YOUR GUIDE TO MERCURY RETROGRADE IN LEO

Mercury appears to spin in reverse three or four times a year. The messenger planet doesn’t actually backpedal in the sky, but this optical illusion tends to wreak real havoc here on Earth, so get ready to double-check your texts and back up your hard drives. Mercury stations retrograde on July 17th, and this time around, it stirs things up in Leo.

The lion of the zodiac thrives in the spotlight. It’s proud, unafraid of drama, and willing to lead with an open heart. When the planet of communication is in this fixed fire sign, it encourages us to assert ourselves more intentionally. What we say matters, and Mercury in Leo reminds us that all our words and ideas can make a major impact.

Because Leo isn’t exactly subtle, any mistakes we make during this Mercury retrograde might be louder, more obvious, or more public than we’d like. Cringe? Maybe — but what’s so embarrassing about our errors? The next few weeks offer valuable lessons about giving others — and ourselves — more grace and compassion when we fumble.

If stage fright has been holding you back lately, this retrograde is a great opportunity to review your fears of being perceived or making yourself known. Notice the creative practices you pick up during this period or the situations that require you to get behind a literal or figurative mic. By the time Mercury stations direct on August 11th, you’ll have learned new ways to get a little braver, bolder, and feistier in your self-expression — this is Leo we’re talking about, after all. And give yourself permission to slip up. You don’t need to be flawless to be worthy of attention or care.

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