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Mercury goes retrograde on July 18. Here’s how you can make the most of this time
From July 18 to August 11, Mercury goes retrograde in the sign of Leo. Three retrogrades mark the year 2025, one already having taken place in March and the other to occur in November. This period, ideally seen as a turning point, can also be a positive one. Wellness expert Olivia Bergström breaks down its effects and the rituals to practise during this time.
What is Mercury retrograde?
Mercury retrograde is a well-known astrological phenomenon in which the planet Mercury appears to move backwards in the sky from its usual position. Although this movement is an optical illusion caused by the relative positions of Earth and Mercury, its effects are tangibly felt on Earth.
What are the effects of Mercury retrograde?
Mercury is the planet governing communication, travel and technology. When it goes retrograde, it is common to encounter disturbances in these areas:
- Communication problems: misunderstandings, delays in messages and difficulties in expressing thoughts clearly.
- Technological challenges: computer breakdowns, internet connection problems and malfunctions of electronic devices.
- Travel disruptions: flight delays, cancellations and lost luggage.
Why is Mercury retrograde an important celestial event?
In astrology, Mercury retrograde is seen as a period of reflection, reevaluation and reorganisation. Rather than perceiving this phase as purely negative, it can be used constructively to review and improve certain aspects of our lives.
What rituals should be practised during Mercury retrograde?
Mercury retrograde can be a time of disruption, but also of opportunity. By using these rituals, you can transform this phase into a moment of personal growth and alignment. Use the pointers below to deepen your connection with yourself.
Review your biggest goals
Reread the affirmations you have previously written, preferably aloud. Rectify or modify them so that they align with your current intentions. Rewriting these wishes can help strengthen your connection with your desires and clarify what you really want to manifest.
Make a lunar collage
Create a visual collage of your intentions using inspirational images and words cut out from magazines. This collage helps reinforce your visualisations and anchors your desires. Make sure this collage reflects your current goals and aspirations and place it where you can see it regularly to maintain your focus.
Practise meditation and introspection
Use this time to refocus. Meditate on your goals, desires and what you want to reevaluate in your life. Ask yourself deep questions: what are my true aspirations? What changes can I make to better align my life with my values? Meditation can also help to calm the mind and reduce the stress associated with the disruptions caused by Mercury retrograde.
Purify and charge your objects
Place important objects (such as crystals, jewellery or talismans) in the moonlight to purify and charge them with new energies. You can also use this period to physically and energetically cleanse your living space, removing objects that no longer serve you and making room for new energies.
Keep a reflective journal
Write down your thoughts, dreams and daily reflections. This helps to clarify your feelings and understand the lessons Mercury retrograde wants to teach you. A journal can also serve as a reference point for tracking your personal and spiritual evolution over time.
Connect with nature
Take advantage of the tranquility of nature to refocus and find inner peace. Walking in the forest, spending time by the water or simply sitting in a park can help you reconnect to the earth and to yourself. Using natural elements in your rituals, such as leaves, stones or water, can also strengthen your connection with natural cycles.
Reassess and reorganise
Use this time to reassess your projects and reorganise your life. This may include updating your goals, reorganising your workspace or revising your long-term plans. Be open to the adjustments and changes needed to align your actions with your true aspirations.
This article first appeared on Vogue.fr
