Get ready to channel your inner, more relaxed feline, because Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect, is retrograde in Leo from July 17th through August 11th. In the Northern Hemisphere, this cosmic pause arrives right in the heart of summer, offering a unique invitation to slow down, enjoy the season, and reconnect with the pure joy of play.

It was hard for me to get going this morning. I’ve had it on my mind for a while to re-connect with you, reader. And the time to write was neatly blocked out on my Outlook calendar, starting this morning at 9:00, sharp! But the prevailing winds kept blowing me backward, inward, or sideways.