Retrograde reference
Mercury retrograde 2025
Mercury appears to reverse direction three times in 2025: in mid-March through early April (Aries to Pisces), mid-July through mid-August (Leo), and early to late November (Sagittarius to Scorpio). During these periods, the planet's apparent retrograde motion invites review, reconsideration, and careful communication rather than forward momentum.
The first retrograde runs from March 15 to April 7, moving backward from Aries into Pisces. This is a time to revisit conversations left unfinished, check details in written agreements, and reconsider decisions made in haste. Mercury in Aries and Pisces can blur the line between directness and impression; use this window to clarify what you actually mean.
The second retrograde spans July 18 to August 11 entirely within Leo. This period favors reflection on creative projects, personal expression, and how you communicate your ideas to others. It is a natural time to edit, revise, and test new angles on work already underway rather than launch entirely new initiatives.
The third retrograde runs from November 9 to November 29, moving from Sagittarius back into Scorpio. Travel plans, long-distance communication, and learning may feel uneven during this stretch. Use the time to review information, double-check reservations, and reconnect with people or ideas you have set aside.
Exact dates (2025, UTC)
- March 15, 2025 at 10° Aries → April 7, 2025 at 27° Pisces
- July 18, 2025 at 16° Leo → August 11, 2025 at 4° Leo
- November 9, 2025 at 7° Sagittarius → November 29, 2025 at 21° Scorpio
Mercury retrograde does not break contracts, derail plans, or make miscommunication inevitable. It is a routine astronomical event that simply shifts the emphasis toward review and verification—strengths if you work with the grain rather than against it.