Mercury’s Transits through the Signs
Electional Astrology: When Mercury is in….
The following short interpretations of Mercury in the signs refer to Mercury’s sign position at any given time and their possible effects on the population in general. They are best used for electional astrology purposes.
In other words, the following interpretations explore possible themes when Mercury is currently transiting each sign, regardless of Mercury’s sign position in individuals’ natal charts.
Important Note: The following interpretations are not natal chart interpretations. To find out about Mercury in the signs in your birth chart, see Mercury in the Signs.
When Mercury is in Aries
When Mercury is in Aries, we are less concerned with objective viewpoints and explanations, and more concerned with reaching a decision…quickly! Our thoughts and ideas are pioneering, and we tend to speak more spontaneously and directly with the planet of communication in bold and assertive Aries. It’s a time of quick, possibly impatient or hurried, decisions, mental competitiveness, and quick, perhaps definsive or combative responses. Our communications are direct, straightforward, honest, and uncomplicated–perhaps insensitive or blunt). We prefer to learn through personal experience, not instruction.
When Mercury is in Taurus
When Mercury is in Taurus, our thinking is down to earth, solid, and grounded. Common sense reigns over more fanciful thinking. We communicate more deliberately under this influence, and our minds orient to the world of the five senses. We prefer the tried and true rather than new ways of thinking.
Attention to one thing at a time can simplify our lives, but we may be in danger of narrow, overly conservative, or rigid thinking. Comfortably-paced decisions and thought processes are in focus during this cycle–our thinking cannot be rushed or pushed! We’re apable of (and content with) rote, routine, deliberate, or monotonous work/methods. It can also be a time of stubborn lines of thinking or positions.
When Mercury is in Gemini
When Mercury is in Gemini, we are especially communicative, curious, and sociable. Mercury feels right at home in Gemini, one of the signs that it rules. We tend to take more pleasure in gaining a superficial knowledge of many subjects rather than dig deep into any one topic. We are especially astute when it comes to arguing or making a point. Wordplays, puns, trivia, information tidbits, and negotiations are more attractive. We are able to mimic, quickly grasp, and decide promptly, and our observations are detached. Nervous energy is prominent, and we are easily distracted.
When Mercury is in Cancer
When Mercury is in Cancer, we move from the desire for quantity to the need for quality in terms of the information we are attracted to. We think, speak, and take in information on a deeper, more instinctive level now. We have less interest in what is universal, and more interest in what affects us personally and what affects the people around us. Our thoughts are colored by our emotions, so it is more challenging to be objective.
When Mercury is in Leo
When Mercury is in Leo, our thinking is more confident and grand. The focus is now on the goal–and the more grand a goal the better! The details may not be quite as important now. We are more expressive, even theatrical and given to speech-giving and story-telling under this influence. We are also more convincing and persuasive, as we exude confidence when we speak or write. We may not listen as well as we normally do under Mercury in Leo.
When Mercury is in Virgo
When Mercury is in Virgo, precision in speech, thought, and process is now important to us. During this cycle, we analyze and decide what is useful and what we deem to be impractical. Mercury feels right at home in Virgo, one of the signs that it rules. Dealing with details is natural and comfortable now. We need to be careful that we don’t lose perspective if we find ourselves lost in detail. We should also be aware of the possibility of expressing ourselves in a too factual manner, so much so that we come across as dry, critical, or unimaginative.
When Mercury is in Libra
When Mercury is in Libra, we are diplomatic and friendly. During this cycle, we bring a more rational approach to one-to-one relationships. It’s a good time to think about ways to improve our negotiation skills.
Mercury in Libra can be vacillating energy as we attempt to see both sides of any given situation. Making quick decisions can be more challenging than usual, as we can sit “on the fence.” We may too easily accommodate others’ opinions to keep the peace. In our negotiations, we don’t want to assert ourselves so as to appear to be the “bad guy.” However, this is a reasonable period for considering others’ points of view. We are more inclined to arrive at fair conclusions.
When Mercury is in Scorpio
When Mercury is in Scorpio, our thoughts and communications are more probing and intense. While Mercury in Libra urged us to find balance and arrive at reasonable solutions, Mercury in Scorpio instinctively knows that life simply isn’t fair. Mercury in Scorpio seeks truths in all that is hidden and undercover.
We tend to probe, observe, and focus our thoughts under this influence. Looking for motivations–the more deeply buried, the better–satisfies an intellectual need now. Our thoughts are profound. We throw away superficial manners of communicating in favor of deep conversations.
Scorpio is exceptionally sharp, profound, and analytical yet also intuitive. Thinking is inclined to be one-track-minded, focused, and even obsessive.
Mercury-in-Scorpio isn’t shocked by much, or at least keeps its cool even if surprised. During this cycle, our approach is psychological when analyzing, deciding, and studying or observing. We’re not afraid to go places mentally. We get to the heart of a matter or to the bottom line very quickly, usually through instinct. Our resourcefulness and strategy stand out. We’re competitive.
We can be intrigued by motives and secrets or taboos. It’s not easy to take instruction or someone’s word for it–we have to experience it ourselves to draw conclusions. This position of Mercury is one of the most persuasive. It’s an excellent time to research, investigate, troubleshoot, and work on hunches. If left to observe on our own, we do our best thinking, seeking the hidden layers of a situation.
When Mercury is in Sagittarius
When Mercury is in Sagittarius, our thinking shifts from a need to plumb the depths of any given situation to the desire to learn about a wide range of topics. We seek ideals, our thinking is more optimistic, and our faith increases. We are more equipped to believe and to persuade. What is fair and unfair concerns us most now. However, we are not always very precise under this influence.
We’re more inclined to ask questions and seek answers during this forward-looking cycle. We might often wax philosophical, and we enjoy wrapping our minds around new concepts and ideas. Still, the details are not as interesting to us now, as we prefer to envision the big picture.
On the downside, we can be inconsistent and lack attention to details. While frank and open, we can also be tactless during this period. We’re generous with our communications and input, and we’re humorous and friendly at this time.
When Mercury is in Capricorn
When Mercury is in Capricorn, our thinking is methodical and our focus is sober and practical. It is easier to concentrate on the task at hand under this influence. Our conversations may be quite realistic or focused on business/practical matters. Our thought patterns and communication styles become more logical, orderly, and organized.
We are more able to sort out what is relevant and essential. Realism enters the picture, our speech is no-nonsense, and precision becomes important to us. Our survival instincts are strong–we’re interested in what will benefit us in the long term.
We’re not interested in the fluff, preferring to get right to a point or the bottom line. Communication can be somewhat guarded or cautious, and similarly not very floral or expressive. We gravitate to concrete subjects and information that’s logical, useful, and well-organized. We may prefer a methodical approach to studying. Our fantasies may be well-considered and possible, with realistic overtones.
We need to be wary of becoming too rigid in our thinking. We may come across as cold or harsh. For some, there is a fine line between realism and pessimism. At times, we might lack humor, or we’re inclined toward sarcasm when joking. We can be quite stubborn with our ideas and methods.
We can use this period to make solid, realistic plans and get organized. It’s a favorable time to advise, teach, or guide. Generally, we’re more concerned than usual with our reputation or responsibilities. Our dependability can reap rewards. We love to plan ahead and map out our next steps. Changes of schedule can be most disconcerting during this cycle. Our reactions are sensible, cool, and level-headed while Mercury is in Capricorn.
When Mercury is in Aquarius
When Mercury is in Aquarius, we are hungry for knowledge and open to new and original ideas. We begin to think outside of the box, and our thinking becomes more progressive and objective. Our communication and thought patterns are spontaneous, somewhat fragmented, reasonable, objective, and liberal. This is a time when inventive thinking is at a peak.
We’re reasonable, finding it easier to separate intellect and emotion when assessing a situation. Although progressive-minded and receptive to new studies and information, we are not quick to sway from our ideas and beliefs. During this cycle, we take more interest in thinking that’s daring or original. As we envision a better future, we can come up with truly interesting ideas and concepts.
When Mercury is in Pisces
When Mercury is in Pisces, our thinking processes are more visual, intuitive, and imaginative. We are especially attuned to the world of emotion, which colors both our thoughts and our communication style.
We guess well, express ourselves with imagery, and make decisions intuitively. We are more attracted to consciousness-raising information.
It’s not always easy to verbalize our impressions during this cycle. We don’t enjoy pinning down, labeling, or strictly defining things. We recognize that life isn’t always logical, and we prefer not to think in black and white terms. We’re sensitive and impressionable, which means we can take in more than usual, and it can sometimes overwhelm us. Pisces needs periodic time alone or within to regenerate and detox.
Back to This Month’s Planetary Aspects
Back to This Week in Astrology
When the Moon is in…Transits of the Moon through the Signs.
When the Sun is in….Transits of the Sun through the Signs.
When Venus is in….Transits of Venus through the Signs.
When Mars is in….Transits of Mars through the Signs.
