Patrick Rafter

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 Patrick Rafter.

Mercury in Sagittarius

EXPANSIVE CONCEPTS

NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES EXTRA MAINTENANCE.

Dry humor is one of your better characteristics. You're quick and bright and make your point. In bed you can be both vigorous and vocal. You're probably not afraid to ask your partner what turns them on.

TIP: Get some new arrows for your quiver of creativity.

You're restless, inquiring and ready to go places and learn things. Because of your abundant interests, it is important for you to keep your mind focused. Also, consider the consequences before you speak. Writing can be a unifying theme and you are encouraged to become a published author.

Mercury Opposite Saturn

CONCEPTS CHALLENGE DECISIONS

Your infancy and childhood might have been tough. You might have a fear of being perceived as "being stupid". 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. You can be single minded and obsessed with goals.

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. Patrick Rafter, it is safe to 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 Quintile Pluto

CONCEPTS BRING OUT TALENT FOR CLEANSING

Your mind is resourceful, probing and persistent. You are fascinated and at times even obsessed with the mysterious and the unknown. You can become persuasive, cunning and sly. You can become very good at surgery, research, analysis, propaganda, politics and exploration. Be relentless in your mental routines and in time you will gain insight. This will help you find an appropriate outlet for sharing your deepest, most penetrating thoughts and ideas. You have great appeal for the masses.

You hold your own in a debate. When necessary, you are a forceful speaker. You command and demand attention. You can rouse an audience.

Focus your powers of observation and get a grasp of your situation. Choose the right words and you can convince a gang of people. You have a talent for specialty writing. Your sexual witticisms can open the doors to exclusive places.