Corresponding with the Magician of Tarot, and the hands, arms and nervous system of the body, Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system. And yet, its size doesn’t stop it from making the fastest orbit around the sun, why the Romans envisioned it as the ‘Winged-footed Messenger of the Gods.’ Located between the Sun and Venus, Mercury is the planet closest to our solar identity, translating the contents at the molten core of self into knowledge which is communicable and comprehensible, thus making relationship (Venus) possible. As a bridge between ‘I’ and ‘we,’ Mercury connects one’s inner world with one’s outward-shining understanding of self. As a Messenger of Pure Intelligence, Mercury is associated with movement of all kinds, showing up in our daily life as messages, media, language, communication, information, commerce, trade, travel and transportation. Characterized by rapid change, hence the term ‘mercurial,’ Mercury is a lord of liminal spaces and paradoxical truths.
As the deity that transports souls to their death, Mercury (Greek Hermes) is known to traverse both the visible world and the underworld, being able to move seamlessly between the two unscathed. Often represented holding a bag of coins, Mercury rules commerce and trade. Holding his caduceus staff of snakes, this age-old symbol represents the healing/wisdom/health aspect of Mercury embodied in his association with Virgo. As an ambassador between opposing forces, Mercury brings polarities together through synthesis. The only planet not exclusively considered masculine or feminine, its gender shifts relative to the context. Interesting to note that Mercury was the original divine consort to Venus before warrior Mars took his place in the Western love ballad. As ruler of Gemini, he’s associated in this way with the Lovers card of tarot, the crossroads and the Trickster.
Once upon a time, Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, and Hermes, Messenger of the Gods, had an affair. Unfortunately for Hermes, it was posthumously overshadowed by Aphrodite’s subsequent affair with Mars. As the saying ‘Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus’ suggests, the God of War would become her primary consort within the Western pantheon. Once married to a simple blacksmith of the Gods known as Hephaestus, being sea-born and seductive, Aphrodite’s sexually voracious, irresistible character caused her to seek out additional lovers. What is underestimated regarding her affair with Hermes is how this union represented a balanced partnership, much like the Shiva/Shakti and Yin/Yang concepts of the East. Embracing a free-love mentality, as Hermes copulated with the Love Goddess Aphrodite, ‘Aphroditus’ or ‘Hermaphroditus’ was their resulting offspring. He is a love child whose name and physiology merge qualities of father and mother equally, with a set of both sex organs to boot. Hence, this mercurial creature of myth was the genesis of the term ‘hermaphrodite.’
A symbol of androgyny and gender fluidity, Hermaphroditus was portrayed in Greco-Roman art as a female figure with male genitals – an archetype revived more recently in a defiantly iconic rendering of trans artist Juliana Huxtable by sculptor Frank Benson. Hailed in VICE Magazine as ‘a post-internet response to the Louvre’s classical Grecian sculpture Sleeping Hermaphraditus,’ the work quickly became sensationalized as the standout piece of the New Museum Triennial in 2015.
Astrologer Melanie Reinhart touches on the importance of Mercury’s dual-rulership, describing the two-faces of Mercury and his Trickster aspects in more detail. Greek Hermes and Roman Mercury correspond to the Gemini (mutable Air) aspect of the planet, Egyptian Thoth to the Virgo (mutable Earth) aspect. As two deities associated with knowledge and right use of wisdom, Mercury ‘Messenger of the Gods’ is a creature of mischief. Outsmarting superiors, he’s always a key figure in the unfolding destiny at hand, wrestling out of trouble in the knick of time. The paradox? His mobility (mutability) allows him to be the only deity permitted to pass between worlds. His role is to confuse a boundary, while also articulating it.
In his noted association with Virgo, Egyptian Thoth signifies control, discipline, service and productive use of mental energy; particularly an ability to withstand conflict and encompass the duties of daily life with dignity. In the archetype of Thoth, we find much meaning in his role as patron of scribes and sacred texts, having created himself through the power of language. God of science, magic, mathematics and philosophy – Thoth was one of the oldest Egyptian gods, a lunar deity with ancient roots. Following the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE, many Greeks flooded into the area, leading up to a Hellenistic period hybrid of Thoth and Hermes. Fused into one cult figure, Thoth was considered a god, man and demi-god (depending on the context) and rebranded as ‘Hermes Trismegistus,’ the author attributed to at least 42 sacred texts of a burgeoning form of pagan Gnosticism. Even the city center of Thoth, called Kumunu in Egyptian, was renamed ‘Hermopolis,’ the city of Hermes.
As the Trickster, Mercury can be variably represented as a fool, opportunist, lecher, lord of thieves and inner saboteur. He’s crafty and playful, at times blatantly self-serving, but nonetheless that oh-so light-hearted, flexible and fun lesser-known cultural hero. In lands across the globe, we find the trickster figure embodied in Anansi (Spider God) of West Africa, Elegua (Lord of the Crossroads) of Yoruba culture/Santeria, Eris (Greek Goddess of Discord), Kokopelli (Hopi Trickster/Fertility God) and Loki of Norse mythology, among many more. Reinhart writes that remnants of the trickster can also be found at carnival, in the figure of the clown, devil, imp, the Italian Pulcinella, and the griots of Africa. “These mischief-makers turn things upside-down, bringing chaos and disorder; they break convention and taboo with celebratory delight,” writes Reinhart, suggesting the trickster is much more than a curious character of folklore. Like a shaman, the trickster’s deeper meaning signals, “a chaotic, fertile and emergent consciousness,” and likewise, is often associated with the dangers of nature and the medicinal use of plants. In Disney movies, we know him as the little, seemingly silly or mindless animal familiar that saves the strapped hero, usually by accident, just when death appears to be the only logical outcome.
But much like Virgo’s associations with martyrdom and the cuckholded masculine, the trickster is the foil of the Hero figure typically represented by the masculine Sun, Saturn and Mars. Representing what Reinhart calls the “progression from primitive daemon and enfant terrible to a figure made sober, wise and responsible through his suffering,” maturation is at the moral kernel of tales concerning both the wily Greek Hermes and more sober Egyptian Thoth. Just like our human consciousness, Mercury contains all aspects of self, and yet, frequently, “we forget his origins at our peril,” writes Reinhart, informing us that the trickster is ultimately, “a natural anti-dote to the self-importance, pretensions and inflations encountered in the quest for consciousness and integration.”
Which brings us full circle back to Hermes, and the compelling although not universally accepted theory within Greek mythology that he is one and the same with the God Pan, aka the Wild God. Pan who haunts the wooded dells with dancing nymphs – goat-footed, two-horned, lord of boundaries and transitions, lover of nymphs. Some schools assume that Pan and Hermes were once one and the same. In later classical myths we find Pan portrayed as the son of Hermes, born of the nymph Dryope (translation ‘tree’). On her website MYTHIC MOJO, Catherine Svehla, PhD investigates Western culture’s undermining of Pan, Greek God of Nature, breaking his mythic trajectory into distinct categories of significance.
Noting the trickster’s attractive yet dangerous allure, Svehla writes that tricksters “Often combine a worldly shrewdness with a perpetual freshness, an innocence or naivete, that is powerfully seductive in its ambiguity.” As invaluable gifts to both mortals and gods, tricksters are often myth-singers, the first storytellers. While not to be confused with altruistic benefactors, they are open to receiving praise for their happy accidents, and are always generous. Svehla writes that Pan, the Wild God, is not only full of cunning, bustling with sexual energy and desire – he’s often in a quest for pleasure that is simple, earthy and sometimes even bestial, violent or crude. Noting the connection between Greek Pan and our modern word ‘panic,’ she highlights how the word panic suggests that one is ‘possessed’ by the unexpected. What happens during a panic attack? Not only is it overwhelming, based in uncontrollable fear and a sense of doom, Svehla reminds us that it often accompanies the abandoning of reason, as in fight or flight, the body takes over.
The Greeks believing that the presence of God was one cause of panic attacks, the term’s ambiguous association with the Lord of the Wild nonetheless feels charged with the typical Western patriarchal disavowal of nature, the body and any integrated sense of personal, creative, sexual power. Born of a divine father who is a traveller among realms, Pan’s own Mother was shocked by his birth and frightened by his ugliness. His Father Hermes on the other hand, wrapped him in the thick, soft skins of a mountain hair and brought him to Mount Olympus where the Gods rejoiced at his birth, naming him ‘Pan’ which is a Greek word for ‘all.’ Reminding us of the “fact of our bodily existence as animals in nature,” for Svehla, the at once wholesome, vigorous, lusty, regenerative and nature-born gods like Pan call on us to do our own rewilding.
In harmony with Reinhart’s text, the necessary rewilding of Pan recalls the fundamental fact of the trickster’s outsider status. He resists becoming civilized, controlled, grounded or owned. In fact, when we become too ‘civilized’ in our quest to actualize our potential, the trickster “constellates quietly underneath, ready to trip us up at any point should we dare to forget the chaotic origins of our own hard-won sense of order,” writes Reinhart. Showing us the emptiness of our social adaptations, his so-called ‘trouble’ is compensation for our human pretensions.
Exalted in Virgo, in Fall in Pisces – Mercury rules hyperkinetic Gemini and work-oriented Virgo, challenging each one of us to move at a pace that’s not only manageable, but keeps our integrity intact. Astrologer Kaypacha informs, if Venus is listening, Mercury is two-way communication made possible by our logical, rational thought processes. In Mercury’s glyph, also called the cross of matter, Jasmina Brozovic writes that we find the crescent of the soul depicted above the circle of spirit. As the messenger between worlds, Mercury communicates between the soul (conscience) and the matter (body) – connecting the contents of our mind with the material, pragmatic side of our daily lives. Indeed as the lower octave of ‘Great Awakener’ Uranus (read about it in my July BEAUTYSCOPE) Mercury signifies the left brain and conscious mind, Uranus the unconscious mind.
Son of Maia and Zeus, Hermes made his name early on in an act of theft. Proclaimed the ‘Patron of Thieves’ for stealing Apollo’s cows as a wee infant, and yet, this definition would hardly define his legacy. Hardly a common thief, Hermes was more like a robinhood, his chief role being that of the circulation of goods. Later credited with the invention of language and the lyre, he was not only appointed Messenger of the Gods, but later worshipped as a Lord of Dreams responsible for strokes of good fortune. Being essentially bisexual, he had several feminine companions, including Hermiona (Goddess of Harmony) and Iris (a personification of the rainbow). As a mediator between worlds, Hermes was often associated with magic and mystical rites, hence the tradition of the so-called Hermetica, or Corpus Hermeticum, a series of texts combining Ancient Egyptian and Greek mystical wisdom attributed to Hermes. Ultimately, his Roman name Mercury stems from the Latin word merx (merchandise), symbolizing his position as Lord God of merchants and travelers. During the ancient Roman festival known as Mercuralia, merchants were known to sprinkle water from his sacred well upon their heads.
As conductor of the dead to Hades, Hermes was the only God to achieve immortality as a result of this important contract. As the God of travelers, statues of Hermes were often placed at crossroads. Interesting that his Greek name ‘Hermes’ is traditionally linked with the noun ‘herm’, which translates to a heap of stones used in the countryside to denote a boundary or landmark. In ancient times, it was customary that wanderers passing by heaved stones at the herms. Practically speaking, the gesture cleared the roadways of obstruction. The mythical-psychological meaning, informs Ivana Skuhala Karasman, was along the lines of a controlled act of aggression against the pile of stones as an apotropaic sign.
From a post-colonial perspective, astrologer Alice Sparkly Kat reflects on the more problematic attributes of our Western designations of Mercury, reflecting on how traditions of Hermeticism emerged within Greek and Roman empires that subjugated Egyptian culture while co-opting its signs and symbols to ‘reinvent’ what many think of as magic today. Protected from punishment by his charm, Hermes is a puzzle – a liar whom everyone adores, but no one believes. “Every blessing given to Hermes is also a curse,” writes Sparkly Kat, opening her radical diagnostic on planet Mercury. Modern day scholarship confirms that the Greek pantheon of Gods is a remaking of the Egyptian (Kemetic) mythology of the ancients. In the same way that our modern minds race the veins of techno-capitalism, based in mathematic Greek algorithms that fuel the Internet infrastructure; or pray at the television, rooted in classical Greek comedy; or heal at the hands of a Doctor, who took an oath written by the Greek Fathers of Medicine, all this traces back to Kemetic Egypt, were the Kemetic Mystery System required its students of math, language, religion, physical science and the supernatural to be both priests and scholars. Astrologer Hanyel Paul explains how cultures of continental Africa, a land and people characterized by the energy of the Sun, were responsible for driving the evolution of human consciousness. He states, “It’s no coincidence that civilization began in Africa, it’s right there in the astrological texts…most people just don’t see it.” One huge factor in this lack of understanding, he reasons, is the very Mercurial nature of human reason, which is fueled not by the fixity of the Sun, but by the Sun’s quicksilver emissary, planet Mercury. While the Sun simply shines, it is Mercury, the trickster figure and lower octave of Uranus (enlightened detachment), which accounts for the intellect, logic, and subsequent ‘monkey mind’ of interpersonal delusions.
As for the hidden, occult Arts called ‘Hermetic,’ not only were they foundational to astrology, for the Greco-Roman thinkers, “Mercury’s occult qualities could not be distinguished from exoticism,” informs Sparkly Kat. For the Western colonialist, the Egyptian sources they frequently credited in their books of magic were sacred, but never authoritative or institutional. In fact, from a colonial-imperialist perspective, Egypt offered raw knowledge that “had to be reinterpreted by a Greco-Roman author before they were made into real theory.” Not only did the Fathers of Hermeticism consider themselves to be “possessed by a spirit that called them to make a pilgrimage to the homeland of the occult – Egypt,” they coincidentally appointed themselves as saviors, as if appropriation and recontextualizing Egyptian knowledge could “save its religion-culture from its own inhabitants,” explains Sparkly Kat.
From the first philosophers to the occult magicians, scientists and astrologers that birthed modern western conceptions of thought (Mercury), their cooption of the ancient wisdom found in foreign, non-white, non-western lands implied that intuitive ways of gathering knowledge and syncretic, holistic religions required rational observation, what Sparkly Kat terms “Hermeticism as modern exorcism.” What exactly was exorcized? For one, any distinction between the colonized and colonizing in modern history, which many now agree is a record of violence and lies. How about the dignity and self-determination of colonized persons? Or the subjectivity lost when human subjects become inhuman objects of slavery, study, exploitation and violence. “Modern arts and sciences can only be viewed as rational and technical when the assumptions that hold them in place – the assumption that the subaltern is the primordial and primitive basement of Europe’s imagination – are assumed to be true,” concludes Sparkly Kat.
Fast forward to the contemporary digital age, where astrology is perhaps more popular and more divorced from the source than ever before, if you’re like most of us, you probably initially learned about Mercury during its infamous period of retrograde. Astrologers get chatty when the Messenger planet reverses, what typically happens 3-4x per year. You probably learned by way of warnings about failed transportation, indictments against buying technology, expectations of crazy tech glitches and inexplicable misunderstandings. Proofread your unhinged text, scream the pop astrologers, or it could be the end of you! Currently, Mercury is in retrograde in the sign of the regal beast (Leo) July 18th-August 11th, what astrologer Suzanne Gerber is calling ‘The Gold Inside the Pause.’
What does it mean to be in retrograde? Planets are considered in retrograde when the apparent reversal of their normal movement due to their speed relative to Earth makes it look like they are going backward. As general moments of pause, retrogrades are best used as an opportunity to rethink, re-do, revise and recommit to what’s most important to us. Considered the most notorious retrograde, Gerber suggests that if you are mindful enough to take a backward glance during this Mercury Rx, it’s a supportive time to reach out to old friends, edit a set-aside manuscript, apologize, or rethink a project entirely. Molly McCord discusses this Mercury retrograde period as an opportunity to look at what is working and not working for you, to reassess and come up with some creative revisions. You may have felt the recent Mercury-Sun conjunction in Leo July 31st, in which the coming together of these two planets likely revealed an answer to a long-held problem. “The Messenger is bringing something back to the sun that the sun is going to light up and amplify,” says McCord, what catalyzes a new understanding, new awareness or message that may have been missed the first time around.
Ask yourself, is what you are thinking about truly aligned with your values? If not, go back to reconsider and reprioritize – and don’t rush the process! Particularly if your chart is Earth or Water dominant, trying to go faster will only backfire. “Leo being a fixed sign, it requires certainty,” informs McCord. By aligning your actions with your purpose and priorities, you’ll ensure better outcomes long-term. If a new mission or focus is calling you forward, watch out for behaviors that need to be readjusted to accommodate it. With Mercury stationed in Leo, the sign of Heart, Mystic Mami says that this is a time involving sacred and sensual self-expression, soulful storytelling and smiling as sorcery. From her @goldiglocs handle, she writes, “Get rich, raw and royal. Prepare, pray and pounce! The inner child is your oracle. Open heart surgery – feel it to heal it!”
In a natal chart, Mercury indicates how you think, speak, learn and interact with the world through mental processes, including your unique sense of humor and any potential fears or blocks related to self-expression. This means that we each have a unique flavor of comic intelligence based on our natal Mercury. For example, when Mercury enters a water sign, its left-brain intelligence gets a facelift, as water signs tend to think emotionally and desire emotional connection over pure rhetoric. Once you learn your Mercury by sign and house, check to see if Mercury is making any major aspects to your personal planets or significant points such as the ascendent, midheaven or dragon’s head of soul evolution.
If your Mercury were to be aspected to Uranus, this pair collaborates beautifully, intertwining their influences over the blessed intellect. An eccentric genius with a brilliant mind, one’s smarts are aided by a keen intuition and uncanny psychic ability. With flashes of insight processed at lightning speed, abstract reasoning often leads one to jump to conclusions. With quick reflexes mirroring the rapid firing of neurons in the brain, be careful with assumptions or becoming bored once initial fascination wears off. When intuition is spot on, all goes well. Potential challenges include mental overload, erratic communication style, FOMO, lack of discipline, anxiety, or flightiness. Is a need for constant stimulation making one unreliable or unnecessarily rebellious? Resistance to authority may come at a cost.
If your Mercury were to be aspected to Venus, you possess a near mesmerizing eloquence. An authentic style of communication is of utmost importance; in fact, you lovingly communicate, aided by a melodic, relaxing, poetic style of speech. At ease in social situations, one has a tendency to flirt and enjoy playful interactions. Aiming to bring harmony to your world, seeing everyone’s point of view makes you quite indecisive at times. A strong sense of fairness may cause you to intellectualize or rationalize your feelings in love, perhaps overthinking to the point that you lose touch with how you truly feel. A diplomat at heart, you’re often called to sort out problems between friends. Passive submission is a means by which you achieve peace in life. Attracted to intellectual types, avoid partners who are too tricky or conniving. Likewise, your ability to tune into the person with whom you are currently speaking occasionally makes you come off as two-faced or superficial. Choosing words carefully in order to avoid conflict, others may miss how you truly feel as a result.
If your Mercury were to be aspected to Mars, you’re a quintessentially restless intellectual. Boosting mental and physical acumen, prolific intellectual capacities open doors to numerous career paths. Seek out disciplines that truly ignite your passion, as motivation is essential. Can you align your professional pursuits with fire-in-the-belly desire? Strategically or impulsively? It’s your call. Decisive and curious, mental pursuits are a significant focus. Bravely stepping outside of your comfort zone to explore new ventures pays dividends. At times, a restless mind makes it difficult to focus on mundane, less engaging work. Don’t let multitasking lead to burnout or fatigue. Develop ways to stay grounded and disciplined, even when your interest wanes. Can you engulf more tedious tasks into a broader, more engaging narrative that fuels your insatiable curiosity? Is a straightforward communication style leading to arguments or misunderstandings? Is bluntness, aggression or confusing statements making you a disruptor? Find a healthier balance between intelligence and action. With unparalleled focus and productivity, one has an innate ability to plan and execute tasks, swiftly turning ideas into practical outcomes. While a thirst for knowledge makes you forthcoming at work, not everyone is suited to match your pace. Be mindful that your plans are inclusive and considerate of all.
If your Mercury were to be aspected to Pluto, you reincarnated to repair broken things with your words and thoughts. Intense and insightful mental energy fosters a burning desire for mutual understanding. An intensely persuasive communication style is enhanced by natural animal magnetism. Clear, impactful speech can lead to significant shifts in perspective and understanding. Intensity of mental pursuits encourages deep dives into subjects of interest. The key to harnessing this energy lies in self-awareness, willingness to change and openness to feedback. Without integration, this energy could lead to manipulative tendencies or a desire for others’ submission, unquestioned. Your way of speaking or writing captivates others. Probing intuition enables you to uncover the rock bottom truth of any matter. Taking an empowering approach to knowledge and expression, one is a purveyor of constructive mental transformation. Easily eliciting others’ most profound secrets, you’ll achieve success by harnessing your stellar abilities to heal, teach, persuade and uncover deeper meaning. Drawn to mystery, hidden knowledge, human psychology and magic – you have enough patience and focus to investigate thoroughly. While your opinions often prove controversial, you’re just the right person to dig into topics deemed socially unacceptable or taboo.
If you don’t already know your Mercury by sign and house, you’ll need to download a free natal chart HERE. Read on for personalized astro-insights on the Winged Messenger of Pure Intelligence through the zodiac, with healing Mercury Rx proscribed by Midheaven Or Nah.
Mercury in Aries *Take Charge Mindset*
Celebrity Doppelgänger: Rosario Dawson
Full steam ahead! Mercury in Aries signals a direct, assertive and action-oriented communication style. With a strong desire to initiate conversations, you think on your toes and speak your mind ferociously! A trailblazing pioneer in the realm of thought, your animated communication style encourages people to follow your lead. Hardly one to beat around the bush, your mouth fires as rapidly as your mind! As blunt as they come, you get straight to the point, sometimes even tending toward impatient or confrontational. Great with decision making, you can focus on the bigger picture without getting lost in trivial details. A tendency towards streamlined learning helps you get the job done! With a rapid decision-making capacity, you express yourself with confidence and courage. Independent in your thinking, you question authority and challenge established norms. A take-charge attitude and incredible ability to inspire others with your words lands you a leadership role of some kind. But, is your sense of urgency ruffling feathers unnecessarily? Are your decisions driven by the need for instant gratification? Are you avoiding nuanced or more detailed explorations? Does your interest decline once the initial wave of adrenaline subsides? Master of intellectual sparring, you can be quite persuasive. And yet, the sensitivity and defensiveness of Aries make one personally attached to your ideas. Don’t let impulsivity lead to excessive conflicts or misunderstandings.
Rx: Prebiotic Deodorant Cucumber Mint
With quicksilver Mercury in cardinal fire, be careful not to let your flame tongue seer everyone. When prioritizing speed and efficiency in communication gets you in a pinch, sweat mindfully with the latest cooling Cucumber Mint Prebiotic Deodorant by Cleo+Coco. If the company is not already on your radar for game-changing non-toxic body products combining plant-based ingredients with powerful odor-fighting actives, here’s the refreshing scoop. Not only does this functional charcoal-based Prebiotic Deodorant offer unstoppable 24-hour protection, Cleo+Coco’s triple-threat odor-fighters soothe, balance and deodorize — naturally.
Effective and clean personal care, key ingredient charcoal detoxifies by trapping toxins and odor-causing bacteria. Antioxidant Elderberry supports skin health and maintains a balanced pH, while added Probiotic Lactobacillus Ferment balances the microbiome to offset odor at the source. On the cutting edge of pit health, it’s packed with five organic odor-fighters. In the hottest months of the year, this uncompromising deodorant is your cooling breeze. Infused with lush essential oils, Prebiotic Deodorant by Cleo+Coco comes in Cucumber Mint, Basil Mint and Vanilla Coconut. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
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Mercury in Taurus *Intentional Lover*
Celebrity Doppelgänger: Iggy Azalea
Highly attuned to the five senses, Mercury in Taurus lends you subtle eloquence. Radiating warmth and affection to all your relations, a sociable and friendly disposition draws others in. Mercury in Taurus encourages a mindful, practical and sensual approach to communication and decision-making, but it’s important to balance flexibility with an open mind. There is a grounded, practical and deliberate approach to how you think and communicate. Learning best via the senses (rather than traditional educational models) one is endowed with natural common sense. Sensual and oh-so beauty-loving, Taurus saddles Mercury to a love of the finer things in life. With an earnest desire for stability, security and pleasure, one takes a deliberate approach to long-term planning in relationships and finance. Clear and productive conversations are your forte – as you get straight to the point and convey your thoughts with intention. One is careful in speech, intelligent, unchangeable, quietly opinionated, persistent and discreet. Resistant to change? Don’t become so overly attached to your ideas perspective is lost. While you aren’t one to jump to conclusions, once your view becomes challenged, inherent stubbornness and irritability take hold. Strong-minded and confident in your values – being honest and real is important to you. Excelling in situations where thoroughness and practicality are valued, you’re a patient listener that takes time to fully understand before responding. A trusted and wise source of counsel to many, you’re drawn to express ideas through creative mediums such as art, music or dance.
Rx: Skincare, Elevated to Ritual
In a holistic health sense, skin imbalances can be a reflection of unnecessarily porous boundaries, poor diet and/or lack of emotional regulation. Ever discovered bitter resentment was the cause of your acne flare-ups, or developed a skin condition resembling a porcupine as if to broadcast ‘STAY BACK!’ to the whole wide world?! The key to Venus-ruled Taurus is taking excellent care of your body and regularly connect with Mother Earth. With the Winged Messenger in Taurus, slowing down to the pace of organic life goes a long way towards cultivating the necessary baseline of self-worth, presence and peace this position requires. On my personal journey towards wholeness, I’ve found it helpful to engage in my beauty routine as sacred ritual. It’s not about scoring the mate or turning heads, it’s about cultivating a loving relationship with the physical, sensual, earthy aspects of self. About honoring the body as a temple of the soul. Which is why I highly recommend six new groundbreaking products from the Japanese brand IKI Skin Care.
Revolutionizing the industry at the intersection of science and traditional J-beauty wisdom, their latest array of products delivers radiant, healthy skin without compromise. Combining medically-backed research with the inflammation-reducing principles of J-beauty philosophy, indulge the five senses with pure botanical ingredients like Aloe Vera and Cucumber Extract, Coconut Oil and Vitamin C & E. What does it feel like to mindfully pamper, clarify and clear your skin of debris? Pairing the simplicity of nature with cruelty-free, high-performance formulations, IKI Skincare’s much anticipated summer launch introduces KIREI Calming Foam Cleanser, KIDO Brightening Serum, RYO Emulsion Gel Moisturizer, IZUMI Skin Regenerating Serum and GAMAN Repair Balm—each designed to nurture even the most sensitive skin while delivering visible results. Setting a new standard in clean beauty, IKI Skin Care is a minimalist, effective alternative to all those chemical potions you thought you needed to spin the block. From the industry go-to achieving the ideal fusion of nature and culture, it all boils down to respecting the skin barrier to reveal your natural radiance.
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Mercury in Gemini *Multifaceted Messenger*
Celebrity Doppelgänger: Nazanin Boniadi, Iranian-American Actress
Intellectually curious, adaptable and communicative, in its home sign of Gemini, Mercury makes its intelligence known. Love of learning, a versatile communication style, and a natural ability to rapidly process information shape a sparkling, kaleidoscopic personality. Whether engaging in witty banter or fierce debate, this oh-so charismatic charmer oozes enough lyrical candy to disarm any opponent! And yet, a healthy helping of heart-centered tolerance makes you mostly focused on building a new and better world. High on tolerance, low on patience, intellectual laziness is about the only thing you can’t accept! Thriving on movement, ideas and exchange – make sure to balance breadth with depth. Language being the ultimate tool of performance and manipulation, ideas tend to spark like wildfire in your buzzing mind. With unparalleled powers of persuasion, the more you sharpen your message, backing it with integrity, the more you come to be known for using your influence wisely. Opening doors through language, humor, curiosity and mental sparkle – consider that intention is not the same as impact! A tendency to jump from one idea to the next, becoming distracted and scattered, is a potential pitfall. While you are an excellent communicator and learner, a tendency to overthink and overextend yourself socially may keep you at the surface level of life. Asking all the right (and wrong!) questions, Mercury signals pure intelligence without the overlay of judgment. While this is not a lazy Mercury, for the trickster, integrity is relative! Luckily, you tend to wiggle out of trouble right at the last minute, succeeding and usually becoming even more well-liked in the process. A winged-footed, rainbow messenger, your mental versatility is commendable. Whether engaged in analysis, wordplay, problem solving, or improv – communication and community rocks your world!
Rx: Ella’s Flats
On the path where sociality meets versatility, nothing says Mercury in Gemini like free-spirited fun with new pals! With summer in full swing, your posse du jour might be scaling a small mountain or hitting the cyber gymnasium, just don’t forget the snacks! As someone perennially in-the-know, you not only pride yourself on your health, but love to put your beloveds on to all the goodness the latest in nutritional science has to offer. Not only are Ella’s Flats an ideal bread replacement, they are loaded with spices and seeds – a superfood to fit all diets.
Not only are the flats loaded with flavor, clean ingredients and uber crunch make them a pantry staple for informed naturalists everywhere. As high in protein as eggs (but low in carbs) this gluten-free, keto, vegan, paleo snack offers unparalleled nutrition without sacrificing taste. Packed with fiber and healthy fats, they’re ideal as toppings over soups or salads, and make a bangin’ alternative to avocado toast! When your mind goes into overload, ground with this heart-healthy, blood-sugar stabilizing power snack brought to you by the woman-owned, family-operated Ella’s Flats. Dedicated in its pursuit to provide delicious seed-based crackers, the company began in Ella Mack’s kitchen, long after her three children had left home. Years later, their fresh, spicy and wholesome mix of yumminess makes them unlike anything else on the market! And they’re available in flavors like Sesame, Pumpkin Seed with Hemp Hearts, Spicy, Caraway and Cumin.
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Mercury in Cancer *Garden of the Psyche*
Celebrity Doppelgänger: Margot Robbie
Ruled by sensitive, emo, body-centric Mama Moon, this Mercury feels everything and forgets nothing! Whether treating strangers like your bestie or rescuing a stray cat, there is a down-to-earth sweetness and authenticity about this Mercury. Mercury in Cancer knows things, speaking and sharing information as if it were a treasured secret. Gesturing silent nods in the garden of the psyche, amidst the unceasing subtle dramas of life, this native strives to care. A storyteller in first-person, one is a receptive listener and gentle speaker. Attention to detail is near devout. Whether physically, digitally, or emotionally, one is a collector of sorts. Hyperaware of body language and the subtlest emotional undercurrents, one enjoys silence just as much as genuine, authentic conversation. Words mean a lot to you, and are not to be used carelessly. While you value and understand those that have an ‘edge’ to them, more overt emotional displays can sometimes feel offensive, overdone and unnecessary for Mercury in Cancer types. Valuing honesty and kindness, one relays and receives information in heartfelt, receptive ways – leaving plenty of space for intellectual meandering and poetic license. The goal is to become so attuned to emotional feedback, one creates mutually beneficial, protective connections.
Rx: Bee•Witched Organic Toner
If you’ve been following my BEAUTYSCOPES, you know the honeybee is Cancer’s lesser-known astro-feminist archetype. As matrilineal astrologer Sheila Farrant informs, Cancer’s centering quality as Matriarch was originally inspired by a cluster of over 400 stars moving together as a ‘Beehive’ within the constellation of Cancer. While much of the stellar honeybee mythology centering Mother wisdom seems to have been lost under patriarchy, the symbolic language still serves to reinforce masculine ‘King’ of a planet Jupiter’s exaltation in Cancer (a magical portal happening June 2025-2026). Studied as an ideal organization by the ancients, Kings of ancient, pre-dynastic lower Egypt were auspiciously called ‘One of the Bee’ and ‘Bee-Keeper.’
For the Cancerian on a mission of clarity and communication, Bee•Witched Organic Toner is an ‘aura reset,’ in a bottle. Clearing energetic and physical buildup while refreshing your skin’s natural glow, the toner is lightweight, travel-friendly and gender-neutral – just like planet Mercury and its swift, fluid constitution. A truly cosmic product like no other, the toner comes infused with propolis bee resin (nature’s protective messenger substance) – the very reason why this toner promises to deliver that Mercurial halo. Bright, clear and luminous, the name ‘Bee•Witched’ speaks directly to the magical, transformative energy that Mercury represents, brought to you by the skincare company that speaks to the soul. Experience the enchanting blend of nature’s healing wonders as you indulge in this mildly scented toner imbued with the potent healing fusion of propolis, aloe and natural antioxidant witch hazel. Effectively combating acne-causing bacteria while imparting a refreshing and healthy glow to your skin, Bee•Witched Organic Toner is not only incredibly hydrating, it will leave your skin enveloped in its delicate citrus fragrance.
Find it HERE
Mercury in Leo *Ready, Set, ROAR!*
Celebrity Doppelgänger: Cassie Ventura
With a communication style characterized by confidence, passion and leadership, you got a license to thrill! Mercury in Leo expresses boldly and creatively, bringing a sense of pride and self-assurance to matters of speech and learning. Hardly afraid to speak your mind, a natural inclination toward storytelling makes one bellow with conviction and enthusiasm. A creative communicator, your style incorporates elements of drama, creativity and theatricality. Uber sensitive to both criticism and praise – you take major pride in all that you do! A natural-born authority, you have the ability to inspire and motivate others with words. Just don’t become a show-off or a know-it-all! Rather than acting mentally arrogant, focus on the aspect of Mercury that is detached and reasonable. Skilled at the art of persuasion, Mercury in Leo wins over others with warmth and goodwill. While an expert at zealously getting your message across, your views tend toward idealistic. When it comes to intellectual analysis, your Lion-sized ego comes out to play! Has your ability to separate fact from fiction become impaired? Don’t let all that self-assured swagger go to waste in power-struggles or boasting. Adept at seeing the bigger picture, but are you glossing over important details? Creative expression is key, as a magnificent storyteller such as yourself can beautifully sublimate the contents of whatever sacred drama you find yourself in. Mercury in Leo says it’s time to show the world what you’ve got!
Rx: Solar Return with AstroCartography
Leo, being one of the most entertaining, high-impact signs of the zodiac, think mane blowing in the wind, strutting your stuff. Mercury in Leo will have you doing your thang with utmost style and heart! With the Winged Messenger in Sun-ruled Leo, your annual Solar Return better cater to your royal expectations as well! Whether it’s a group destination blowout, intimate dinner with friends, or a solo trip to the max – make this birthday that one you’ll remember forever with the Solar Return AstroCartography by Moon Me. Using new and full moon cycles to map out travel hotspots, Moon Me founder Tillie Eze guides you on the personalized AstroCartography experience of a lifetime. By visually mapping your solar chart across the globe, Eze provides healing astro-insights revealing which locations worldwide are most conducive to your annual goals and desires. That is, which locations might inspire you to write your book finally, the best cities for career expansion, the ideal neighborhood to purchase a home, places most favorable for romance, or locales simply conducive to a gap season of rest and healing.
If you’re less familiar with AstroCartography, aka Relocation Astrology, it’s simply a tool indicating spatially how different geographies affect personal experiences based on our natal chart. With the help of Moon Me, you can use it to anticipate the year ahead, including the best spots to travel or relocate with intention, rather than acting on impulse or reacting to life circumstances. While a natal chart is your lifelong blueprint, it’s helpful to think of your solar chart as a year-long blueprint. By showing you what the year has in store, Solar Return with AstroCartography provides insights on maximizing the upcoming shifts and harnessing creative potential, rather than navigating blind or working against the currents of life. AstroCartography will not only pin those key locations on the map, it will also explain why each location is specifically beneficial for you in the coming year. During my reading, Tillie informed me that in all of her years of work, she had never seen someone pin-point so exactly geographic locations that were supportive of their career growth and personal desires (who new my Midheaven crossed through Varanasi, the ‘City of Light’ or that if I relocated to Puerta Viejo a loving husband would be there to serve me fruits on a platter beachside?)
As the founder of Moon Me, Tillie Eze (medicine name Women of Precious Light of Sky) is a multi-hyphenate creator that plays in the physical reality of fashion and fixing, while mastering herself in the spiritual world through alchemy. Currently researching AstroCartography through travel by new and full moon cycles (learn more by listening to this Podcast) Tillie’s work helps clients balance the superficial vs. supernatural within to embark on their own unique spiritual voyage. Not only did her reading encourage me to reclaim ‘Main Character’ energy in the coming year ahead (my solar chart has Leo Rising) her grounded energy and infinite warmth secured my trust in the most magical and eye-opening spiritual autopsy she presented to me during our 45 minute virtual session. Call her an alchemist or simply a ‘fixer,’ if you’re looking to live your best life (what Leo isn’t) book your session today!
Book it HERE
Mercury in Virgo *Sexy Intellectual*
Celebrity Doppelgänger: Dakota Johnson
Mercury is exalted in its home sign Virgo, meaning its energy works BEST here! Mercury in Virgo signifies a sharp, analytical mind focused on details, efficiency and practical communication. Productivity is unparalleled. A sharp mind helps you easily comprehend complex patterns and processes. Precise and oh-so organized, one excels at problem-solving, identifying patterns and analyzing data with ease. Practical and efficient as they come, one is naturally drawn to structured environments, thriving in tasks that require attention to detail and organized systems. A no-frills communicator, speaking style is direct, clear and focused on conveying factual information. Your mind is your greatest asset, and you tend to look at the world more realistically than most. While your dreams are practical and attainable, a strong need for order and efficiency can make it hard to relax and let go of control. Expending a lot of energy taking care of day-to-day, practical matters – you function best when others have laid out the ground rules. In fact, you’re usually willing to lend a hand to others by doing the legwork for them. Finding flaws easily, you strive for constant improvement. While perfectionism can lead to high-quality work, the shadow side can be exhausting, breeding self-criticism and difficulty in relationship. Don’t let an endless pursuit of perfection lead to worry and anxiety. Remember it’s okay to make mistakes sometimes. The more you embrace forgiveness of yourself and others, the less stress you’ll feel in your relationships overall.
Rx: Cosmos Within Zodiac Birthday Candle
Versatility and precision being your jam, envision a zodiac candle, personalized inspirational astrology reading and daily affirmation in one – all delivered to you on your birthday! Designed for all those seeking guidance along the journey of self-discovery, the Zodiac Birthday Candle by Cosmos Within is surely a creature comfort to Mercury in Virgo’s incessant pulsations of the mind. Cosmos Within began in 2021 in founder and chief astrologer Diego’s hometown off the Croatian island of Rab. Impassioned by the mists of the Adriatic Sea, ancient Roman streets and the island’s beautiful, pristine natural landscape, Diego set out to nurture other brave souls on their soul-growth journey by revealing the very cosmic imprints necessary to overcome obstacles and open paths to true fulfillment. Not only can you purchase a candle based on your exact birthdate on their website (Amazon if you prefer), the Cosmos Within blog releases periodic astro-insights to the masses.
Get it HERE
Mercury in Libra *Can’t We All Just Get Along?*
Celebrity Doppelgänger: Zendaya
With Mercury in cardinal air, you are quite the social butterfly, making friends easily. Charming, because you know all the right things to say. You like to keep things easy breezy, and your relaxed, go-with-the-flow approach is just another reason you’re so well-liked. Like a breath of fresh air, diplomacy helps you build strong, lasting connections. Often playing peacemaker – it’s your ability to keep an open mind that helps you consider everyone’s input, and ultimately, establish common ground. Choosing your words with care, you communicate in a manner that is polite and effective. Even amidst the most challenging of scenarios, as you value thoughtful dialogue and consider multiple perspectives, your energy fosters harmony. Valuing mutual understanding, you usually listen as much as you speak. A thoughtful decision-maker and skilled mediator, you take your time to weigh every option, aiming to find a solution that satisfies all parties involved. That being said, do your efforts to find the fairest choice sometimes make you seem or feel batty and unhinged? Don’t let people-pleasing earn you a reputation for being two-faced. Rather than avoiding conflict, avoid indecisiveness and overthinking. Discomfort with extremes of opinion makes you an excellent go-between, when not causing problems in your personal life. Even if it’s not totally good or bad, try to arrive at a conclusion sometimes!
Rx: Happiness Tonic Powder
Not one to be reckless or impulsive, you like to weigh all your options before making a move. If you’re looking to cut the caffeine and swap your coffee for something with a more holistic approach to happiness, rest assured, Anima Mundi has created the perfect, herbally fortified tonic. A next-level coffee alternative infused with herbs traditionally used to support mood and promote emotional well-being, key adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Mucuna come together with Albizia and St. John’s Wort — plants long revered for their uplifting and balancing qualities. While many of us know St. John’s Wort, the sunny flowering herb most used to offset seasonal depression, lesser known is ‘herb of happiness’ Albizia of traditional Chinese medicine, both of which come together in this cup of love. Salivate your savvy taste buds with mood-supportive botanicals, rich, roasted roots, and naturally sweet superfoods. Roasted dandelion, chicory, maca, lucuma, burdock, mesquite and vanilla create a deeply satisfying, coffee-inspired flavor that is earthy, malty and lightly roasted, with a gentle bitter note. Add in a splash of your signature creamer or nut milk, or savor it as is—warm, grounding and velvety smooth – just like you. If we didn’t get you at the mention of Happiness Tonic Powder, consider the proven gut-health benefits of chicory, a natural prebiotic root belonging to the Dandelion family. As aromatic as it is bitter, you’ll love its gastrointestinal benefits as much as you do its bright, daisy-like blossoms.
Find it HERE
Mercury in Scorpio *Great Untangler or Fiend of Eros?*
Celebrity Doppelgänger: Amber Stevens West
Ranging from the deepest hell to highest heaven – Mercury in Scorpio is becoming mindful of perilous extremes – money, power, sex. Mercury illuminates the psychodynamics of the sign of the surgeon/shaman, transforming deep-seated fears into lofty inspirations (The eagle/phoenix of the Scorpion totem). One must identify the source of the threat, ferreting out all the mental strategies, honing survival instincts to navigate this world or be damned. An extreme paradox that sits within the mind causes behaviors to swing from absolute selfishness to selflessness. Mental health demands a constructive outlet for all this pressure! Channel mental gymnastics to constructive ends, lest it drain you to bitter pieces. Extremely mentally resourceful, one can repair and untangle the most complex and hopeless of scenarios. Drawn to the excitement of mental combat, one may be fiendishly driven to consume erotica, if not simply overwhelmed by the ongoing eros of daily life. None but the Lunar Scorpion is a more sexual placement (Mercury being highly controlled to the degree the Moon is lawless). Suppressing sexuality just builds up anxiety, as one is actively thinking about sex, mentally disrobing everyone! An absolutist at heart, this placement can be the most jealous of all, a fact concealed even from oneself. Mercury as an instinct is immoral, the primordial trickster that doesn’t distinguish good from bad, which breeds in this native a capacity for horrendous games. Expert at coaxing others into revealing their secrets, you hold all the cards. One perceives exactly how to wound the other, at times, puncturing the reality of beloveds through verbal assault. Over time, one comes to find that acquiring power for ego only backfires. In the end, one only hurts oneself, becoming more suspicious and lacking in trust. The distance from one’s gnawing pain becomes the sole measure of ongoing soul-growth.
Rx: All Natural Feminine Spray
If the above paragraph didn’t send you running, I like to preface all of my advice to Scorpio clients with the admission that I have a stellium in the sign (3 or more planets) that’s felt like the end of me on numerous occasions. Not only is it the sexiest sign, Scorpio rules the genitals and reproductive capacity, including our use or abuse of creative-sexual energy. While I would never in a million years recommend that any woman douche, just as I believe myths suggesting the impurity of women’s menstrual blood are a detriment to all women everywhere, issues down there are a pain to say the least. It’s also your body’s way of telling you that something underlying the physical symptom needs to be addressed. Luckily, with Mercury in Scorpio, you love to dig deep! And when you need relief from common vaginal issues like burning, itching, discharge, soreness or odor – get relief! No shame in it. This shaman of a sign is about making what culture shames holy again. Brought to you by Bona Dea Naturals, All Natural Feminine Deodorant Spray alleviates most vaginal issues. Formulated with natural healing compounds like Calendula and Echinacea (essential oils noted for their antifungal and antibacterial properties) Lemongrass, Tea Tree, Palmarosa and Orange – the spray is a dermatologist-tested, nature-made remedy clinically approved to be hypoallergenic and non-irritating. I’ve been using it as an after-shave spray, as it also works great on razor burn and ingrown hair follicles. With 100,000+ bottles sold worldwide and more than 8,000 Five-Star Reviews on Amazon, you better believe it, this spray is mother-approved womb wellness in a bottle.
Find it HERE
Mercury in Sagittarius *Over-the-top or Off the Deep End?*
Celebrity Doppelgänger: Brittany Murphy
Mercury enters detriment in mutable fire, where it is never quite satisfied with what is. Suggesting a communication style that is optimistic, expansive and truth-seeking, Mercury in Sag places its faith too strongly in potential. A natural storyteller expressing oneself in a forthright, jovial manner, you inspire others with your optimism and are not above using humor and exaggeration to get your point across. Mercury is all about ideas and words, Sagittarius all about action. Driven to explore big ideas and seek higher meaning, one lives for engaging in philosophical discussion, intellectual or spiritual pursuits. Craving intellectual stimulation, anything and everything interests you! Dig into subjects that broaden your perspective – religion, philosophy, psychology and higher wisdom. Valuing honesty, you speak your mind even if it comes off as a bit unfeeling. Adventurous and prone to spontaneity, you love travel and exploration. Don’t let your expansive nature become a tendency to exaggerate or lie. A straight-shooter that believes in direct communication, consider the impact of your speech before you unintentionally hurt someone. Learning to temper truth with tact helps you maintain honesty without coming across as insensitive. Harness meticulous Mercury’s knack for detail to ensure the picture you’re selling is the one that actually develops. Is impatience or over-commitment cramping your style? Try following through on the plans you made before speeding off to the next best thing. Avoid making over-the-top promises that come back to haunt you.
Rx: Peak Performance Nootropic
On a mission to empower millions to free their minds, master flow and realize their extraordinary potential, FlowVeda is your go-to brand for all natural, Ayurvedic supplements. Premium ingredients with proven results encapsulate the six pillars of flow: Focus, Vitality, Creativity, Presence, Confidence and Purpose. Formulated to optimize the physiology of the brain promoting more presence and clarity of purpose, the premier Peak Performance Nootropic by FlowVeda™ is an all-natural supplement combining ancient yogic science with modern neuroscience.
Each bottle of FlowVeda™ contains a carefully-balanced formula of premium ingredients including Ashwagandha, Bacopa Monnieri, Lion’s Mane, Rhodiola Rosea and L-Theanine. The 100% natural formula supports optimal mental performance, minus the synthetic, harmful compounds. Unlike other nootropics that rely on the immediacy of stimulants, FlowVeda™ works gradually to create lasting improvements in focus, clarity and mental performance. Non-GMO and gluten-free, it’s made in the U.S. and third-party tested for purity and potency. Setting the standard with a 60-day money-back guarantee, track your progress to assess what works best for your flow. Memberships at three tiers allow you to cancel, pause or adjust your dosage as needed – not to mention the access to premium wellness tools, insights and other resources.
Find it HERE
Mercury in Capricorn *Too Practical for Words*
Celebrity Doppelgänger: Lauren London
Mercury in Capricorn signals a communication style that is practical, grounded and results-oriented. Prioritizing efficiency and logic, one thinks and speaks in a manner that is clear, concise and organized. Driven by the desire for financial security and social status, a well-organized vessel with nerves of steel enables you to develop expertise and excel professionally. Perceived by others as serious, disciplined and committed, practical realism is your signature. Focusing on what is achievable and tangible, direct communication allows you to avoid unnecessary fluff or ambiguity. Approaching goals with a master strategy, one is task-oriented, hard-working and absolutely driven to succeed. Taking commitments seriously and following through on promises, your Mercury approaches life with a sense of responsibility and maturity. Caution around becoming too rigid or inflexible. When you speak, you expect that people will listen and treat you like an authority. And yet, are impossibly high standards making you too critical of yourself and others? Allergic to spontaneity? Unwilling to change? With this placement, you might find yourself swinging haplessly between twin poles of attraction/repulsion. While you may be ruthlessly concerned with the bottom line, it’s important to let yourself make mistakes, act hypocritical and even fail at times. Don’t beat yourself down in pursuit of a stable future. Can you accept the maturing self that is still growing and figuring out life? Recognize that while your practical approach to learning is commendable, it is equally important to foster a balanced mindset that embraces creativity and spontaneity, courting the joy of the present moment. Mental emphasis on taking the logical view may lead you to downplay or suppress vital feelings. Lean into the more abstract and intuitive aspects of life to achieve balance.
Rx: Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew
Of all possible placements, Mercury in Capricorn puts the ‘Pro’ in professional, mastering nearly everything that you set out to do! With summer still chugging along, you’re probably maximizing your communion with Madre Tierra, or at the very least, testing the limits of your endurance at a spin class. No better way to perfect your next fitness adventure than with next-to-skin performance wear by Ibex. As a premium performance apparel brand specializing in sustainable, high-quality clothing made from ethically sourced merino wool, Ibex excels at both form and function. Complete with raglan sleeves, flatlock stitching and thumb holes help you excel during outdoor adventures or make everyday wear a flex. Built in temperate regulation, moisture-wicking technology and odor-resistant properties make the Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew a must-have. As the lightest weight base layer virtually ever, Pro-tech advanced Nuyarn® spinning technology makes the wool 35% more thermally efficient, 85% more elastic and 8x more durable than its counterparts. An ideal choice for various climates, get one for that summer camping trip in the Appalachians and continue wearing it throughout the cooler months. A true testament to innovation and quality in every thread, just like your Mercury in Capricorn, Ibex pro-apparel is built to last.
Find it HERE
Mercury in Aquarius *To Dream of What Could Be*
Celebrity Doppelgänger: Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King’s famous activist speech “I Have a Dream…” best sums up the radical essence of natal Mercury in Aquarius. It loves to question! Intentionally or not, this native will change the very field of the thing it is studying, if not become outright rebellious. Often, one doesn’t even realize one is breaking any rules. Called the ‘mad scientist’ Mercury, curiosity comes before discipline. Which is not to say one is crazy, perhaps just ahead of one’s time, espousing goals which are not yet so urgent or even visible to the masses. Offbeat, eccentric, inventive, possibly even downright weird, if it’s a behavior already permitted by normal society, you’re probably not that interested! Mercury in Aquarius always brings a fresh perspective which is forward-looking and revolutionary, even if the powers that be deem it frightening, wacky or far-fetched. With a composed communication style that is both confident and grounded, this native has high intellectual expectations and an unparalleled imagination! Valuing privacy over reckless sharing, one takes a cautious and pragmatic approach to progress. Not tied to any particular storyline, Aquarius prefers to take the bird’s eye view, creating meaning through the synthesis of opposites. High social intelligence and a preference for groups make one a great arbiter – able to understand both sides and synthesize opposing viewpoints into something new without betraying either side. One values intellectual connections, deep conversations, personal space and independence. When you run into repression or prejudice, call on your superior mental faculties to break the wall of assumption holding harmful -isms in place. Ultimately, you reincarnated to use your gifts of superior logic and intellect for the benefit of all.
Rx: Sliding-Scale Human Design
In the sign of networks, friend and hopes, not only is your future-forward Mercury in Aquarius invested in technological innovations of all kinds, you believe in the impossible! As you live your life according to nobody’s rules, a roadmap based in a synthesis of ancient wisdom traditions might not be a bad idea. Introducing Sal Chen, artivist, visionary poet and co-founder of Moon Lab.
After stumbling across Human Design nearly five years ago, Sal has put together over fifty readings for her New York City community, including the session I recently had with her at my home. As a system of self-awareness and differentiation, Human Design combines the I Ching, the Kabbalah’s Tree of Life, the Hindu Chakra system and contemporary disciplines like genetics, biochemistry and quantum mechanics. Working with clients 1:1 or in small groups, Sal recently offered a workshop at the Bushwick-based Alchemia Studio. “Putting on the human design lens has helped me understand and connect to facets of myself I did not see before – and it changed the way I process/relate to self, to others and the world. My best friend thinks it’s snake oil – but I think it’s a mirror, a scaffold in the abyss, a tool for introspection and a vessel you can pour yourself into and out of, as you wish. It’s not a beginning nor an end to who you are, nor an outline or fixed boundary or definition – but an attempt to expand beyond that,” writes Sal. As a native New Yorker on a mission to queer the status quo and empower her sisterhood of friends to rise up from the ashes of the matrix, Sal offers a sliding scale available to BIPOC/immigrant/queer/working-class baddies.
Book a session with Sal HERE
Mercury in Pisces *Feelings over Facts*
Celebrity Doppelgänger: Lady Gaga
Mercury in Pisces signals a communication style that is threefold imaginative, intuitive and compassionate – when not plagued by confusion and misinterpretation. Mercury is considered both in detriment and in fall in Pisces, where the Winged Messenger struggles to express itself clearly. A deep, intuitive understanding of the world makes one prone to privilege feelings over facts. Drawn to artistic and creative pursuits, one is a dreamer finding inspiration in the sea of the subconscious. With BIG EMPATH energy, one may struggle to grasp linear thinking or value logical analysis. A prolific Mercury, but not a concise one. With a most poetic and intuitive nature, you perceive the world in your own magical way, perhaps complicating ideas others find simple. With the soul of a mystic, one may neglect or abhor mundane tasks. Don’t let disorganization or a lack of attention-to-detail be the end of you. Often lost in your own thoughts, one is easily misunderstood. A tendency to communicate in metaphors and rely on intuition leads to communication breakdowns at times. Create boundaries to protect oneself from absorbing negativity. Consider the ways in which you can find moments of peace and quiet to support your emotional well-being, maintaining balance despite hypersensitivity. Feeling your way through life, Mercury in Pisces is especially powerful and well-suited to professions such as acting, writing, art, poetry, singing, music, nursing or humanitarian work.
Rx: Gift of the Nile
As the final sliver of the zodiac, planets in Pisces embody attributes of all twelve signs. When it’s not making you feel lost in the sauce of the great cosmic soup, it’s reminding you that eventually all things dissolve back into the all. That form is but a means by which we can return to the formless. And in the name of whole-self integration, just like Mercury in Pisces, the latest collection of aromatherapy blends by Gift of the Nile reflects the full spectrum of cosmic potential. Correlated to zodiac signs by element and Egyptian deity, each of the five signature collections takes shape as sacred offerings of perfume oil, mood/body mist and candles. For the element of Fire (Aries/Leo/Sagittarius) we get an inspiring and motivating blend of citrus, ginger, frankincense and myrrh embodied in Egyptian Sun God Amun-Ra. For the element of Earth (Taurus/Virgo/Capricorn), we get a grounding and calming blend of vanilla, lavender, sage, patchouli, frankincense and myrrh embodied in the Egyptian deity Geb. For the element of Air (Gemini/Libra/Aquarius), we get a clarity-generating blend of eucalyptus, cedar wood, rosemary, lemongrass, frankincense and myrrh embodied in Egyptian Sky Goddess Nut. For the element of water (Cancer/Scorpio/Pisces), we get a passion-inducing fusion of ylang ylang, jasmine, lemongrass, lavender, frankincense and myrrh embodied in Egyptian deity Hapi. And last but not least, my favorite, The Love Potion collection, designed to inspire self-love, romance and pleasure, made with blue lotus, royal amber, papyrus, jasmine, and vanilla, embodied in the Egyptian Ram Goddess Hathor.
Brought to you by seasoned astrologer, Reiki practitioner and beauty industry veteran Tamerri Zamaih Ater, Gift of the Nile scents blend Egyptian ritual with modern spiritual wellness for the soul, body and home. As handmade offerings made with intention, Gift of the Nile products are rooted in ancient Egyptian astrology and metaphysics. They are not only designed to invoke the power of MAAT (Egyptian Mother Goddess of harmony, truth & balance) but complement your natal chart when used as a tool for self-discovery, healing, transformation and evolution. Elevating every thought, expression and breath – I’ve never felt so transported, so engulfed, so elevated by a body mist. Follow Gift of the Nile founder Tamerri Zamaih Ater on Instagram @astrofashionista @giftofthenile
Find it HERE
To learn more about your natal chart & cosmic potentials *written in the stars* book a reading with Midheaven Or Nah HERE. Follow her celebrity Astro-oracle on Instagram @midheavenornah
Bibliography
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