Mercury Retrograde in Leo
In astrology, few phenomena capture the collective attention quite like Mercury retrograde periods. Often accompanied by warnings of communication breakdowns, technological glitches, and delays in travel, Mercury retrograde has become a cultural phenomenon transcending the boundaries of astrological discussions. However, to truly understand its significance, we must delve into the depths of astrological symbolism and the nuances of Mercury’s celestial dance.
Understanding Mercury Retrograde
Mercury, named after the messenger of the gods in Roman mythology, governs communication, intellect, and the processes of the mind. In astrological terms, Mercury symbolizes how we perceive, interpret, and convey information, as well as our capacity for rational thought and decision-making. When Mercury turns retrograde, it appears to move backward in its orbit from our perspective on Earth, a phenomenon caused by the varying speeds of planetary motion.
The Symbolism of Retrograde Motion
Astrologically, retrograde periods are characterized by introspection, review, and reassessment. When a planet appears to move in reverse, its energies are turned inward, prompting us to revisit unfinished business, unresolved issues, and overlooked details. In the case of Mercury retrograde, this often manifests as miscommunications, misunderstandings, and disruptions in daily routines.
Navigating Mercury Retrograde
While Mercury retrograde periods are often associated with challenges, they also offer valuable opportunities for growth and reflection. Here are some tips for navigating this period:
Practice Patience: Expect delays, setbacks, and glitches in communication and travel. Patience is key during Mercury retrograde, as frustrations may arise more easily than usual.
Review and Reflect: Use this time to review projects, revisit plans, and reflect on past decisions. Mercury retrograde provides an ideal opportunity to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments, instead of initiating.
Communicate Mindfully: Be mindful of your words and intentions, as misunderstandings are more likely during Mercury retrograde. Take extra care to communicate clearly and avoid making assumptions.
Back Up Important Data: Given the potential for technological malfunctions, it’s advisable to back up important data and documents before Mercury turns retrograde.
Stay Flexible: Flexibility is essential during Mercury retrograde, as plans may need to be revised or rescheduled at the last minute. Embrace spontaneity and be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances.
Focus on Inner Work: Use this introspective period to engage in self-reflection, journaling, meditation, or other forms of inner work. Mercury retrograde offers a prime opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth.
If you can, try also to AVOID doing the following:
Signing contracts - this is better to do when Mercury is moving in a direct motion. If you can’t avoid it, know that the contract might need to be amended at a later point.
Long-distance travel - it’s difficult to stick to this recommendations when we are in a middle of August, so it’s recommended to have a back-up plan in case flights get delayed or cancelled) and pack your essentials in your carry-on luggage as check-in suitcases might get lost. Buy a flexible ticket if you can, especially for your outbound journey.
This retrograde (Rx) phase is divided into 2 significant phases:
Mercury Rx in Virgo - 5th - 15th August
Mercury Rx in Leo - 15th - 28th August
Each of these periods brings its own flavor to the retrograde as well as aspects with other planets. Keep on reading for a deep dive into them:
Mercury Rx in Virgo - 5th - 15th August
Mercury starts its retrograde motion on 5th August in the sign of Virgo, a signed where it’s at home, feels comfortable in, and has all of the resources it needs in order to thrive. So in a way we have a soft start into this Mercury retrograde cycle. Here are a few things worth exploring during this time:
Do research and re-do projects that haven’t been completed or that you don’t consider good enough.
Get organized and throw away any clutter, especially in your daily work life.
If you have a health issues, research both natural and conventional remedies.
Check your diet and revise it if needed.
Check your daily habits and routine and see if any unhealthy ones need to go. Replace them with new healthy habits and build on them in the coming weeks and months.
Beware:
Double check your technical equipment, as there might be glitches.
Read all emails, contracts and communication carefully and check all facts.
Don’t get stuck in the details, letting opportunities pass you by.
Help others but don’t interfere too much in the life of others.
Avoid being too critical towards yourself or others.
Key Dates for Mercury Retrograde in Virgo
8th August - Mercury conjunct Venus
Mercury's upcoming retrograde merges with Venus on 8th August, infusing communication with the themes of beauty, love and emotions. Explore the merging of emotions, love and values with rational and analytical thinking and see how you can align these two very different realms so that they are in service of your goals and higher purpose.
Mercury Rx in Leo - 15th - 28th August
On 15th Augusts Mercury enters the sign of Leo where it will stay until the end of the retrograde on 28th August. This transit encourages us to reevaluate our approach to creativity and leadership, particularly in the realm of communication. It’s essential to strike a balance between assertiveness and recklessness, as conflicts may arise more easily during this time. Additionally, Mercury retrograde in Leo invites us to reassess topics around creativity, passion, generosity, children (our own or other people’s) and our heart’s desires, ensuring that our actions align with our authentic selves.
While Mercury retrograde in Leo may present its challenges, it also offers an opportunity for self-discovery, growth, and realignment with our true passions, aspirations and our heart’s desires. By navigating this transit with awareness, patience, and introspection, we can harness its transformative energies and emerge stronger, wiser, and more attuned to our inner truth. Here are a few things worth exploring during this time:
Get creative, and even better: pick up a creative project that you’ve abandoned or haven’t finished. See what comes up from it.
Check your self-confidence and self-image - are you boasting yourself constantly or you under-estimating your gifts and talents? Adjust accordingly.
Take an inventory of your love life - if you are in a relationship, are you receiving the attention you deserve and being treated like a queen or king? Find a balance between devoting time to romance but not being overwhelming or overwhelmed by it.
Beware:
don’t take risks, be reckless or loose your temper
don’t get blinded by what looks good and shiny now as it might reveal its true colors when the retrograde is over.
admit your mistakes no matter how hard it might be. Be open to accept other people’s opinions.
keep your word and promises and if you claim to be able to do something, do it, rather than just talking about it.
Key Dates for Mercury Retrograde in Leo:
18th August - Mercury square Uranus
On this day we have quite a surprising, unexpected and disruptive influence over our communication and thinking. This could manifest in excitement, mental tensions, heated arguments and discussions, which challenge opinions and ideas, especially rigid ones. There might be surprises and disruptions in communication so it’s recommended to stay flexible and be open to new ideas and ways of thinking. The ultimate goal is to rid us of any old thought patterns that don’t serve us any more.
19th August - Mercury conjunct the Sun (Mercury cazimi)
On this day we have a cazimi, i.e. Mercury is conjunct the Sun. This signifies a potent alignment intensifying Mercury's influence on communication, intellect, and cognition. This aspect enhances mental clarity, expressiveness, and insight, fostering creative self-expression and effective communication. It stimulates intellectual vitality, creativity, and increased mental agility, promoting growth and self-expression. It's crucial to remain mindful of ego involvement as both planets are in Leo. In addition, the Moon is also conjunct the Sun and Mercury, which means we have a full moon at the same time. Energies might be tense and heightened, so it’s recommended to stay calm, grounded and balanced as much as possible.
23rd August - Mercury trine Chiron
When Mercury is trine Chiron during a Mercury retrograde phase, it emphasizes introspection and healing dialogue. This aspect brings to the surface old wounds and unresolved issues around our identity and assertiveness, supporting and encouraging honest communication. It prompts us to explore the root causes of our vulnerabilities and insecurities, seeking alternative perspectives and solutions. Retrograde Mercury amplifies the significance of learning from past experiences and integrating our wounds into our sense of self with compassion. Overall, this alignment symbolizes a period of deep introspection and transformation, supporting us to heal our inner wounds and embark on a journey of self-acceptance, self-compassion and growth.
24th August - Mercury sextile Mars
During this day, there might be an urge to be quick and honest in the way we communicate. Just be careful that you are still kind and compassionate to others. If you have tasks or projects that require quick thinking and decision-making, now is a good time to go over them, but make sure they have been started before the retrograde period started - if not, wait for Mercury to go direct before taking a final decision. Go over task and to-do list that you need to revisit - you have the mental agility to get a lot of things done today.
I wish you an easy-going month and I hope this was helpful! Let me know how is this period going for you!
If you're interested in understanding how this Mercury retrograde is impacting you personally, consider booking a personalized astrology reading with me.
You can also connect with me on Instagram @iva_nova_astrology.