Here's how to navigate dating during this month's Mercury retrograde in Leo
This summer, Mercury will be retrograde from July 18th until August 11th, clearing its post-retrograde shadow on August 25th.
Are we in Mercury retrograde?
Mercury is our planet of expression and exchange, and during its thrice-yearly retrograde, the realms it rules are compromised.
While most of us are familiar with the hijinks doled out by this transit, including but not limited to misunderstandings, missed connecting flights and general mind fog, this transit can be hell on the heart meat.
Relationships are challenging at any point in time, but Mercury's deceleration makes even the simplest exchanges feel hazardous, which serves to explain why more than 1 in 3 people stop dating altogether during the perilous weeks that Mercury backstrokes.
What happens when Mercury is in retrograde
Indeed, a survey from the dating app Hily found that 4 in 10 young American women and 1 in 5 men believe Mercury retrograde negatively affects their love life.
And for those brave enough to face the fray of online dating during this transit, the odds of being ghosted are high.
According to Hily, 74% of young American women and 77% of men experience an increase in ghosting on dating apps during Mercury retrograde.
But experts assure that the search for love should not cease when the stars are acting up or moving backward.
'Dating during Mercury retrograde isn't doom or gloom. It just means that you might need to put more time and effort into looking for someone on dating apps,' Hily astrologer Lisa Stardust told The Post.
Stardust suggests experimenting with app filters, using them to be hyperspecific one day and free for all the next. 'Don't put yourself in a corner, because you might not know who you're looking for.'
What happens when Mercury is in retrograde
When Mercury slows its roll, we too are encouraged to downshift — a practice that can be put to use in dating apps.
'Take time to build bonds. DM a few times to cultivate a connection and to create inside jokes. It'll help you suss out the winners from the bunch. Share old memories and childhood pics on your profile. Get nostalgic on the app to share various aspects of your authentic self with others.'
If you make it to the in-person date, there are a few ways to ensure a smooth sail.
'Give yourself a little extra time to get ready and make sure you double-check reservations, because they could get canceled or there could be travel delays along the way.'
They say all disappointments are a matter of mismanaged expectations. In kind, set yourself up for success through careful calibration.
'If you're out on the first date, you might opt to split the tab instead of expecting them to pay. Doing so will clear up confusion or miscommunications.'
Mercury retrograde 2025 signs affected
As Mercury is retrograde in Leo, the sign of the unapologetic hambone, Stardust implores daters to lead with equality rather than scene-stealing.
'Allow the other person to talk about themselves — don't Bogart the discussion. Encourage them to open up to give you a chance to get to know them better.'
Two signs in particular will feel the effects of this retrograde most acutely.
For Leos, this retrograde will affect their first house of identity, and for Aquarians, their seventh house of partnerships.
'Leo is going to take their time in romancing a potential partner and opt to play the field on the dating app before committing. Aquarius is looking for groups to connect with, so they're opting for a date night that includes friends. Odds are, Aquarius will spend more time Dming on the app before scheduling an IRL date.'
Good luck out there, folks.
When is Mercury in retrograde 2025?
The next, and last Mercury retrograde of the year, begins on November 9th, 2025, at 2:01 am ET at 6° Sagittarius.
Mercury will be retrograde during the problematic, familial feast of Thanksgiving, meaning turkey legs may be hurled and heads could roll.
Mercury will remain retrograde until it turns direct in Scorpio on November 29th. The trickster planet will clear its post-retrograde shadow on December 16th.
Mercury retrograde dates
July 18, 2025 – August 11, 2025 in Leo
November 9, 2025 – November 29, 2025 in Sagittarius and Scorpio.
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
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