
Mercury Retrograde is Over! The Final Curtain for 2024 Retrograde! 🌟
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Beyond communication and transmission,
Mercury excels most in connection.
In astrology, Mercury influences how we communicate and process information. It governs the speed and agility of our minds, affecting our learning abilities and logical reasoning. It determines whether a person can think quickly and adapt to change with ease.
The ability to create "connections" with the outside world and the ways we form those connections are central aspects of Mercury's influence.
There are countless ways to establish connections. In modern times, we rely on digital media, text messages, Wi-Fi signals, and 4G or 5G networks. In ancient times, connections were formed through horses, carriages, and letters. Going further back to prehistoric eras, before the emergence of language systems, humans used methods like knot-tying to record events, creating memories through knots in ropes.
Knot-tying, though a primitive method of recording, was simple and intuitive. It reflected the early human ingenuity in preserving and documenting information, laying the groundwork for the eventual emergence of written language.
Humans are truly intricate beings. Microexpressions or grand gestures can be disguised or performed. Language, facial expressions, and eye contact—all the signals and subtle movements in human interactions—can be used to blur perceptions and create ambiguity.
True essence is not always as it appears on the surface. What I see may only be what you want me to see, and what you think may be shaped by the guidance I’ve provided.
This is why Mercury is often associated with "deception" as well.
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When Mercury moves toward its shadow side
Common shadow aspects of Mercury include over-analysis, information overload; cunning and dishonesty, misplacement of information; disconnection or communication that is intermittent and unreliable.
First, we must balance our thoughts and reduce the information noise both in our minds and from external sources. For instance, by filtering out toxic, misleading content or excessive audio and video distractions, we can prevent over-analysis and information overload, which helps avoid mental confusion.
Secondly, addressing Mercury's shadow side requires effective communication to avoid misunderstandings caused by poor information flow. As for deliberate concealment or distortion of facts, the intention behind the lie matters. Whether it is a harmless white lie or a purposeful deception; whether it is based on good intentions or malicious intent, the nature of the lie will differ accordingly.
For example, if you visit someone's home unexpectedly and they are about to have lunch, inviting you to join them, you might smile and decline, saying you’ve already eaten. In reality, this is just a harmless white lie, as the invitation was merely a polite gesture. Even if you're hungry at the moment, you know you don't need to insist on eating, so the lie is inconsequential.
However, if Mercury's traits are pushed to the extreme of the negative side, a person can become a deceiver. But falsehoods cannot last forever; after telling a malicious lie, one may need to constantly fabricate more stories to cover it, weaving an ever-larger web of deceit. Eventually, when the truth comes to light, the consequences can be severe.
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How to turn Mercury into our powerful weapon?
When Mercury’s traits are taken to their positive extreme, it is like a skilled and experienced magician on stage, performing a seemingly effortless trick with ease and mastery.
Mercury may seem like a non-aggressive planet, but many people unknowingly use its traits to hurt others. Language holds power, especially between those who are close to one another. Because we care, sharp words can feel particularly damaging and hurtful.
By wisely applying Mercury's traits, we can also protect ourselves better. When someone you barely know asks about your monthly income or where you live, you may first hesitate, evaluating the intent behind their questions, their identity, and whether it's necessary to answer. Sometimes, silence is the most effective response.
If the person is a friend, you might think about how to respond more thoughtfully. Feeling that the question is too personal, you might reply, "I earn a hard-earned income, just a regular office worker's salary." It sounds like an answer without actually answering, preventing an awkward pause in the conversation while subtly letting the other person know: this question is a bit overstepping, and I don’t wish to answer.
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A Mercury Guide for Everyone.
Mercury in Aries.
The energy of Aries gives Mercury a powerful "firepower." Those with Mercury in Aries may overexpress their subjective opinions, often neglecting to listen and understand others. In terms of communication, they might speak too quickly or be overly direct, with their "sharp tongue" sometimes cutting through others' feelings.
If you have Mercury in Aries, perhaps you should reflect on whether your words often charge forward without considering others' opinions. Do you rush ahead, leaving others behind? It might be time to learn to slow down and wait for those trailing behind.
Mercury in Taurus.
Taurus is a quiet, steady sign that values the physical and sensory experience, and when Mercury resides here, it naturally takes on these qualities. For Mercury in Taurus, expression doesn’t always rely on words—it could come in the form of a hug, a song, or a shared meal.
To outsiders, Mercury in Taurus individuals may seem “not good at expressing themselves.” They prefer to listen quietly and express their thoughts in other ways.
If you have Mercury in Taurus, you might want to reflect on whether you tend to “hold back.” Do you hesitate when faced with others? How can you help people better understand what’s in your heart?
Mercury in Gemini.
This dignified Mercury feels at home in Gemini, granting those with Mercury in Gemini a lively desire for expression and the ability to swim effortlessly in a sea of words.
They are often able to present fresh and eye-opening perspectives to others, but there are some challenges: speaking too quickly, being indecisive, losing focus, or getting lost in the ocean of information and failing to connect with others.
If you have Mercury in Gemini, you might want to consider whether your quick and agile thoughts are easy for others to follow. Can they grasp the core of what you’re trying to convey? Are you truly delivering “meaning” in your communication?
Mercury in Cancer.
People with Mercury in Cancer, much like those with Mercury in Taurus, need a strong sense of security to express their thoughts. They are sensitive listeners, like sponges absorbing the expressions of others and storing those emotions within themselves. While they may not express themselves often, they possess a deep understanding of those around them who do.
If you have Mercury in Cancer, you might want to reflect on whether you are absorbing too much of others' emotions. Are you overly attuned to and accepting of others while neglecting yourself? Have you been placing your own feelings on the back burner?
Mercury in Leo.
People with Mercury in Leo express themselves with full “firepower.” They need a stage to showcase themselves, with others serving as their ideal audience.
Sometimes, this can make listeners feel secure—after all, Leo’s protective abilities are undeniable. However, it can also create a sense of pressure for listeners, as there’s potential for language to become a tool of control.
If you have Mercury in Leo, consider whether you might be overly dominant in conversations. Are you constantly demanding others to align with your views? Can you place yourself and your listeners on equal footing in your communication?
Mercury in Virgo.
Unlike Mercury in Gemini, Mercury in Virgo is more logical and humble. Those with Mercury in Virgo care deeply about the "efficiency" of their communication—avoiding unnecessary words is a principle they hold firmly.
However, in human relationships, “unnecessary words” are sometimes essential. They help bridge gaps, create closeness, and ease the atmosphere between people.
If you have Mercury in Virgo, you might want to reflect on whether you sometimes come across as overly "cold" or "unapproachable." Do you tend to be critical or impose strict expectations on others? In relationships where you take the lead, be mindful of whether you might unintentionally become the "mood destroyer."
Mercury in Libra.
Mercury in Libra may be one of the most graceful communicators. Rational, objective, and open-minded, they leave an impression of fairness and clarity in their interactions.
They are very mindful of their boundaries, but they might overlook the fact that in order for a relationship to progress, both parties need to open up their boundaries. If everyone keeps their boundaries too rigidly defined, the relationship will stagnate.
If you have Mercury in Libra, you might want to reflect on whether you are too passive. Do you hesitate, leaving things unsaid, and struggle to express your true feelings? Remember, it’s important to reveal your authentic self.
Mercury in Scorpio.
Mercury in Scorpio has the most piercing expression. They expect deep, soulful resonance with those they care about and dislike superficial or hasty communication.
They need to uncover the core of people, situations, and things, much like peeling an onion. But at times, this sensitivity can lead to inner conflict.
If you have Mercury in Scorpio, you might need to allow yourself to be "simpler." Sometimes, in the ordinary moments of life, lies a joy you've never experienced before. Let go of the depth and embrace the simple happiness around you.
Mercury in Sagittarius.
Mercury in Sagittarius always expresses itself with a wealth of imaginative ideas, offering glimpses of poetry and distant horizons.
At times, they can spark philosophical discussions with others, but at other times, such expression may seem unfocused or overly "preachy."
If you have Mercury in Sagittarius, you might need to pay attention to the equality in your relationships. Not all relationships are teacher-student dynamics. If the balance of ideas is unequal between two people, the relationship could become imbalanced.
Mercury in Capricorn.
Mercury in Capricorn is often reserved with words, as they need to carefully consider their thoughts before expressing them. However, they might place too many constraints on themselves, trapping their expressions within rigid frameworks.
At times, they may seek to assert authority over a partner, using the power of language to control or limit them. This overly serious attitude can make the other person feel hurt.
If you have Mercury in Capricorn, you might need to reflect on whether you are too restrictive with yourself. If so, you may also unintentionally impose this feeling on others. Sometimes, it's important to take off the serious mask and allow for more openness.
Mercury in Aquarius.
People with Mercury in Aquarius often think outside the box, detached from conventional ways of thinking. Their communication might seem eccentric or alien to others, making them appear like someone from another planet.
For Mercury in Aquarius, it’s best to find a partner who resonates on the same wavelength from the start, rather than trying to adjust frequencies later.
If you have Mercury in Aquarius and happen to be with someone who isn’t on the same wavelength, you might need to ground your imaginative ideas a bit more. At the same time, try to accept that your partner might not always be as quirky or intriguing as you’d like—after all, within the realm of “ordinary people,” they may already be quite remarkable.
Mercury in Pisces.
People with Mercury in Pisces often express themselves in dreamy yet nebulous ways. Their language tends to be vague, filled with metaphors and symbolism, requiring others to grasp the meaning intuitively.
For them, straightforward communication can be challenging, and their ambiguous expressions are often unintentional. However, this subtlety can enhance emotional connections and deepen relationships.
If you have Mercury in Pisces, you might need to be mindful that your words may not always be easily understood by others. Yet, if you can establish strong emotional resonance with your listener, this connection can become the key to maintaining intimate relationships.