, bookings, and payments. Similar to you, Mercury in Leo can get so excited about what could happen that sometimes it can cause us to forget about the logistics. And while this will mostly apply to travel, it can also apply to love as well. Try to keep your head on straight as you move through life here.
Capricorn
This retrograde is moving through your House of debt and other people’s money. With communication mix-ups in this very vulnerable House, it can cause us to be quite paranoid about who’s on our side. And this might be a good idea, actually. This is especially true if you’re going into a partnership, signing legal documents, or working on a deal with another party. Make sure you’re reading between the lines and getting the acknowledgement you deserve in this deal! Double-check everything.
Aquarius
This is going to be a classic text-from-your-ex kind of Mercury retrograde, Aquarius! This transit is happening in your House of love, partnership, and marriage. Whenever Mercury retrogrades occur here, we are typically met with sudden conversations from previous partners (think: the guy who ghosted you in college asking how you’re doing). Although it can be easy to take this reconnection as a sign, it’s actually here to show you how much you’ve grown since that relationship. Here’s the kicker: In what way did you feel totally unappreciated or unacknowledged by that person? I’ll bet anything the answer to that question is what you’re supposed to take away from this.
Pisces
In your House of daily duty, responsibility, and health, you might suddenly turn your attention to your body, nutrition, fitness, and daily routines. If you think about it this way: How have you abandoned yourself (i.e. not given yourself acknowledgement) in your routines? For example, forgetting to do your typical daily meditation or missing out on the sleep you know you need. This retrograde is going to show you exactly what your body and daily life is craving. It’s up to you to listen, honor yourself, and make changes.
