Mercury
is the fastest moving planet. This little planet never
strays far from the Sun, roaming about 60 degrees
only. Our little friend Mercury also retrogrades (or
goes in reverse) about three times a year for periods
of three weeks at a time. This is one planet phenomenon
that is becoming more noticeable to even those who
know nothing about astrology. Retrograde Mercury is
a time of retrospect; it is not a time for starting
new projects or for buying things like cars or computers.
It is a good time for cleaning closets, offices, or
finishing up ongoing projects.
Mercury rules communication, and rules two signs --
Virgo and Gemini. Short-distance travel is also associated
with Mercury, including any form of commuting. Mercury
also rules telephones and other devices used for communication.
The chart done for the United States has very strong
Mercury, indicating a strong press. Mercury's connection
to communication is found in Hermes the teacher and
the scribe, but Mercury is also a trickster or a thief.
Mercury is also associated with youth. Mercury aspects
in a natal chart can indicate a youthful look or a
youthful and agile body. Here again, using the USA
chart and its Mercury, we can see this clearly in
how we all strive to be and look young in this country.
Ironically, in astrology, a person is not even considered
to be grown up until their Saturn return, which happens
around the age of 30.
Mercury represents your mind in the astrology chart,
and it reveals a great deal about how you think. Those
with good aspects to Mercury have very quick and clear
minds. There are conflicting influences, however,
as Gemini, a sign ruled by Mercury, is quick but does
not necessarily retain what has been learned. Mercury’s
natural placement is in the third house, or the house
ruled by Gemini, and is also is exalted in the sixth
house, the house of Virgo. The third house is the
house of siblings, neighbors, and of the mind. When
the Sun or Moon falls into the third house for a Solar
or Lunar return it can indicate depression. This is
particularly true for the Sun, particularly when it
has harder aspects. Mercury, when conjunct with the
Sun or Moon can be beneficial. With the Sun it makes
the person very focused and their ability to communicate
it heightened. With the Moon, it is said that the
emotions and the mind are working together, like their
gut or intuition is confirmed by what they know or
think. The application of this knowledge is heightened
when Mercury conjuncts Mars. Those who really like
games for instance, could have Mercury conjunct Mars.
Mercury with Jupiter gives a strong inclination toward
religion or higher education. Saturn can give control
in communication when it conjuncts Mercury. Mercury
in aspect to Neptune can have either intuitive or
psychic ability, but this person can also deceive
or be deceived. |
