Amongst all the planets Mercury is nearest to Sun. It revolves round the Sun in 88 days. Its diameter is nearly 3,200 miles. Mythologically Mercury was known as Thoth, Hermes and “The Messenger of Gods”. It was usually portrayed as a youth, flying with wings at his heels. The essential qualities of the planet is duality, speed and wisdom. According to Hindu mythology Mercury is said to be the son of Moon. Mercurial people generally have a youthful appearance. The influence of the planet Mercury is neutral, dualistic, cold, moist, sexless and

convertible. He gives favourable results when he is in good association and receives benefic aspects. Mercury can rarely be seen with naked eye as he is never more man 28 degrees from the Sun. When he is within 8 ½ degrees of the Sun, he is treated as combust or burnt up and loses great deal of its ability. His influence is best when leaving the Sun. Mercury rules that part of the intellect which is susceptible to cultivation through study, precept, observation and imitation.

Mercury influences the nervous system, solar plexus (Manipur Chakra), bowels, arms, mouth, tongue, sense of sight, perception, understanding, interpretation and expression. He deals with travelling, teaching, clerkship, speaking, writing, printing, publishing, literature, stationery, secretaries, book-keeping, correspondence, mailing etc. His day is Wednesday and his metal is liquid metal or quick silver. His colour is green and his gem is Emerald. If Mercury is well placed in the horoscope, the natives make good linguists, orators, writers, reporters, teachers, secretaries, accountants, etc., being fully capable of maintaining any position where adaptability, dexterity, perception, skill, quick wit, imagination and good memory are required. They usually conduct their work in an orderly, methodical, systematic and handy manner being adept at simplifying arrangements. Mercury shows the type of mentality one is endowed with, as he governs the reaction to one’s sense and impressions.

Being an intellectual planet, the Mercurian is highly intelligent, ingenious and analytical. He will grasp the subjects very quickly. He gives the native retentive power and reproductive ability. A well placed and well aspected Mercury represents a subtle political brain and intellect, a logician with learning and discretion. A person influenced by Mercury will have curiosity to master occult sciences also. He will be versatile, good in mathematical calculations, engineering, accounts etc.

If Mercury is afflicted, the native will be clever, cunning and mischievous, he will turn out to be a great gambler, the worst liar, a conceited showy person, he will pretend as though he knows everything while actually he is devoid of real learning. The affliction of Mercury will also cause excess nervous activity both of body and mind. There is also consequent effect on the health detrimental to the operation of bowels and other organs under the dominion of this planet. Mercury is the chief governor for education and uncle.

Mercury owns Gemini and Virgo. He is exalted in Virgo, the highest exaltation point being 15 degrees of Virgo. He is debilitated in Pisces, the lowest debilitation point being 15 degrees of Pisces. The first 15 degrees of Virgo is the exaltation portion of Virgo, 16 to 20 degrees portion is his Mooltrikona and the rest is Swakshetra. The whole of Gemini is also his Swakshetra. Sun and Venus are friends of Mercury, Moon is his enemy and Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are neutral to him.