Much like Taylor Swift in her snake-filled era, Mercury retrograde's reputation has never been worse.
"In fact," astrologer Aliza Kelly cracked in an exclusive interview with E! News, "I can't help but wonder who's on its PR team."
While the expert acknowledges the 24-day optical illusion in which the planet Mercury appears to reverse course is rather delicate ("Emails get delayed, flights are cancelled, miscommunications pop out of nowhere"), the planetary motion is a rather crucial part of its orbit.
Though you can't make any promises now, can we babe, "It's an invitation to slow down," the AstroloTea with Aliza Kelly podcaster explained to E!, "become a bit more granular, triple-check your work and ensure you're on the right path before life speeds up again."
And as this weeks-long stretch occurs in the sign of Cancer "it's especially meaningful," she added, "because it's arriving during one of the biggest astrological turning points of 2026."
For those who haven't been seeing stars, The Consellation Club founder is referencing Jupiter's recent entrance into Leo, one of the many 2026 events she highlighted to E! and one she predicted would "shift us out of sad girl energy."
Summed up Kelly, "Jupiter just moved into Leo for the first time in 12 years, huge generational planets are connecting for the first time in centuries and it's almost eclipse season."
"This divinely timed Mercury retrograde is encouraging all of us to reflect on the lessons we've learned over the past year before we step into an entirely new chapter," she stressed. "Long story short, even despite the headaches, it's a very good thing!"
But will this very good thing mar your summer getaway? Allow Kelly to illuminate us.
Rams may be charging into a curative era. "For Aries, Mercury retrograde shines a spotlight on home, family and emotional core," Kelly explained to E! News. "Old memories or family conversations may resurface, giving you an opportunity to heal the past before charging head-first toward your future."
Because, as she explained, "Before you know where you're going, you need to ensure your foundation is rock-solid."
Not to be too bullish, but from June 29 until July 23, Taurians "may find themselves revisiting conversations, contracts, or ideas they thought were already settled," noted Kelly. "This is an excellent time to clarify the fine print and reconnect with old colleagues or collaborators—but you'll definitely want to think carefully before hitting send."
Along with thoroughly reviewing emails, maybe keep a close eye on your text chains. "You're going to feel a bit more feisty than usual," said Kelly, "so just make sure the wrong person (i.e. your boss) doesn't end up with that very incriminating text you meant to send your crush. Yikes."
Geminis may want to be on high alert this season. "Because Mercury is Gemini's ruling planet, you tend to feel every retrograde a little more intensely," explained Kelly. "Sorry! I don't make the rules!"
This weeks-long stretch "invites you to rethink your relationship with money, confidence, and self-worth before making major financial decisions," she added. As such, Kelly continued, "Avoid any major purchases (especially technology-related ones) over the next few weeks, but if that new iPhone can't wait, consider taking out extra insurance that covers any freak accidents. Just saying."
Don't get crabby, birthday stars. "Cancer is the MVP of this retrograde since Mercury is moving backward through your sign—during your birthday season, no less!" noted Kelly. "While a whirlwind of chaos was not exactly what you were wishing for this year, consider Mercury's backwards motion a chance to dive deeper into your aspirations for the year ahead."
As such, she recommended, "Thinking about identity, communication, and expectations from this slightly askew perspective may illuminate an important truth that you had otherwise been overlooking."
This might be a stretch in which your loved ones hear you roar, Lions. "With Mercury going backward in the most hidden, isolated and private area of your chart, you may feel especially isolated right now," detailed Kelly. "What's going on!? You typically love summertime! Don't panic, Leo!"
Instead, she advised, "Rest, reflection, and tying up loose ends now will make your next big debut—arriving at the end of the month—even stronger. Think of this as your quiet time backstage; you want to save your energy for your grand entrance!"
Try not to overanalyze things at the moment, Virgos. The Mercury-ruled sign "may find old friendships, long-term goals or community connections resurfacing over the next few weeks," shared Kelly. "You don't have to RSVP to every invitation or immediately say yes to every opportunity—sometimes the smartest move is waiting for a little more information."
While she acknowledges "your calendars might be screaming for answers—especially when you can spot conflicts a mile away—but this retrograde is reminding you that flexibility is a virtue."
Think of this as a great time to work on balance. "Mercury retrograde is asking you to revisit your career goals and long-term ambitions, Libra," explained Kelly. "If professional plans shift, a promotion gets delayed or you suddenly start questioning your five-year plan, don't stress—it's not necessarily a 'no,' but it is a moment to ensure you're actually climbing the right ladder before you keep going."
Sure, it's annoying, admitted Kelly, but "better to pivot now than realize in six months you've been answering emails for a job you never even wanted in the first place."
Admittedly, this news may, uh, sting a bit. "This retrograde is expanding your perspective, Scorpio—yes, even if your travel plans hit a few unexpected speed bumps," Kelly stressed. "Scorpios who had planned to travel this July should anticipate delays, reroutes, and maybe even some unplanned stays at an airport hotel."
Yes, she acknowledged, "No one likes it, but try to stay flexible and remain curious—after all the detours may end up being far more interesting than the original itinerary."
Things are heating up for this fire sign. "Mercury retrograde encourages deeper reflection around trust, vulnerability, and shared resources," stressed Kelly. "Financial conversations, joint investments, or emotional entanglements may require a second look, so don't feel pressured to rush into anything just yet."
Instead, she added, "Read the contract twice, ask a ton of questions (yes, even if it feels a little embarrassing in the moment), and maybe hold off on making any major commitments until Mercury remembers what it's doing."
Goats, this may be time to do a bit of metaphorical grazing. "Relationships take center stage for Capricorn during this Mercury retrograde," noted Kelly. "Whether an old flame, former collaborator, or unexpected contractual addendum suddenly reappears, consider it an opportunity for closure—or, in some cases, a meaningful second chance."
Still, she cautioned, "Just because someone is knocking doesn’t mean you need to answer... but you'll have plenty of time to figure that out before Mercury stations direct."
The water-bearers may need to go with the flow a bit. Advised Kelly, "Aquarius, Mercury retrograde is encouraging you to rethink your routines, work habits and relationship with wellness."
Meaning, it may be time to indulge some crucial self-care. "If your schedule starts falling apart, try not to force everything back into place immediately—perhaps the disarray is helping expose systems that weren’t actually working anymore," she added. "Think of it as less of a breakdown and more of a software update (even if it takes three tries to install)."
Just keep swimming, Pisces. "This Mercury retrograde may reconnect you with old creative passions, forgotten hobbies or even a familiar face from your romantic past," shared Kelly. "Instead of worrying about what's next, spend a little time rediscovering what already makes your heart feel full."
Not that you need to lean into every opportunity. "If an ex decides to text you 'hey stranger' at 11:47 p.m.? Remember: Mercury retrograde loves nostalgia... but your achilles heel is boundaries," advised Kelly. "Don’t take the bait!"