Sometimes chaotic and often temperamental, the planet Mercury, when it appears to move retrograde due to an optical illusion, can have intense and bewildering effects on the lives of all the zodiac signs. This is a crucial astrological event that can be overwhelming for most natives. Here are the 2025 Mercury retrogrades, including their dates, meanings and effects on the zodiac signs.
But first: why is Mercury retrograde such an important event in astrology?
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During a retrograde, planet Mercury appears to move backward in the night sky from Earth’s perspective. Due to its proximity to Earth and its speed, it has a great influence on the lives of the inhabitants of all countries constellations. In astrology, Mercury mainly influences technology, travel and communication.
When it is in the backward motion from the Earth’s point of view, there are expected obstacles in these areas that cause a lot of miscommunication, anxiety and technical glitches in our lives. Mercury retrogrades are notorious for causing travel-related problems such as delays and cancellations. Knowing the retrograde dates of Mercury will help one prepare in advance and cause minimal damage on personal and professional fronts.
Additionally, the zodiac signs in which these retrogrades will occur give us an idea of what to expect and the specific astrological implications of this event. In 2025, approximately three retrogrades occur, each lasting three weeks, but their pre- and post-retrograde shadow period lasts approximately ten days before and after the event. Besides Mercury, other planets such as Jupiter and Mars also have retrogrades.
Mercury retrogrades of 2025, their dates and effects on zodiac signs
March 25 to April 7: Aries and Pisces
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The first Mercury retrograde of 2025 begins in the fiery sign of Aries, but ends in the calm and peaceful water sign Pisces. The beginning of this event is very intense and causes a lot of friction between the zodiac signs and their loved ones. This will also lead to the natives getting frustrated with small and big things and will irritate their relationships on a personal and professional level.
Things get a little better when Mercury turns in Pisces from March 29 to April 7. Zodiac signs will take on a sense of calm as they begin to resist and face their goals with patience and strategic thinking.
The personal values of the drawing fire (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius), as well as the water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces), will be most affected during this period.
July 18 to August 11: Leo
Retrograde Mercury in the confident, lively and flamboyant zodiac Leo is not a very encouraging sign for the zodiac for more than one reason. First, it can cause a clash of egos in important interpersonal relationships, causing a rift or rift between lovers, partners, or friends.
Secondly, it can also lead to long-term self-harm due to poor judgment and impulsive behavior. Leos are known for their vanity and a retrograde Mercury in their zodiac sign would also mean a cosmetic procedure gone wrong or a wardrobe malfunction at an important event.
This period will also see Leos gain leadership positions and bring professional success, but not without challenges.
The zodiac signs affected by this event, other than Leo, are Sagittarius and Ram.
November 9 to 29: Sagittarius and Scorpio
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The final Mercury retrograde will fall in the brutally honest, adventurous, and risk-taking fire sign of the zodiac wheel, Sagittarius. Before it shifts into the intense and intuitive water sign of Scorpio on November 18, it can wreak a lot of havoc not just on the Sags, but on all zodiacs in general.
The reason for this is that Mercury’s backward spin leads to impediment to communication and Sags are known for their sharp tongues. They can come across as offensive or rude because their message and communication does not reach other zodiac signs effectively. Moreover, there is a chance that they will sever some important ties during this period. Sagittarians are especially advised to control their words and speak less, at least until November 18.
During the retrograde in the fixed sign of Scorpio, past hurts are likely to resurface and anger the zodiacs. They will also likely experience delays in their travel plans.
Surviving Mercury retrograde: the do’s and don’ts
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– The main rule during any Mercury retrograde is to think twice before making a statement. Because it can easily be misinterpreted, which can cause problems in the long and short term.
– The dates of Mercury retrograde in 2025 suggest that this event will largely occur in all fire signs. So the zodiacs have to keep their temper under control as there is a chance that they may behave rashly and pay dearly for it in the long run.
– Another basic precaution you should take is to double or triple check all documents before traveling. You must verify the correct time and date, hotel bookings, etc. well in advance.
– It is generally advised not to sign any legal documents of any kind during this period.
– Be extra careful with your electronic gadgets, backup your data and secure your passwords. It is easy to fall into online scams or lose your important data.
– Re-checking emails, text messages, bank checks or other written communications of a professional and personal nature is important during this period.
(Hero image credit: NeMu via Pixabay; Featured image credits: Michael Musgrove via Pixabay)
The information in this article is correct at the date of publication.