Mercury Sign Meaning in Astrology

Mercury is the ruling planet of Gemini and Virgo, and exiles in Aquarius and Libra. It is the fastest moving planet in the zodiac, which means it travels 30 degrees a month.

Mercury represents the mind and the ability to think quickly. This is key in assessing situations. Mercury is known as an intellectual planet, and is involved with how you communicate with others."

Mercury is the messenger of the gods, a fast-moving planet that forms in the immediate vicinity of the Sun and as such only visible for about an hour each day. Mercury is named after the Roman god Mercury who was the messenger of the gods, known for his speed.

The astrological planetary ruler of Mercury is quick-wittedness, mentality, confidence, wordsmith, the power of expression, and communication.

Mercury is the planet of communication. Mercury rules our minds, reasoning and short-term memory and is associated with Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius zodiac signs. It’s also responsible for things like the nervous system and motor skills (for example, it governs fine motor skills like typing).

Explore Your Mercury Sign:

• Mercury in Aries
• Mercury in Taurus
• Mercury in Gemini
• Mercury in Cancer
• Mercury in Leo
• Mercury in Virgo
• Mercury in Libra
• Mercury in Scorpio
• Mercury in Sagittarius
• Mercury in Capricorn
• Mercury in Aquarius
• Mercury in Pisces

Mercury in Aries

Mercury in Aries personalities are intelligent, energetic, and bright. These quick-witted people love a stimulating conversation that jumps from topic to topic. Mercury in Aries people are competitive and need to win at everything they do.

They have an energetic, outgoing personality and are mentally alert and physically active. They are forceful, independent individuals who like to take the initiative and get things done .

These people project energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to break away from intellectual conformity. The placement of Mercury in Aries suggests a person who comes across as intelligent and capable despite sometimes being impulsive and awkward.

Mercury in Aries is a combination of boldness, energy and enthusiasm. These people are usually pretty brave, and excel at thinking on their feet. They have a lot of self-confidence and excellent communication skills, which offsets their impatience and tendency to be impulsive.

Mercury in Taurus

Mercury in Taurus people are organized, practical and down-to-earth. They have a way of doing things that makes others feel secure and stable. Their approach to life is methodical and efficient, but they may also be overly critical of themselves and others.

Taurus-Mercury natives have a lot of common sense. They are practical sticklers for details, organization and structure. They know how to get things done in a systematic way that usually pleases everyone involved.

Mercury in Taurus individuals are gentle, kind, and extremely patient. They exude warmth and sympathy for others and live by the old adage “good things come to those who wait.”

They tend to be blessed with a lot of practical intelligence. They are notorious for never forgetting anything that they’ve learned in their lifetime, which can sometimes make them appear to be a bit arrogant.

Mercury in Gemini

Mercury in Gemini people are lively, talkative, fun-loving, sociable, and the life of the party! They love to talk about ideas and concepts, take things at face value, and are convinced of their own ability to scheme their way out of anything.

Most Mercury in Gemini individuals do not like routine jobs, or working in the same job for any length of time because they get bored easily.

Their personalities are friendly and warm, and they like to involve themselves with younger people more than older ones (unless they have a close relationship with someone older).

Mercury in Gemini personalities are personable, quick-witted and have a knack for communicating with the rest of the world. They are often natural born sales professionals, who tend to succeed in sales or management roles.

Mercury in Cancer

Mercury in Cancer personalities are often dreamers with a taste for the finer things in life. They have a flair for art, poetry, and acting. Their emotions tend to run deep, making it hard to hide their feelings. They seek closeness and intimacy in relationships, but sometimes they retreat into their imagination instead of dealing with reality.

This sign is as mysterious as the moon itself, which it represents. While no two people born under this sign are exactly alike, there are a few traits that you can count on finding in most individuals.

They are highly independent, but can also be shy. When they are single, they are best known for being faithful lovers and gentle friends, always doing their best to help others, even if it means putting themselves out or taking risks. They can be quite private and rarely show their softer side—it’s usually seen only by those closest to them.

Mercury in Cancer natives make good psychologists, accountants, financial advisors and legal advisors. They are the perfect partner for those who can find it within themselves to see the ideas of others and make them tangible.

Innovation, inventiveness and creativity are at the core of a Mercury in Cancer’s behavior and its way of thinking. A person with this position puts an emphasis on finance, possessions, money and valuable objects as well as “how to make more.”

People born under this sign are brave, loyal, and secretive. They keep their distance from other people but they will defend those friends to the hilt.

They prefer to keep things private so others can’t pry into their personal affairs and they’re pretty good at dodging questions that aren’t their business. These traits make them naturally good at working behind the scenes in politics or for government agencies.

Mercury in Leo

Mercury in Leo personalities tend to be energetic and enthusiastic, quick to act on their thoughts but just as quick to change them. They are typically great communicators, with a talent for self-expression and drama, and are often at the center of attention.

Mercury in any sign is a messenger aspect, and while those with Mercury in Leo are usually adept at communicating verbally or in writing, they also like to talk things out directly.

It is not terribly surprising that an individual with Mercury in Leo would have the following personality traits. They are known for being friendly, enthusiastic, witty, gregarious and charismatic.

The degree of success they encounter is most often due to their ability to network well with others, develop a varied contacts base and maintain relationships well. Their need to be the center of attention is met through their desire to have a large, diverse group of friends/acquaintances with whom they can associate on a regular basis.

They have a flair for life. This gives them a love of travel and good communication skills. Mercury in Leo born individuals are also efficient at their jobs, as they welcome challenges in a race against time.

They are most creative and intelligent while dreaming and planning, but also quick to think of solutions once they have decided to act. They are always a bit on the showman side, and they can be charming, eloquent, dramatic, attention-seeking and grandiose. Life with Mercury in Leo is fun, spontaneous and entertaining.

They love to talk and have a contagious joyous nature. They tend to be expressive, friendly, and optimistic. Mercury in Leo is a dynamic individual with a highly developed mind.

On the surface, you may not realize how much this person possesses. His or her many accomplishments enable them to be quite self-centered and self-assured.

Mercury in the cataclysmic sign of Leo brings charm, vitality, infectious optimism, and dynamic energy to those born under its influence. Like the brightest star in the sky, such people tend to be both admired and intensely curious.

Their greatest love is their own freedom, an independent spirit they nurture through creative expression. Mercury in Leo gives self-expression a religious nature that draws upon creativity and a sense of the dramatic to convey ideas and feelings.

Mercury in Virgo

Mercury in Virgo personalities have a strong drive to get things done. They are practical problem solvers who enjoy analyzing and fixing mechanical problems or complex situations.

These people love technology and know how to use it to make life easier. It’s not just that they know how to use it; they want to understand all the parts so that they can build something better.

Virgo Mercury personalities also make great debaters and attorneys because they like finding flaws in other people’s plans or in the reasoning behind their decisions. Mercury in Virgo individuals typically have a keen interest in sciences and contemporary ideas. They’re very centered on making an identity for themselves by way of achievement, and are always conscious of the impression they’re making on society.

They are often perfectionists and worriers, somewhat shy and reserved. Intelligent, diligent, practical, methodical, thoughtful and cautious. They want to be in control of their lives and the people around them.

Mercury in Virgo individuals approach problems with logic and analysis, preferring to gather as much information as they can before making a decision. They are intensely observant and have incredibly strong memories, preferring to let actions speak louder than words.

In relationships, they tend to be caring and loyal partners who expect the same in return. They are slow to commit, but once in a relationship they are extremely faithful, committed, and loving partners who will do what it takes to make their relationship work.

Mercury in Virgo individuals are highly analytical and methodical. They use logic and reason to understand the world around them, and then work to communicate their findings clearly to others.

Keeping an open mind, they actively seek knowledge. Being strong critics, they will only embrace ideas that seem sound. Mercury in Virgo people like to be well-informed, but can sometimes focus on the details too much and find it difficult to see the big picture.

Mercury in Virgo makes for a great conversationalist who considers the opinions of other people, and has a thirst for knowledge. Virgo is logical and precise, and someone with Mercury in Virgo might be an engineer, accountant, or scientist, all fields that require precision and attention to detail.

They are gentle, intelligent and never scattered. They are mainly interested in work and in the study or investigation of all kinds of subjects. All business transactions attract them but they should not be entered into lightly, for financial loss is likely as well as worry and disappointment from striking a deal with someone who seems too good to be true.

Mercury in Libra

Most Mercury in Libra individuals have a reputation for being great communicators. They like to take charge of a situation, and have good diplomatic skills. This placement enhances the artistic side of an individual, and gives them time for reflection.

They are just as you might expect. They’re charming and diplomatic, living in a world of collective ideals and harmony. For this reason, they tend to be popular among those with more aggressive personalities. However, those born under this placement tend to have just as many friends on the quiet side as well.

Mercury in Libra people are easygoing, tactful, and friendly. They prefer working in groups to working alone. They are intellectually curious and intelligent, which means they like to have a wide variety of experiences.

They attempt to take ample time to get to know more about people rather than rushing through life. They also like to try as many new activities as possible.

Busy and always on the move, communication comes naturally to you, especially when it pertains to gathering information. You love to hear about what’s going on around town, or who’s doing what where.

Mercury in Libra people, you are the ultimate diplomat! Well-versed and cultured, you pride yourself on making others happy. The diplomatic side of yourself means a tendency to be exceedingly agreeable and charming – but it also means that others can sometimes take advantage of your generosity.

Mercury in Scorpio

Mercury in Scorpio individuals like to challenge the status quo, and are often ahead of their time. Bright and courageous about taking on new ideas or challenging positions, Mercury in Scorpio is concerned with finding real solutions at any cost – even if that cost is high.

These individuals have a driving desire to uncover secrets and solve mysteries. They are incredibly curious and direct, preferring to cut to the chase rather than dilly-dally.

Mercury in Scorpio personalities are the Great Impersonators. They can create an entire identity around an event or place. They may not reveal their true self often, but they will do it if the time calls for it. They are also called the Secret Lover because he or she doesn’t even realize how much time they spent planning their next encounter with a loved one.

This placement represents a natural cunning paired with a highly resourceful mind, making them masterminds of manipulation. The deep-rooted emotions of Scorpio can leave these natives with an intense desire to reach their goals at any cost. Once they have set their sights on achieving something, there is little room for error and no stopping until they reach their end goal.

Mercury in Scorpio is a very deep, probing mind, with superior reasoning ability. They are intensely secretive and rather suspicious on all fronts.

We could call them a natural detective, because they are great at ferreting out the truth or lies based on their keen awareness of details. Using psychic intuition (a Scorpionic trait), combined with their reasoning skills, they can find the best way to “read” someone’s intentions and thoughts.

Mercury in Scorpio is intuitive, deep, and intense. They can be a bit suspicious of ideas or people who are different than them. They will test you to make sure you aren’t weird, and then may shy away from you. It takes a while for them to warm up.

You may have a hard time getting their attention, but once they do look at you directly it’s like staring into the eyes of a hawk looking at a field mouse. Mercury in Scorpio loves scary movies because they want to understand how the mind of criminals work.

Mercury in Sagittarius

Mercury in Sagittarius is full of enthusiasm, energy, optimism, and confidence. They have a need for freedom and excitement, love of new ideas and experimentation, and strong convictions. Mercury in Sagittarius individuals are said to be cheerful, optimistic and lighthearted. It is the sign of the philosopher, sage or inventor — at times it may also appear cynical, sarcastic or sarcastic.

They are a restless and adventurous soul; someone who’s interested in meeting new people, traveling, and exploring all that life has to offer. A Sagittarius Mercury will have a great sense of humor and always be the life of the party.

Mercury in Sagittarius has an inventive, speculative, philosophical side. They think out of the box and are ahead of their time. They are very open minded. Elusive, restless, they love exploration and travel.

This is a cardinal sign, which means they are driven to initiate projects, and maintain the initiative. They are the true pioneers in life and will blaze trails where others fear to tread. For this reason, it could be said that Mercury in Sagittarian is most at home when they are exploring new territory.

Mercury in Capricorn

Mercury in Capricorn has an independent, conservative and reserved nature. They are often introverted and shy. Often, Mercury in Capricorn individuals can seem aloof or detached but this is usually a defensive measure. Mercury in Capricorn people are admired for their calmness under pressure, responsible nature, and ability to stay composed.

These natives favor taking a serious, cautious, methodical approach to life. They may prefer discipline and order to spontaneity.

Mercury in Capricorn can learn to develop a thick skin in order to achieve this newfound power and control they so ardently want. They can achieve the security, patience and determination to move upwards, forwards and ultimately gain the respect, authority and leadership they seek.

They make for a trustworthy individual with an eye for detail. They are extremely cautious when making decisions which can lead them to being perceived as indifferent or conservative by others.

Mercury in Capricorn is a difficult combination. Mercury rules communication, intellect and short journeys; Capricorn is the sign of authority and long-term commitment. While Mercury in Capricorn can be good at structuring, it also shows itself as thrifty with words and may not have that gift for oratory.

They are the true workhorse of this cycle, and is focused on a need to achieve tangible results. Everything is driven by duty–duty to self, duty to others, duty to society, and that gives rise to its highly responsible and serious nature. Mercury in Capricorn often exhibits a nurturing side, often suitable for the role of administrators and managers.

Mercury in Aquarius

Mercury is the planet of thought, communications, and higher learning, representing intelligence. In your natal chart, you will have a certain placement of the Mercury in a certain sign.

Mercury in Aquarius people bring out the best in their friends and loved ones. Others are drawn to their intelligent and progressive thinking.

They have a natural positive energy and the ability to take a bold view of life that draws people toward them. Their curiosity, desire for freedom, and open mind make them embrace new ideas as fine challenges to their intellect.

Mercury in Aquarius people are open-minded, original thinkers, intelligent and able to see possibilities that others might miss.

They can have an incredible talent for writing. They may be able to make a career out of it. Mercury in Aquarius has an open mind, with no rigid ideas about right and wrong.

They are very creative and inventive. They are also great communicators, they love to debate, analyze people and solutions. Mercury in Aquarius is all about the future, visionary, futuristic thoughts.

With Mercury in Aquarius you love to be unconventional. You are always seeking original solutions, unconcerned with what other people think of you. You’re progressive and forward-thinking, always for the next new thing. You may be impatient with traditions or systems that slow down progress.

Mercury in Pisces

Mercury in Pisces is a little more naively optimistic about life than the norm, and may not have been raised well enough to be very practical. You may experience a bit of naivete or gullibility, and that is why it is good to watch out for scam artists or con-artists who might try to take advantage of you.

They are polite, kind and has a very pleasant personality. They usually have artistic talents such as music, acting, dancing, drawing and painting. They are even-tempered, compassionate and wise.

They know how to get what they want through manipulation or flattery. When it comes to love, the Mercury in Pisces individual will be very intuitiv , he or she will understand and differentiate between tactile affection and real love.

On the negative side, he or she might be thought of as an illusionist, shifty, passive aggressive, indecisive at times because of their difficulty with making decisions.

Mercury in Pisces individuals push others toward change. They are symbolic, intellectual, and futuristic thinkers.

They are emotional and idealistic. They tend to be very creative, imaginative, and compassionate, often seeing the good in others despite their flaws.

They are also very in touch with their deepest values and truths. While they can sometimes be gullible, they are brutally honest about others' character, sometimes to their own detriment.

Mercury in Pisces is a mutable sign, blending adaptability and fluctuation. With Mercury in Pisces, you will have a natural affinity for illuminating ideas which are very fluid themselves. Consequently, you may find that others appreciate your metaphysical deliberations that involve analyzing dreams or discovering similarities between polar opposites.

You will be profoundly intuitive and sensitive to the emotions of others. Your psychic abilities will be heightened as you use empathy as another method of getting to the heart of matters.

A caring, compassionate individual who’s often more comfortable in their own head than dealing with others. Mercury in Pisces is usually much more creative than practical. They are great listeners and have big imaginations, allowing them to easily escape reality but not always to deal effectively in it.

On the positive side, they are easy to get along with and capable of strong friendships. They may amuse others with their imagination and creativity, but they will never be “the life of the party.”

Now It's Your Turn

And now I’d like to hear from you.

What is your Mercury sign?

Does your Mercury placement accurately describe how you communicate and think?

Please leave a comment below and let me know.