Mercury in astrology

Mercury is positioned closest to the Sun, and after the moon, it is the fastest moving planet. It is
rarely seen from Earth because the bright sunlight obscures it. Thus, Mercury is a Morning- and
Evening-Star. Mercury rounds the Sun at an average distance of 36 million miles (58 million kms.). Its
diameter is 3007 miles (4840 kms.), and it has an orbital duration of 87 days, 23 hours, 15 minutes
and 46 seconds. Its bodily volume is less than one twentieth that of Earth's. With its closeness to our
solar star, the maximum arc distance that Mercury can be seen from the Sun is about 28 degrees.

In mythology, Hermes/Mercury was closely related to the Sun-deity Helios/Apollo. His task was to
bring the wishes of humanity before the gods and inform humanity of the will of the gods. This
required a versatile, perceptive and yet sly mind, gifted of with the powers of observation.
Hermes/Mercury is seen as the most human of all gods. Consequently, he is most likely to be lured
into temptation.

Mercury symbolizes rational thought and intellect, the gift of mediation, common sense, the ability
to verbalize, and the tracking of news. Mercury is the messenger; with his mental briskness and his
rhetorical abilities he is able to react accordingly to any given circumstance. Mercury is the physical
animator that has an association with the nervous system of the body and, relatedly, with the
transportation and communications system within society.

Astrological Mercury, placed harmoniously, will always find the right word at the right time. However,
if Mercury's position is challenged in one's horoscope, it symbolizes the inclination to criticism and
haste. Nervousness and a tendency towards a compulsive pursuit of something might also be
indicated.

Morning-Star Mercury in an astrological sense symbolizes a kind of leadership through the hours of
daylight. It represents the day's actualities, traces chances of communication, and refers to good
opportunities in a practical life. By and large, all mental activities are encouraged. Morning-Star
Mercury is attached to the sign of Gemini (the Twins).

Evening-Star Mercury leads us through dark or hidden realms, taking precautions against the
occurrence of shady events in life, thereby overcoming the fearful dark. Thus, it embodies a
beneficial effect--the preparation, the harvesting of one's achievements, and the securing of such
events. Mercury as an Evening-Star is attached to the sign of Virgo.