Our fourth retrograde transit for July starts on Friday 18, when Mercury Retrograde is back. It joins Pluto, Saturn and Neptune for a backwards spin, and cementing July 2025 as an emotionally challenging month.

This Mercury Retrograde – which falls in Leo – is the second Mercury Retrograde of the year, and unfortunately not the last. It runs from 18 July to 11 August and this is a transit that will hit us hardest in our personal relationships, while also challenging our own sense of self. Of course, be mindful of the usual travel delays and process disruptions too. Here's everything you need to know about the July and August Mercury Retrograde and how it will affect you.

What happens during Mercury Retrograde?

From a technical perspective, Mercury Retrograde is a period of time where the planet Mercury appears to move backwards in the sky. This time-frame typically lasts for about three weeks and happens three to four times a year. Now, of course, Mercury is not actually moving backwards, but owning to its angle to the Earth at that time, this is what it looks and feels like. There is also something called a Mercury Retrograde pre-shadow period, which is the period where Mercury's travel begins to slowdown before eventually heading backwards.

Astrologically speaking, Mercury Retrograde is considered a karmic and short-term whirlwind. It is a short and sharp burst that blows in, disrupting everything from travel plans to text messages, before leaving as quick as it came. Our messenger, Mercury is the planet of transit and communications. It rules the movement of anything transiting from A to B. It also rules over ideas, intellect and the mind. As such, when Mercury is in a retrograde transit, these are the areas of life that can become challenged. Think missed trains, misunderstood conversations, flight cancellations and the inability to communicate your own thoughts and feelings. The typical advice for all Mercury retrogrades is to not put gossip in writing and to avoid signing binding contracts at this time.

Leo is opens up our hearts – but be wary of the selfishness of others

As this Mercury Retrograde comes in Leo for the full duration, this transit will be guided by the proud and dramatic energy of this bubbly Fire sign. Leo knows how to bring the drama and tell a great story. If you know a Leo, they'll be one of the most fun people at every party, its what we love about this vibrant sign. But it does have its problems; this sign is notoriously self-centred and can be inconsiderate of others. We can go as far as saying, dramatic, ego-centric and wholly self-serving at its absolute worst.

Leo energy – especially when it afflicts our planet of ideas and communication – can make us all more selfish and deeply concerned with our own affairs. Do not be surprised if you notice that in your personal relationships and other people around you have very little care for anything but their own self. This moment can make the people around us particularly concerned with their own status and public perception, and with no consideration for how their actions affect the people. It's a bitter pill to swallow for those among us who try to genuinely support and uplift others.

So what to do if you've been subject to these situations? Do not let this rock your sense of self. It is easy – especially during a Mercury Retrograde – to feel as though your identity has been shattered. But you have to remember that other people's actions are not a reflection of you and who you are.

In terms of how you respond, now is not the time to start arguments. Be very mindful about you say and how you say it. Even a small miscommunication has the potential to blow up. Keep to yourself and protect your peace. On the flip side, if you do notice that you've been a little less considerate of late, just know that a genuine "sorry" always goes a long way.

If you're in the midst of planning an event or working on a new project at work, know that this Mercury Retrograde can make us all very resistant to embracing the ideas of others. Try to having meetings and catch ups in-person to avoid any potential mix ups. You will need to be flexible enough to accomodate any resistance, that is, if you want to emerge unscathed.

Try to take ego out of the equation at work. Leo loves the ideas of our work lives appearing much more glamorous than they are. But if this is inhibiting your ability to meaningfully contribute, you won't reap rewards in the long run. Remember, the cream always rises to the top.

Finally, if you're travelling, do remember to give yourself extra time to get to the airport!

Image: Navi on Unsplash