Mercury

Mercury represents communication. But what is communication, really? It is relatedness, messaging—the translation of thought and speech into the symbols and modes of expression humanity has at its disposal. Just as no one knows who invented language and writing, we cannot know what we truly think until we articulate it. Mercury is the conduit of the ephemeral and the midwife of all ideas.

Mercury determines not only how we connect with others—establishing the vibrational frequency of our communicative channels—but also how we perceive the world itself. It shapes our primary mode of understanding.

One of astrology's gifts is its ability to illuminate concepts that have no place in our overly scientific, supposedly rational society—including the idea that Logic can be anything other than the formal kind. We all know the feeling of "something not computing," when facts present one picture yet we remain convinced of something else entirely, unable to articulate why.

The placement of your Mercury determines the nature of your personal Logic, dramatically influencing the types of proof you will accept.

Mercury in water signs skips steps, intuiting its way toward truth. These natives may begin sentences mid-thought, reaching conclusions through circuitous routes and unforeseen analogies. Water Mercury communicates with emotion and struggles to separate itself from its ideas.

Mercury in air signs, however, excels at such separation. Here Mercury dwells at home in the pure realm of thoughts and ideas, taking joy in clever exploration and debate. This placement often indicates high intelligence.

Mercury in earth signs gravitates toward practical application and the possibility of realizing ideas. Communication tends toward the grounded; earth Mercury is less likely to be swept away by argument, even one whose merits it recognizes.

Mercury in fire signs tends toward momentum in thinking and communication. These natives are more likely to embrace arguments that advance their plans and goals, and may not always offer the most objective counsel.

Ability: Communicate, perceive, translate thought into expression