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Mercury Characteristics/Traits
Mercury is considered as a neutral planet according to most scriptures of Vedic astrology; though some astrologers are of the opinion that it is a female/feminine planet. In practice, it tends to give results which may be more feminine than masculine, in most cases. Some astrologers believe Mercury rules Vaata (element) whereas some others believe it represents earth element. In practice, it tends to give results related to both these elements.
Looking at its characteristics/traits/significances; it represents siblings, teammates, colleagues, intellect, logic, memory, speech, communication skills, rational thinking, wittiness, mathematical skills, analytical abilities, hard work, eye for details, business skills and a number of other things. Natives who have weak/afflicted Mercury in their horoscopes may suffer from problems like poor digestion, skin related problems, liver related issues, stomach related problems, neurological problems, speech issues, communication problems and many other types of problems. Among these, speech related issues may be commonly witnessed when this planet is weak/afflicted in a horoscope.
On the other hand, strong influence of Mercury can bless a native with good or very good intellectual abilities, speech, communication skills, mathematical skills, health and a number of other things. If Mercury becomes too strong in a horoscope; the native may suffer from various types of problems which may arise because of too much mental work/stress and little rest. Such problems may include restlessness, anxiety, mental fatigue, sleep disorders and nervous problems among other things.
Natives under strong benefic influence of Mercury may be very good with speech and communication skills. Their brains may process data at fast speeds due to which, they may be witty and quick to respond. Such natives may love engaging in debates/discussions and they may have high rate of winning them. They may be fond of acquiring knowledge about a wide variety of topics. Hence they may be good at knowing as well as gathering facts; and they may be skilled at using such facts to their advantage when situations so demand.
Natives under strong influence of Mercury may be seen practicing as actors, singers, writers, musicians, dancers, speakers, orators, spokespersons, reporters, journalists, mathematicians, accountants, astrologers, scientists, engineers, doctors, IT professionals, software developers, designers, architects, explorers, researchers, analysts, investigators, lawyers, judges, teachers, coaches, bankers, financial experts; professionals dealing in media industry, radio industry, book industry, publishing industry, advertisement industry, movie industry, software industry, IT industry, finance industry and a number of other professionals dealing in a wide variety of professional spheres.
When supported by overall horoscope, strong benefic Mercury may bless the native with a post of authority in government as an officer or through politics. Such natives may be more interested in revenue services, administrative services, foreign services, research and analysis; and many other fields except the field of defence. These natives may not be interested in becoming police officers, army officers and other likewise professionals. Even if one such native works for defence department; he’s more likely to be an analyst, engineer, doctor or some other likewise professional; than being a field officer who directly deals with violence.
When strong benefic Mercury rises in the first house of a horoscope; the native may be youthful with boyish charm, athletic, healthy, intellectual, very good speaker and he may be quick at making calculations as well as assessing situations. Such native may take good care of his health/fitness and he may not become overweight for most of his life or throughout his life; unless this factor is challenged by other planets in his horoscope. The native may rise slowly and steadily in his life; in a calculated manner. He may have defined plans for his future and he may work continuously to achieve them. Mercury tends to give better results with time, in most cases. Hence the native may witness more and more success with age.
Mercury may be strong or very strong in Gemini and Virgo; depending on its nakshatra and navamsha placements within these signs. It may have significant strength or it may be strong in Taurus, Libra, Capricorn and Aquarius; depending on its nakshatra and navamsha placements within these signs. It may perform very well, well or poorly in Aries, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio and Sagittarius; depending on its nakshatra and navamsha placements within these signs. It may perform poorly or very poorly in Pisces; depending on its nakshatra and navamsha placements within these signs.
Taking an example, Mercury may perform relatively well when placed in Virgo navamsha of Uttarabhadrapada nakshatra within the sign of Pisces. However, it may perform very poorly when placed in Cancer navamsha of Poorvabhadrapada or Pisces navamsha of Revati nakshatra within the sign of Pisces. Taking another example, Mercury may be very strong when placed in Gemini navamsha of Hasta or Virgo navamsha of Chitra nakshatra within the sign of Virgo whereas it may be strong but not very strong when placed in Pisces navamsha of Uttaraphalguni nakshatra within the sign of Virgo.
Affliction to Mercury from malefic planets may result in formation of various types of defects. On the other hand, benefic and clean Mercury may form good yogas in horoscope. Among them; Budhaditya Yoga and Bhadra Yoga are prominent ones.
Himanshu Shangari