Mercury

Astronomical Facts

Distance from the Sun: Shortest-28.6 million miles; Greatest-43 million miles
Distance from the Earth: Shortest-57 million miles; Greatest-136 million miles.
Diameter: 3,031 miles
Length of year: 88 earth-days.
Rotation period: 59 earth-days.
Temperature: 315 degrees to 648 degrees F.
Atmosphere: Helium, hydrogen, oxygen.
Number of satellites: None.

Astrological Meaning

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. From the viewpoint of the earth it seems to dart back and forth across the face of the Sun, having three retrograde cycles a year. Mercury is the planet of your mental life. It shows how you receive, process and disseminate information. The sign placement of Mercury shows your basic attitude and mental habits. The aspects of Mercury show your scope of vision and your methods for accomplishing tasks.

Historical Myth & Legend

The Greek god Hermes was a very swift messenger who transported messages at the request of the other gods. Hermes was clever, youthful, and mischievous. He enjoyed playing tricks and often used his wit to advantage. For example, he once stole cattle from Apollo, which infuriated Apollo, but Hermes was able o appease Apollo by inventing the lyre, which he gave to Apollo. Hermes exemplifies the qualities of Mercury: quick thinking, communication, and a lack of ethical principles.

Astrologically, Mercury is not immoral, but it is amoral, that is, indifferent to ethical issues, which are the domain of Saturn.