The planet Mercury rules over all things involving trade and communication, whether that is speaking, thinking, listening, or writing. Mercury is connected to the god of Hermes in Greek Mythology, who was the messenger between worlds. Because he was delivering messages from the god of the underworld to the god of the heavens, he was able to see perspectives and to remain largely neutral in debates between the two gods. Mercury is also known to be the trickster among the other planets as he is always in for a good joke. When Mercury is retrograde, it’s a time for reflection primarily and not necessarily a time for action. Things can get hazy during retrograde periods where things don’t always appear to be what they seem and lots of things get lost in translation. Messages are delayed, travels slowed down, and it is often a good time to hold off on any decision-making, for agreements aren’t always what they seem to be.
As to the area of life this time for review is happening in, look to the house cusp that Leo rules. To find this information, you must know you date of birth, location (city and state), and exact time, to the minute. Then you can go to astro.com to calculate your chart. On the site, go to “Extended Chart Selection” and input your info. You’ll see your birth chart. The first house is the one that starts with the letters AC and then the houses progress counter clockwise. If it’s the first house, you might be reimagining how you’d like to express yourself physically or just in general. In the 2nd house, you may review your belongings and get rid of some of your belongings that are cluttering up your space. In the 3rd, perhaps you’ll need to review something you’ve written before sending it out or turning it in. In the 4th, review housing decisions and reflect on what it is you really want. In the 5th, reflect on how you have fun and how you express yourself creatively. In the 6th, you may be reviewing your work or perhaps a health routine that you’ve either been trying out or want to try out. With Mercury Retrograde happening in the 7th house, perhaps you’re reviewing a relationship you have (had) or how you handle clients. In the 8th, perhaps it’s how you’re dealing with your debt or the death of a loved one. In the 9th, you might reflect on your beliefs and philosophy of life. In the 10th, reflection will most likely be focused on career and life-calling. In the 11th, what groups and organizations are you associated with and are you perhaps too involved? In the 12th, you may want to actually go to a meditation retreat to reflect- somewhere where you can be in solitude and silence.
This Mercury Retrograde is happening in Leo, a fixed Fire sign. Mercury in Leo is expressive, convicted, and confident in their words. Leo is usually a bit self-focused and likes to be in the spotlight, performing. Leo turns heads because he knows he’s the King. He is, afterall, ruled by the Sun, the center of our solar system and the center of our own charts. With Mercury retrograding in Leo, reflect on how you shine and on what’s best for you and you alone. Leo is not as concerned with paying attention to the needs of others. Leo’s job is to be the center of attention and make sure his own needs are met first and foremost. Whatever house this Mercury Retrograde is happening in and whatever themes are present, remember that your needs should be a key focus in your reflections.
On Mercury’s path backwards, he almost immediately runs into fiery Mars, the planet of what we want and how we go about getting that. This happens on July 8th-9th. Mars can be cutting and harsh, as its main goal is to individuate and separate, helping you get what you want, regardless of collective needs. This could exasperate the Mercury in Leo theme of focusing on self, but with a little more umph and perhaps aggression. Be careful of your words. Know what you want, but be careful of trying to get it through harsh means.
If you’d like to know what this means in your chart via a birth chart consultation, consider a reading with me! I can answer questions about your chart and have a variety of readings available. Check me out at lauragodenick.com/services.