Great news, folks: Mercury retrograde doesn’t have to suck … or it can suck in all the right ways.
Leah Levi, a psychologist and resident sexpert at inclusive and open-minded dating app Flure, is on deck and loins to explain how to use the energy of Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius to add restorative fire to your boudoir game.
Because the last Mercury retrograde of the year is going down in adventure-loving, freedom-championing Sagittarius, there is great potential for playful experimentation.
However, as Levi explains, with Mercury backpedaling in this sign, there is also the danger of “over-promising, misplaced optimism and unrealistic expectations — a recipe for sex disasters!”
To make sure you’re getting turned on rather than downtrodden this season, Levi is sharing six sex-positive exercises to make the most of this moment.
Read on to learn more.
Revisit an old fantasy
Retrogrades activate all things with the “re” prefix: revisit, reflect, recommit, revise, reconnect, renew, reimagine.
In-kind and in kink, this transit is an excellent time to return to a past fantasy or reignite an area of dormant carnal expression.
“Mercury retrograde is all about revisiting the past. Use this as an opportunity to reconnect with a sexual fantasy you’ve been curious about but never explored,” Levi suggests. “Sagittarius energy encourages boldness, so whether it’s role-play, trying a new toy, or experimenting with dominance and submission, now’s the time to reflect and (carefully) act.”
Focus on foreplay
While Sagittarius energy champions the thrill of the chase, retrograde periods are a summons to slow down and take our time — especially when it comes to intimacy.
As Levi says, “Dedicate an evening to extended foreplay — massage, sensual teasing or even dirty talk. This can reignite passion with a partner or make solo play more mindful and fulfilling.”
Laugh in the bedroom
“Mercury retrograde is notorious for missteps — embrace them! Sagittarius thrives on humor, so if something goes wrong (awkward positions, a toy mishap, or stumbling over your words during sexting), laugh it off,” Levi imparts. “Sharing these moments can deepen intimacy and remind you that sex doesn’t have to be perfect to be satisfying.”
Pleasure is imperfect! Sex is hilarious! Lean in and laugh as hard as you can, folks.
Experiment with sexting or phone sex
Mercury rules communication, and while the planet’s retrograde might scramble/fumble/aggravate in-person connections, digital intimacy can be a direct route to hotness.
Levi urges, “Use sexting or phone sex to explore fantasies or build sexual tension. Just proofread your texts before hitting send (Mercury can play tricks on autocorrect!).”
Also, double-check that the recipient of your fantasy or tasteful nude is indeed a crush or partner, not a colleague or blood relative.
Unless shame is your kink — looking at you, Catholics.
Try something adventurous—but keep it simple
“Sagittarius energy craves novelty, so consider exploring a new position, location or technique,” Levi says. “However, avoid anything too complicated or risky that could lead to miscommunication or accidents (e.g., complicated bondage setups or overly ambitious outdoor adventures).”
Reevaluate your turn-ons
Retrograde is a time of reflection, and Sagittarius — ruled by big-betting, large-living Jupiter — encourages us to live without limit and get curious about the shifting landscape of our own desires.
Levi suggests using this period to explore what really gets your blood pumping — whether through journaling about fantasies, experimenting solo or talking openly with a partner.
This erotic introspection can lead to deeper (pun intended), more authentic sexual satisfaction.
Astrology 101: Your guide to the star
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
