Mercury retrograde is a cosmic event that tends to stir up confusion, miscommunication, and delays — and when the celestial trickster moves backward in fiery Leo, the heat gets turned up. Astrologer Aliza Kelly breaks down which zodiac signs will feel the effects most strongly during Mercury’s retrograde in Leo, offering a roadmap for navigating the cosmic storm.
From July 7 to July 31, Mercury retrograde takes center stage in Leo, a sign known for its bold personality, dramatic expression, and intense focus on identity. As the planet of communication, transportation, and technology appears to move backward across the zodiac, its journey through Leo amplifies themes related to self-expression, ego, and personal performance.
But not all zodiac signs will feel the retrograde equally. According to Aliza Kelly, the signs most impacted are the fixed signs: Leo, Taurus, Scorpio, and Aquarius. These signs form a tense relationship called a square or opposition with Mercury when it’s in Leo, leading to friction and energetic tension. Meanwhile, fire signs and air signs may experience a different flavor of this retrograde period.
Here’s how each of the most affected signs may experience Mercury retrograde in Leo.
Leo: The Spotlight Turns Inward
As Mercury retrogrades in their home sign, Leos are inevitably center stage — though not in the way they might enjoy. Rather than being praised for their charisma, Leos may find themselves questioning their identity and their public image.
“This retrograde forces Leos to reflect on who they are and how they present themselves,” says Kelly. “It’s a time of self-reassessment.”
Because Leo is a sign closely tied to performance and recognition, Leos may struggle if they feel misunderstood or if their usual charm fails to land. Technological glitches, miscommunications, and delays in creative projects are possible. It’s a prime opportunity to take a step back and reevaluate their goals.
Taurus: Challenging the Comfort Zone
For Taureans, Mercury’s retrograde in Leo shakes up the foundational comfort they rely on. Leo rules over Taurus’s fourth house of home and inner security—meaning disruptions may come in personal or domestic spheres.
“Tauruses may experience this retrograde as a test of their boundaries,” Kelly explains. “Family dynamics, housing situations, or emotional patterns could come under review.”
With Mercury churning up these sensitive areas, Taurus will need to be patient and flexible — which doesn’t come naturally to the earth sign. Surprises in the home, from broken appliances to misunderstandings with roommates or relatives, can feel especially frustrating.
Scorpio: Pressure in Partnerships
Scorpios may feel the intensity of Mercury retrograde through their relationships. Leo rules over Scorpio’s tenth house of career and public image, but the retrograde may create setbacks in work-related ventures and partnerships.
“Scorpios could experience delays or miscommunications at work,” Kelly notes. “Important conversations might not unfold as planned.”
Scorpios are often strategic and private, and this energy doesn’t mesh well with Leo’s loud, performative flair. As Mercury retraces its steps, Scorpios may find their usual approach to power and control being challenged. The best strategy is to stay tempered and avoid jumping to conclusions.
Aquarius: Ego Conflicts and Old Flames
Aquarians — fixed air signs — also sit opposite Leo, putting them in direct opposition as Mercury retrogrades. This can spark ego clashes, especially in intimate partnerships or longstanding connections.
“For Aquarius, old flames, friendships, or rivals might reappear,” Kelly says. “There could be unresolved tension that resurfaces.”
Mercury in Leo illuminates the seventh house of partnerships for Aquarius, prompting reflection on past commitments, arguments, or breakups. Honest communication is key, but Aquarians may have to balance their fiercely independent nature with compassion and clarity during difficult conversations.
Other Fire Signs: Aries and Sagittarius
While Leo will feel the retrograde most directly, fellow fire signs Aries and Sagittarius may find that Mercury’s backward motion triggers restlessness and impatience. For both signs, the fiery energy of Leo can be energizing, but during a retrograde, it may get misdirected.
“Aries and Sagittarius might struggle with staying focused or delivering clear communication,” says Kelly. “They may feel like everyone else is dragging their feet.”
To avoid burnout or impulsive mishaps, it’s best for these signs to double-check travel plans, back up their documents, and pause before responding to conflict.
Gemini and Virgo: Mercury’s Rulership Magnifies the Impact
Because Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo, its retrogrades are always personally significant for these signs. While retrograde in Leo doesn’t directly square or oppose them, they remain vulnerable to the classic Mercury mishaps: dropped calls, lost emails, and jumbled schedules.
“Gemini and Virgo are highly attuned to Mercury’s motion,” explains Kelly. “When Mercury falters, they feel scattered, anxious, or overwhelmed.”
Kelly advises both signs to tread carefully with plans and expectations. This is a time to revisit rather than initiate—perfect for editing, reflecting, or reorganizing, but not ideal for launching something new.
Tips For Weathering the Retrograde
Mercury retrogrades don’t have to be feared — but they do require mindfulness. Aliza Kelly recommends a few strategies to make the most of the Leo retrograde shift:
– Revisit past creative projects that deserve a second look.
– Reflect on your identity and how you want to be seen.
– Avoid major purchases or contracts, if possible.
– Focus on heartfelt communication, but expect delays or misunderstandings.
Ultimately, the retrograde in Leo calls everyone — and especially the fixed signs — to pause and look inward. While the cosmic climate may be fraught with drama and confusion, it also offers a rare chance to rewrite personal narratives and rekindle lost sparks of creativity.
“In Leo, Mercury retrograde asks us to reimagine the kind of star we want to be,” Kelly concludes.
So, strap in, stay grounded, and remember — retrogrades aren’t roadblocks, they’re detours to understanding.
