A Deeper Look at the Planets: Mercury by Carmen Turner Schott
The planet Mercury is about the same size as the moon. Its orbit is closest to the sun and it rotates round the sun four times, while the earth only makes one revolution. Mercury is so close to the sun that it is never seen more than 28 degrees from it. It can only be seen at certain times after the sun has set, or immediately before sunrise. In Greece, Mercury was associated with Hermes, “the quick messenger of the gods”. Hermes was symbolized with wings at his ankles, holding a caduceus, the staff of the two snakes. Hermes was male and female, a hermaphrodite, which can be associated with the sign Gemini, which Mercury rules. Mercury has been associated with being double sexed and this meaning is used in both biology and botany. The alchemist believed that all that could be sublimated or distilled was mercury, since one of the most important substances to sublimate was mercuric chloride. Alchemists knew mercury could dissolve other metals and combine itself with them into amalgams. The symbol for Mercury can be found in cultures 3,000 years ago and is found on the Babylonian clay cylinder.
In our astrology natal chart, Mercury represents the intellect and the process of communication. The position of Mercury in the natal chart, shows the energy of ones communication and verbal expression, inventiveness and intellectual ability. Those who have a well placed Mecury at birth are considered to have good linguistic ability, fast thinkers, have a good memory and ability to communicate with others. The Mercury that is not well placed can cause restlessness, indecision, and inconsistent behavior. According to astrologer Bob Mulligan,” Mecury is the planet of your mental life. It shows how you receive, process and disseminate information. The sign placement of Mecury shows your basic attitude and mental habits. The aspects to Mecury show your scope of vision and your methods for accomplishing tasks.”
The more I learn about astrology, the more I believe that the placement of Mercury in our chart is crucial for compability in our intitmate relationships. I have found that individuals with compatible Mecury’s can click with eachother instantly and be able to read eachother’s minds. There is a deep understanding when two individuals share this placement. A friend of mine and I both share Mercury in Virgo and when he first walked into the room their was an energetic, comfortable feeilng and the communication flowed easily. We can understand eachother on a deeper, unconscious level and talk about anything with eachother.
Mercury rules the signs Virgo and Gemini. Virgo is an earth sign and Gemini is an air sign. The expression of Mercury on the basic level is the same. Virgos express in a more practical, down to earth, and careful ways whereas Gemini’s are more versatile, free thinking and social. The mercury influence makes Virgo and Gemini excellent communicators, intelligent, mentally restless, logical and expressive with words. Both Virgo and Gemini can excel in areas related to writing or teaching. Both Virgo and Gemini vary significantly as far as overall personality traits, but the Mercury influence is present in both signs.
The house that Mercury is placed in our chart will show where we will express ourselves, communicate and focus on tasks. Mercury placed in the fourth house it will incline a person to communicate within the home, where they feel comfortable and safe. The sign placement is an important indicator on how and what type of energies the communication represents. For instance, a person with Aries in Mercury will be very straightforward, blunt, and passionate and have a strong voice. The important thing about Mercury is that wherever it is located, it increases communication and shows what type of communication the person uses and how. I always have clients ask me about Mercury Retrograde and what affect this has on each of us. It is an interesting aspect and I find that the energy is sporadic and unstable. Many times individuals can not think clearly, forget things, miss appointments, and have communications misinterpreted and overall unexpected changes in routine during retrograde Mercury.
The house placement of Mercury can reveal where we find our spiritual expressiveness. Below is a list of how Mercury’s placement in the houses can influence each area of your life.
Mercury in the First House: The focus is on expressing one’s opinions, views and ambitions. You are very straightforward and say what is on your mind. You are eager to communicate with others and sometimes find it difficult to hold back your opinions.
Mercury in the Second House: The focus is on thinking about security, retirement, accumulation of material possessions, but most importantly our self-worth. Your mental skills are directed towards practical pursuits.
Mercury in the Third House: The focus is on speaking, writing, teaching and short-journeys. You are a gifted writer, teacher, lecturer, and journalist. You have a natural gift for communicating with others. You are highly intelligent with a quick mind and a thirst for knowledge. You can experience distractibility and restlessness with this placement.
Mercury in the Fourth House: The energy is focused towards home, family, parents and childhood memories. You think often about the past and the special memories in your life. You are a natural at writing your dreams, memories and emotions down on paper. You enjoy thinking deeply and when alone can express your ideas on paper easily; you enjoy reading and can be a bookworm.
Mercury in the Fifth House: The energy is used to express oneself to the fullest. Creativity and a natural charm are found with this placement. You are good at puzzles and games that challenge you intellectually. You are a naturally creative person with a strong desire to show your mental talents.
Mercury in the Sixth House: The energy is focused towards health, routine and work. You can be inclined to worry about your health and enjoy serving others in a health care profession. You like to organize and bring order to the environment. You are detail focused with excellent organizational skills and can enjoy teaching others because of your expertise.
Mercury in the Seventh House: The energy is focused on relationships and partnerships. You are drawn to debates, counseling and any areas where you can learn and share ideas with others. Having others to share your thoughts is extremely important for your growth.
Mercury in the Eighth House: The energy of your mind and thoughts is secretive. You often hide how you really think from others and are a very deep, insightful person. The mysterious and supernatural fascinate you and you are drawn to investigate spiritual subjects.
Mercury in the Ninth House: The energy is focused on foreign travel and higher education. You enjoy learning and are an avid student most of your life. You enjoy taking classes and learning things to broaden your mind. You also have a gift for learning foreign languages or an interest in teaching, law, economics or history.
Mercury in the Tenth House: The energy is focused on career, public image and achievement. It is important for you to share your ideas at work and to be respected for your thoughts. You are a natural public speaker and will probably spend your time at work giving presentations where you can teach others by example.
Mercury in the Eleventh House: The energy is focused on group efforts, and friendships. You can be a dreamer and think about the future. You are likely to be a part of a team or organization. You excel when working in groups or humanitarian causes.
Mercury in the Twelfth House: The energy is kept private, secret and hidden from others. You are a deep thinker and have a very perceptive mind. You may not always express yourself and find it difficult to put words to your emotions. Your intuition and first impressions are likely to be quite accurate. You are bored with practical learning and enjoy imaginative subjects.
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