In astrology, Mercury represents the rational mind, the intelligence, the ability to communicate and travel. It’s a personal planet, meaning its influences will have a deeper effect on one’s personality than the trans-saturnian planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto). Mercury is relentless, attentive but it can get superficial at times.
Mercury was also the messenger of gods in antiquity and, as such, it inherits an aura of curiosity and lack of emotions. When Mercury works, there is a plan. Things are broken apart and then put back together.
In one’s chart, Mercury will affect the day to day expression and communication. It’s the ruler of short trips and also – in the modern era – to modern appliances, from small mechanical devices, up to computers and smartphones.
Mercury rules also attention and a badly affected Mercury will exhibit a slower, or twisted, attention, whereas a better aspected Mercury will support a focused, stable attention.
Being the closest planet to the Sun, Mercury moves rather fast across the sky and for that, it’s supposed to mirror everything that is witty and fast in our surface conscience too. If we can see a shortcut somewhere, this is because Mercury is playing his cards. When retrograde, Mercury can cause quite a lot of havoc, by throwing a blanket of confusion over commercial contracts, deals or by breaking electrical appliances, “out of nothing”.
Mercury rules the signs of Gemini and Virgo.
Mercury in Signs
Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces
Mercury in Houses
First House Second House Third House Fourth House Fifth House Sixth House Seventh House Eighth House Ninth House Tenth House Eleventh House Twelfth House
Mercury in synastry
Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces
First House Second House Third House Fourth House Fifth House Sixth House Seventh House Eighth House Ninth House Tenth House Eleventh House Twelfth House