Having turned retrograde in Virgo on August 5th, 2024, Mercury moves back into Leo between August 14th through August 28th, 2024.

But what actually is Mercury retrograde and how will this retrograde period affect your zodiac sign?

What is Mercury Retrograde?

For approximately three weeks, several times a year, Mercury, the planet of the mind and communication, appears to move backward through the heavens in an optical illusion that is highly symbolic astrologically.

Why Does Mercury Retrograde Matter?

Mercury retrograde is an important period because, during this time, our thought processes and communication methods change subtly. It’s as if this speedy planet gives us a pause button so that we can direct our energy internally instead of spending it out in the world. Mercury retrograde is often said to bring delays and confusion, but in reality, its effects depend very much upon the position of Mercury in your own natal chart; each Mercury retrograde period will affect some people much more than others.

What is the Astrological Significance of Mercury Retrograde in Leo?

During Mercury retrograde in Leo, the passion and fire of Mercury in Leo are turned inward, leading to some spectacular outbursts of temper when it all gets a bit too much!

Mercury in Leo uses the power of words, charisma, and charm to get what it wants, but during the Mercury retrograde period, we are more likely to use aggression, coercion, or temper to get what we want—the shadow side of Leo’s powerful fire energy.

Tact and diplomacy go out of the window during this retrograde, but on the plus side, being direct and honest in what you say can have positive effects.

However, to avoid the more aggressive energy of this Mercury retrograde, try to let your feelings out through creativity. Use art, music, writing, dance, or some other creative outlet to pursue your agenda and as a safety valve for your mental health… instead of turning that fire onto someone else.

How Does Mercury Retrograde in Leo Affect Each Zodiac Sign?

Each zodiac sign will experience Mercury retrograde in Leo differently, and not all signs will feel it strongly.

Aries During Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Aries dates: March 20 – April 19)

This Mercury retrograde likely inhibits your sense of fun somewhat, so you may feel tired and jaded. However, it’s a good time to get creative, using your imagination and your depth of feeling to express yourself on paper or through art and craft in some way. Journaling is a good option at this time too, as it will help you to organize your thoughts and stay on track during a slightly fuzzy period.

Taurus During Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Taurus dates: April 20 – May 20)

This Mercury retrograde transit affects your family zone, so any existing family tensions may be magnified with frustration and bad tempers. However, that in itself makes this a powerful and productive time for healing family rifts by being the first one to say sorry, even when it’s not your fault. Do the right thing to relieve tension, because time is too short to hold grudges.

Gemini During Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Gemini dates: May 21 – June 20)

Since it falls in your communication zone, this is a difficult Mercury retrograde for you, Gemini. You may well find that your words get twisted or your devices let you down. Resort to good, old-fashioned communication, preferably face-to-face. Say what you mean and mean what you say, and seek clarification from others if the message gets muddled along the way.

Cancer During Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Cancer dates: June 21 – July 21)

During this Mercury retrograde period, you’re learning something new about your attitude toward finances and your materialistic motivation. Don’t be surprised if your income takes a dip or if you’re forced to address uncomfortable financial issues. Don’t panic either; this is a very short-lived influence, but it can be useful for re-setting your values and helping you understand what matters most.

Leo During Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Leo dates: July 22 – August 21)

A Mercury retrograde in your own sign can lead to a slight loss of confidence, especially in public speaking or in social interaction. On the plus side, this is a perfect time for self-analysis, or indeed for learning how to communicate better. There is a danger of overthinking everything, however, so keep talking and keep sharing your thoughts with those who love you the most.

Virgo During Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Virgo dates: August 22 – September 21)

This Mercury retrograde falls in your spiritual zone and is a window into your higher consciousness. Pay careful attention to signs or signals from your dreams, your daydreams, your doodles, and other sudden flashes of insight. Synchronicity is strong around you now too, so you may notice an increased incidence of songs, symbols, or other objects that are meaningful to you.

Libra During Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Libra dates: September 22 – October 22)

Think about your motives for interacting socially. If there’s any chance that you have a hero complex or unconscious biases about who you choose to mix with, now is your chance to recognize these and to fix them. It may feel uncomfortable, but this is also an opportunity to apologize to a friend.

Scorpio During Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Scorpio dates: October 23 – November 21)

Use this Mercury retrograde period to think about where you’re heading in your career. If you need further study or qualifications, research that now so that when this period ends, you can get going again. This is also a good time to acknowledge your unconscious drives regarding your career and any external influences on where you’re headed.

Sagittarius During Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Sagittarius dates: November 22 – December 20)

If your travel options are somewhat restricted during this Mercury retrograde period, you can escape instead through your imagination. Daydreams may be especially pleasurable at this time, although that does mean that concentration is difficult. It’s a good time to practice the power of positive visualization or manifestation, however, as you have a strong mental image of what you want to achieve.

Capricorn During Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Capricorn dates: December 21 – January 18)

Processing unconscious or long-held trauma is a productive thing to do during this Mercury retrograde period, and you’ll find talking therapies of any kind to be valuable and useful. It’s also a very positive time for self-analysis and for looking objectively at your bad habits or tricky personal qualities. Strive to be the best that you can be, armed with good psychological insight into your own self.

Aquarius During Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Aquarius dates: January 19 – February 17)

In this period, look at the messages you are sending to those you love—not just verbally, but nonverbally. Do your actions match up with what you actually want to say? Do you treat family members and loved ones the way you really should? Likewise, look at how others are treating you, and resolve to accept only respect and affection.

Pisces During Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Pisces dates: February 18 – March 19)

Getting organized could be difficult while Mercury retrograde transits Leo, so you may have to be more spontaneous than you like to be. Go with the flow, however; you may even learn to like it. This transit teaches you that not everything can be controlled; by extension, you may start to understand that some things should not be controlled, even when you have that option.