Mercury Retrograde & Other Astrological Influences: July 18 – August 11, 2025
From July 18 to August 11, Mercury, the planet of intelligence and communication, will be retrograde in the zodiac sign of Cancer. This period is particularly sensitive because Mercury will also be combust from July 21 to August 8.
During this three-week phase, Mercury will be in a weakened state. This is due to its placement in Cancer, an emotional water sign, which conflicts with Mercury’s logical and analytical nature.
Areas to Watch:
- Communication and clarity
- Business, finance, and the stock market
- Travel and logistics
- Digital transactions
- Decision-making involving documents and numbers
Key Dates:
- July 18: Mercury Retrograde begins.
- July 21 – August 8: Mercury is combust.
- July 23: An explosive Mars-Ketu conjunction occurs.
Adding to the complexity, Saturn is also retrograde, which may amplify feelings of frustration and chaos.
Practical Advice for Navigating This Period
For the Stock Market:
Be cautious but don’t panic. Avoid impulsive investments. This time can be a great opportunity if you conduct thorough research and are well-informed.
For Communication:
Double-check all emails and messages for content and recipients. A small mistake could lead to significant misunderstandings.
For Documents:
Avoid signing important papers on the days Mercury is changing its motion (retrograde, direct, combust, or rising). Decision-making can be clouded during this time, and minds may change unexpectedly.
At the Workplace:
Saturn’s retrograde motion can cause frustration. Don’t quit your job over minor conflicts. Maintain a calm and steady demeanor.
While Traveling:
Be extra careful with your belongings, especially documents, on both short and long trips. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute confusion.
For Online & Financial Safety:
Be vigilant. Don’t share personal or banking details, and never share OTPs. Keep some cash on hand, as digital payment systems like UPI or ATMs may experience outages. Enable two-factor authentication on your social media accounts, as this period is known for an increase in account hacks.
In Relationships:
With Mercury in Cancer, emotions are heightened. Avoid arguments with loved ones. Prioritize empathy over logic, as misunderstandings can escalate quickly. Be diplomatic, as a single wrong word could spark a major conflict.
On a Global Level:
World leaders should communicate with extra care. Miscommunication could negatively affect trade relations.
Natural Calamities Alert:
The alignment of Mercury in Cancer, along with Saturn and Neptune retrograde in Pisces (another water sign), increases the risk of floods, heavy rains, and natural disasters.
Health Precautions:
Expect a potential rise in colds, coughs, throat and lung infections, and thyroid issues. Avoid cold food and drink boiled water whenever possible. Be extra cautious during water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, or rafting.
Simple Remedies to Balance Mercury’s Energy:
- Water your plants daily.
- Every Wednesday, offer a handful of whole green moong beans under a tree for birds to feed on.
- Daily, light a ghee lamp in your home temple and read or listen to the Durga Chalisa.
