The July 2019 Mercury Retrograde Is Here to Help You Put Your Foot In Your Mouth

Photo credit: Science Photo Library - ANDRZEJ WOJCICKI - Getty Images
Photo credit: Science Photo Library - ANDRZEJ WOJCICKI - Getty Images

From Women's Health

  • Mercury is going retrograde on July 7.

  • This Mercury in Retrograde is happening in Leo, which means it's all about enjoying life and having fun.

  • But, since Mercury is the planet of communication, you might say the wrong thing if you're not careful.


Mercury in retrograde is kind of like Luke P. on The Bachelorette-the universal villain that people love to blame for practically everything that goes wrong in life. (Not that they're wrong... #TeamMike forever!)

Unlike the infamous Luke P., however, Mercury in retrograde actually isn't the worst thing ever-or even close to it.

In case you forgot (or more likely blocked it out), Mercury went retrograde back in March and yup, it’s happening again-on July 7, to be exact. Here’s everything you need to know about the zodiac's most "dreaded" event, according to Donna Page, a certified astrologer in Atlanta.

What does it mean when Mercury goes retrograde?

A little astrology 101: When a planet goes retrograde, that means it seems to be moving backward in the sky, Page explains. Every planet goes retrograde at some point, but Mercury just happens to be best known for it.

Each retrograde is different, though, and that’s even true when you’re talking about the same planet, Page says. This Mercury retrograde is happening in Leo, which means it's bringing strong vibes encouraging you to enjoy life and have fun. Good so far, right?

Yeah... not so fast. Since Mercury is the planet of communication, you might be a little over the top with what you say around this time. Page specifically recommends being a bit cautious about bragging or "feeling like you have to one-up people when you communicate" because that won't win you any popularity contests.

So, take a pass on the urge to insist your sister acknowledge the fact you were the first one in your family to get pastel highlights, TYVM-it really doesn’t matter.

Plus, this retrograde is "extra intense" because it’s happening at the same time as a Mars retrograde. "There’s a tendency for something to come out of your mouth suddenly that doesn’t help the situation," Page says. Yikes on yikes.

It’s not all bad, though. While this Mercury in retrograde might make you put your foot in your mouth, it's also a great time for being funny and thinking on your feet, Page says. "It’s [all about] thinking outside the box, and brilliant thinking," Page says. "Allow yourself to think of creative ways of doing things."

How will this affect your zodiac sign?

Mercury in retrograde will affect every zodiac sign on some level (sigh), but Page says Cancer, Leo, and Capricorn will feel it the most.

Don’t panic if you’re one of them. Just try to keep yourself in check when you’re talking or texting with people to make sure you’re not humble-bragging about that time you helped pull a group of kittens out of a burning building or whatever. Cool story, but still...

How will Mercury retrograde impact your life going forward?

This Mercury retrograde starts in Leo and ends in Cancer, which focuses on emotions and feelings. Suddenly, you’ll find yourself thinking hard about whether you still enjoy all the things you used to. Sure, it was fun to do Jello shots at your summer BBQs a few years ago, but maybe you want a more ~chill~ vibe this year-and that’s totally fine. "You’ll get in touch with emotions and what makes you feel a sense of pleasure, joy, and fun," Page says.

Speaking of chill vibes, check out these legit chill ice cream options for every zodiac sign:

So don't sweat the small stuff-just try to think before you speak. (And remember: If you can't something nice, don't say anything at all.) Otherwise, you could end up having to put out some fires and calm emotional tensions. Let's be real, that's best left to the professional drama starters, anyway.

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