Author: Alison Price   –   Published: August 2024

Planetary Aspects

I am continuing on with a series on the planet’s aspects which is part of a basic natal astrology reading series which I’m working on about the aspects of the planets.

Cornerstones

Aspects are one of the four cornerstones of chart readings, so this is something that you really would do first when you start to read charts.

This time, I’m looking into planet Mercury’s aspects to the other planets in your birth chart. Your natal Mercury is likely to have a few aspects to the other planets. Not every Mercury get a Ptolemaic aspect from another planet and this is known as an unaspected Mercury. Any Mercury aspects in your natal chart give insights into how your mind works and the way you think, speak and converse.

Mercury, as the planet of communication, rules what you busy your mind with, how you process information, how you express your thoughts, how you learn new concepts and how you connect with other people through language. Your Mercury’s influence through its aspects also covers all forms of mental exchange, like the art of discussion and debate to practical matters like buying and selling through trade and shopping. 

Mercury Themes

Your Mercury complex and its aspects show things like:

Communication Style

How you naturally express yourself, whether through direct speech, written word, creative expression or non-verbal cues is shown by Mercury. These aspects show whether you tend to be diplomatic or blunt, analytical or intuitive, quick-witted or thoughtfully measured in your responses towards others.

Learning and Mental Processing

Your Mercury aspects indicates the way your mind absorbs, processes and organizes information. Some Mercury aspects indicate rapid-fire thinking and multitasking abilities, while others suggest deep, methodical analysis or creative and non-linear thought patterns. Sometimes Mercury retrograde can affect learning.

Relationship Dynamics

How you connect intellectually with others, share ideas and navigate the give-and-take of interpersonal communication is indicated by your Mercury. These aspects reveal whether you thrive on arguments, prefer harmony in discussions or naturally take on teaching or learning roles in your relationships.

Commercial and Practical Exchanges

Your Mercury placement and aspects show your natural approach to negotiation, business dealings and all forms of trade. That means when you are buying a car, negotiating a salary or simply deciding what to order at a restaurant you engage your Mercury.

Problem-Solving Approach

How you tackle challenges, make decisions and find solutions is suggested by your Mercury aspects. You may rely on logic, intuition, collaboration or independent analysis and this depends on your Mercury’s relationship and how well it is plugged in, or connected, to the other planets in your chart.

You will be better off if you can understand your Mercury aspects as they may show a path for you to improve your communication skills, create better relationships and greater success in all your exchanges. Your Mercury complex includes all personal and professional interactions with people. The more Mercury aspects you have, the richer and more flexible your mental skills are likely to be.

Podcast

Mercury Aspects

In this week’s podcast episode Arwynne and I chat about Mercury’s aspects.

Mercury’s Aspects

Themes

Mercury aspects in astrology are worth close attention because they describe how we think, learn, communicate, and process information. Mercury is the planet of the mind, ideas, speech, writing, and everyday connections. It shapes how we take in the world around us and how we express our inner thoughts back into it.

Mental Style

When Mercury forms aspects to other planets, those energies blend with our mental style. For example, Mercury conjunct Venus might give a love of poetry, pleasant speech, and a knack for diplomacy. Mercury square Saturn can indicate a serious or cautious thinker, sometimes prone to self-doubt but also capable of deep concentration. Mercury trine Uranus often sparks quick insights and innovative ideas.

Pay Attention

Pay attention to Mercury aspects in your natal chart, transits and progressions can reveal:

• Your learning style: Whether you prefer facts, stories, visuals, or hands-on practice.
• Your communication strengths and challenges: From confident speaking to thoughtful listening.
• Your decision-making process: Either quick and intuitive or methodical and deliberate.
• Your Goods Exchange style: How you barter, buy and sell and the importance of the deal to you.

Transits of Mercury

Mercury is fast-moving, so its aspects in transit can shift our mental focus from week to week. Watching these changes can help you understand your own thought patterns and adapt your schedule for tasks that need sharp thinking, careful analysis, or creative brainstorming.

Your Message

By observing Mercury’s aspects, you gain a clearer picture of how your mind is working at any given time. This can help you communicate more effectively, make wiser choices and keep your message aligned with your true intentions.

Applying and Separating

You can also pay attention to aspects which are applying and separating as this will modify the meaning of the aspect.

The Five Ptolemaic Aspects to the Mercury

Natal Ptolemaic Aspects

When you start out with aspects, I suggest you only work on the five Ptolemaic aspects, which are the conjunction, the opposition, the trine, the square and the sextile.

You can move on to the minor aspects later.

• More on aspects

Mercury Conjunctions

(360°/1=360° or 0°)

The planet joined with Mercury merges its energy with your thinking and communication style.

Positive

Strong focus, united purpose between mind and the other planet’s function, intense clarity in that area.

Challenge

Hard to separate pure thought from the emotional, physical, or spiritual influence of the other planet and also objectivity may be reduced.

Mercury Conjunctions Examples

Mercury Conjunct the Sun


Mercury conjoined the Sun shows strong self-expression, clarity of thought, personal opinions shape identity.

Mercury Conjunct the Moon


Mercury conjoined the Moon suggests emotional thinking, a vivid memory and intuitive communication.

Mercury Conjunct Venus


Mercury conjoined Venus brings pleasant speech, artistic ideas and diplomacy with words.

Mercury Conjunct Mars


Mercury conjoined Mars can make speech fast, sharp, and energized.

Expect direct, assertive and sometimes blunt communication as you have quick mental reflexes.

Mercury Conjunct Jupiter


Mercury conjoined Jupiter indicates that you are an optimistic thinker. Have a love of learning and a tendency to overpromise.

Mercury Conjunct Saturn


Mercury conjoined Saturn suggests that you are serious, focused minded and have the potential for disciplined study. There is the question of possibly self-doubt.

Mercury Conjunct Uranus


Mercury conjoined Uranus brings innovative ideas, mental restlessness and lightning insights.

Mercury Conjunct Neptune


Mercury conjoined Neptune indicates that you are imaginative have intuitive thinking and on occasion, the potential for confusion or idealism.

Mercury Conjunct Pluto


Mercury conjoined Pluto shows you possess a deep, probing mind. You are likely to have persuasive speech and transformative ideas.

Mercury Oppositions

(360°/2=180°)

A balancing act between Mercury and the other planet, often expressed through relationships.

Note Mercury does not oppose the Sun or Venus.

Positive

Can see both sides of an argument, valuable in negotiation or diplomacy.

Challenge

Tendency to project one side of the aspect onto others, leading to misunderstandings or external conflicts.

Mercury Opposition Examples

Mercury Opposition Moon

This aspect, Mercury opposition the Moon, blends logic with emotion in a challenging way. Thoughts are often colored by feelings, leading to emotional bias or overreaction in conversations. It may be hard to separate rational thinking from instinctive responses.

Mercury Opposition Mars

With Mercury opposition Mars, quick tempers and sharp tongues are common. People may react too fast in heated conversations, leading to arguments or verbal conflicts. Assertiveness in speech can easily spill into irritation.

Mercury Opposition Jupiter

Ideas can become overly grand or scattered when Mercury opposes Jupiter. Optimism may overshadow practical details, and exaggeration is a recurring theme. There is a tendency to promise more than can realistically be delivered.

Mercury Opposition Saturn

Mercury opposition Saturn brings mental tension and self-doubt. There may be hesitation or fear of speaking, with thoughts feeling blocked or restricted. Rigid thinking and harsh self-criticism can slow down communication.

Mercury Opposition Uranus

A restless and inventive mind appears if your Mercury opposes Uranus, but it may swing toward unpredictability. Thoughts and speech can be erratic or shocking, and conversations may suddenly change direction. The gift is in fresh insights, though consistency may be lacking.

Mercury Opposition Neptune

With Neptune involved, clarity in communication is tested. Confusion, misunderstandings, and idealized thinking are common. You may be inspired or imaginative but still need to double-check facts and avoid wishful thinking.

Mercury Opposition Pluto

The Mercury opposition Pluto aspect brings depth and intensity to thinking. Obsessive thoughts or power struggles in your communication may arise. Words can be used to dominate or to uncover hidden truths, often leading towards your transformative insights through dialogue.

Mercury Trines

(360°/3=120°)

An easy flow of energy between Mercury and the other planet.

Note: Mercury never trines the Sun or Venus.

Positive

Natural talents in communication and learning; ideas seem to “just happen” in a productive way.

Challenge

May lack the push to actively develop skills since they come so easily.

Mercury Trine Examples

Mercury Trine Moon

This aspect supports a natural balance between mind and emotions. If your chart has the Moon trine Mercury you can often express yourself with warmth and empathy. Your words can comfort others and folks easily sense the emotional tone in conversations with you.

You are a skilled listener and nurturing communicator.

Mercury Trine Mars

When Mercury trines Mars in your natal chart you see confidence and courage in communication. Your thoughts are quick, sharp and direct without being overly aggressive. You have an ability to act decisively on your ideas and tend to speak with conviction. Being able to inspire other people through your words with a clear and energetic expression is an asset.

Mercury Trine Jupiter

With Jupiter’s influence, your communication expands. This trine suggests you have a broad-minded enthusiasm for knowledge. Additionally, you have a talent for seeing the bigger picture. Optimistic and generous in thought, you can often inspire others with their faith in possibilities and uplift then through ideas.

Mercury Trine Saturn

Mercury trine Saturn grounds your mind with discipline and structure. It encourages steady, reliable thinking and the ability to plan strategically. Communication is clear, organized and practical. If you have this trine you will make an excellent planner, mentor, or authority because of your thoughtful and somewhat measured approach.

Mercury Trine Uranus

Mercury trine Uranus sparks a bright and inventive mind. Typically, flashes of insight will come easily to you, often ahead of their time. You embrace new ideas with curiosity and openness. This will bring originality to your contacts. Your words may surprise, delight and shift perspectives in fresh ways.

Mercury Trine Neptune

Here imagination flows effortlessly into thought and speech. Creative ideas, artistic inspiration and poetic expression are highlighted when Mercury trines Neptune. You may have a natural gift for storytelling, music or spiritual communication. You can probably offer messages which uplift and inspire others with their beauty and vision.

Mercury Trine Pluto

This aspect deepens the power of the mind. Words carry weight and can transform others. If you have Mercury trine Pluto then you have a penetrating intellect and an ability to uncover hidden truths. You will wield a natural influence over others in your communications. Your speech is received as compelling and draws others into your profound ideas.

Mercury Squares

(360°/4=90°)

A dynamic tension that pushes growth in mental expression.

Positive

This aspect can bring mental stamina and problem-solving skills under pressure.

Challenge

Misunderstandings, some mental stress or overthinking things are common. You may feel compelled to defend your ideas.

Mercury Square Examples

Mercury square Moon

When Mercury is square the Moon your thoughts and feelings clash. Your head goes up against you needs. You may have trouble articulating your emotions. Sometimes moodiness can affect any clear thinking. You need to balance logic with sensitivity.

Mercury square Mars

This aspect is an indication of someone with a sharp tongue and who is impatience in speech. There is an argumentative streak when Mercury squares Mars. You may find that mental tension can bring quick but rash decisions.

Mercury square Jupiter

Mercury square Jupiter suggest you are predisposed to overpromising, exaggerating and careless speech. You could be tactless as well. You could have trouble focusing on details. There is the urge to balance big ideas with precision. You can make a big deal about things.

Mercury square Saturn

Mercury square Saturn may cause self-doubt in speech but eventually builds disciplined thinking. Self-doubt in thinking, blocked expression and a critical mindset is often the result of a Mercury square Saturn aspect. You may be mentally restricted or narrowminded and yet you can build deep discipline over time.

Mercury square Uranus

Mercury square Uranus indicates you have erratic thoughts and disruptive communications. Sudden outbursts or flashes of genius are likely. You could find it hard to stay consistent.

Mercury square Neptune

Confusion between truth and fantasy is often the case when Mercury squares Neptune. Misunderstandings, unclear thinking. You may have an abundance of creative imagination but there is the risk of deception.

Mercury square Pluto

Intense, obsessive thinking can happen when Mercury squares Pluto. Power struggles through words are common. You can probe deeply but risk manipulation.

Mercury Sextiles

(360°/6=60°)

A supportive, cooperative link between Mercury and the other planet.

Positive

Encourages smooth mental connections, learning and opportunities for expression.

Challenge

Because it’s easy, you might take the gift for granted and not develop it fully.

Note Mercury cannot sextile the Sun.

Mercury Sextile Examples

Mercury sextile Moon

Mercury sextile the Moon indicates that you have a latent talent for blending thought and feeling. You can learn to articulate emotions with sensitivity, becoming a natural counselor or storyteller.

Mercury sextile Venus

Mercury sextile Venus often gives charm in communication and an ear for beauty in language. Latent talent for charming words and artistic expression. With effort, you can develop a graceful communication style that brings people together.

Mercury sextile Mars

When Mercury sextiles Mars you have a latent talent for sharp, confident thinking. You can train yourself to be assertive in debate or writing, standing up for ideas without aggression.

Mercury sextile Jupiter

If Mercury sextiles Jupiter it suggests that you have a latent talent for optimistic, inspiring communication. With focus, you can become a motivating speaker, teacher, or writer who uplifts others.

Mercury sextile Saturn

You have a latent talent for disciplined, structured thinking is present with Mercury sextile Saturn. With practice, you can develop a reliable communication style and be trusted for your careful words.

Mercury sextile Uranus

If Mercury sextiles Uranus you have a latent talent for inventive, forward-thinking ideas. You can cultivate the gift of communicating fresh perspectives and sparking innovation in others.

Mercury sextile Neptune

When Mercury sextiles Neptune in your natal chart you have a latent talent for imaginative, symbolic, or spiritual communication. With work, you can channel your talents into writing, music or art which inspires the soul.

Mercury sextile Pluto

Mercury sextile Pluto suggest that you possess a latent talent for penetrating, transformative thought. You can train yourself to uncover hidden truths and use words as a tool for deep change.

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.