Mercury Retrograde Decoded: What It Really Means, What to Avoid, and How to Flow With It In 2025
At this point, you’ve more than definitely heard someone blame Mercury retrograde for a technology fail, missed text, or sudden travel delay, but what does it actually mean? Mercury retrograde is one of the most talked-about astrological events, and for good reason. This planetary transit is known for stirring up miscommunication, tech glitches, and old memories. However, instead of dreading it, you can learn to work with the energy and use it to your advantage! Here’s everything you need to know about Mercury retrograde: what it means, what to avoid, and how to flow with it. Let’s dive in!
Mercury Retrograde Explained
Mercury retrograde occurs when the planet Mercury appears to move backward in the sky from our vantage point on Earth. This is an optical illusion caused by the relative motion of the planets, as it’s not actually reversing in orbit. Still, in astrology, it marks a period of reflection, review, and realignment!
Because Mercury rules communication, transportation, and technology, its retrograde phase tends to bring slowdowns or shakeups in these areas. You’ll find that during this phase, some emails get lost, contracts fall through, and misunderstandings can easily escalate to a point that was never actually necessary. But retrograde periods aren’t inherently “bad”, no, they’re opportunities to pause, reassess, and tie up loose ends, and by trying to focus on the positives of retrogrades, especially when it comes to Mercury, you can work towards having it work for you, instead of against you!
Each Mercury retrograde lasts about three weeks and happens three to four times a year, often in a different zodiac sign. The themes of the retrograde shift depend on the sign Mercury is moving through, so every retrograde has its own unique flavor.
For example, on July 18th, 2025, Mercury goes retrograde in the sign of Leo. What does this mean? Well, those communication challenges and disruptions will be heightened in areas associated with Leo, such as self-expression, creativity, and romance. When comparing this to Mercury in retrograde in any other sign, there’s a potential for ego clashes or miscommunications that occur in public settings, as well as the possibility of feeling the urge to revisit past relationships or having them pop back up in your life.
What It Means
At its core, Mercury retrograde is an invitation to slow down and turn inward. Instead of pushing forward, the cosmos asks us to hit the brakes and revisit the past. This might look like:
- Running into people from your past
- Re-evaluating decisions
- Rewriting or editing projects
- Reconnecting with old ideas or dreams
- Revising communication patterns in relationships
It is a truly powerful time for introspection, shadow work, and course correction. So, during this time, rather than starting something brand new, it’s best to focus on refining what’s already in motion!
What To Avoid
While Mercury retrograde isn’t a time to panic, there are a few things best approached with caution:
Starting Major New Projects
Launching a business, signing a contract, or initiating a big move during Mercury retrograde can come with delays or complications. If possible, wait until Mercury goes direct, which in the case of Mercury going retrograde in Leo will happen on August 11, 2025.
Impulsive Communication
Think before you text! Misunderstandings are common during this time, so choose your words carefully and double-check before hitting send.
Making Major Purchases
Buying tech gadgets, cars, or big-ticket items is risky under Mercury retrograde, as issues could arise later. If you must buy something, make sure there’s a good return policy.
Ignoring the Signs
Mercury retrograde is full of cosmic redirections. If something falls through or gets delayed, trust that it’s happening for a reason! Don’t force it!
How to Flow With It
Mercury retrograde doesn’t have to throw you off course. In fact, it can be a deeply healing and clarifying time if you lean into its energy! Therefore, take the time to do a few things:
Reflect & Reassess
Journal, meditate and go over old plans with fresh eyes. This is a time for reflection, not rushing forward.
Reconnect
Reach out to friends you’ve lost touch with during this time. You could also revisit an old creative idea. Mercury retrograde loves reconnections of all kinds!
Reorganize & Review
Tidy up your inbox. Back up your files. Revisit your goals. Use this slowdown as an opportunity to get clear and organized.
Slow Down & Ground Yourself
Prioritize self-care, reduce unnecessary commitments, and create extra time cushions for delays. Slowing down is part of the medicine. So don’t fight it!
Final Thoughts
Mercury retrograde isn’t here to ruin your life; it’s here to redirect you, realign your focus, and help you clean up unfinished business. Instead of resisting the retrograde, embrace it as a chance to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. By understanding what it means and knowing how to work with it, you can flow through Mercury retrograde with more ease, grace, and even a little cosmic magic! The phrase Mercury retrograde does not need to send off alarm bells if you can work toward having a better understanding of what is really happening and how you can work with it! So take a deep breath! You’ll get through it!
