[PAGE 192] THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
CHAPTER X
MERCURY, THE PLANET OF REASON
Mythologically Mercury is represented as a "Messenger of the Gods" and
this is the line with the occult facts, for when infant humanity had been
led astray by the marital Lucifer spirits and had fallen into GENERATION it
became necessary for the other divine hierarchies to take steps looking to a
future REGENERATION and to further that object the Lords of Venus were
brought to the earth to educate humanity in such a manner that love might be
substituted for lust and men might thus be induced to aspire to something
higher. While the Lords of Venus dealt with mankind in general the most
precocious among them were taken in hand by the Lords of Mercury; whose
wisdom-teaching is symbolically represented by the caduceus or "STAFF OF
MERCURY," consisting of two serpents twining around a rod and indication the
solution of the riddle of life, or "Whence have we come, why are we here,
and whither are we bound?" showing the pupil the spiral path of INVOLUTION
by which the divine spark has buried itself in matter, also the spiral path
of EVOLUTION by which humanity will eventually again reach the Father's bo-
som, and the short road of INITIATION represented by the central rod around
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which the serpents twine. But to understand these Mysteries requires mind
and reason. Mercury then is the mental educator of men and its place and
position in the horoscope shows the status of the person's mind for whom it
is cast.
Being the Messenger of the Gods to the other planets Mercury has no voice
of its own and is even more dependent for expression upon the aspects of
other planets than the Moon which rules the instinctual mind. So Mercury is
really a focus through which the faculty of reason finds expression in the
human being to act as a brake upon the lower nature and assist in lifting us
from the human to the divine. Many may and do feel deeply, they may also
have valuable knowledge, but they will be unable to express their feelings
or shore their knowledge with others if Mercury is lacking in aspects. Even
a so-called evil aspect of Mercury helps to bring out what is within and is
therefore better than none.
When Mercury is so placed in relation to the Sun it goes BEFORE the lumi-
nary it has the effect of materially brightening the mind, for the Sun rep-
resents the Ego and it may therefore be said that then its path is illumi-
nated by the lamp of reason. On the other hand if Mercury is so placed that
it rises later than the Sun and thus follows AFTER the luminary The Ego
learns more by afterthought than by forethought for it walks comparatively
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speaking in the dark and must learn a great many of its lessons by experi-
ence.
As we have found that it is difficult for a number of young students to
determine when Mercury goes before or after the Sun we may say in farther
elucidation of that subject:
When Mercury is in a lower degree of the same sign as the Sun or in any
degree of the previous sign then as a matter of course he rises BEFORE the
Sun. To illustrate: If the Sun is in twenty degrees of Cancer and Mercury
is in five, ten or fifteen degrees of that sign or if he is in any degree of
Gemini, then he rises BEFORE the Sun.
But if he is in twenty-five degrees of Cancer which is a higher degree of
the same sign, or if he is in any degree in Leo which is the sign succeeding
Cancer, then he rises AFTER the Sun and loses part of his good influence.
A retrograde Mercury is also a detriment to the faculty of reason. But
in the year of life when Mercury by progression again turns direct, the rea-
soning faculties will improve correspondingly. Mercury is strong in the
airy signs, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, but he is exalted and therefore most
powerful in Virgo. Mercury has special rule over agents and messengers,
salesmen, postmen and other common carriers, people engaged in advertising
or printing, literary men, writers, reporters, secretaries, clerks, steno-
graphers and typewriters, commission men and other middle men, demagogues,
confidence-men and thieves.
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MERCURY IN THE TWELFTH HOUSE
MERCURY IN THE ASCENDANT, OR FIRST HOUSE makes the person quick-witted
and sharp according to the nature of the sign rising and the aspects of the
planets which he receives. The fiery signs and the airy signs have the
strongest influence in that respect. In Aries or Leo he is more impulsive
than when rising in Sagittarius, but Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are best.
When Mercury is rising in the watery signs Cancer or Pisces the intellect is
dull, but rising in Scorpio where it is fired by the martial energy and
armed with the venomous sting of the scorpion it has a somewhat similar in-
fluence to that of Mars in Scorpio through not quite so pronounced.
MERCURY IN THE SECOND HOUSE is good for gain through mercurial occupa-
tions especially where the person is employed by someone else so that he ap-
pears in a true mercurial capacity as agent, messenger, clerk, writer or
whatever else.
MERCURY IN THE THIRD HOUSE and well-aspected has wonderful influence on
the mental qualities of the native. It makes the mind serene and optimis-
tic, inclined to study and research work. It gives fluency as a speaker and
success by short journeys or travel and makes the relations of the person
harmonious with his brothers. When Mercury is afflicted in the Third House
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it inclines to worry and pessimism, trouble and annoyance with sisters and
brothers and when on short journeys.
MERCURY IN THE FOURTH HOUSE gives instability to home conditions. It
signifies the homeless wanderer who is always moving from place to place un-
less a good aspect to Saturn comes in to steady him down. This is, however,
a good aspect for people engaged in mercurial occupations which require a
stationary residence, such as librarian, or literary men engaged in newspa-
per work, employees in printing establishments, commission houses, agencies
and kindred organizations. If Mercury is afflicted by Saturn the home con-
ditions of the person will cause him a great deal of worry.
MERCURY IN THE FIFTH HOUSE centers the mind upon education, amusements,
courtships and children. If Mercury is well-aspected by Saturn or Jupiter
it gives depth to the mind and makes the person successful in enterprises
connected with education, publishing or public amusements. Good aspects
from Mars or Venus give success in courtship but the adverse aspects of the
planets make the person cruel; he is inconstant in affection toward those he
professes to love, inclined to worry over affairs of his children, and su-
perficial as a teacher. A good aspect from the Sun is an excellent indica-
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tion of success in a government position, in an educational capacity.
MERCURY IN THE SIXTH HOUSE makes the mentality too active for the
person's own good, for he is extremely ambitious and therefore liable to
over-tax himself to the detriment of his health, and the disability of the
nervous system is most likely to express itself by a digestive disorder in
the region governed by Virgo, the sixth sign, viz., the intestines. Such
people are supersensitive to the conditions of others which affects their
health bringing much trouble and worry in dealing with servants and subordi-
nates. They are fond of the study of hygiene and diet and meet with consid-
erable success in the practice of the chemistry of foods, particularly if
Mercury is well-aspected. Adverse aspects of Saturn to a Sixth House Mer-
cury make a chronic invalid of a most melancholy mind. The adverse aspects
of Mars and Uranus are fruitful sources of suicide through brooding over
disease.
MERCURY IN THE SEVENTH HOUSE and well-aspected makes the person popular
in literary and scientific circles. It is a good position for public speak-
ers and all who are engaged in mercurial activities of a public nature. But
if Mercury is afflicted the Seventh House position brings a great deal of
hostile criticism of a public nature and is liable to involve the person in
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litigation either to defend himself against libel from others or on account
of libel committed by himself. A well-aspected Mercury in the Seventh House
indicates a successful marriage to a relative or an employee, but when Mer-
cury is afflicted either the person or the marriage partner is of a nagging
nature so that the married life is spoiled by constant quarrels and disputes
on account of fickleness and faithfulness.
MERCURY IN THE EIGHTH HOUSE when well-aspected gives gain through liter-
ary or scientific agencies, occupations or other mercurial pursuits provided
they are carried on in partnership with someone else. This position also
indicates that the person may receive a legacy and it is a good indication
of the financial success of the marriage, but if Mercury is afflicted its
position in the Eighth House indicates financial troubles for the marriage
partner and litigation probably in connection with a legacy left to the na-
tive.
MERCURY IN THE NINTH HOUSE and well-aspected gives love of religion,
science, letters and law, a studious mind capable of delving deeply into
profound problems of life and being, philosophic and philanthropic tenden-
cies, and desire to travel far if need be in the pursuit of knowledge. This
position gives facility in speech and writing and success in religion, phi-
losophy, law or science. The mind is broad, flexible and adaptable, there-
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fore the person is liable to change his views several times in his life on
the various subjects which he has studied, but there will always be a good
reason for adopting another viewpoint.
If Mercury is afflicted in the Ninth House he makes the person exceed-
ingly unstable of mind, changeable as a weather vane in all his pursuits and
activities. Such a person will never stay by anything long enough to try it
out and therefore he will meet with a series of disasters all through life.
Probably he may journey from one place to another in search of success but
he will never find it until he learns to concentrate his energies upon one
thing. This position is also a fruitful source of trouble with the law or
legal affairs.
MERCURY IN THE TENTH HOUSE, well-aspected, shows adaptability and re-
sourcefulness such as enable the person to cope with all the contingencies
of life. It makes a successful lecturer, publisher or writer and is also
favorable to success in one of the occult occupations. If Mercury is placed
in one of the airy signs the power of expression is much enhanced. Fre-
quently people with Mercury in this position have several occupations, but
usually they succeed best in a subordinate capacity.
MERCURY IN THE ELEVENTH HOUSE brings a great many acquaintances among
literary, scientific or other mercurial people but none of them are
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sufficiently steadfast to be relied upon unless Mercury is very
well-aspected. This position has a tendency to make a person critical and
cynical. It sharpens his intellect, however, and gives him a good flow of
language.
MERCURY IN THE TWELFTH HOUSE, if well aspected gives a mind peculiarly
fitted to delve into the mysterious, occult or secret things. This is espe-
cially the case if Mercury is between the Sun and Midheaven, that is to say
if Mercury goes BEFORE the Sun or rises earlier than that luminary, for then
all the light that is in the spirit seems to shine forth and make the person
intellectually keen and bright. Therefore this is a good position for de-
tective work as well as scientific or occult research work. Chemists of
great ability have been produced under this aspect for such people have the
faculty of going into the most minute details in things which seem micro-
scopic and unimportant to others. When Mercury is in the Twelfth House and
afflicted, especially by Saturn or Mars, also when COMBUST or BEHIND THE SUN
there is a danger that the mind may become clouded and insanity may result.
It may also be noted that the affliction will vary according to the way Mer-
cury is aspected; if by Mars or Uranus the subject may be exceedingly
violent, if by Saturn he will become melancholy, but whatever the cause, if
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Mercury is afflicted in the Twelfth House some form of limitation will re-
strain the spirit, for the Twelfth House is the house of limitation and con-
finement.
Deafness is also the result of this position of Mercury when severely af-
flicted by Saturn.
MERCURY IN THE TWELVE SIGNS
MERCURY IN ARIES makes the person very argumentative, fond of disputes,
quick at repartee, with a tendency to exaggerate though not necessarily by
design. If well-aspected he is broad minded and tolerant of the opinions of
others, of a studious nature, quick to grasp situations and ideas, neat and
orderly. When afflicted Mercury in Aries makes people leap before they
look, the mind is vacillating and there is a general recklessness about the
person who is thus very unreliable and devoid of all sense of responsibil-
ity.
MERCURY IN TAURUS gives a mind that is not very soon made up but when it
has once arrive at a conclusion it is almost as difficult to change as the
laws of the Medes and Persians. However, being based upon thought and rea-
son the judgment of these people is also extremely reliable. They believe
thoroughly in the ancient adage that "Silence is golden" and are therefore
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close-mouthed. They are good counselors and can be depended upon to keep
secret. At the same time they are not recluses, but have a pleasant, socia-
ble disposition. They are fond of fun and recreation, they love music, art
and literature, so they are thoroughly likable people if Mercury is well-
aspected. But if Mercury is afflicted they become what the Scotch call
"DOUR," also obstinate, stubborn, secretive and avaricious.
MERCURY IN GEMINI makes a person fond of change and travel. He is al-
ways ready to investigate some new thing, or go to some other place for a
change; in short, almost anything that is new appeals to him. At the same
time if Mercury is well-fortified such people gain greatly by this fluidic
state of the mind for they are shrewd and penetrating in their judgment so
that they know good value when they see it and are not prejudiced by precon-
ceived, set opinions. Therefore they are good business men and their abil-
ity to see a point makes them particularly good lawyers. They also succeed
well as traveling salesmen.
MERCURY IN CANCER gives a clear intellect, a good memory and superlative
adaptability. People with this position fit into any place or occupation
they may find and adapt themselves to the opinions and ideas of others.
They love praise and flattery, therefore they are careful not to do anything
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whereby they may forfeit the good opinion of others.
MERCURY IN LEO gives high ideals and aspirations, a positive, strong and
persevering intellect which scorns to stoop to low and mean acts, and de-
spises equivocation; is blunt and out-spoken, quick-tempered, but
kind-hearted and sympathetic. People with Mercury in Leo well-fortified
have good organizing ability and make capable leaders. They love children
and are also fond of pleasure. When Mercury is afflicted in Leo it makes
the person fickle and inconstant in his affections, an unsuccessful gambler
and speculator, a low and sensual nature.
MERCURY IN VIRGO is at the zenith of his power for there he is exalted,
consequently when well-aspected it gives a clear, logical, scientific mind,
eloquence and the ability to express oneself fluently in a number of lan-
guages. It gives the person a comprehensive, discriminating outlook upon
life, his conclusions are usually practical and to the point because he
also, like the Taurian Mercury, looks before he leaps. In short this char-
acteristic is in a degree true of all the earthy signs. When Mercury is af-
flicted in Virgo it makes the man irritable, petulant and selfish, always
looking for flaws in everything he comes across. People with Mercury in
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Virgo make excellent dietitians and chemists. They also have an unusual
dexterity.
MERCURY IN LIBRA, when well-aspected gives a broad, well-balanced mind
with a love of art and music and an uncommon ability of expression. It
brings success as a public speaker and sometimes as a singer. When Mercury
is afflicted in Libra it indicates trouble by lawsuits through partnerships
and an unfaithful marriage partner.
MERCURY IN SCORPIO gives a shrewd mind, a keen aspiration, a quick wit
and a sharp tongue with biting sarcasm that can sting like the scorpion.
The disposition is bold and stubborn, headstrong and difficult to get along
wit. But these people are extremely resourceful, dauntless, and able to
overcome difficulties which would crush others. They are attracted to the
occult, a a needle is drawn to a magnet. When Mercury is afflicted they are
subject to disappointment in everything they undertake, quarrelsome, skepti-
cal and cynical, always holding opposite views to others.
MERCURY IN SAGITTARIUS. Though in detriment it is still a strong posi-
tion of Mercury and if he is well-aspected it gives an exceedingly noble
mind of a religious and philosophical turn, a mind which scorns the shackles
of conventions where they interfere with freedom of thought and speech yet
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does not fly into paths that are contrary to the commonly accepted standards
of moral usage and conduct. It always confines itself within the boundaries
of law and order and people with Mercury in this position are therefore
greatly respected in the community. Mercury in Sagittarius makes the person
fond of travel to see the sights and scenery of nature and to investigate
the customs of strange people. He is also fond of animals and pets. When
afflicted it inclines to lawlessness, dishonesty, sophism and a twisted
character.
MERCURY IN CAPRICORN gives a critical and penetrating but somewhat sus-
picious mind with a thoughtful and diplomatic disposition, These people
make splendid spies and detectives, having the ability to ferret out secrets
in the most uncanny manner. They also have the persistence of Saturnians
derived from the sign Capricorn so that they never give up until their ob-
ject has been attained. This position gives a love of science, par-
ticularly chemistry. These people are much attracted to the occult, yet are
practical and very thrifty. They hold on to what they get and always have
something for a rainy day. When afflicted Mercury in Capricorn makes the
person miserly, cruel, hard, malicious, vindictive and spiteful.
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MERCURY IN AQUARIUS gives the Uranian qualities of originality and inde-
pendence and an unconquerable love of liberty to the mind so that people
with Mercury in this position are apt to repudiate all the social conven-
tions and live according to their highly idealistic conceptions. They often
take no heed of fashion, and dress in a style entirely their own. They ad-
vocate ideas on social subjects which are a thousand years ahead of the
world's development, among them the theory of soul-mates and affinities
which is causing so much trouble in the world today because it advocates
have not yet grown to the spiritual stature where they can separate it from
sex and live the true Uranian love-life which is altogether spiritual. The
foregoing delineations apply particularly where Mercury is aspected by
Uranus and the people described by them are the extreme product of Mercury
in Aquarius. All who have this position, however, are very intellectual,
they have high ideals and aspirations, a love of popular science and math-
ematics and are usually attracted to the occult sciences also, especially to
astrology, for they have a fine faculty for reading the horoscope. They are
kind, sociable and fond of friends with the result that they usually attract
large numbers of intellectual people to their circle of acquaintances. When
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afflicted this position makes the person disloyal and ready to prey upon his
friends, or criticize and slander them.
MERCURY IN PISCES the occult water sign, seems to endow the mind with a
certain psychic faculty which is not so much intuition as imagination. They
think or imagine that something must be so and so and it is a startling fact
that they are usually correct, but this ability brings them dangerously near
to mediumship if Mercury is afflicted or when Neptune, the higher octave of
Mercury, is in the Twelfth House. Therefore this is rather a dangerous po-
sition. If Mercury is afflicted by Saturn this position in Pisces makes the
person liable to gloom and the mind will be subject to constant worry with a
turn toward melancholy. Usually, people with Mercury in Pisces are of a
kindly and benevolent disposition. This also is a good indication that suc-
cess may be attained in chemistry and as a dietitian in the preparation of
health foods.
MERCURY IN ASPECT WITH THE OTHER PLANETS
THE SUN IN PARALLEL OR CONJUNCTION WITH MERCURY. These are the only as-
pects ever formed and are good for the memory and mentality provided Mercury
is not closer to the Sun than three degrees, for then he is "COMBUST" and
his good qualities are burned up in the Sun's rays. It is most fortunate to
have Mercury rise BEFORE the Sun at Birth for he is then the Lightbearer who
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holds the torch of reason BEFORE the Spirit which in the horoscope is sym-
bolized by the Sun. When he rises after the Sun the mentality is not nearly
so keen (unless other good aspects favor).
VENUS PARALLEL, CONJUNCTION OR SEXTILE TO MERCURY. Venus and Mercury are
never more than 76 degrees apart, therefore they can only form the conjunc-
tions, parallels and sextiles, but not the trine, square nor opposition.
These aspects make the person cheerful and companionable with a
good-natured disposition and a desire for society. They also give the abil-
ity for music and poetry, especially if in the Ascendant, and are a general
indication of SUCCESS in salesmanship for such people are very suave, af-
fable and persuasive.
THE MOON IN PARALLEL, CONJUNCTION, SEXTILE OR TRINE TO MERCURY gives a
receptive mind and a retentive memory, two very rare qualities and therefore
these aspects, particularly the sextile and trine, are good indications of
success in life, especially in one of the mercurial occupations, literary,
clerical or traveling. People with these configurations are usually very
verbose, particularly if the conjunction or trine occurs in airy signs or a
sign of voice, for then the power of expression reaches a superlative degree
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and such people become able linguists and elocutionists; but unless there is
some steadying influence people with configurations of Mercury and the Moon
are not reliable because of their tendency to change their minds repeatedly
in the most unexpected manner. They are inclined to look upon the bright
side of life and are fond of pleasure, particularly travel.
THE MOON SQUARE OR OPPOSITION TO MERCURY gives a poor memory and lack of
mental stability with a tendency to indecision and worry, liability to brain
storms and hysterics. These characteristics make the person unpopular and
as the saying is, "unlucky."
SATURN SEXTILE OR TRINE TO MERCURY acts as a brake upon the flighty mind
and gives it a seriousness, depth and concentration which is of inestimable
value in life. The forethought and profound reasoning ability indicated by
these aspects insure success in whatever vocation the person may pursue.
The patient persistence which permits no temporary failure to stand in the
way of ultimate success; their caution and diplomacy make such people invin-
cible in the long run. Therefore they generally become prominent in connec-
tion with some serious enterprise such as secrete societies, the church or
even politics or governmental affairs. They are in demand for high posi-
tions in great undertakings where a steady hand is required on the helm.
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But they do not usually shine in public for they are very quiet, subdued and
serious in their manner and demeanor; besides they are absolutely honest and
fairminded, hence they make the very finest judges obtainable.
SATURN CONJUNCTION OR PARALLEL TO MERCURY gives depth to the mind, and
forespiritual, together with all the other good qualities enumerated as re-
sulting from the sextile and the trine if Mercury is otherwise
well-aspected, but not in so full a measure, or at any rate the person does
not seem to be able to externalize them as readily, hence does not meet the
same assured success as given by the good aspects. He also suffers from the
tendency to melancholy denoted by the square or opposition, especially if
the aspect occurs in one of the common signs or in Capricorn, and if in
Gemini it interferes sadly with the dexterity. Such people tend to drop ev-
erything they take into their hands. These aspects also give an embarrass-
ing timidity and if Mercury is afflicted the undesirable qualities enumer-
ated as resulting from the square or opposition may be looked for.
SATURN SQUARE OR OPPOSITION TO MERCURY makes the person subject to
trouble and delays all through life. He is thwarted on every hand by slan-
der and secret enemies and this condition in time makes him bitter and
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sarcastic with the additional result that he is shunned by all who can pos-
sibly get away from him. This in time leads him to become a recluse who
shuts himself away to brood over his troubles. Such a person sometimes be-
comes subject to melancholia of a most piteous character. These aspects
also make the person cunning and untruthful. They give the same desire to
study the occult conferred by the good aspects, but there is the great dif-
ference that while the good aspects of Saturn and Mercury incline one to the
study of occultism from unselfish motives, the bad aspects impel him to fer-
ret out nature's secret for personal power or gain.
JUPITER CONJUNCTION, PARALLEL, SEXTILE OR TRINE TO MERCURY is one of the
finest assets in life, for it gives a cheerful, optimistic disposition with
the ability to look upon the bright side of things and keep up the spirits
in hours of adversity. The mind is broad, versatile, and able to reason
correctly and to form a reliable judgment by careful deliberation. These
people never give a hasty decision; they require time to think over whatever
is presented to them, but once they have reached a conclusion it will be
found incontrovertible. They are successful in law or literature and much
respected for their honesty and sincerity. These aspects are particularly
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fortunate for people who travel for business or pleasure, for they will reap
both benefit and enjoyment from a migratory mode of life; these aspects make
them "healthy, wealthy and wise" beyond the average, and loved by everybody
for the vital vibrations they radiate upon whomever they meet.
JUPITER SQUARE OR OPPOSITION TO MERCURY gives a vacillating and wavering
disposition so that the person cannot make up his mind when more than one
course of action is open, hence people with these aspects often lose their
opportunities through procrastination and lack of judgment, and must there-
fore often be classed as failures in life. They are liable to scandal and
slander because of treacherous associates. They should not travel, for it
will bring them loss and trouble. They should also be extremely careful in
making contracts or agreements to do or deliver certain things at a
specified time, for they will probably be unable to fulfill the requirements
and thus trouble and loss will result.
MARS SEXTILE OR TRINE TO MERCURY gives a keen, sharp, ingenious and re-
sourceful mentality. It makes the person enthusiastic over any proposition
which appeals to him and he has also ability to enthuse others and impress
them with his views; an indefatigable worker in any cause which arouses his
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sympathies, but he is not visionary, and is interested only in concrete mat-
ters. These people love argument or debate, and they have an inexhaustible
fund of wit and good humor, sometimes blended with a vein of sarcasm which
always strikes its mark, yet never viciously nor maliciously. They also
have remarkable dexterity and are able to turn their hands to whatever task
is allotted and do it with a speed, facility and expedition that is aston-
ishing, to say the least. They cannot do anything slowly or by halves,;
whatever they undertake must be done with a rush, and they put their whole
energy into it so that they may accomplish the task and do it well, hence
these aspects give success in life, in almost any line of endeavor these
people may select, but most often in literature or the mechanical arts.
MARS CONJUNCTION OR PARALLEL TO MERCURY gives the same mental energy, en-
thusiasm and dexterity as the definately good aspects, but whether these
qualities are used for constructive and good purposes or for destructive and
evil ends depends upon the sign, house position and other aspects. If the
configuration occurs in a sign where either or both planets are strong and
well-placed, as Mars in Aries or Capricorn, or Mercury in Gemini or Virgo,
or if they are fortified by good aspects from the Sun, Venus or Jupiter,
Mars conjunction or parallel Mercury will operate similarly to the sextile
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or trine, as stated in the foregoing paragraph, which see. But if Mars and
Mercury are in one of the watery signs (Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces), or if
either or both are afflicted by Saturn, Uranus or Neptune, the conjunction
or parallel of Mars and Mercury will give the same evil tendencies as the
square or opposition which are defined in the next paragraph.
MARS SQUARE OR OPPOSITION TO MERCURY makes people quickwitted, sharp and
alert, quick tempered, impulsive and excitable, liable to jump at conclu-
sions and act before they think with the inevitable result that they are al-
ways getting themselves or other people into trouble, hence they are danger-
ous associates. They are born prevaricators and utterly incapable of making
a straight statement. It is just as natural for them to color or exaggerate
their statements as it is to breathe. They are vitriolic in their wrath and
their tongues are more poisonous than the bite of a rattlesnake, hence they
are either feared or hated by those who are unfortunate enough to be bound
to them by environment; all who can, shun them. They are bullies who are
bound either to rule or ruin wherever they are, and they allow no obstacle
to stand in their way which can be removed either by force or slander. They
are the acme of selfishness, swagger and consummate egotism. The foregoing
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tendencies may of course be modified by other aspects, but if they are not,
such people are a menace to society. If either Mars or Mercury is placed in
the Sixth or Twelfth House or in any other position so that the bad aspect
acts upon the health, there is a liability to nervous prostration, brain fe-
ver or insanity.
URANUS SEXTILE OR TRINE TO MERCURY gives an original, independent and ec-
centric mind impatient of the fetters of fashion, tradition and convention.
Such a person is strenuous in his efforts to hew a path for himself in com-
plete liberty. Therefore this is the hall-mark of the pioneers in thought
and invention, the sign of genius. Their ideas and ideals are exceedingly
lofty, progressive and inspiring, in fact too much so in the opinion of the
average man or woman who looks upon their actions as vagaries, the outcome
of a diseased mind. Nevertheless they have plenty of friends on account of
their kindly and sympathetic nature. These aspects are good for a literary
or scientific pursuit, also for invention, particularly along lines which
have to do with air or electricity.
URANUS CONJUNCTION OR PARALLEL MERCURY. If Mercury is otherwise af-
flicted the conjunction and parallel are to be judged as bad aspects and
read accordingly, but if Mercury is otherwise well placed and aspected the
[PAGE 216] THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
delineation given for the sextile and trine will apply.
URANUS SQUARE OR OPPOSITION TO MERCURY is the hall-mark of the true crank
or anarchist who has extreme ideas in regard to tearing down the social
structure and making reforms. People with these configurations are given to
ranting and raving in public and their language is usually as cruel as the
measures they advocate. Whatever ability they possess is usually turned to
erratic purposes and they are often forced to make sudden changes on that
account.
NEPTUNE CONJUNCTION, PARALLEL, SEXTILE OR TRINE TO MERCURY gives a mind
peculiarly adapted to the occult art, particularly if the conjunction occurs
in the Third or Ninth House or the trines are from the watery signs Cancer
and Pisces. Such people usually succeed in occult science and often develop
a supernormal faculty. They are particularly good as magnetic healers.
NEPTUNE SQUARE OR OPPOSITION TO MERCURY gives a chaotic mind, liability
to lack of memory, indolence and a disposition to dream the time away.
There is a restless desire for fame and an inability to fit in anywhere.
Such people are liable to fraud, deception and slander, also to commit sui-
cide.
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