Mercury went into retrograde today, July 17, meaning that the planet of communication appears to be moving backward across the sky from our perspective on Earth. The retrograde ends Monday, August 11; until then, Denver astrologer Alexander Kriech is advising people to give themselves extra time around transportation and logistics and pay special attention to the emails and texts they send.
This Mercury Retrograde is in the sign of Leo, a passionate fire sign ruled by the sun. "Drama is definitely associated with the sign of Leo," Kriech says, adding that since Leo has to do with creative self-expression, Mercury Retrograde in Leo "seems like a time to share what's on your heart and express yourself authentically."
Kriech notes that an average person is not really going to feel every single retrograde: "People who are cosmic and energetically sensitive are tuned into it a little bit more." This particular retrograde will most affect anyone who has Leo, Aquarius, Taurus or Scorpio in the Big Three spots (sun, moon or rising) in their birth chart.
Leos might feel the urge to revisit how they dress or show up in their lives. "This would be a good time to go through your closet, take something old and make it stand out again," Kriech says.
Aquariuses might find themselves reflecting on their relationships, Tauruses might feel like redecorating and Scorpios might notice themes having to do with career and reputation.
Kriech's advice for anyone is to relax, be patient and slow down, while remembering that Mercury Retrograde is a time to review, go back over or rediscover old things.
How to Survive Mercury Retrograde in Denver
Avoid Traveling on Colfax if You CanThanks to BRT construction, we've all been avoiding driving on the orange-coned-chaos street that is Colfax this year. And if you haven't, now is a good time to consider an alternate route, since transportation delays, accidents and mishaps are more likely to happen during Mercury Retrograde.
Update Your Wardrobe
Feeling inspired to reinvent yourself? Find your style at one of the best vintage stores in Denver or try upcycling clothes you already have to make something old feel new again.
Have a Good Mechanic
Car trouble is annoying as hell, and unfortunately, it can be a trend during Mercury Retrograde. Having a good mechanic on speed dial isn't a bad idea. Good Judy Garage is an LGBTQ+ auto repair shop that welcomes everyone. Located at 1865 West Union in Sheridan, Good Judy Garage offers maintenance services, mechanical repairs, tune-ups and more.
Focus on Self-Care
If you're not too worried about avoiding travel, head to Pueblo this weekend for the Colorado Self Care Expo on Saturday, July 19, to check out the latest products and innovations in the self-care industry.
Don't want to go all the way to Pueblo? Consider visiting a few Westword Best of Denver 2025 winners, like Best Place for a Spiritual Reset, Alchemy Ritual Goods, or Best Nude Spa, Havana Health Sauna.
Go to a Drag Show
"Leo likes to celebrate, it's the sign of the party, so go to a drag show," Kriech recommends. Check out Drag Brunch hosted by local drag icon Jessica L'Whor at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays at Hamburger Mary's Denver or the Marvel vs. DC drag and burlesque show at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the Sexploratorium.
Spend Time Outside
"This is like a side quest kind of time," Kriech says of Mercury Retrograde. Go meander outdoors and try these great hikes near Denver. Those feeling especially cosmically attuned (but not transportation wary) might want to take a Colorado stargazing road trip.
Be Intentional During the Cazimi
On July 31, there will be a Sun Mercury Cazimi in Leo during the Mercury Retrograde. In ancient astrology, a cazimi is when any one of the seven visible planets is in the heart of the sun, and Mercury will be in the heart of the sun from Earth's vantage point on July 31.
"Generally, you can get a lot of remarkable clarity around something," Kriech says, recommending that you set an intention on something you want clarity on around that date. "Because it's in Leo, it could have to do with feelings or emotional expression," Kriech adds. So if you know what house Leo rules in your birth chart, you might find clarity around the themes of that house.
Learn more about astrology by calculating your birth chart at astro.com or making an appointment with a local astrologer. Find out more about Kriech at dogstaroracle.com.
