If you know anything about astrology, you know that Mercury is the communication planet. It also governs information, ideas, transportation, and our wits. Astrologers say that your Mercury sign influences how you think and express yourself. But how does that play out in romantic relationships? Synastry, the astrology of compatibility, may have answers to this intriguing question.
The Messenger of the Gods
Mercury was the ancient Roman name for Hermes, an Olympian deity best known as the gods’ messenger. The Ancient History Encyclopedia explains that Hermes ruled language, trade, wealth, and travel. Greek legends credit him as the patron deity of shepherds, the father of Pan, and the inventor of the lyre. Hermes’ character had many facets. He was a silver-tongued trickster, a helpful guide, and a brave fighter.
Many ancient cultures associated Mercury with their wisdom and language gods. Babylonian astrologers linked it with Nabu, a god of wisdom, learning, writing, and prophecy. The Sumerians named it after their knowledge, water, and mischief deity, Enki.
Mercury’s Astrological Symbolism
AstroStyle mentions that Mercury’s energies govern our thought, communication, and information-sharing processes. Mercury also handles communication channels and technologies–including our smartphones.
Mercury’s zodiac sign and house positions affect how its energies express themselves. A Virgo Mercury sign could produce an analytical, quick-thinking, and capable communicator. But Mercury in Pisces may mean struggles with linear communication. Pisces’ dreamy nature excels in intuition, creative expression, and non-linear thinking. Another AstroStyle guide explains more about Mercury in the twelve signs and houses.
Mercury in the Art of Synastry
Your natal chart is a snapshot of the sky at the time you were born. It’s packed with valuable information–planetary positions in the twelve houses and signs. So what happens when you read two natal charts at the same time? That’s exactly what astrologers do when they practice synastry. They’re evaluating a couple’s compatibility by comparing their birth charts. Communication is a vital part of any relationship, but it’s especially critical in romantic relationships. When astrologers look at a couple’s Mercury positions, they’re trying to figure out how well (or not) that couple communicates.
Most astrologers who do synastry use bi-wheel charts. They place one partner’s birth chart on the inner wheel and another on the outside wheel. This setup allows the astrologer to see where one person’s planets fall on the other’s chart. Mercury could be in the fifth house in Partner A’s chart, for instance, but in the ninth house of Partner B’s chart. The Sagittarius-ruled ninth house governs philosophy and travel. What could this mean astrologically? This couple may talk a lot about their ideas, their beliefs, and the adventures they’d like to have together.
The bi-wheel chart can also help astrologers spot aspects formed by the couple’s planets. Cafe Astrology explains that Mercury-Mercury aspects between the two charts are key. Soft aspects include trines, sextiles, and conjunctions. Hard aspects include oppositions and squares. A soft Mercury-Mercury aspect positively blends the two energies and indicates communication styles that mesh. But a hard Mercury aspect could mean huge differences in communication styles. A couple with this aspect could possibly struggle to understand each other.
Astrology, Communication, and Love
Astrology is a fascinating art. For millennia, people have seen deeper meaning in the planets and stars. Astrologers aren’t saying that our fates are in the stars, but they can offer some insight into our lives. Synastry takes this approach further, applying astrological principles to two instead of just one. Mercury isn’t a planet of love, but it’s still important because it represents communication. When romantic partners know each other’s communication styles and make efforts to understand one another, their relationship has a better chance of success–whether they believe in astrology or not.