Mercury (symbol ☿) is the planet of Gemini and Virgo. Like all planets, it can influence our lives when, every year, for about a month, it decides to cross our sign. It symbolizes communication, sociability and sharing. The influence of Mercury in astrology also concerns business and financial transactions.
If in astronomy, we are content with the eight planets of the solar system, astrology is more open-minded sinceit counts ten stars. In reality, the eight planets which are familiar to us (Earth, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) to which are added two stars that we know even better, the moon and the sun.
Mercury, the planet of Gemini and Virgo
Each planet is associated with one or more signs:
- Saturn, associated with Capricornsymbolizes wisdom, integrity and responsibility.
- Neptune, planet of Piscescorresponds to dreams, inspiration and spirituality.
- Uranus, ruled by Aquariusis generally related to changes, creation or destruction.
- Pluto, ruled by the Scorpioevokes rebirth and new beginnings.
- Mercury, planet of Gemini and some Virginsymbolizes communication and travel.
- Venus, ruled by the Taurus and the Balanceis of course the planet of feelings and love.
- Mars, associated with RAM and secondary planet of Scorpiorepresents protection and movement.
- Jupiter, ruled by the Sagittariusacts on success or failure, optimism and confidence.
- The moonassociated with Cancersymbolizes femininity, imagination and the unconscious.
- Finally, the sun, star of the Lionrepresents our inner world and our relationships with others.
Associated with the air elementthe planet Mercury is related to the signs of Gemini and some Virgin.
It’s a so-called “fast” planet which crosses the constellations in a short time. The duration of his cycle (to go through the 12 signs of the zodiac) is approximately 357 days. In fact, it passes approximately one month in each zodiac signwith the exception of demotion periods which generally occur three times a year.
The position of a planet in an astral chart is significant in several areas of life and daily life. Its influence can thus be positive or negative depending on the constellations of the zodiac it crosses.
Mercury in astrology
In Roman mythology, Mercury (Hermes in the Greek Pantheon) is the son of Jupiter and the messenger of the gods. He is also the god of commerce and… of thieves. These traits are evidently found in the influence of Mercury in astrology.
Mercury has a positive influence in the areas of communication, sociability and sharing. She is also intellectually beneficial and for eloquence. It can also promote business, transactions and commercial contracts.
Conversely, the planet can have a negative influence by disrupting communication or triggering fits of nervousness or a impaired judgment. It’s as if you were anesthetized, unable to maintain your critical spirit. Finally, Mercury is also associated with travel and transport.
When Mercury Goes Retrograde
When a planet changes the direction of its course in the sky, it is said to come into retrograde phase. First, it slows down, then stagnates in the same place and finally begins to move in reverse. Often retrograde phases bring out the negative aspects of the planets.
Mercury retrogrades three times a year, approximately every three months (four in 2022), for a period of 24 days. When these phases of retrogradation occur, our relationships with others can suffer, mainly because of communication or misunderstanding problems. This can affect both professional and emotional relationships. This translates into delays, forgetfulness, outbursts of anger, rising anxiety, conflicts, misunderstandings, etc. It’s as if we were no longer ourselves!
