You are recognized by how you speak, write, interpret and think. In your birth horoscope, the planet Mercury indicates how you communicate.

People who have Mercury in air signs (Libra, Aquarius, Gemini) ask questions. They bounce easily between concepts and may not be attached to any thoughts. If something has an impact, they often remember what they hear word for word. The air sign Mercury has the gift of conversation. They like to talk, read, gather information and exchange ideas.

If someone has Mercury in a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces), they retain awareness better when carrying an emotional charge. They need to feel and absorb information. The perception that a person who looks the other way is insincere is not necessarily correct with a Water Mercury.

This is the kind of misconception that can occur when the signs of Mercury are very different. A water sign, Mercury, can be trained to make more eye contact, but they may miss something in translation. Like any language, encouraging change when they are young is easier than training your adult spouse or co-worker.

Within each element there are also nuances. For example, in water, Mercury in Scorpio may prefer to observe rather than offer information. Pisces can jump from one topic to another with no apparent connection. Mercury in Cancer needs to feel comfortable.

A child of Mercury with a water sign may show an interest in art or music, because verbal communication may come later. The way a child learns is a big determining factor in her school experience. If a child has an Earth or Water Mercury, she doesn’t necessarily fit into the standard way of learning and teaching in most schools. The parent or teacher has a great advantage in being aware of the child’s Mercury placement, because it will enable them to provide the child with the necessary environment to foster successful communication and education.

When Mercury is a fire sign (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) ideas spring up and can die quickly, sometimes before they are even verbalized. When talking to a Fire Mercury, it is important to attract his interest. They respond better if they identify in some way with the conversation. If your passion ignites, so will the flame of conversation.

The earth signs (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo) are the note takers of the zodiac. Once they’ve made it concrete, it has more impact. They may be slower to respond, because they don’t necessarily think out loud. Don’t underestimate them if they seem slower to understand; they work the soil of information and make it their own.

This is a brief summary of how Mercury works in the horoscope to show us how a person thinks. You probably recognized your favorite way of absorbing information and passing it on. Looking at the twelve signs can show you that there is no standard way that we all communicate, but learning how another does will help you in any dialogue.

© copyright 2009 Pamela Cucinell All rights reserved.