Mercury is a personal and neutral planet.
It’s a significator of the mind and intellect. It’s responsible for how we think, process, express, and transfer information and data from one location to another.
Astronomically, Mercury is the fastest moving known planet, as it takes only 88 days to orbit the Sun. Mercury stays in close proximity to the Sun, always staying within 48˚. This is possible through Mercury’s infamous retrograde periods where it makes inferior and superior conjunctions with the Sun 3-4 times a year. To learn more about Mercury retrograde, read our article here.
Key Words/Verbs & Primary Actions
In horoscope analysis, planets initiate and carry out actions, similar to actors in a movie scene. Below are a list of action verbs that describe the actions Mercury is responsible for carrying out.
- Think
- Talk
- Trade/Barter
- Exchange
- Read
- Sell
- Listen
Dignity & Debility
In traditional astrology, Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo.
As Mercury travels through the zodiac, Mercury’s qualities alter based on its strength and weakness in each zodiac sign.
When in its domicile, Gemini and Virgo, Mercury is able to carry out its primary actions in the most optimal manner and is considered a strong placement.
While in Sagittarius, Mercury is in its detriment. When in Pisces, Mercury is in its detriment and fall. Therefore, it’s not able to carry out its primary actions in an optimal manner and is considered placed in an uncomfortable position. This should not always be perceived as ‘bad’. Ingenuity and new perspectives can arise from a seemingly mismatch.
Lastly, while in Virgo, Mercury is exalted and considered as its strongest placement.
Mythology
In myth, this planetary energy is anthropomorphized and told through the stories of Hermes in Greek mythology and Thoth in Egyptian mythology.
The Greek described Hermes' qualities through their humanities. In writing, he was described as a young-spirited, barterer, who had the gift of negotiation. He was a trickster and would be able to manipulate any situation to his favor. He was known as the magician, but was also known as the mediator between the mortal and immortal realms.
In Egyptian mythology, Thoth was described as the god mathematics, science, and magic. He invented language and writing. He was the creator of all symbols that were used to create meaning and transfer information between individuals.
