Dates:
📍Retrograde: July 18 – August 11, 2025
📍Shadow Period: July 4 – August 25, 2025
Remember: Astrology is not a single note—it’s a full orchestra. No planet or transit stands alone. As we zoom in on Mercury retrograde in Leo, remember: it’s woven through your entire chart, your whole story. Each piece reflects the power of the whole.
I mention Neptune and Pluto Retrogrades here, as well as Uranus switching signs, because those will be major background changes for all of us individually and collectively this summer. It’s a lot. A lot a lot. But I got you and you got this!
We are in a leadership reckoning—globally, spiritually, personally.
Across the world, we see people in power acting out of control, out of touch, and out for themselves. Selfishness masquerades as strength. Control is called protection. And the collective suffers.
Enter: Mercury retrograde in Leo, the cosmic call to ask ourselves—are we any different?
This retrograde (July 18–August 11, with shadow beginning July 4) is not just about tech glitches or ghosting. This is cosmic accountability: a mirror held up to how we express, lead, and show up. Because whether you run a country or simply steer your own spiral of thoughts—you are a leader. And you are being led.
Do those leaders align with your values? Do you?
This retrograde is your invitation to slow down and revisit your role as both a leader and a follower. Each of us is both. And the question now is: do they match? Do you lead with love? Do you follow with discernment?
Leo energy doesn’t hide. It steps forward. It takes the heat. That’s why Leo rules center stage—because it can handle it. Its ego isn’t weakness—it’s a purposeful fire, meant to light the way for others. But:
Are you using yours wisely? Are you using it at all?
Because Leo is a fire sign. And if you’ve been waiting for permission to shine… this is it.
✨ Shine bright, motherf*ckers. Let’s go for love—and great things.
What Does Leo Mean in Your Chart?
Leo is ruled by the Sun—the center of our solar system, the source of light and life. Just like the Sun, Leo energy is about being at the center, shining bright, and leading with passion.
Where Leo sits in your natal chart shows where the cosmos asks you to step up and lead. It’s the house of your personal fire, your confidence, and where you naturally stand out.
If you don’t know where Leo is in your chart, no worries—you can easily look it up online or reach out to me for a personalized reading. I offer several types of astrology readings tailored to help you understand these vital energies in your life.
Leo isn’t just about ego — it’s about healthy ego: the kind of self-worth and courage that you need to claim your space, own your story, and show up fully. That fire inside you? That’s your leadership energy waiting to be unleashed.
The Sun is Currently in Cancer, Ruled by the Moon
Leo is ruled by the Sun—the center of our system, our source of light and leadership. But right now, with the Sun in sensitive Cancer, ruled by the Moon, we get a powerful reminder: leadership is also about the heart, about love, and about softness. Just because we haven’t always seen this kind of leadership doesn’t mean it isn’t real or effective. Trust your intuition—it’s your best guide. Happening in Cancer season the intuitiveness of Cancer is a backdrop to this retrograde so use it. Go inward to find your true strength. That’s where it comes from.
Remember: shining bright always starts from within. You’ve got this!
Mercury + Pluto Retrograde: Ego, Soul, Power
- ☿ Mercury: how we think, speak, and conduct business
- ♇ Pluto: our soul’s evolution, power, and transformation (article here for more info!)
This is not nothing. Mercury in Leo, and Pluto in Aquarius—two signs with big egos, big ideas, and big hearts. Together, they bring a rare window to get real about your influence, your intentions, and your growth.
Leo and Aquarius both believe in their own greatness. And honestly? That’s not a flaw—that’s a feature.
But here’s the real teaching:
You can only use power wisely once it has been examined.
Pluto retrograde in Aquarius calls for soul-level truth. Mercury retrograde in Leo asks us to speak and lead with intention. You are not here to hide your light. But you are here to question:
- How healthy is your ego?
- Are you acting from soul or just performing?
- Do your words and presence serve anyone besides yourself?
Once your ego is checked—meaning, aligned with both self-worth and collective care—act. Loudly. Clearly. With love.
Leo Leadership: The Inner Fire You Cannot Fake
Leo rules the heart. Confidence. Expression. Generosity. And a desire to inspire.
But during Mercury retrograde, that inner fire turns inward. It asks:
- Do I speak with courage—or control?
- Do I lead with warmth—or for applause?
- Am I walking my talk?
This is not about shrinking. This is about refining. Because when Leo shines for real—it shines for everyone.
And this time, we have an ally:
The North Node in Pisces, which quietly whispers beneath all the fire, “Care deeper. Love harder. Let softness be strength. Mercy is strength. Empathy rules.”
This pairing is a beautiful balance. Leo leads. Pisces nurtures. Leo shines. Pisces heals. Together, they remind us that the best leaders are the ones who lead with heart and humanity—who act not just for their image but for the ripple they leave behind.
Uranus Enters Gemini: Mental Sparks, Disruption, and the Power of Ideas
As if Mercury retrograde in Leo and Pluto retrograde in Aquarius were not enough—Uranus now shifts into Gemini for the first time in over 80 years. This is huge. Uranus is the planet of rebellion, innovation, and shock. Gemini is the sign of the mind, communication, media, and connection.
Together? This is mental lightning. Fast shifts. Surprise conversations. Unexpected truths. New ideas that disrupt the old way of thinking.
So yes: breathe. You may feel pulled to react quickly, say something sharp, or burn it all down. But remember—pouring gas on a fire is not the move.
Uranus in Gemini brings revolution to our thinking. To the way we speak. To the way we learn, connect, and tell stories.
This energy is fast. Mental. Brilliant. And sometimes chaotic.
So stay grounded. Check your facts. And let your mind expand without snapping.
Because this is not just about reacting—it’s about building a new mental framework. A new way to speak, to lead, to relate.
We are shaping a new world—together. So use your words like they matter. Because they do.
Neptune Retrograde in Aries: Dream Bold, Act Braver
As if things were not fiery enough—Neptune is now retrograde in Aries for the first time in nearly 160 years. Yes, that long. (To learn more about Neptune in Aries read this article!)
Neptune rules our dreams, illusions, and spiritual longing. In retrograde, its waters turn inward. And in Aries—the bold, headstrong fire sign—we are being asked to rethink how we act on our dreams.
This is not soft vision-boarding. This is about the dream that demands courage. The soul whisper that says: you’ve always wanted this—are you ready to fight for it?
You may feel disillusioned, restless, even spiritually agitated during this transit. That is not failure—it’s fuel. Neptune in Aries teaches us to walk the talk of our ideals, not just imagine them. To live our beliefs out loud.
So if you’re waking up to some inner fire you forgot was there—good. That’s Neptune in Aries doing its job.
Mantras by Sign: Mercury Retrograde in Leo
Use these as intention-setters, journal prompts, or quiet re-centering phrases:
Aries: I lead by example—and with generosity.
Taurus: I honor what brings me joy and give it space to grow.
Gemini: I choose words that empower, not just entertain.
Cancer: I speak my truth and protect my softness.
Leo: I lead from the heart and listen without ego.
Virgo: I trust my quiet voice—it holds real power.
Libra: I balance center stage with connection.
Scorpio: I allow myself to be seen without controlling the outcome.
Sagittarius: I lead with vision and presence.
Capricorn: I let tenderness be part of my authority.
Aquarius: I use my influence to spark change for all.
Pisces: I communicate with soul—and let the heart lead.
Final Call: Be About It
Mercury retrograde in Leo is your chance to clean your ego—internally and externally.
The words you say, the choices you make, the way you show up—they matter.
Pluto retrograde makes this soul-deep. The North Node in Pisces makes it sacred.
And Leo makes it loud.
✨ Want to know how this hits your chart? Find out where Leo shows up for you here and book a 1:1 astrology reading.
You were born with fire.
Now lead like it.
Wants to know. Has some questions. Very Sag. Always up for pizza. Planning several trips. Big fan of joy. Wants to talk about it. All of them. Is sure we can figure out this whole living thing. Is rooting for you.
