According to astrologer Polina Arutiunian from Nebula, “When a planet goes retrograde, we might feel like certain parts of our lives slow down a bit. The whole period might feel somewhat chaotic.” With a triad of retrogrades, many will be forced to confront areas of life that have remained on autopilot for too long.
Mercury retrograde in fiery Leo kicks off on July 18, bringing tension to communication and personal expression. Expect misunderstandings and emotional confrontations, especially for signs like Virgo, Gemini, and Leo, as the cosmos urges a more thoughtful approach.
During Mercury’s backspin, clear communication may feel elusive, especially in emotionally charged situations where words can easily be misinterpreted.
Polina advises: “Be patient with others and yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask twice if you need clarification.” For those travelling or handling paperwork, delays and small mishaps could disrupt schedules, so preparation is key.
Gemini and Virgo, ruled by Mercury, may feel particularly scattered or overwhelmed, as their usual sharp mental clarity takes a temporary hit.
Leos, on the other hand, could find this period strangely revealing – key connections or news may require a step back before moving forward.
In the same period, Saturn retrograde in Aries starts on July 13, lasting until November, which will be a heavy cosmic moment that challenges people’s sense of duty.
Saturn governs structure, discipline, and karma, so its retrograde often brings unresolved responsibilities or commitments back to the surface.
As Polina notes: “It might be time to revisit our past responsibilities.” This may especially be true for Capricorns and Aquariuses, who are deeply connected to Saturn’s energy – they may experience inner tension between the past and the future.
Rather than launching something new, this retrograde encourages refining what’s already in motion and letting go of unsustainable goals that no longer align with your evolving sense of purpose.
Finally, Neptune joins the retrograde motion in Aries from July 5 through December 2025, adding a mystical, emotional layer to this already transformative season.
Known for ruling dreams, illusions, and spiritual insight, Neptune’s backwards dance can awaken unresolved fears and deep psychological patterns.
Polina explained: “This means it’s time to work not only on our long-term goals but also on our deep psychological patterns.”
For Pisces, Neptune’s ruling sign, this could be a particularly introspective time – a chance to revisit past versions of the self to finally heal and move forward. Meditation and quiet reflection can be powerful tools now, helping to turn uncertainty into inner strength.
