Mercury Retrograde in Leo Self-Care
Mercury retrograde seems to be painted with this “Proceed at your own risk” sign, which makes most people feel like the planet is out to get them.
In a way, I understand the reasons why it can feel like that. Things feel more confusing and more out of whack than normal, and the list of things we’re told to avoid is longer and longer. But if you’re able to reframe what a retrograde transit means, you can use it more constructively, instead of fearing it.
What Mercury retrograde means?
Mercury retrograde happens when the planet appears to move backward in the sky—an optical illusion based on planetary speeds. Since Mercury rules communication, technology, and travel, when it’s retrograde, these areas tend to glitch or slow down: think tech malfunctions, travel delays, miscommunications, or exes resurfacing.
But retrogrades aren’t cosmic chaos—they’re invitations to pause and revisit. The focus shifts to “re-” themes: reflect, revise, reconnect, redo. Mercury is currently retrograde in Leo until August 11th, where it brings a theatrical, heart-centered quality to the typical retrograde themes of revision and reflection.
Leo is the sign associated with children, creative expression, leadership, romance, joy, and fun. So a mercury retrograde in Leo also could ask you to examine old beliefs about self-worth and self-acceptance, reflect on how you express yourself, honor your inner child, and show up for yourself.
It’s always best to refer to the natal house that the planet is transiting in to better understand where these themes are taking place. But what I’ve learned is that it’s the perfect time to show up more intentionally. For radical joy. For creativity and unapologetic self-expression.
Self-Care During Mercury Retrograde
Here are 3 things you can add to your Mercury retrograde survival toolbox. If you don’t already have one, this list will help you build one to better care for yourself during future retrogrades, especially when in Leo.
- Honor Your Inner Child
Schedule unstructured play time. Create art just for yourself. Put on some music and dance like no one is watching. Sing at the top of your lungs—whether in wonderfully horrid tones or perfect pitch. Do the things that lit you up as a child. Do the things you’ve always wanted to do, but were conditioned not to. Meet your younger self in meditation, and make space for them.
2. Creative Rest
A mercury retrograde in Leo is bold. It’s loud. It demands your attention. It demands to be seen. Revisit your creative goals. Where do you need to add more boundaries in your life? Where are you dimming your light and keeping yourself small? Practice saying no more often. No to others when needed. No to the voice inside that tells you to shrink.
3. Elevate your self-care rituals
A mercury retrograde in leo is perfect for heart-centered mediation and yoga. Sun gaze at dawn (safely, even for just a few minutes). Take walks under the golden sun. Go on a digital detox. Eat more foods that support heart health (Leo rules the heart!). Eat bright, colorful fruits that mirror the sun’s energy.
Treat this Mercury retrograde in Leo and its shadow period as a creative sabbatical—a time to tend to the parts of yourself that bring genuine joy and radiance, especially if you’ve been conditioned to play small and dim your light.
In the words of Riri herself, shine bright like a diamond.
