Mercury Retrograde in Leo

Tanya Wasylewski
Jul 14
4 min read

Reignite your spark

18 July – 11 August (15°–4° Leo)

Silhouetted man films a woman under dramatic blue and purple lighting. Light beams create a dynamic, artistic atmosphere.

As Mercury retrogrades through fiery, creative Leo, we’re being called to slow down and reflect on how we express ourselves, connect with joy and share our light with the world.

Leo, ruled by the Sun, teaches us about confidence, creativity and heart-led living. It’s playful, passionate and proud. Leo is the performer, the artist, the lover and the inner child. When Mercury—the planet of communication, thoughts and plans—goes retrograde in this sign, it’s not business as usual. Instead, it’s an invitation to revisit, rethink and realign with your authentic voice.

To learn more about Mercury retrograde in general, head here.

Understanding the Retrograde Party: Pre + post shadow phases

Mercury retrograde isn’t just a three-week event—it comes with a longer arc of energy. The entire retrograde experience is bookended by what’s known as the pre-retrograde and post-retrograde shadow periods.

Pre-retrograde shadow (from 29 June)

This is like setting up for a party. You’re moving the furniture around, choosing a playlist, lighting the candles. You might notice some patterns or themes starting to emerge—maybe tech is glitching, old memories are surfacing, or your confidence is wavering. Pay attention. These early stirrings can give you clues about what Mercury is going to spotlight during the retrograde.

The Retrograde (18 July – 11 August)

Now the party is in full swing. People have arrived. Emotions are high. Things get loud, messy, unpredictable. This is when Mercury is officially retrograde, and it’s the most active part of the transit. Expect classic retrograde stuff—delays, miscommunications, changes of heart—but also real insight, especially around Leo themes like creativity, confidence, romance and self-expression.

Post-retrograde shadow (until 25 August)

The party’s over… but you’re still cleaning up. You find an empty wine glass behind the couch. Maybe someone left their jacket. Or there’s a weird conversation from the night that still needs a little clearing. This is the time to process what’s unfolded and integrate the lessons. You’re not in the thick of it anymore, but you’re not done either.

A return to creative confidence

Mercury retrograde in Leo is here to help you reconnect with your creative instincts. It’s a chance to pick up old projects that have been sitting on the shelf, or to finally let yourself play with an idea that’s been whispering in your ear. What are you longing to create—but haven’t given yourself permission to?

Leo rules creative self-expression. That might mean painting, writing or performing, but it could also look like planning a beautiful dinner, styling your home, or daydreaming up your next adventure. Creation isn’t always about the final product—it’s about the joy of the process.

Ask yourself:

Am I expressing who I truly am?
Is fear or self-doubt keeping me from sharing my light?
Where can I loosen up, have fun and be more playful?

Rest, romance and reconnection

Mercury retrograde often slows things down—and that’s a gift. Leo teaches us that pleasure is not optional, it’s woven into everything. This retrograde is your permission slip to rest, bask in the sun and make time for what lights you up. Reconnect with your inner child. Go somewhere warm. Play more.

It’s also a beautiful time to reflect on love and romance. If you're in a relationship, maybe things have felt a bit too practical or routine lately. This is your cue to bring back the flirtation, the passion, the fun. If you're single, consider how dating might feel if it were more playful than pressured—and don’t forget to romance yourself too.

Watch your spending

Leo is generous and loves a touch of glamour. You might feel the urge to splash out on something beautiful or treat the people you love. Just keep an eye on your finances—Mercury retrograde can stir up confusion around money, so this is a better time for reflecting on your spending habits than making big purchases.

Inner child healing + self-worth

Leo is the sign of the child—and Mercury retrograde here may bring childhood memories or wounds to the surface. If so, honour what arises. Give yourself space to grieve, laugh or reconnect with parts of yourself you’ve forgotten. There may be deep healing available when you let your inner child have a voice.

You might also find yourself questioning your self-worth. Do you feel confident being seen? Do you believe in what you're offering to the world? Leo energy can help you step into your natural radiance—retrograde just asks that you do it from a grounded place, not for external approval.

👉 If old stories around confidence, visibility or self-worth are bubbling to the surface, this is a powerful time to work with EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). EFT helps clear emotional blocks gently and effectively—so you can reconnect to your inner fire and express yourself more freely. Book an Inner Harmony session with me and let’s shift what’s holding you back.

What to watch for

Miscommunications around creative projects or in romantic relationships
Delays with travel plans (especially if you’re off to chase the sun!)
Nostalgic feelings—past lovers or old friends might pop back in
The urge to make bold declarations—take your time before speaking or posting publicly