Mindful Heart Astrolog: Mercury

Mindful Heart Astrology

During the early days of my Astrological studies, the planet Mercury quickly became my favourite planet. Perhaps because Mercury rules my chart, or maybe it’s because I relate so strongly to much of what he represents.

Mercury speaks to how we communicate and process information, our ideas and perceptions, how we express ourselves, and where we like to focus that thinking and communication. Often referred to as “Messenger of the Gods”, we can think of Mercury as providing a bridge between the mortal and the divine. Or, if you prefer, the connection between our inner self and the outer world.

We all have a Mercury, just as we each have all of the other planets represented in our charts. Just how and where Mercury manifests in one’s life has a lot to do with the sign and house in which it resides. For example, if you had Mercury in Gemini in your 1^st house then you may be readily identified as someone who likes to talk a lot about many different things and can be observed as using your hands to emphasize or illustrate part of the conversation. You would likely appear to be quite active, very inquisitive, and quick to offer your opinions. Since Mercury rules Gemini, he would be quite “at home” in that sign, and being placed in the first house he reflects the clues to how you show up in the world.

 As another example, I have 5^th House Mercury in Scorpio. In this case, we maintain the theme of communication but take into consideration that Scorpio can refer to depth, and the 5^th House as the area of creativity, among other things. Putting them all together, you might say that I am someone who likes to communicate deeply and meaningfully, for creative self-expression. I’ll share a brief personal example to illustrate how Mercury has manifested for me. I’ve highlighted the key words to provide some additional clues for reference.

For as long as I can remember, “words” have been a very important part of my life. I’m told that I had an extensive vocabulary from a very early age. My parents believed they should speak to their children as “people”, using proper words, so “baby talk” was not something that existed in our household. Conversation and discussion was always encouraged, particularly at the dinner table, and it seemed as if there was no end to my curiosity. Word games were a favourite past time with my siblings, and creative use of language was always encouraged. As I grew older, crossword puzzles and the game of Scrabble became weekend staples. In this example, “games” and “puzzles” specifically reflect the 5^th House, reflecting leisurely pastimes.

Our approach to communication, what we think about, and how we apply these energies are important to understand, particularly as we continue to develop our consciousness and work to positively influence our environment and those with whom we connect.   As we consider the relationships we have, personal and professional, it becomes clear that they can be neither nurtured nor fully enjoyed without an understanding of the “how and why” of our communication preferences and thought processes. Consider the quality of the relationships in your life. Spouse, children, parents, siblings, friends, colleagues, associates…would any of these benefit from understanding your relationship with your own Mercury?

During the past few years, Mercury has become increasingly significant for me. With a deeper understanding of Astrology, and my chart in particular, I have learned to communicate far more effectively, and move through life with a greater appreciation for those deeply seeded questions that have always been just below the surface. Why am I here? What am I meant to do with this lifetime?   As I continue along my path, I know that Mercury will be an incredible ally, and one I hope to share significantly with others.

~ Jayne Logan