I’m sure you’ve all heard about Mercury retrograde and the devastating effects it has on each zodiac. Being a planet that rules communication, technology, and thought, you can only imagine the impact it this can have on all of us.
However, what is actually happening during this period? What are the phases of Mercury Retrograde, and what can you expect in each one of them?
1. July 7
This was the date on which Mercury entered the retrograde in Leo. This was the time when most of the signs were affected by the dramatic and passionate zodiac: Leo.
Most of you were oriented toward your ambitions, and you felt like you could achieve everything. On this day, your self-confidence was at its peak which is characteristic of Leo. On the other hand, Leo rarely takes anything calmly, so it is also possible to have a day full of unnecessary drama and tension.
In addition to heightened confidence, you may have found yourself taking center stage, whether you wanted to or not. People were drawn to you, your ideas, and your energy, but that didn’t always go smoothly. Misunderstandings or miscommunications may have turned minor issues into full-blown theatrical events.
Even if the day felt intense, it was also an opportunity for personal growth. Perhaps you were forced to confront something about yourself—maybe a tendency to seek validation or overreact. These lessons, though uncomfortable, can help you grow stronger and more balanced.
2. July 8
The next day, Mercury met with Mars. As you already know, Mars is the ruler of war, and when communication and war are encountered, only one thing is possible: pure chaos!
This was the day in which in which everything went wrong. You were saying things you didn’t actually mean, and you had trouble putting your emotions into the right words.
Arguments likely flared up unexpectedly, and even simple conversations may have turned into battlegrounds. It felt like you were walking on eggshells, only to crack them with every step. You weren’t alone, though—others around you were feeling just as fiery and impulsive.
In hindsight, this chaotic energy may have been a blessing in disguise. Heated discussions often bring hidden issues to the surface, forcing you to address them. While it wasn’t fun in the moment, the clarity that followed likely left you with a better understanding of what needed to change.
3. July 19
On July 19, the situation will change because Mercury enters Cancer which is the champion of emotions. You can expect your mood to change every instant and to feel like nobody in this world gets you.
Also, prepare to be extra sensitive. You’ll be easily insulted, and it is quite possible to enter into different confrontations with people who actually mean you well, but you fail to understand their intentions properly.
This emotional rollercoaster isn’t all bad, though. Cancer’s influence also encourages introspection, allowing you to connect deeply with your feelings. You may have found yourself journaling, meditating, or simply retreating into your safe space to process everything.
Connections with loved ones likely felt intense but meaningful. You may have had heart-to-heart conversations or moments of vulnerability that strengthened your relationships. Even if conflicts arose, they were opportunities to build greater understanding and empathy.
Above all, Cancer reminds us to be kind to ourselves. If you found yourself overwhelmed, taking a moment to nurture your body and mind—through rest, creativity, or even comfort food—was the ultimate remedy.
4. July 21
This is the day when Mercury will meet the Sun who is the ruler of ego. During this period, your confidence will go way back up.
Even though this is a great thing, don’t expect everyone to fall for your charisma. You’re not always right, as much as you’re trying to be.
This boost of confidence likely inspired you to tackle challenges head-on. Whether it was pitching an idea, resolving a lingering issue, or stepping into a leadership role, you felt ready to shine. Just be careful not to steamroll others in the process.
The Sun’s influence also encourages self-expression, so you may have found yourself drawn to creative outlets. Whether it was art, music, or simply dressing to impress, this was your chance to let your unique personality glow.
However, it’s important to keep your ego in check. While confidence is powerful, arrogance can be isolating. Finding a balance between asserting yourself and listening to others was key to making the most of this day.
5. July 24
On July 24, Mercury will encounter Venus which is the ruler of love. This meeting has a huge impact on the communication in your romantic relationship.
The same goes for those of you who are single. Be careful about admitting your feelings to anyone you’re not sure about because this could be just the stars talking on your behalf.
This day likely brought a romantic energy that was impossible to ignore. Conversations with your partner may have felt sweeter, more intimate, or even a bit nostalgic. For singles, it was a time to reflect on what you truly want in love—not just what feels good in the moment.
You may have also felt inspired to express your affection in unique ways. A heartfelt letter, a surprise gesture, or even a simple but meaningful compliment could have gone a long way. Venus reminds us that love thrives on thoughtfulness and effort.
However, it’s crucial to avoid letting impulsivity rule your heart. Acting on fleeting emotions can lead to confusion later, so taking things slow was the wisest choice.
6. July 30
This is the date on which Mercury will have a meet-up with Moon which is the ruler of emotions. It is possible that you’ll remember an old flame or that all of a sudden, you’ll start missing someone from your past who once meant a lot to you.
Remember that this person isn’t a part of your present life for a reason. There is no need to reopen some old emotional wounds because this is just nostalgia talking.
While the past might have tugged at your heartstrings, this day was also an opportunity to heal. Revisiting old memories can help you appreciate how far you’ve come and understand why certain chapters needed to close.
This was also a day for self-reflection. The Moon’s influence likely brought hidden feelings to the surface, giving you the chance to confront them. Whether it was grief, longing, or gratitude, acknowledging your emotions was an important step forward.
7. July 31
On July 31 the period of post-retrograde starts. However, this doesn’t mean that you’re off the hook.
Mercury’s impact will still be felt in this period, so it’s time to remain careful when it comes to your communication with others. Nervousness and anxiety might appear, and it is up to you to be in charge of them the best way you can.
During this transitional phase, you may have felt a mix of relief and residual tension. It was a time to tie up loose ends, reflect on lessons learned, and start implementing healthier communication habits.
If you felt lingering nervousness, grounding techniques like deep breathing, journaling, or even spending time in nature could have helped restore your balance. This was a reminder that self-care is an ongoing process, not just something you do when times are tough.
8. August 9
This is the day when this post-retrograde period will finally be over. You can be at ease because your troubles are coming to an end.
This day likely brought a sense of clarity and relief. It felt like a heavy cloud had lifted, allowing you to see your path forward more clearly. You may have noticed that conversations flowed more smoothly and misunderstandings became a thing of the past.
With Mercury’s shadow finally gone, it was the perfect time to take stock of everything you learned during the retrograde. Whether it was about communication, relationships, or yourself, these insights were invaluable for moving forward.
It also marked a fresh start. This was your chance to set new intentions, rebuild bridges, or simply enjoy the peace that came with the end of this challenging period.
9. August 11
On August 11, Mercury returns to Leo, which means that this entire retrograde period is done. Now is the time to take your life back into your hands because you’re safe to start making decisions again (just don’t forget to rethink the ones you’ve made so far).
As Mercury moved back into Leo, you likely felt a surge of motivation and energy. This was a time to reclaim your power, set bold goals, and move forward with confidence.
However, Leo’s influence reminded you to balance ambition with humility. While it’s great to dream big, staying grounded and realistic is just as important. Taking small, consistent steps toward your goals ensured success.
This day also encouraged celebration. After navigating the ups and downs of Mercury retrograde, you deserved to take a moment to acknowledge your resilience and growth. Whether it was a small treat or a fun outing, celebrating yourself was well-earned.