Mercury

Mercury is the messenger child of Father Sun and Mother Moon. The symbol consists of the Moon with the two horns pointing up, above the circle of spirit, over the cross of matter. Mercury mediates between the two opposites. There would be no meaning without communication. Progress begins with Mercury. It is the power of the mind which allows humanity to evaluate and create through the life of the spirit in a partnership with matter. Mercury represents the capacity for knowledge which gives rise to wisdom. Mercury rules the nervous system which relays messages from the thinking, active brain to every fiber of the physical body, which in turn reacts and sends messages back. The Sun acts, the Moon reacts. Only by means of communication are meaningful patterns woven into tangible realities. Mercury, more than any other planet, takes on the coloring of its surroundings. It only passes on what it is told. It never judges the message it carries. It is never more than the next sign away from the Sun. However, when it is in another sign, it broadens the awareness of the individual.

When Mercury is very strong in the chart, it produces a very mentally active individual. This person may be formally educated or self-taught, but will never stop learning. These people may be deep thinkers or shallow thinkers. They may talk incessantly or they may be verbally quiet, working behind the scenes on some research program. They can be very secretive or gossipy. Usually, they are involved with communication of some kind, but may work behind the scenes. Often they are writers. They may work with science, mathematics, sociology or anything that satisfies their thirst for knowledge.

Mercury, more than any other planet, will take on the coloring of the sign and house in which it is located, together with the aspects it makes in the chart. The mind plays a large role in the total composition of the individual. It is particularly important to physical health. A well-placed and healthy Mercury will help to ward off disease, while a weak and afflicted Mercury will cause the individual to be susceptible to illness that might otherwise pass him/her by. People who are ruled by Mercury are subject to nervous disorders of all kinds. They may also suffer from the lack of physical exercise. They may also be subject to depression or over-optimism. They are often greatly relieved by being able to talk about whatever they are concerned about. Some find this solution easier than others. When they find talking easy, it is very important that they have someone understanding to listen to them. They may have to cover the same territory many times before they are able to act on a logical solution that their emotions are not quite able to cope with.

Wherever Mercury is situated in the chart, it shows the individual’s mental abilities and their capacity to work with reason and logic. A well-aspected Mercury can be a lifesaver in a difficult chart because it grants the ability to find a path out of difficult problems.