Astrology has evolved far beyond the old “What’s your sign?” cliché. These days, people are not only familiar with Saturn Returns, they’re also well-acquainted with retrogrades, especially the much-maligned Mercury Retrograde.

This July, we’re greeted by three retrogrades: Neptune and Saturn, both in Aries, and Mercury—the planetary scapegoat for our forgotten appointments, tech glitches, and communication mishaps.

Let’s demystify retrogrades for a moment. Planets don’t actually move backward. Retrograde motion is an optical illusion, a result of our Earth-based perspective. From where we stand, a planet appears to slow down, stop, and reverse direction. It’s a cosmic pause, not a cosmic crisis.

Still, some people panic, and some astrologers fan the flames.
Don’t buy into the drama.

Instead, consider the deeper meaning. When a planet retrogrades, it revisits ground it has already covered—inviting you to revisit, reflect, and revise. That prefix “re-” is your key. Life doesn’t have to stall, but it’s a good time to slow your pace, rework the budget, rethink the plan, or rewrite the story.

Mercury Retrograde in Leo (July 17/18 – August 11)
Mercury governs the mind: thinking, learning, communicating, and writing. In Leo, this retrograde invites reflection on creativity, leadership, joy, and self-expression. Reconnect with what lights you up. Reconsider your relationship with children or your own inner child. By mid-August, you may emerge with a renewed clarity—and your leonine heart purring.

Saturn and Neptune Retrograde: Back to Pisces
Neptune symbolizes spiritual connection, imagination, and compassion. Saturn represents mastery, responsibility, and success. Both recently entered Aries (in March and May), launching new cycles of assertive action. But now, they’re retracing their steps back into Pisces, the sign of dreams, mysticism, and surrender.

If these planets are touching early Aries or late Pisces in your chart, you may feel pulled between visionary drive and soulful integration. This retrograde season invites you to slow down decision-making and revisit soul-level truths. What’s truly calling you forward—and what needs more inner work before you leap?

Bottom Line:

Don’t panic.
Pause and reflect.
Release what’s no longer serving—even if just emotionally for now.
Trust the process. Let patience and mindfulness be your guides.

Retrogrades are like waves on the shore, ebbing and flowing, shaping the landscape. Some waves arrive with a whisper, others crash with force. But all return to the sea, leaving the beach softened, shaped, and renewed.