Gemini exists to think and ponder and experience his ideas. Concepts, cleverness, wit, mental challenges, and conundrums of all types are sources of endless fascination for our mercurial friends.
Give your Twins a problem to solve, an idea to explore and watch what happens. Much like the ignition of elements in the beaker of a science lab, various compound reactions are possible – though rarely predictable. Oh, yes, your Twins are proud of their mutability, their unpredictability, the very essence of what makes them, well a them. There’s a very good reason why the symbol for Gemini is the Twins. They are most definitely a they rather than he or she.
There is a decidedly changeably face presented by these folks, which makes them very, very good actors, mimics, and yes, maybe even a few schizophrenics in the bunch. Words are their weapon of choice, and get collared by one and you will soon find yourself swimming in a sea of them. A Gemini could sell snow to an Eskimo.
Slick and smooth in the extreme, the talented Twin is able to present the appropriate face at any moment he needs to summon it, and therefore makes a natural diplomat. When serving the needs of an ideal or cause the Gemini among us knows how to influence the minds of others and maneuver great alliances into being.
Sometimes he has been accused of being dishonest. Well, when this does happen, it is because the Gemini cannot resist the temptation to practice his cleverness and facility at creating illusion. Much like the elusive Mystique character in X-men, the Twins powers can be used for good or evil. Only he or she – or they – can decide which. Ultimately the karma of being born a Gemini is about learning about communication and each of our responsibility regarding it.
Twins learn through their opposite, the sign of Sagittarius and so, ultimately this detail oriented mercury mind learns to see the big picture and develop a philosophy as represented by broad minded Sag. The Gemini with an ideal or cause to pursue is a Gemini with a spring in his or her step, a sense of purpose and above all, something to ground all that excess personal electricity with.
Oh, the acrobatic Twins can be so nimble, so clever and oh so entertaining. But really he is searching for an intellectual challenge, stimulation, fascination that will cause her to become absorbed and require utmost and complete concentration. Oh, how dreary life becomes for these Mercury minded folks when their minds are allowed to wander too far. Give them a challenge! Spark their imagination, shake their concepts!
If you can do so, they will run right out and woo you, wow you, razzle-dazzle you and throw in a few back flips just for good measure. These are the thinkers of the zodiac, and if this fine mind isn’t allowed to waste it’s time on trivial gossip then they are the problem solvers, the flashes of insight and brilliance that hurl us forward with new ideas. Ideas, spark evolution and revolution. But by that time the Twins are long gone, bored and ready to find a new puzzle to bend their minds around.
If you love a Gemini be clever and witty. Tease them, tie their brains into little pretzels and make them laugh. If they decide you are interesting enough for them then they will constantly delight you with their words, charming surprises, thoughtfulness, cheer and sheer zaniness
The VIRGIN is fine, neat, orderly, and above all healthy, perhaps a bit obsessively so. They say that genius is in the details, and if that is true then VIRGO has more than it’s fair share of geniuses. Everything in their world operates like well-oiled machinery, or at least it should, and if it doesn’t the poor VIRGO gets, well, distressed.
Usually well mannered and highly conscious of all social graces our hero the VIRGIN rarely makes a scene, even when the messy disarray of life is causing an internal aneurism to erupt in his finely tune psyche. Oh, yes they can be perfectionists our delicate friends the VIRGOANS.
You see, there exists in these people a finely tuned radar, an antennae, a precariously balanced series of weights and measures designed to carefully maintain a sense of order. The secret truth about these people is that they are deeply, personally, privately, delicately sensitive beings. (Sshhh! Don’t tell anyone!) Like your proverbial Librarian, they don’t want loud noises in the library, and to the VIRGO, all of life would be a little bit better if we would just treat everyplace as if it were a library. It would save so much trouble! And make things so much more efficient!
The mental sensitivity of MERCURY causes our manner-full friends to constantly seek mental peace, and this they look for through better, smoother, more efficient systems. If something needs organizing, cataloging, put into order or refined in any way shape or form then VIRGO is your man. It’s just that this attitude can be slightly out of place at, say, a sporting event.
Some people claim the the VIRGIN can be fussy, precious, even anal. But you must understand, if it weren’t for her concern with keeping things in place then what would become of civilization I ask you? The entire fabric of society would unravel without her neatly printed rules of conduct and order — thank you miss manners! To be sure, if you were wondering if spectator pumps are appropriate to wear after Labor Day, have no fear, VIRGO is here with the answer. (No). If you need your closet organized, an event catered, your schedule organized, call in one of these MERCURY minded folks. VIRGO’S are the everyday, unsung, overlooked, salt of the earth hero’s who quietly make sure that the business of the world gets handled; the beds get made, the kids get off to school with a well-balanced breakfast, the dry cleaning gets picked up, the train leaves on time, the lint gets removed from your jacket…. Whew!
Since the essence of the VIRGO karma is purity, they get annoyed when their mental purity is sullied. It’s important to remember that perfection is a nice ideal, but humanity is, well, messy and imperfect. And in the end it is our imperfections that make us human.
The VIRGIN learns about the self through the psychological aspects represented by it’s compliment, PISCES — who represents mysticism, spirituality, transcendence and ecstatic states of consciousness. Ultimately, the VIRGO learns that by perfecting their individuality (metaphoric virginity) they are able to blend and unify with all of humanity, and become part of the whole, and in this way they feel useful, necessary and purposeful. They begin to see the forest AND the trees, and to appreciate that beautiful sunset setting just beyond them.
If you love a VIRGIN don’t be surprised that this reference has little to do with sex. Although not famous for loving sex for it’s own sake, your VIRGO will want to perform it as perfectly as anything else they undertake, which can mean this VIRGIN has a lot of experience in the bedroom. And you know what they say, practice makes perfect! To get closer to one of these chisled specimens of human health, buy them a plant, make them a wheat grass shake, go to yoga with one. Get really into macrobiotics, show him or her that you intend to take perfect care of your health just as they do. Behave impeccably, open doors, throw your coat over puddles, show her that you will work for her attentions. Your VIRGO will be impressed, and reward you for your efforts — she hates to see hard work and effort go unnoticed!
This planet was the messenger of the gods in the Greek myths. MERCURY would be the one to send messages between the various gods of Mount Olympus, and also from the gods to man. He was a very androgynous male figure. Since he is also responsible for messages from god to man, as a force he could be considered equivalent to Angels, and divine intuitions. But he was also a trickster, and could show a more disruptive face. He is responsible for misunderstandings between people and the power, yet limitations of language to convey our thoughts to one another. He is responsible for words, having stolen the alphabet from the gods and brought it to man. The god MERCURY is rather amoral in his behavior, capable of lies and petty thievery, as well as love poems and messages of encouragement. He is capricious and takes flights of fancy. But there is rarely anything deeply malicious about his influence, just irksome and annoying at times. He is generally playful, and for all his fickleness, is sincerely distressed when someone is upset. At those times he can become a playful clown, cracking witty remarks. He might not really solve the problem, but he may show you a way to laugh at it. His realm of rulership includes all of the communication methods used by man, telephones, faxes, the mail, gossip columns, and even telepathy. MERCURY’S influence makes us aware of what we say to one another, how we phrase it and what they say back to us. The planet MERCURY lends cleverness and acuity to a personality. There is often something ironic about MERCURY, he being the planet/god responsible for puzzles, riddles and brainteasers. When MERCURY is making his influence felt, we become keenly aware of the various sides and aspects of an issue or idea.
MERCURY rules both Gemini and Virgo. In his Gemini incarnation the tendency to see the world as black and white is very pronounced. The Gemini generally sees all sides of an issue with that limber mind of theirs. This can give rise to categorizing people and information in static ways. The Gemini will then grab whatever piece of information serves their argument and use it to their favor. They can look at life as a chess game, where the smartest player will use the other persons words, thought and ideas to defeat them. The object of the game; prove your mental superiority. The Gemini who lives life by an overriding principle will use that sharp mind to expose flaws and faulty logic for a constructive purpose. The self-serving Gemini can use their brilliance to con and manipulate other people.
MERCURY also rules Virgo, since I consider CHIRON to be a modern ruler for Virgo, I recommend that you read that page also. In the Virgo personality mental flexibility is dedicated to storing information and checking details. The Virgo generally is interested in finding and storing data, so that they can prove any hypothesis that they should be asked to follow out. The Virgo wants every piece of information to be put in its proper place. Disarray makes them feel nervous. And a nervous Virgo is a critical Virgo. They can’t help it, they just notice every item or comment that’s casually thrown about, and want to find it a home. A big secret about Virgo is that they are very sensitive, and want to extend their own need for order and calm to include everyone else. Since a pea in the princess’s bed will keep her from sleeping she will see to that there are no peas in any beds throughout the land. Virgo makes sure that certain standards are met and upheld in life.
One other note about MERCURY is that 3 times a year it goes retrograde. This means that from the perspective of the Earth it appears to stop and then travel backwards along its orbit for a period of several weeks. During this time communication foul-ups increase, people from the past resurface and previous words and/or work often need to be clarified and revised. It is a confusing to begin MERCURY related activities, to buy electronics or to sign contracts. Learn more by watching the video below:
Every individual has MERCURY somewhere in their Natal Chart. Its influence will determine the way we communicate our thoughts, and the way we use our minds to grasp and use information. For more information about MERCURY’S influence on you I recommend having a Natal Chart Interpretation.
It’s that most talked about of Astrological phenomenon - that Horoscopic experience that defies intelligence. Mercury Retrograde — It happens again starting July 4th (Happy Birthday USA). But to hear most people talk about it you would think that the sky is falling!! Is it really that BAD?
NOT BY A LONG SHOT.
Astrology is a variable experience. Any Retrograde Mercury is only as bad (or GOOD!) as the aspects that it makes. And that is far too complicated a subject to go into in this brief blog. I can (and will talk about some of the aspects that this Mercury is making for us ALL over the next three weeks - but really the important thing you want to know is - how will this Mercury Retrograde effect YOU! And that question can’t be answered in a Blog, or a Horoscope or on TV, or by your grandmother. Unless she’s a really good Astrologer, and even then I wouldn’t recommend it, after all, how objective can she be?
OK, this time Mercury is Retrograde in Cancer - again Happy Birthday USA. Actually, this time Mercury starts in Leo and then backtracks into Cancer on the 11th of July - just in time to hang out with the Full Moon (at 18″ Capricorn that it is governed by. OK, OK enough technical Astro - Jargon. The bottom line here is that it means there will be some serious messages, important messages. Maybe very tough, strict or ‘hard-ass’ messages. Especially around the 10th of July, then around July 31 - Aug 1 there may be some ‘close calls’ which finally pan out or ‘land’ around August 21 when Mercury reconnects with this 18th degree of Cancer.
My educated prediction here is that we will here news OF or FROM the Government that is rough. Reason #1 - the USA is a Cancer, reason #2 Government is ruled by Capricorn. Reason #3 the USA has also got Venus, Jupiter and Mercury(retrograde) in Cancer. This points towards a vertible firestorm of controversy - and it’s probably impossible to underestimate the level of emotion involved. The USA Mercury is highly aspected at this time. Politics are not usual. The spin doctors are out in force - and which of us will be able to see the fact from the fuselage?
My guess is none but the few who were born with a Retrograde Mercury in their own charts. Is that you? My brother has a Retrograde Mercury. He is bona fide genius (I’m serious here); they put him in the mentally gifted kids programs in school. In High School he managed to simultaniously fail out of all his classes (it’s hard to pass if you don’t attend), and get the highest SAT score in my High School - ever. We have all been feeling the slowdown of Mercury for the past week (at least). I had a stunningly clear and heartfelt conversation with this same brother - which was long overdue. And he is normally hard to understand - which is putting it mildly (and I’m no dim wit). My point here is that those Rx Mercury people are the ones who really know what is going on at this point in time.
Another side of Retrograde Mercury in Cancer is that it is extremely emotional and very family oriented. Some sorts of parent archetypes, authority figure metaphores and Mom/Dad identity issues take a front and center role for all of us to some degree. The good news here is that it can give us the chance to release any old feelings or attitudes around these things that have been holding us back - but sometimes that takes outside help to accomplish.
The bottom line - pay attention to any authority problems or challenges that arise and understand that on the personal, community and national levels that these are the effects of this Mercury Retrograde. Do what you can to make the most of these situations, and release any old challenges that are uncovered. For more detailed info for yourself and what the Mercury Retrograde means for you - then click on the link and have a session.
Blessings, and may this Mercury Retrograde release you from any ancient baggage that you no longer need.
-Aura
Originally posted April 2, 2005
OK, I am an Astrologer, and as such I am prone to make statements like - ‘Oh, It’s only Mercury in Retrograde!’, but this one has been a comedy of errors. Here’s my most recent story, and I’m sticking to it! –
There is a glass shelf in our bathroom that sits into a metal tray, and was recently broken by a misplaced candle holder. It was an odd size and I wanted to have it replaced, so I took it out and put it in the car to show the glass guy at the glass shop where I figured I could easily have it replaced.
I also have a wall on which there are metal tracks for shelves. I have three thick glass shelves that are quite beautiful, but very dirty and covered in a rubbery cementy glue. I recently painted this room a lovely buttery yellow, and wanted to fix up the shelves. Sounds reasonable enough, right? Wrong.
It started innocently enough with a trip to Home Despot to get the metal shelf arms upon which to rest the three glass shelves. These shelves are 6 inches deep. I searched and searched and the closest I could come to that size was an 8 inch shelf arm. “Well, I’ll try it,” I thought and picked up 6. On the way home, I stopped at the glass shop, and showed the man my broken bathroom shelf, gave him the right length measurement and handed him the shelf itself, and which point I said something like, “It needs to be the same width as this one.” He went into the back and soon emerged with the gleaming replacement, which I tucked under my arm and pranced out with.
I got home, and cleaned off the three thick shelves until they gleamed. But when I went to install the brackets, I found that they were too thick and did not fit - damn! I then went to install the shelf in the bathroom, and though the shelf was the exact right length - 19 3/4 inches, it was about an 8th of an inch TOO WIDE, and also did not fit. Getting in and out of here is not easy matter, with our roads closed half the time for repairs from the recent flooding so I had to wait until the next day when I went to take the shelf and the brackets back, but the glass store was closed. So I went to a local harware store to look for more brackets. They had 6 inch ones, and they seemed a wee bit thinner (much like I wished myself to be) - so I picked up 6. I took them home, they fit like a dream. After I installed the three lovely shelves and artfully placed some photos, books and a few candles on them, I was pleased. I was proud, they looked great. BUT, they might look a little better if I added two more shelves.
The next day, I went back to the glass shop. I showed him my shelf, and explained my problem. I also ordered the two OTHER shelves for the bedroom. I explained the measurements - 6 inches deep, 18 inches long and 1/2 inch THICK. I pointed at a shelf in his office that was the correct thickness. He said the job would be done the next day, in the course of a 3 minute conversation, he called me ‘Kiddo’ at least 5 times. I am 37 years old. I shouldn’t complain, at least he wasn’t referring to me as the little old lady from Pasadena. I went back to the hardware store and picked up 4 more brackets - for the next two bedroom shelves.
The next day I returned and picked up three shelves. I promptly went to the bathroom to insert the shelf into it’s tray. It fit! Success! I went to place the two other shelves in thier homes, and discovered that they were TOO THIN! That’s right, not half inch glass as I had pointed out and specifically stated, but quarter inch glass which looked terrible and did not match my other three shelves. Steam started rising from my ears. “This is rediculous” I thought. And that was Friday. Now I have to wait until Monday to go back and have the glass guy put together TWO MORE shelves for me! I am anticipating that when I arrive on Monday, he will not be there, and his replacement will stare at me blinking uncomprehendingly at my plight. And all I wanted was A NICE SHELF UNIT for the bedroom!
And I haven’t even started on the story about how the cable company keeps telling me that the new Fiberoptic system is not available in my neighborhood - never mind that the neighbors on either side of me have just had it installed!
Gemini exists to think and ponder and experience his ideas. Concepts, cleverness, wit, mental challenges, and conundrums of all types are sources of endless fascination for our mercurial friends.
The VIRGIN is fine, neat, orderly, and above all healthy, perhaps a bit obsessively so. They say that genius is in the details, and if that is true then VIRGO has more than it’s fair share of geniuses. Everything in their world operates like well-oiled machinery, or at least it should, and if it doesn’t the poor VIRGO gets, well, distressed.
This planet was the messenger of the gods in the Greek myths. MERCURY would be the one to send messages between the various gods of Mount Olympus, and also from the gods to man. He was a very androgynous male figure. Since he is also responsible for messages from god to man, as a force he could be considered equivalent to Angels, and divine intuitions. But he was also a trickster, and could show a more disruptive face. He is responsible for misunderstandings between people and the power, yet limitations of language to convey our thoughts to one another. He is responsible for words, having stolen the alphabet from the gods and brought it to man. The god MERCURY is rather amoral in his behavior, capable of lies and petty thievery, as well as love poems and messages of encouragement. He is capricious and takes flights of fancy. But there is rarely anything deeply malicious about his influence, just irksome and annoying at times. He is generally playful, and for all his fickleness, is sincerely distressed when someone is upset. At those times he can become a playful clown, cracking witty remarks. He might not really solve the problem, but he may show you a way to laugh at it. His realm of rulership includes all of the communication methods used by man, telephones, faxes, the mail, gossip columns, and even telepathy. MERCURY’S influence makes us aware of what we say to one another, how we phrase it and what they say back to us. The planet MERCURY lends cleverness and acuity to a personality. There is often something ironic about MERCURY, he being the planet/god responsible for puzzles, riddles and brainteasers. When MERCURY is making his influence felt, we become keenly aware of the various sides and aspects of an issue or idea.
