Check out the Mercury retrogrades in 2025 and their likely effects on your zodiac sign

Sometimes turbulent and often temperamental, the planet Mercury, when seeming to move in retrograde due to an optical illusion, can have strong and perplexing effects on the lives of all zodiac signs. This is an important astrological event that can be overwhelming for most natives. Here are the Mercury retrogrades of 2025, including their dates, meanings and effects on the zodiac signs.

But first, why is the Mercury retrograde such an important event in astrology?

During a retrograde, planet Mercury appears to move backwards in the night sky from the Earth’s perspective. Because of its proximity to Earth and speed, it greatly impacts the lives of the natives of all the zodiac signs. Mercury, in astrology, affects technology, travel and communication mainly.

When it is in the backward motion from the Earth’s vantage point, there are expected snags in these areas causing a lot of miscommunication, distress and technical glitches in our lives. Mercury retrogrades are notorious for causing travel-related issues like delays and cancellations. Knowing the Mercury retrograde dates will help one prepare in advance and cause minimum damage personally and professionally.

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. Around three retrogrades are happening in 2025 and they last for three weeks each but their pre and post-retrograde shadow period lasts about 10 days before and after the event. Apart from Mercury, other planets like Jupiter and Mars also have retrogrades.

Mercury retrogrades of 2025, their dates and effects on zodiac signs

25 March to 7 April: Aries and Pisces

The first Mercury retrograde of 2025 begins in the fiery sign of Aries but ends in the calm and peace-loving water sign of Pisces. The beginning of this event is highly intense, causing 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 exasperating their relationships on personal and professional levels.

Things get a bit better when Mercury reverses in Pisces on 29 March up until 7 April. Zodiac signs will feel a sense of calm wash over them as they begin to buck up and face their goals with patience and strategic thinking.

The personal values of the fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius), as well as water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces), will be the ones most affected during this period.

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18 July to 11 August: Leo

Mercury retrograding in the confident, buoyant and flamboyant zodiac of Leo is not a very encouraging sign for the zodiacs for more than one reason. Firstly, it can cause a clash of egos in important interpersonal relationships causing a break-up or a rift between lovers, partners or friends.

Secondly, it can also trigger long-term self-damage due to a lack of judgment and impulsive behaviour. Leos are known for their vanity and a Mercury retrograde in their sign also would mean a cosmetic procedure gone wrong or a wardrobe malfunction at an important event.

This period will also make the Leos attain leadership positions and will bring professional success but not without challenges.

The zodiac signs to be affected by this event, apart from Leo, are Sagittarius and Aries.

9 to 29 November: Sagittarius and Scorpio

The last Mercury retrograde will fall in the brutally honest, adventurous and risk-taker fire sign of the zodiac wheel, Sagittarius. Before it shifts in the intense and intuitive water sign of Scorpio on 18 November, it could cause a lot of damage not just to the Sags but all the zodiacs in general.

The reason for this is that the backward spin of the Mercury leads to hindrance in communication and Sags are known for their sharp tongue. They could come across as offensive or rude as their message and communication won’t land effectively on other zodiac signs. Furthermore, there is a chance that they might break some important bonds in this period. Sagittarians are especially advised to keep their words in check and speak less, at least till 18 November.

During the retrograde in the fixed sign of Scorpio, past hurt is likely to resurface and make the zodiacs angry. They are also likely to face delays in their travel plans.

Surviving Mercury retrogrades: Dos and don’ts

– The cardinal rule during any Mercury retrograde is to think twice before making any statement. Because it could be easily misconstrued causing problems in the long and short run.

– Mercury retrogrades 2025 dates suggest that this event will majorly occur in all the fire signs. The zodiacs thus need to keep their temper in check as there is a chance they they might behave rashly and pay for it dearly in the long run.

– Another basic precaution to take is to double or triple-check all documents before embarking on a journey. One needs to verify the correct time and date, hotel bookings, etc. much in advance.

– It is generally advised to avoid signing legal documents of any kind during this period.

– Take special care of your electronic gadgets, back up your data and safeguard your passwords. It is easy to fall into online scams or lose your important data.

– Re-checking emails, text messages, bank cheques, or any written communication of professional and personal kind is important during this period.

(Hero image credit: NeMu via Pixabay; Featured image credit: Oleg Jeremin via Pixabay)