Mercury retrograde is coming to Leo on July 17, bringing its usual mix of communication snags and tech troubles.
This cosmic event happens a few times each year, but each one affects us differently based on which zodiac sign it’s traveling through.
When Mercury goes backward in fiery Leo, our creative expression and confidence might feel a bit wobbly. Getting ready now can help you sail through this tricky time with your spirit intact!
1. Create a Personal Energy Shield
Imagine yourself wrapped in a bubble of golden light that negative vibes simply bounce off of. This visualization technique isn’t just feel-good fluff—it’s a practical way to maintain your energetic boundaries during Mercury’s backward dance.
Start practicing this shield-building daily before the retrograde begins. Picture protective light flowing from your heart outward, covering your entire body. As you strengthen this practice, you’ll notice fewer energy drains and emotional upsets.
Add crystals like black tourmaline or clear quartz to your pockets or workspace to amplify your protective field. These stone allies work overtime during cosmic storms!
2. Declutter Your Physical and Digital Spaces
Stagnant energy loves to cause mischief during Mercury retrograde. Clear out those junk drawers and delete unnecessary files from your devices now, before cosmic chaos strikes. A clean space creates fewer opportunities for retrograde mishaps.
Focus especially on communication tools—organize your email inbox, back up important documents, and clean up your phone contacts. The universe seems to target these areas specifically during Mercury’s backward journey!
Don’t forget about old energy in your living space. Open windows, burn sage, or use sound (like clapping or bells) to move stale vibes out and invite fresh energy in.
3. Prepare a Mercury Retrograde Emergency Kit
Mercury retrograde survival requires a few essential tools. Gather a small tin or pouch containing backup chargers, a paper notebook for when technology fails, and some calming herbal tea to soothe frazzled nerves during unexpected delays.
Add a small bottle of lavender essential oil—a few drops on your wrists can prevent stress-induced headaches when plans go sideways. Blue lace agate or amethyst stones help maintain clear communication when words get tangled.
Keep a list of positive affirmations in your kit too. Simple phrases like “I flow easily with change” or “Delays guide me to better outcomes” transform frustration into flexibility when retrograde chaos peaks.
4. Schedule a Tech Maintenance Day
Mercury rules technology, making device meltdowns almost guaranteed during retrograde. Block off a day before July 17 to update software, clear caches, and back up everything important to external drives or cloud storage.
Check that your antivirus protection is current and run a full system scan. The retrograde has an uncanny knack for exposing digital vulnerabilities you didn’t know existed!
Take screenshots of important information like flight confirmations or event tickets. Having offline copies means you’re prepared when apps mysteriously crash or emails vanish—because during Mercury retrograde, they absolutely will. Your future self will thank you for this foresight.
5. Revive Old Creative Projects
Mercury retrograde in Leo brings golden opportunities to revisit abandoned creative endeavors. The prefix ‘re-‘ becomes your best friend—revise, reimagine, reconsider! Pull out that half-finished novel or dusty art supplies.
Past creative blocks often dissolve during this cosmic period. Something that stumped you months ago might suddenly make perfect sense now. The retrograde energy supports looking backward, making it ideal for editing and refining rather than starting fresh.
Keep expectations gentle though. Focus on the joy of reconnecting with your creative voice rather than pushing for finished products. This approach aligns perfectly with retrograde energy and prevents the frustration of forced progress.
6. Plan Extra Travel Time and Double-Check Details
Mercury retrograde famously disrupts travel plans with delays, cancellations, and mysterious detours. If you must travel during this period, build extra buffer time into your schedule—what normally takes an hour might require two.
Print physical copies of reservations and directions rather than relying solely on digital versions. GPS systems have been known to glitch during retrograde, sending travelers miles from their intended destinations! Confirm all bookings directly with hotels or airlines before departure.
Pack an extra outfit in your carry-on and keep essential medications with you rather than in checked luggage. Mercury’s mischief often separates travelers from their belongings, so minimizing what could go missing helps maintain your peace of mind.
7. Establish a Daily Grounding Ritual
Retrograde intensity builds gradually, making a consistent grounding practice your spiritual anchor. Even five minutes each morning connecting to Earth’s stability can prevent the scattered feeling Mercury retrograde brings.
Try standing barefoot on grass or soil while taking slow breaths. Visualize roots extending from your feet deep into the Earth. This simple practice helps steady your energy when communication around you becomes chaotic.
End each day by writing down three positive moments you experienced. This ritual shifts focus from retrograde frustrations to gratitude, creating an energetic shield against cosmic disruption. The Leo influence makes this particularly powerful for maintaining your inner flame during Mercury’s backward journey.
