What Mercury says about us

Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun, and although it is very small, it holds considerable importance in astrology.

In Greco-Roman mythology, the planet Mercury represents Hermes, son of Zeus and Maia. Messenger of the Gods, but also the god of commerce and travel, many characteristics have been associated with him. Positively, Mercury represents youth, sociability, humor, flexibility, and intelligence; negatively, it represents superficiality, nervousness, indolence, instability, and dispersion.

In astrology, Mercury rules the signs of Gemini and Virgo. In the birth chart, its position reveals a person's intellectual abilities and can therefore provide important information about their ways of thinking, connecting, communicating, understanding, learning, remembering, and speaking.

Mercury can also be linked to issues such as finance, business, children, siblings, and much more.

In the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius), Mercury makes communication direct and lively. In Aries, the mind is quick and inspired, thinking very quickly. Communication is spontaneous and enthusiastic, sometimes a bit brusque. In Leo, language is expressive, dramatic, eager to capture attention, and thinking is very creative. In Sagittarius, the vision is broad, thinking is more philosophical and abstract, less focused on detail.

In the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Mercury becomes more practical and analytical, less superficial. In Taurus, information is processed slowly, but once stored, it is never forgotten; in Virgo, thinking is critical, precise, and structured. In Capricorn, communication is clear and authoritative, thinking is organized and schematic.

In the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), Mercury brings curiosity, sociability, and new ideas. In Gemini, communication is emphasized; thoughts are quick and versatile, capable of managing a wealth of information and connecting it together. In Libra, communication becomes gentle and diplomatic, embracing different perspectives and seeking shared solutions. In Aquarius, thinking is original, innovative, and unconventional; communication is detached and objective.

In the Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), Mercury becomes sensitive, emotional, and intuitive. In Cancer, Mercury is highly sensitive, empathetic, and intuitive in communicating with others; information is processed through emotional filters. In Scorpio, thinking becomes deeper and more investigative, delving into what lies beneath the surface. Communication is intense, never banal. In Pisces, imagination takes hold, a non-linear and less structured way of thinking that excels in empathetic, creative, and symbolic expression.

Mercury is retrograde about 3-4 times a year, for a period of 2-3 weeks. Those with Mercury retrograde in their birth charts have their own unique way of thinking and communicating.

When communication problems arise between two people, it's always worth examining Mercury in both birth charts: this allows you to see how each person thinks, expresses themselves, and listens.