Erma Bombeck

Chapter 4. Mercury in Your Chart

Astrologically speaking, the planet Mercury is the conceptual force. It is a symbol of your mental life and such things as your mind, ideas, analytical abilities, as well as your sense and style of communication. Mercury describes patterns of thought, of learning and of assessing reality. Consequently it affects your self image and the force of your thought. It's what Dr. Timothy Leary calls "laryngeal manual dexterity" - which is the ability to manipulate symbols and artifacts. Mercury also represents the respiratory system. Mercury is youthful and it is the symbol of wit and levity.

Mercury is the symbol of titles and it's appropriate that Mercury is known as: winged messenger, herald, arbiter, scribe of the gods and inventor of writing. He also has many names including Loki, Nebu, Trickster, Piltzintecuhtli and Hermes.

More than ever in this age of multimedia information and disinformation, understanding the limitations and advantages of Mercury's placement in your chart heralds both survival and success. In the next paragraph is a description of just what kind of "mercurial" character you are and can become Erma Bombeck.

Mercury in Pisces

COMPASSIONATE CONCEPTS

It would seem that you absorb ideas and tend to learn through osmosis rather than study. You're somewhat psychic, intuitive, telepathic and receptive to the thoughts of others. This may even be unconscious. Either way, you're impressionable and need to be in a suitable environment. Your style of communication can be mysterious and other worldly. There's something of the absent minded professor about you.

You can be overly sensitive to criticism and can benefit from private coaching , mentoring and tutoring. You may be secretive and keep your own ideas to yourself. Find the right balance between privacy and being a recluse.

Your vivid imagination is an asset in the arts and creative endeavors. Put it to good use. You can communicate some utopia ideas to the world. Photography, film and cameras are a plus. Learn to get your ideas across clearly, orderly and one at a time.

Mercury Conjunct Venus

CONCEPTS UNITE WITH AFFINITY

Good ideas can spring from any conflict you experience between your thinking and your values. You have a somewhat different approach to love. Educate yourself to the power of charm.

TIP: Upgrade vanity and conceit to beauty and art.

Become more aware of love by analyzing your values. Make an extra effort to communicate with wit, charm and affection. Your most beautiful thoughts need a pleasurable outlet. Erma Bombeck, you need to appreciate what is good for you and what soothes your nerves.

You have some tender, lovely thoughts and a clearly defined sense of beauty. You can do very well at creative, expressive and designing activities. You have some great female friends and a can develop a penchant for saying the right thing at the right time.

Mercury Bi-Septile Saturn

CONCEPTS NON-CONFORM WITH DECISIONS

Your infancy and childhood might have been tough. You can overcome it by working to develop your reasoning powers. With effort, in time, you can have deep thoughts and do excellent mental work.

TIP: Read Boost Your Brain Power. It's a total program to sharpen your thinking and age-proof your mind. It's written by Ellen Michaud, Russell Wild and the editors of Prevention Magazine. ISBN 0-87857-975-3.

Learn to say what you mean in spite of your doubts. Make plans to see that your ideas are acted upon. Work your ideas. Develop them toward implementation. Think things through and make sure a response is warranted before you issue a criticism. "No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking." Voltaire.

Mercury Novile Chiron

CONCEPTS MUSE WITH MENTORING

Political and polite have the same root. Make yours polite politics. Assume a maverick stance to criticism.

TIP: Go on a quest for the power of numbers and letters.

You are challenged to read and write about holistic health practices. Dare to find the right moment to question monopolies.

Mercury Trine Midheaven

CONCEPTS COOPERATE WITH WHAT WILL BE

The more clearly you express yourself, the greater your career becomes. Share your ideas with the world at large. You can cultivate, circulate and syndicate your information. Humor will prove to be helpful.

You could achieve a degree of public success in connection with mental activities and games.