In astrology, Mercury represents the planet of communication, energy, creativity and introspection. It reflects what the individual thinks, what wisdom they gather in life and how this influences their personality.

Mercury is also associated to the messenger of Gods, Hermes and is the ruler of the two zodiac signs which are most linked with matters of the mind: Gemini and Virgo. This planet is said to build a connection between what is in our minds and the practical world that surrounds us.

The rocky planet

The closest planet to the Sun is also the smallest planet in the solar system. Mercury is also one of the speediest planets but it also has moments in its 88 days cycle when it slows down its revolving and creates the illusion of a backward moving, the retrograde of Mercury, which lasts about three weeks at a time.

Its surface is heavily cratered and resembles that of the Moon and it appears that there are no natural satellites.

About Mercury in astrology

Mercury is considered to incorporate all knowledge and messages that need to go from one place to another and its role is the more important as it can make or break a lot of aspects in life.

Its influence reveals how one puts in words what they perceive, what they know and how they shape their reality. It helps formulate ideas, disseminate them to others and governs expression style, humour, wittiness and how speedy one reacts.

It also reflects what the individual decides to take from the communications of those around.

Mercury is responsible with the story of one’s life, with how much accent is put on memories and matters of imagination but also with some rational decisions in life and the thought process that is put into them.

This planet also governs travel means, whether means of transport or just walking. It is the planet of wonderers and travellers. It reflects how one reaches their goals and how they set up onto travel.

Mercury is exalted in Virgo, weakened in Pisces and in detriment in Sagittarius, where freedom of thought is unleashed but restlessness is accentuated too.

Some of its common associations include:

• Ruler: Gemini and Virgo
• Zodiac house: The third and the sixth house
• Colour: Yellow
• Day of the week: Wednesday
• Gemstone: Topaz
• Metal: Mercury
• Type: Inner planet
• Keyword: Rationality

Positive influence

Mercury is also all about basics, how one talks and how one walks. It is about rationality and doing the right things but it is also about using duplicity to achieve one’s purposes.

It influences the individual to develop a complex pattern of thinking if they want to achieve their goals and also reflects how aware one is of the influences in the world around.

Mercury is, to an extent, a planet of action but mostly is where thinking takes place, before taking the big step.

It encourages adaptability and flexibility in all life matters and will make the individual more observant and more organized.

Because this is the messenger planet, it relates to receiving answers, investigations and curiosity. It influences how much one listens and searches for clues and how they communicate their findings.

Negative influence

When Mercury is retrograde, it is considered that communications are impaired, there is a higher risk of incidents when traveling and, in general, a lot of misunderstandings are likely to happen.

This planet is likely to produce tensions and frictions of all kinds, especially on the basis of confusions, be them small or complex. It challenges the individual to be clear and concise when trying to achieve something.

It may relate to how difficult it is for some to be rational and accept something that is happening, without showcasing their adversity. It also refers to deep compromises one may need to make in life to keep things in movement, especially when afraid of being judged by others.

Mercury is also a planet of contradictory, intentionally misleading behaviour and governs lying, deception and stealing.