Understanding Your Mercury Sign: What Does Mercury Represent in Astrology?

You’ve probably heard of sun signs, moon signs, and rising or ascendant signs in astrology before. But have you ever heard of Mercury signs? Depending on where Mercury was in the sky when you were born, you can have one of 12 different Mercury sign placements that shape your personality! Keep reading for more info on what Mercury represents in astrology, how your own Mercury sign affects your personality, and what exactly the dreaded Mercury in retrograde is.

Section 1 of 5:

What does Mercury represent in astrology?

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    Named after the messenger of the gods in Roman mythology, the planet Mercury rules information, expression, and communication. The way you socialize with others, process information, and approach problems is shaped by which of the 12 zodiac signs Mercury was “in,” or visually overlapping with, when you were born. [1]
    • In addition to these personality traits, Mercury also has an effect on language, travel, economy, and technology. [2]
    • Regardless of what your own Mercury sign is, everyone is affected in these areas of life depending on what zodiac sign the planet is currently “in.”
    • Similarly, during retrogrades, everyone is affected in these areas of life depending on what zodiac sign the planet is passing through. [3]
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Section 2 of 5:

What signs does Mercury rule?

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    Each of the 12 zodiac signs is “ruled” by a planet, meaning their attributes are intrinsically linked. Some planets rule more than one sign, with Mercury being one of them. If you’re born with a matching planet and sign placement, their effects are highlighted in your personality. So if your Mercury sign is in Gemini or Virgo, you’re probably a very effective communicator! [4]
    • More specifically, Mercury empowers Geminis’ social abilities and Virgos’ cerebral faculties.
Section 3 of 5:

How do you find your Mercury sign?

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    Your planet placements depend on what constellation that planet was overlapping in the sky at the time of your birth. In other words, your Mercury sign is determined by when and where you were born. [5] To find your Mercury sign, you’ll need to plug the time and location you were born at into an astrological birth chart calculator. [6]
    • You might need your birth certificate to get an exact time. Otherwise, try making an educated guess.
    • To find a free chart calculator online, just do an online search for “Mercury sign calculator.”
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Section 4 of 5:

What does your Mercury sign mean?

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    If your Mercury is in fiery Aries, chances are you like to express your thoughts in a straightforward and direct way. [7] To some people, this might make you come across as a little abrasive. But the truth is, you just don’t see the use in beating around the bush and not expressing how you really feel about things! [8]
    • Mercury in Aries causes everyone to feel a little more confident in saying what’s on their mind.
    • When Mercury is in retrograde in Aries, people are more short-tempered and likely to get into arguments.
  2. 2
    Mercury in Taurus: If your Mercury is in down-to-earth Taurus, you might be one to really think before you speak. You’re concise and to-the-point with your words, and you enjoy having conversations that are grounded in facts and objective truths. This might make you a person that people look to for a reality check in times of panic or confusion. [9]
    • Mercury in Taurus makes imagination take the back seat in favor of rationality.
    • When Mercury is in retrograde in Taurus, disputes over finances and other tangible resources are more likely to occur.
  3. 3
    Mercury in Gemini: If your Mercury is in chatty Gemini, you’re a natural social butterfly. Your love for talking and learning that comes from Gemini is intensified by Mercury, since the two are intrinsically linked. You’re creative, funny, and outgoing, but you might find it difficult to talk about your emotions at times. [10]
    • Mercury in Gemini makes everyone a little more talkative than usual.
    • When Mercury is in retrograde in Gemini, people might feel especially deterred by complications with communication.
  4. 4
    Mercury in Cancer: If your Mercury is in emotional Cancer, you’re probably a sensitive speaker who does their best to avoid arguments. These qualities can make you a little shy to speak your mind at times. However, your insightful observations and thoughtful words make you a person people go to for advice, since you always know to say the right thing at the right time. [11]
    • Mercury in Cancer can make people’s minds more in-tune with their feelings, allowing for deep conversations and connections.
    • When Mercury is in retrograde in Cancer, emotions are intensified, making words more hurtful and people more likely to retreat into their shells.
  5. 5
    Mercury in Leo: If your Mercury is in theatrical Leo, you might be known for being an expressive storyteller with a penchant for exaggeration. People may often look to you to share interesting opinions or exciting anecdotes. Just be wary of hogging the spotlight during conversations, and use your natural warmth to invite others to share the stage with you. [12]
    • Mercury in Leo makes everyone’s speech more colorful, leading to lots of laughs and positive energy.
    • When Mercury is in retrograde in Leo, people might seem “extra” and overly dramatic, making big deals out of small inconveniences.
  6. 6
    Mercury in Virgo: If your Mercury is in practical Virgo, you have a quick and efficient mind. Your Virgo superpowers of organization and perfection are only heightened by Mercury’s influence. This is because Mercury rules Virgo, just like Gemini. People probably ask you for advice all the time, since you’re a great problem-solver and clear communicator. [13]
    • Mercury in Virgo means everyone is a little more put-together and driven than usual.
    • When Mercury is in retrograde in Virgo, people can become easily frustrated when things don’t go as planned.
  7. 7
    Mercury in Libra: If your Mercury is in peaceful Libra, you’re a natural debater and mediator. Socializing with people with different opinions probably comes easy to you because you’re so charming and likable. But while you’re open to listening to anyone and everyone’s opinions, you also have a strong moral code that can sometimes lead you to getting into friendly debates. [14]
    • Mercury in Libra creates room for diplomatic discussions between people with different outlooks on life.
    • When Mercury is in retrograde in Libra, patience can wear thin and arguments arise more easily.
  8. 8
    Mercury in Scorpio: If your Mercury is in mysterious Scorpio, chances are you don’t like small talk and aren’t afraid of asking deep questions. You might be known for being intense and inquisitive toward others, while keeping personal details to yourself. It might take a lot of trust for you to open up to others, but once you do, you make strong, intimate connections. [15]
    • Mercury is in Scorpio opens people up to exploring dark and sometimes taboo thoughts with themselves and others.
    • When Mercury is in retrograde in Scorpio, secrets reveal themselves, possibly bringing up trust issues in relationships.
  9. 9
    Mercury in Sagittarius: If your Mercury is in adventurous Sagittarius, you’re probably a philosophical free-thinker and a natural at starting up conversations. Curious and friendly, you love to theorize and contemplate with others. You have a thirst for knowledge and experience, making you an expert at chatting about everything and nothing with just about anyone. [16]
    • Mercury in Sagittarius makes people more impulsive and energized than usual.
    • When Mercury is in retrograde in Sagittarius, complications with transportation are likely to occur, as Sagittarius represents travel.
  10. 10
    Mercury in Capricorn: If your Mercury is in serious Capricorn, you might have a cynical outlook on life. Your realistic way of thinking is clear in your no-frills manner of speaking. To some people, this could come across as cold. But it doesn’t mean you’re no fun! In fact, you probably have a rich, detailed inner world that makes itself known through your dry sense of humor. [17]
    • Mercury in Capricorn motivates people to set goals and work hard to achieve them.
    • When Mercury is in retrograde in Capricorn, miscommunications at work are more likely to happen.
  11. 11
    Mercury in Aquarius: If your Mercury is in innovative Aquarius, you’re likely always asking “why.” You’re known for being eccentric and forward-thinking, constantly bubbling at the brim with questions and ideas. No conversation topic is too weird for you, but you can find conversations that don’t interest or excite you a little boring and hard to maintain. [18]
    • Mercury in Aquarius spurs an uptick in theorizing and debating over offbeat topics.
    • When Mercury is in retrograde in Aquarius, expect technological communication to go haywire, as Aquarius is associated with technology.
  12. 12
    Mercury in Pisces: If your Mercury is in dreamy Pisces, you probably prefer to understand the world through fantasy and magic. Imaginative and idealistic, you might be known for having your head in the clouds sometimes. You love asking big questions that can’t be answered by facts and numbers, and aren’t interested in discussing the boring truths of reality. [19]
    • Mercury in Pisces causes people to step away from rationality and tap into their imagination.
    • When Mercury is in retrograde in Pisces, your mind might feel a little hazy, leading you to be more disorganized than usual.
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Section 5 of 5:

What does it mean when Mercury is in retrograde?

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    Every planet goes through retrogrades, during which they appear to move in the opposite direction of their usual rotation. When this happens, every concept or value the planet symbolizes is negatively impacted. In the case of Mercury, this means misunderstandings and disagreements, as well as technological failures and travel mishaps, are more likely to occur. [20]
    • This is why people dread when Mercury is in retrograde and consider it an especially hectic period.
    • Scientifically speaking, planets aren’t actually moving backward during retrogrades. It’s an optical illusion created by light and speed!
    • In the case of Mercury, it rotates around the sun about 4 times faster than the Earth. Basically, our eyes are playing catch-up with it a few times a year.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What should you do when Mercury is in retrograde?
    Angel Eyedealism
    Astrologer & Performance Artist
    Angel Eyedealism is an Astrologer and Performance Artist based in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. With nearly three decades of astrology experience, Angel specializes in relocation astrology and astrocartography. Eyedealism has been featured in numerous media outlets such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Refinery29, NBC, MTV, Showtime, and Bravo. Angel aims to help others through a straightforward, kind, and humorous astrological lens, utilizing her entertainment and singing skills for performance art astrology readings.
    Angel Eyedealism
    Astrologer & Performance Artist
    Expert Answer
    When Mercury is in retrograde, you can make up with people you had arguments with in the past. Do not start new projects during this time or try to date a new person you have never met before.
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  • Question
    What happens if you date new people during retrograde?
    Angel Eyedealism
    Astrologer & Performance Artist
    Angel Eyedealism is an Astrologer and Performance Artist based in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. With nearly three decades of astrology experience, Angel specializes in relocation astrology and astrocartography. Eyedealism has been featured in numerous media outlets such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Refinery29, NBC, MTV, Showtime, and Bravo. Angel aims to help others through a straightforward, kind, and humorous astrological lens, utilizing her entertainment and singing skills for performance art astrology readings.
    Angel Eyedealism
    Astrologer & Performance Artist
    Expert Answer
    New people you meet or date during retrograde do not stick around, or there is a constant communication problem if you do.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.horoscope.com/us/planets/mercury.html
      2. ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/8xwx3v/what-does-mercury-in-the-signs-mean-in-my-birth-chart
      3. ↑ Angel Eyedealism. Astrologer & Performance Artist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.
      4. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/02/137698/zodiac-signs-ruling-planets-characteristics
      5. ↑ Angel Eyedealism. Astrologer & Performance Artist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.
      6. ↑ https://astrostyle.com/cosmic-calculators/mercury-sign/
      7. ↑ Angel Eyedealism. Astrologer & Performance Artist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.tarot.com/astrology/planets/mercury-in-aries
      9. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/communication-style-mercury-sign-meaning-astrology
      1. ↑ https://www.horoscope.com/us/planets/mercury-in-gemini.html
      2. ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/8xwx3v/what-does-mercury-in-the-signs-mean-in-my-birth-chart
      3. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/communication-style-mercury-sign-meaning-astrology#slide-5
      4. ↑ https://www.tarot.com/astrology/planets/mercury-in-virgo
      5. ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/8xwx3v/what-does-mercury-in-the-signs-mean-in-my-birth-chart
      6. ↑ https://www.tarot.com/astrology/planets/mercury-in-scorpio
      7. ↑ https://www.horoscope.com/us/planets/mercury-in-sagittarius.html
      8. ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/8xwx3v/what-does-mercury-in-the-signs-mean-in-my-birth-chart
      9. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/communication-style-mercury-sign-meaning-astrology#slide-11
      10. ↑ https://www.tarot.com/astrology/planets/mercury-in-pisces
      11. ↑ https://www.farmersalmanac.com/mercury-retrograde

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