Mercury

The planet of thought, focus, and communication

Mercury in Astrology

Mercury is the planet of the mind and mouth, guiding the way we think, our communication style, and our level of focus. Is your thought process very methodical? Inquisitive? Scattered? Do you communicate on a logical, practical level, or in a more sensitive, emotional manner? Mercury’s location in your birth chart in your birth chart influences all of this!

This small and speedy planet symbolizes the connection and quickness of our thoughts and communication. Mercury never travels more than 28 degrees from the Sun, so many people will have Mercury in the same zodiac sign as their Sun.

In Roman mythology, Mercury was the wing-footed messenger of the gods, the one who brought the words from the gods above down to the people below. In other words, he was the link between the nebulous ideas that are floating around out there and the tangible thoughts that manifest in our minds -- just like the planet Mercury.

More about Mercury

About Mercury Direct | What is Mercury Retrograde? | Mercury Retrograde Dos and Don’ts

Fast Mercury facts

Zodiac signs Mercury rules: Gemini and Virgo

Exalted in: Virgo

House Mercury rules: 3rd House of Communication, and 6th House of Details and Daily Routines

Mercury retrogrades: 3-4 times every year, each retrograde lasting around three weeks

Mercury stays in each zodiac sign for: 2-3 weeks

Mercury makes a complete trip through the zodiac: About every year

Mercury and Gemini, Mercury and Virgo

Mercury, known as the winged messenger in Roman mythology, rules over both Gemini and Virgo. Both signs are known for the ways they absorb and share information. Mercury encourages Gemini’s clever and curious wit to be quick and constant! Then when it comes to Virgo, Mercury influences the intelligent and intuitive mind, and allows Virgo to carefully choose which pieces of information are most important.

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Mercury and the 3rd house, Mercury and the 6th house

Mercury rules over the 3rd House of Communication, as well as the 6th House of Details and Daily Routine. These houses are all about processes, and represent the style and wellness in which you communicate and approach your daily habits. Both houses have a strong effect on your personal growth within your environment.

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Mercury’s lessons

This content was written by Tarot.com writer Jeff Jawer.

The gifts of Mercury are objectivity, intellect, and adaptability, which is where we can learn a great deal about this planet. We can start by becoming better observers of ourselves. Judgment of any kind, positive or negative, gets in the way of this clarity. Whether you do something stupid or brilliant, generous or selfish, it’s best to see the behavior without immediately describing it as good or bad.

Of course, it’s natural to comment on our mistakes, for example, but simply delaying the process creates a neutral space that enables Mercury’s intelligence to emerge. Taking one breath before falling into self-blame is an excellent way to break the emotional habits that clutter the mind. Take two, three, or more, if you can, and you will open channels of awareness and objectivity that make Mercury’s magic your own.

The messenger planet is more interested in questions than answers. While this may seem complicated in some situations, letting go of the idea that there’s only one right way to do things or to think about them is a powerful place to be. It opens the mind to a variety of perspectives that allow us to be more tolerant and more creative.

Being flexible in your body is another way to invite the intelligence of Mercury into your life. Taking alternate routes to work, changing the order of your daily routine, and honoring curiosity as much as efficiency are additional ways to tap into this planet’s powers. These simple exercises cost virtually nothing, but will open your eyes and mind to options that are hidden from you now. It will also enhance your abilities to listen and speak, making you a more skillful communicator.

Remember that all of the planets belong to us and are available to human consciousness when we open up and meet them in their natural states. When we do this with Mercury, work and personal limits wither away, leaving us smarter and saner than ever before.