The shadow phase of Mercury retrograde begins on June 29, setting the early tone for a longer cycle that will unfold over the coming weeks.
Although the actual retrograde will not begin until July 17, the planet has already began it's slow-down, and the effects have already started to be felt in subtle and emotional ways.
You might feel it in conversations that suddenly carry more tension, in messages that take longer to write, or in small moments that feel more personal than they normally would.
This energy impacts everyone, but it can feel stronger for those with Leo, Gemini, or Virgo as their Sun, Moon, or Rising sign. For Leo, this may bring up feelings around visibility, self-expression, and whether others truly see and appreciate you. For Gemini and Virgo, who are both ruled by Mercury, this phase often highlights shifts in focus, speech, scheduling, or communication habits. Things that usually feel easy, like making a decision or sending a message, might now feel slower, heavier, or emotionally loaded.
For all signs, at first, these changes might feel small enough to brush off. A message gets delayed and it lingers in your mind longer than it should, a short response from someone suddenly feels cold,, or a conversation feels slightly off even though the topic is simple. These are early signs that Mercury’s shadow phase is active, quietly stirring things beneath the surface and slowing your normal rhythm just enough to bring your attention to habits, emotions, and reactions that are usually easy to miss.
Mercury rules all forms of communication—talking, texting, writing, emails, thinking, planning, and short travel. As it begins this shadow phase, it adds tension and emotional weight to everyday moments. You might start reading messages more than once before sending, hesitate when speaking, second-guess what you said, or feel like something simple is being misunderstood. To add to the intensity, technology may act up in ways that feel frustrating, especially when you are trying to get your point across clearly.
This part of the cycle prepares you for what will return more intensely during the retrograde. The things that feel slightly confusing now—the unclear messages, the delayed plans, the emotional reactions that feel too strong for the moment—will likely come back in a louder, more obvious way in the coming weeks. Mercury always repeats the ground it covers, so anything that starts during the shadow phase is part of a larger story you will revisit and work through during the retrograde.
When Mercury officially turns retrograde on July 17, the effects that began building in late June and early July will become clearer and harder to avoid. Delays, tech problems, travel changes, and emotional miscommunication will show up more often, conversations may need to be repeated, someone from your past may resurface, or a decision you thought was final might need to be revisited. Mercury retrograde is always a time of review and reflection, and in Leo, it becomes even more personal.
Leo rules identity, pride, expression, creativity, and the deep emotional need to feel seen and respected. During this retrograde, your words may carry more weight, your tone may feel more sensitive, and your desire to be heard may grow stronger. If someone misunderstands you, or if you feel ignored or dismissed, it can hit deeper than usual. The way you express yourself, the way you speak up, and the way others respond to you all become more emotionally charged during this time.
You might feel the need to explain yourself more than once, or feel pressure to say something clearly before the moment passes. It can become harder to wait for your turn to speak, especially when you are feeling something important. If someone seems distant or distracted, it might remind you of old times when your voice felt pushed aside. These moments show you where your words still carry pain and where your pride has been protecting a part of you that once felt invisible.
Technology often reflects the emotional patterns happening under the surface. A message might fail to send right when you were about to say something important, a file might disappear just before you are ready to share your work, or a call may drop in the middle of an honest conversation. These glitches can feel like more than just inconvenience—they can feel personal, especially when Mercury is moving through Leo. When your words feel important and vulnerable, any disruption can hit harder.
In your relationships, the emotional tone may rise quickly. A small comment might bring up more than you expected, an old disagreement may return in a new form, or you may notice where you have kept quiet just to keep things easy, and now the words are ready to come out. This is a time to speak with care, even when your emotions are high, and to listen with curiosity instead of defense.
From now through July 17, pay close attention to what repeats. Look at what conversations feel difficult, what thoughts you return to again and again, and where you still feel misunderstood. These patterns are the map Mercury is showing you. They reveal what needs more time, what needs clearer expression, and what part of your truth is ready to be heard.
This shadow phase is the opening of a powerful cycle. It is a gift disguised as a slowdown It gives you a chance to pause, pay attention, and prepare to move through the deeper work with more courage, intention, and honesty.
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