What Mercury Retrograde Means When It Falls Under Each Zodiac Sign

Mercury is in retrograde yet again from July 17 to Aug. 11, 2025, and if you're astrologically inclined, that means it's time to keep your eyes—and your mind—open.

This reflects a period when, from the point of view of Earth, Mercury appears to be moving backward in its orbit. According to astrologers, the planet governs communication, so during these weeks, we see massive misunderstandings, technological errors and other communications go awry. When Mercury is in retrograde is also relevant, and below, we've broken down the significance of Mercury retrograde in each zodiac sign.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

When Mercury retrograde arrives when the sun is in Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, miscommunications are often the cause of impulsivity and an urgency to act. People might respond to messages before they read through the whole thing or make big decisions without all of the information due to impatience. Aries tends to act before they think, but this isn't the time to do so. Instead, slow down and reflect before you make any major choices, or you'll suffer the consequences.

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Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Earlier this year, in May, 2025, Mercury went retrograde in Taurus. As the sign is typically quite grounded and stable, Mercury retrograde in Taurus has the biggest impact on the things that keep on on steady ground, such as finances and the home. It might lead to miscommunications in money matters, so that you think you're getting a good deal when you're really being ripped off, or an investment might not be what it first appears. That's why it's typically recommend that you wait until Mercury goes direct again before making these types of big money decisions.

 

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Gemini's ruling planet is Mercury, so Mercury retrograde in Gemini can feel like the doubling down of these issues. Expect problems in any area of communication you can imagine, from misinterpreted conversations and text messages to travel delays, computer and phone bugs and projects taking way longer than anticipated. During this time, it's essential to double-check any messages before you send them out, reread messages you receive to ensure you understand them properly and speak carefully. Patience truly is key.

 

Also read about: What You'll Deal With During Mercury Retrograde, Depending on Your Zodiac Sign

 

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

One of next year's retrogrades, lasting from June 29 to July 23, will begin in Cancer, one of the most emotional signs of the zodiac. During this period, expect tensions to run high, as people will be extra sensitive and liable to misinterpret things as a result. Feelings can be a tricky things, so do what you can to strengthen your emotional resolve and take things as face value during this time so you don't get yourself worked up over nothing. At the same time, you should also be extra mindful of how you speak to others.

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Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

As we write this, Mercury is in retrograde in Leo from July 17 to Aug. 10 (and it'll be in it again at the end of next year's summer retrograde). As Leo is a sign associated with authenticity, self-expression and being noticed, this retrograde may mess with people's individual sense of identity and they way they communicate themselves. They may believe that they're living in a matter that accurately portrays their true selves, while actually being seen in a different light entirely. Staying true to yourself is key here, so don't let anyone influence you away from the real you.

 

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sep. 22)

Since Virgos are known for their perfectionism and keen attention to detail, Mercury in Virgo tends to throw every little detail askew. Organization is likely to suffer, through no fault of your own, as tiny mistakes slip through the cracks and projects. At the same time, Virgo's tendency toward harsh criticism is likely to rear its head, with disapproval and critiques at the center of plenty of miscommunications.

 

Also read about: 11 Practical Tips and Tricks for Thriving During Mercury in Retrograde

 

Libra (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22)

Like Gemini, Libra is an air sign, and you'll see similar problems when Mercury in retrograde falls under Libra. Libra's zodiac symbol is a set of scales, representing just how important balance is to the sign, to anticipate communication problems to tip the scales between one side and the other. Libras are also peace-keepers, so unpredictable conflicts may arise where there was once harmony. Do what you can to keep your cool and be a mediator when issues appear out of nowhere.

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Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

2025's final appearance of Mercury in retrograde will last from Nov. 9 to Nov. 29, starting in Scorpio. We'll get yet another Scorpio Mercury retrograde next year from Oct. 24 to Nov. 23. This can be a particularly tricky retrograde because it channel's Scorpio's innate sense of intuition and instinct in a manner that the other signs aren't used to. You might be convinced that you're reading someone's mind, finding the hidden meaning behind their words, when really you should take them at face value. Feelings of jealousy and suspicion may also be prevalent, so be mindful of your emotions and they tricks they might play on you.

 

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

The end-of-the-year retrograde that starts on Nov. 9 and ends on Nov. 29 ends a couple of days into Sagittarius, the sign most associated with exploration and travel. Be extra cautious of any journeys taken during this time, as there can be mechanical issues with vehicles, travel delays out of your controls and even simple misunderstandings about tickets and booking that are bound to mess things up. Sagittarius also has a tendency to be blunt, so try not to be so straightforward that you hurt someone's feelings and fail to communicate your true meaning.

 

Also read about: 7 Instagram Captions to Use While Mercury is in Retrograde

 

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Capricorn has a reputation for being the most ambitious and hard-working sign of the zodiac, and Mercury retrograde in Capricorn requires a unique sense of balance. It's possible to alienate people and fail to communicate by both working so hard that you neglect your personal life, but things can also fall apart if you completely prioritize play and let work fall to the wayside. Capricorns can also be stuck in their ways, so trying your best to be flexible can help you avoid extra tension.

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Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

The third and final air sign of the zodiac, Aquarius, is recognized for its unpredictably and ever-changing nature, which can create a new set of challenges when Mercury is in retrograde in Aquarius. Aquarians often have lofty and brilliant ideas that they struggle to communicate adequately to others, and during this time, you may find yourself knowing precisely what you mean but struggling to translate yourself adequately. You might also find that people seem to be speaking right past each other, both trying to understand but never quite doing so.

 

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

The first time Mercury in retrograde makes in appearance in 2026 will be from Feb. 29 to March 20, in Pisces. Prepare for the dreamy, sensitive and creative energy of Pisces to make you feel like an energetic sponge during this time. People are bound to positively soak up other people's thoughts and feelings, which is likely to put them in a mood that will change the way they read into things. When emotions guide the way, there are likely to be plenty of misinterpretations and misunderstandings.

 

Worried about the impact of this mercury retrograde? Click HERE to learn about the things you should focus on to make the greatest impact.