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Mercury goes retrograde from July 18 to August 11 this year, moving backward through fiery Leo and then drifting into sensitive Cancer. Combined with Saturn and Neptune also in retrograde this summer, it’s a season primed to stir the pot emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Astrologer Polina Arutiunian from Nebula explains that these planetary shifts can disrupt communication and clarity, both personally and professionally. This is a time to slow down, reflect, and be extra mindful.
Leos and Cancers: Prepare for a Deep Dive
For Leos, the retrograde may trigger an identity check. You might find yourself asking big questions about who you really are, and not always liking the answers. “You might even stir up some drama, even if unintentionally — pay close attention to the words that leave your mouth, as they might be taken the wrong way,” Arutiunian warns.
Cancers, on the other hand, may find the past knocking at their door. Old memories or unresolved feelings could bubble up unexpectedly. The emotional tone at home might get heavier, or nostalgia could simply appear.
Both signs are vulnerable to old patterns resurfacing. “Old flames might spark up again, or some unresolved issues might hit the spotlight,” Arutiunian adds. Whether it’s a surprise message from an ex or just a recurring emotional loop, it’s best not to rush into decisions. Miscommunications are common, and the heart may not be seeing clearly.
Caution in Career and Communication:
Beyond the emotional tides, this retrograde also affects your work and finances. Watch for tech glitches, crossed wires, or fine print that’s easy to miss. Contracts, big purchases, and career moves should be handled with care. Leos might wrestle with ego clashes, while Cancers may be overwhelmed by feelings.
Virgos and Geminis: Mental Traffic Jams:
While Leo and Cancer get the headline drama, Virgos and Geminis feel this Mercury retrograde on the mental plane. These Mercury-ruled signs may notice scattered thoughts or a lack of clarity creeping in.
“If you were born under one of those signs, thoughts might feel chaotic for you during this period,” Arutiunian says. The solution is to slow down. Use the time to reorganize your mind rather than push forward.
Grounding Tips to Survive the Season:
What helps when Mercury messes with your momentum is to light a yellow or orange candle in the morning to welcome clarity. Try journaling to sort through the mental clutter. Arutiunian also recommends using crystals like blue lace agate or fluorite to soothe anxious energy.
And above all, to resist the urge to launch into anything new, instead, revisit the unfinished. Review, redo, and reflect. “This retrograde is a cosmic nudge,” Arutiunian reminds us, not a punishment, but a pause.