Mercury Signs

Since ancient times, Mercury was observed to have a slightly unusual way of moving through the constellations. Because it is in between the Earth and the Sun, there are times when the planet can appear to be traveling backwards (retrograde) through the constellations. This erratic 'flitting about' is what gave Hermes and Mercury the reputation of sociability.

The interesting thing about astrology is that our ancient myths were based on the behavior of the planets. There are many things we discovered much later through our Voyager missions to outer planets that align with the characters given over to the planet names.

Long before we had discovered how Uranus is tilted with unusual magnetic pole behavior, the mythology behind Ouraneus was associated with magnetism and iconoclastic behavior. Neptune too, was only recently discovered to be blue and watery (actually ice.) While these two planets are recent discoveries, the ancients observed Mercury and Hermes as the winged footed deity who flits about playing tricks on the unsuspecting. The planets seem to inspire a story that matches to what we discover about them centuries later.

The busy body nature of Mercury inspires our understanding of social skills and how we think and communicate, approaching experience from a left brain, logical capacity. Its placement by house and sign will show whether we are shy and reserved or outspoken and aggressive when making decisions. Mercury relates to the mind, while the constellation inspires the characteristics at play in how we express ourselves.

Mercury in Aries

Mercury in Aries is driven by the fiery and quick paced energy of Mars. Decisions are made quickly and expression shows strong self confidence. When meeting opposition to their ideas, Mercury in Aries can behave aggressively because they are extremely attached to their point of view. They don’t beat around the bush and have a childlike innocence in how they arrive at their decisions from gut reaction. They are enthusiastic and extremely innovative in their approach.

Mercury in Taurus

Mercury in Taurus can be rooted in their ideas and come across as stubborn or opinionated. Decisions are not made quickly and will be based to a large degree on maintaining their comfort zone. They come across as very stable and down to earth and can be relied upon to flesh out inconsistencies in discussions with others.

Mercury in Gemini

Mercury in Gemini arrives at decisions very quickly and can change their mind so quickly that they appear scattered. They are very witty and their mind is extremely inquisitive and curious. There is a youthful quality to their endless curiosity and they can process information so quickly that they finish people’s sentences.

Mercury in Cancer

Mercury in Cancer is thoughtful and sensitive and slow in their responses and decision making. They do not like distractions or interruptions when they are finally prepared to share their thoughts. They can brood over details that appear insignificant to others and it is as if they remember everything from previous conversations. Their sensitivity makes them great listeners and problem solvers for others.

Mercury in Leo

Mercury in Leo can be overly dramatic in sharing their thoughts. They are very passionate and creative in their expression and arrive at decisions with a high level of maturity. They can come across as either an authority or a know it all. They take pride in their intelligence and assume that others will naturally follow their advice.

Mercury in Virgo

Mercury in Virgo can be very detailed oriented and somewhat reserved in sharing their ideas until they feel comfortable. There is a high level of humor to their expression and they naturally lean toward a very detailed approach to decision making.

Mercury in Libra

Mercury in Libra can be a bit indecisive as the native tends to harmonize with the ideas of others rather than assert themselves and face discord. This is a graceful and highly sociable placement. Strongly inquisitive and always interested in the ideas of others, Mercury in Libra has a fluid mind that strives for harmony above all else.

Mercury in Scorpio

Mercury in Scorpio tends to offer an intensely probing intelligence and a fascination for understanding what makes others behave the way they do. The native likes to dig below the surface to uncover what remains hidden. Sometimes a shocking approach in their communication tactics allows them to get others to open up to them. They love secrets and while they probe for the truth, they keep their own ideas under wraps.

Mercury in Sagittarius

Mercury in Sagittarius offers an optimistic and adventurous type of thinking. They are drawn to philosophy and the freedom to keep their mind evolving. They can be opinionated and mutable in their thinking. Tact is not their strong point and they can be somewhat unemotional and crude in communication.

Mercury in Capricorn

Mercury in Capricorn leans toward being reserved in their thought processes. They may appear cold or uninterested but they are careful in their expression and when they do express themselves it is often profound and to the point. Extremely pragmatic, they enjoy productive discussions and have little time for fantasy or surface discussion.

Mercury in Aquarius

Mercury in Aquarius thrives on knowing that they have a highly innovative and unusual way of viewing the world. They rarely allow emotion to interfere with decision making although they are extremely compassionate toward others. This placement can give the native an aptitude for science and technology.

Mercury in Pisces

Mercury in Pisces has a difficult time arriving at decisions. Because they are easily influenced by the needs and moods of others, they can appear wishy washy. Highly creative and sensitive, their expression is usually based on emotion and not reason. They have a natural ability to comfort others through communication and compassion.