Your Inner Storyteller Under Review: Mercury Retrograde in Leo

This transit shines a light on your inner voice, revealing where ego, pride, or old habits might be shaping your view of the world

As Mercury moves backward through bold and expressive Leo, it’s time to look closely at the stories you tell yourself—especially the ones that shape your confidence, creativity, and self-worth. It’s a powerful time to edit your story—choosing honesty over drama, and truth over old patterns.

With Leo’s love of performance and Mercury’s twist on communication, this retrograde teaches you how to tell the difference between helpful insight and gossip, emotional drama, or stories that drain your energy instead of lifting you up. The retrograde dates are Friday, July 18 through Monday, August 11, and the transit is entirely in Leo.

Leo and the Power of Storytelling

Leo is the sign of the storyteller. In ancient times, storytellers and musicians would travel from place to place, sharing tales to teach and entertain. Leo’s creative energy—gifted by the Sun—loves to express and inspire.

Stories are powerful because they help you connect to emotions, lessons, and personal truths. When you relate to a story, it can lift your mood—or bring you down. That’s why it’s important to notice what kinds of stories you consume. The media has used this power for years to shape how people feel and what they believe.

But the most powerful stories of all are the ones you tell yourself. These stories shape your thinking and influence your life. They show your beliefs, values, and what you expect from your future. Over time, they become your reality.

During Mercury Retrograde in Leo, ask yourself: What kind of story am I living? Do I feel hopeful, creative, and confident—or stuck in an old pattern where things never seem to work out?

I’ve noticed that many people today describe their careers like the story of Sisyphus—pushing a heavy burden with no reward in sight. Is that the story you want for yourself?

Also, take note of the archetypes you identify with. Archetypes are symbols or roles, like “Mother,” “Warrior,” or “Lover,” that carry energy and meaning. You may express more than one. Giving each archetype a strong, positive story helps you create a life filled with meaning and strength.

Gossip: Stories That Hurt

Some stories don’t come from you—they come from others. When those stories are full of drama, criticism, or negativity, they do more harm than good. We often call this gossip.Gossip lowers your energy. People who share it may be unhappy with their own lives and try to escape that by focusing on others. If you haven't connected to your own power or don’t have a strong, positive story, it's easy to get pulled into gossip or blame.

But Mercury Retrograde asks you to look at that behavior. If you’ve been caught in drama or judgment, now’s the time to stop and choose a better use of your words and attention.

Questions to Rewrite Your Story

Whether your story needs a total reset or just a few changes, here are some questions to think about:

• Where is your story going right now? In the short term? In the long term? Does it feel like it’s rising or falling?

• Are you telling yourself stories that bring you down or hold you back? Can you shift those into something more helpful or hopeful?

• What archetypes do you feel close to right now? Are you stepping into your role as a guide, teacher, healer, or creator?

• Have you come across any inspiring stories recently? Can you take what you learned and use it in your own life?

• Your answers help shape your mindset—and your mindset shapes your world. In Hermetic wisdom, “The All is Mind.” This means that everything begins in your thoughts. If you want to change your life, change the stories you repeat in your head.

This Retrograde Is Your Rewrite

As Mercury moves backward in Leo, it’s not just your communication that’s being reviewed—it’s your whole stage. The characters you play, the words you use, and the drama you avoid (or feed into) all matter. This retrograde gives you space to pause and rewrite.

You can choose to live from strength instead of fear. To lead with confidence instead of comparison. To become the author of a new story that lifts you and others.

Your story is powerful. Use it to heal. Use it to inspire. Use it to become exactly who you’re meant to be.

May the stars guide your way,

Aleks