Understanding Your Mercury Sign Is Key For Optimal Communication

We pay close attention whenever Mercury is in retrograde, and for good reason: Every time the planet appears to move backward in its orbit, we're more prone to misunderstandings and delays, especially in matters of communication, commerce, and travel — areas governed by the Roman god it's named after. Thanks to the advice of astrologers, we've learned to be more careful and review any information shared and received during a Mercury retrograde period a bit more closely. We also remember to be more patient when dealing with people and to take hiccups and setbacks in stride.

But retrograde or not, being mindful of our communication with others is essential for building and maintaining smooth relationships. This is where getting to know your Mercury sign becomes valuable. Not only does it reveal how you get your point across, but it also tells you how you take in information. Are you hip to internet culture? Does making to-do lists and Excel spreadsheets get your creative juices flowing? Can you read between the lines and pick up on someone's mood? Mercury's placement in your chart can illuminate why.

"Mercury signs in the chart reveal our mental process, how we digest information, and our most effective ways of communicating," The AstroTwins, Ophira and Tali Edut, explained in AstroStyle. "It's not only what you say but how you say it." Appropriately symbolized by the winged messenger, Mercury holds the key to how we learn and socialize.

Your Mercury placement tells you what your communication style is. Whatever sign it falls in, that sign's dominant traits add flavor to how the planet expresses itself. For example, since Mercury traditionally rules Gemini and Virgo, it feels right at home in both signs for different reasons. Its swift movement is compatible with the Twins' curious and sociable nature, resulting in a quick-witted (if superficial) conversationalist. Meanwhile, Mercury in Virgo gets busy learning how things work and why. Influenced by the Virgin's perfectionism, it's fascinated with details and facts and can thus spot the smallest errors.

Your Mercury sign also identifies the topics you're comfortable discussing. A fire sign Mercury (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) gets, well, fired up talking about their goals. Just don't poke holes in their plans with questions about the specifics, unless you're looking to get into an argument. Mercury in an earth sign (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) is more receptive to practical queries, thanks to their results-oriented nature. They like having a work system in place, but they have little patience for theoretical discussions. Those are best left to an air Mercury (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), a placement that thrives on intellectual stimulation. Yet despite their emotionally detached communication style, they like listening to and synthesizing different viewpoints. Then we have the water sign Mercury (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), who is comfortable with deep and emotion-driven discussions — provided you've earned their trust. And that's no easy feat with this intuitive placement.

It's helpful to learn the house where your Mercury sign is placed. According to Cafe Astrology, "By house, Mercury reveals where natives seek to have a voice as well as which areas of life they tend to intellectualize and give a lot of thought to." People who are comfortable working the room can find their Mercury in a communicative house, such as the third house, which oversees learning, short trips, and gossip, or the relationship-minded and diplomatic seventh house. Mercury in the 11th house is also social, thanks to its focus on community, equality, and innovation. On the other hand, those with a 12th house Mercury have difficulty opening up. They worry about being misunderstood because they build their knowledge not just on facts but also on feelings, hunches, and even their dreams.

It's a lot of information to take in (your Mercury mileage may vary), but understanding your Mercury sign gives you a clearer picture of how you relate to others and how you come across in conversation. You learn to spot where friction tends to happen in your communication and make preemptive measures to avoid it. You become more mindful of the way you approach people with your ideas, thanks to your awareness of the "positive" and "negative" expressions of your Mercury sign. Plus, you're able to let others know how you want to be addressed. After all, communication is a two-way street.