What Your Mercury Sign Says About Making Yourself Heard

Do you get straight to the point or do you prefer to “work” on an idea for weeks after surveying all your friends’ opinions? Are you more productive working alone, or do you need to collaborate? Mercury signs in the chart reveal our mental process, how we digest information, and our most effective means of communicating. Mercury (along with Venus) also influences your social style, your friendships, and the people you get along with.

Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun. It is the celestial messenger and "information bureau" of the cosmos, breaking down and disseminating information provided by the Sun and broadcasting it throughout the galaxy. With Mercury's retrograde journey in Aries from March 22 to April 15, 2018, the deceptive planet could be confusing our messages. So now is the perfect time to get familiar with our communication styles! (Unless Mercury is in a high-profile retrograde phase, the quicksilver planet typically takes three to four weeks to move through a single sign).

The zodiac sign that Mercury was passing through when you were born is your Mercury sign. Knowing your Mercury sign – and that of others – can help you express your thoughts in the most digestible way possible. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it. It can also help you create a work process where you can focus, get in the flow and create!

Calculate your birth chart to find your Mercury sign. Then read on to learn more about what it means.

Aries (or in the 1st house):

You tend to:

• Thinking on the fly, always having “a-ha” moments.
• Speaking without thinking
• Prefer quick, small ideas
• be in the present moment – ​​you don't dwell on the past or get nostalgic
• Think independently (“Don’t tell me what to do!”)
• Don't be afraid to express unpopular opinions.
• You like to be “first”.
• love trends and everything new... but lose interest just as quickly.
• Thriving in Dopamine-Stimulated Challenges
• Interrupting or talking over people, dominating conversations.
• You sometimes seem like you're bragging or selfish.
• You like to achieve the impossible and prove those who hate you wrong!

The best way to process information:

• Quick and concise points.
• With a promise of excitement and adventure (“OMG! You need to hear about this new idea!”).

Productivity tips:

• Turn projects and goals into challenges to fuel your competitive side.
• Reserve the right to carry out part of the project "your way".
• Quickly determine “what’s in it for me”.
• Work in short sprints with a clear victory when you complete a task.
• Never do anything out of obligation.

Taurus (or the 2nd House):

You tend to:

• Be a person of common sense.
• Evaluate ideas for their “return on investment.”
• Work better in a predictable and safe environment
• Need proof that an idea will work
• Trust ideas that are proven to work rather than those that are trendy and experimental.
• You have an innate sense of what will work visually, aesthetically.
• You manage people well when there is a clear system to follow.
• You're a little too "right on the facts" for some people.
• You prefer to talk about your thoughts rather than your feelings.
• You need to see it to believe it
• You like to have a clear action plan: What should you DO?
• You like to feel productive and accomplish small tasks and steps that lead you to your main goal.
• You like to work systematically on a to-do list.
• You may be resistant to change and new ideas.
• You don't like to deviate from the routine or plan.

The best way to process information:

• With clear, step-by-step instructions
• By concrete evidence (Taurus rules the physical/material world).
• When you clearly understand the desired outcome

Productivity tips:

• Create an “operations manual” for your work (and life!). Make a workbook with step-by-step instructions on how to perform essential tasks, use all equipment, etc. Put important contact information and logins there. Having everything in one place will make your efficient Mercury green with envy.
• Break big goals into small steps and put them on a calendar.

Gemini (or the 3rd House):

Mercury is in its "house" sign in Gemini (and Virgo).

You tend to:

• Be a quick talker and thinker.
• quickly browse books, articles, information; discuss and process them in half the time
• You get bored easily
• need variety
• Wanting to know the “why” of everything
• Ask lots of questions.
• Speak with your hands or be a lively speaker
• Exaggerate or tell colorful stories
• Be a walking Google search engine (an anecdote and fact machine).
• Being the “talker” in the office or the “idea person”.
• Learning through interactive or multimedia systems
• devour media and mini-courses (books, articles, podcasts)
• Be good at small talk, icebreakers, light conversations.
• Have an intelligent and creative use of language
• Lack patience for ideas that are too abstract or philosophical.
• You can be an excellent teacher, trainer or presenter, able to distill information.

The best way to process information:

• Through quick bullet points, straight to the point
• By clever turns of phrase
• Through multimedia, chat and text
• Through printed materials: Magazines and books could be your favorite collectible,

Productivity tips:

• You must attend classes, workshops and discussion groups.
• Make learning social and interactive – dinner lounge and teach-in, anyone?
• Don't try to turn every hobby or interest into a career, but cultivate your talents to satisfy your appetite for variety.
• Think in terms of "contrasts" to play on your dual nature - rotate between two projects that use totally different parts of your mind.
• Find your “twin”: Have a study buddy or accountability partner.

Cancer (or in the 4th House):

You tend to:

• Being sensitive to the feelings and needs of others in a group - the "mom" of the office.
• take things personally
• Have high emotional intelligence
• You worry and obsess about security
• being a nurturing person who always asks how others are doing
• Feeling insecure or embarrassed to open up at first.
• Treat feelings as facts.
• Create connections through conversation
• Be interested in people's desires and motivations.
• Take on too much responsibility and keep the resentment to yourself.
• You expect people to “know” how you feel.
• You need comfort and reassurance, especially before sharing something personal.
• You don't trust and don't open up easily.
• You rely heavily on your family or a small group of longtime friends.
• You may be resistant to change and surprises.

How to best process information:

• When presented with a personal and gentle touch.
• Through your emotions and intuition
• In a safe and comfortable space where you feel free to say whatever you want.

Productivity tips:

• Keep your “support team” nearby to encourage (and cheer) you up.
• Have everything you enjoy close to hand: snacks, comfortable clothes, tea, music.
• Get up and move! Emotions may get "stuck" in your body, or you may deal with stress by eating heavy foods that make you tired and exhausted. Whether it's yoga, short walks, or regular workouts, exercise can help you keep your balance.

Leo (or in the 5th House):

You tend to:

• Loving big and bold ideas that are delivered with creative flourish.
• You thrive on challenges, especially if they're fun.
• Have a keen eye for color and design
• Create a sense of camaraderie
• You are the loudest person in the group.
• You need full attention when you speak
• You need the spotlight or an audience.
• You're not afraid to brag about your accomplishments or share from your heart.
• You can deeply move people with your storytelling skills.
• You need to be careful of your tendency toward self-reference (“now, back to me…”).
• You fiercely protect the people you love, you “roar” on their behalf.
• Courageously defend a cause or project in which you believe.
• Encourage, motivate and support others - you are the cheerleader of the group.
• Express your ideas by telling stories, showing artistic flair, putting on a show with all the bells and whistles.
• You may be drawn to drama – watch the time spent at the water cooler!
• You unconsciously subject people to loyalty tests.
• You get really, REALLY excited about everything at first.

How to best process information:

• When presented in a fun and playful way
• Through stories, images and personal examples, especially those you can relate to.

Productivity tips:

• Take regular doses of vitamin F (Fun). Turn your work into a game to motivate yourself. The bigger and brighter the prizes, the better!
• Find your “tribe” – like a lion, you need a group of loyal people who you can defend, protect and bond with.
• Avoid drama. There's a fine line between exciting adventures and time-wasting distractions. Be careful where you direct your attention, as you may be drawn into soap operas that waste your time and energy.

Virgo (or the 6th house):

Mercury is in its "house" sign in Virgo (and Gemini).

You tend to:

• Be a linear or systematic thinker.
• Wanting to plan and schedule everything
• Wanting to know “how things work”.
• be a technician or craftsman
• You love mastery, you are obsessed with improving your technique for years.
• You are a perfectionist
• You notice all the flaws, the typos, the errors (even the most subtle ones that everyone misses).
• You'd like to know why".
• You seek order and efficiency - everything is in its place.
• Be very focused when working.
• You love the smallest details.
• You have a weakness for animals, plants and nature.
• You have an affinity for anything “crunchy”.

How to best process information:

• With data, facts and figures... but also when it comes to human nature.
• When information is simplified and straight to the point

Productivity tips:

• Treat yourself! Set up your space with all your materials, tools, books, etc.
• Surround yourself with other smart people – brains are beautiful too!
• Always have a goal to aim for – you like to constantly improve, so having a “stretch goal” keeps you inspired.

Libra (or in the 7th house):

You tend to:

• Be diplomatic and gracious.
• not liking conflicts (and even making efforts to avoid them)
• Make a decision or even know what you really think about a subject.
• Hate arguing
• You change your mind all the time
• You have a reputation for being eccentric or indecisive because of this!
• Planning too much and doing the same work twice
• Procrastinate while you internally weigh the pros and cons.
• Work hard to understand each other's needs
• Seek common victory and common agenda
• Playing it both ways, trying to please everyone
• Be easily influenced by the ideas and opinions of others.
• You need to make sure everyone is “on the same page.”
• You need support and you thrive when you have a solid, sensible person to give you feedback.

The best way to process information:

• Through dialogue! As part of a casual discussion or an exchange of views.
• By understanding how an idea will affect you and other people around you.

Productivity tips:

• Think “dynamic duos.” Libra rules relationships and pairs, so you thrive using the buddy system.
• Work with a coach or mentor who can keep you on track when you're out of balance.

Scorpio (or in the 8th house):

You tend to:

• Don't do anything halfway
• You dive into focus and intense bursts of productivity.
• You like puzzles, problem solving, understanding how things work.
• You like working behind the scenes
• You need to feel powerful and feel like you're making an impact.
• Find deep, transformational ideas
• You want to know the hierarchy and the hidden network of relationships in a group.
• You sometimes feel like you're "too much" or "too deep" for people.
• You are extremely sensitive to energy and unspoken power dynamics in a space – you can “read a room.”
• You absorb people's moods and vibrations.
• being attracted to mystical and spiritual subjects
• You perceive the subtleties of other people's body language and tone (but you can be a little paranoid).
• Be the “intuitive” or oracle of the team.
• You are fascinated by human development, transformation, psychology, the inner workings of the mind and soul.
• You read people's minds (and can expect others to read yours).

The best way to process information:

• When you are left alone to absorb information without interruption.
• If we leave you a little mystery to solve or discover.
• When you feel like you're an "insider" who gets the secret scoop!

Productivity tips:

• Block out distractions – laser-beam Scorpio needs to focus, so create a sacred space where you can work without interruption.
• Find other obsessive people to work around. Because you dive so deep, you can isolate yourself. Having productive energy in your space keeps you flowing and motivated.
• Take breaks. You can easily get lost in your work and forget to get some fresh air, which can put you in a dark mood. Force yourself to stop, have fun and interact!

Sagittarius (or in the 9th house):

You tend to:

• Love big, bold ideas with major impact.
• Take risks and take leaps of faith, but you can also jump without looking.
• Enjoy multitasking or have a variety of different projects going on.
• be fiercely independent in your opinions and ideas - no one tells YOU what to think or believe!
• You have trouble sitting still and concentrating.
• You might be interested in learning new languages.
• You love big ideals, world-changing visions, and metaphysical subjects.
• You'll get everyone excited about the big vision behind your ideas.
• You prefer to “ask for forgiveness rather than ask for permission.”
• You are very enthusiastic about many things, but you can "fizz and fizz."
• Exaggerate to the extreme, make excessive promises, exceed the target.
• They are funny and can use physical comedy to share an idea.
• Have a lot of irons in the fire
• They may be naive, gullible or overly optimistic.
• Get along with a diverse and eclectic group of people.
• You put your foot in your mouth, you speak without thinking, you blurt out tactless comments.
• Pushing the boundaries of what is appropriate
• Be a great motivational speaker, personal development ace or coach.
• You like to read, learn and hear new ideas.
• Be a successful entrepreneur

How to best process information:

• When you know what the “big idea” is behind it.
• By laughing and learning - fun and humor must be part of the equation.
• When you can do it on your terms, at your pace, and in YOUR way.

Productivity tips:

• Learn throughout your life: Take lots of courses, join discussion groups, make life a fun study hall (Sagittarius rules universities and higher education).
• Travel! With Mercury in this world sign, combine learning with retreats.
• Have a specific goal. When you know WHY you are doing something and feel connected to that vision, there is no stopping you.

Capricorn (or in the 10th House):

You tend to:

• Love a clear, simple plan with no frills.
• be a person who goes straight to the point and prefers facts to feelings
• Process your emotions in a linear way
• you are interested in history and traditions
• be obsessively ambitious and determined to achieve your goals.
• Think, speak and even act like a CEO or leader, even if you start as an intern.
• You like to take responsibility and climb the ladder.
• You don't like distractions and deviations from your goals.
• You sometimes come across as harsh and official, even imperious and condescending.
• You prefer to work “alone and in your corner”.
• You make everyone else look like lazy people.
• Play the role of provider, enjoy encouraging and mentoring young people - you have an eye for finding the "diamond in the rough".
• Obsessing with hierarchies and power structures.
• You enjoy talking with older, wiser, more experienced people.

The best way to process information:

• In a linear, structured and logical manner
• As part of a larger system – how does this fit into the overall goal?
• When presented with a long-term vision: What is the 5 or 10 year plan?

Productivity tips:

• Identify the big goal and carry out the steps for your action. How long will it take, and what do you need to DO to get there?
• Reward yourself. You tend to sacrifice yourself and go, go, go until you burn out. Make it non-negotiable to treat yourself to some earthly pleasures as a reward for your hard work!
• Have a "must-do-before-you-die" list of investments - put a portion of your profits or salary toward them, whether it's a dream trip, buying a house, or the creation of an education fund for children.

Aquarius (or the 11th House):

You tend to:

• Be witty, entertaining, and the "class clown" type.
• ...or be the mad scientist of the group with innovative and original ideas.
• be sociable, friendly and a good team player - collaborations are your thing.
• You can sometimes shock people with your radical opinions or spontaneous actions.
• Work best in groups of people who are open-minded and think outside the box.
• Ask your team for feedback regularly.
• Be a flatterer who tries too hard to please everyone or create consensus.
• Play the role of "mayor" or politician in groups.
• Integrate technology into your work and learning process

How to best process information:

• When you are able to submit it to your circle of trust and get their opinion.
• Through multimedia or technology
• When you are allowed to step back from your emotions and evaluate objectively.
• when an idealistic or humanitarian cause is associated with it.

Productivity tips:

• Create a mastermind! Aquarius is the sign of groups, and you thrive in collaborative environments.
• Encourage yourself to give back. Donate a portion of your profits to charity, hire women in developing countries to boost the global economy, use ethically sourced materials. When you are certain that an idea will benefit the whole world, you will be even more motivated.
• Come out of isolation. If you're an entrepreneur, rent space in a co-working office so you can be surrounded by people.

Pisces (or in the 12th house):

You tend to:

• Getting absorbed in your thoughts and creativity and losing track of time.
• Treating feelings as facts, blurring the line between thoughts and emotions.
• Get away from the essential rather than communicating in a linear, point-by-point manner.
• You are a dreamer, an abstract thinker - you may think in pictures or have difficulty expressing your ideas verbally.
• You need unstructured time for creative visualization and “downloading.”
• You rebel against too rigid programming - the quantum field is your playground.
• You want to help people
• You have a sensitive heart and find yourself trapped listening to people's sad stories.
• Listen: “How will this benefit the world or someone in need?
• Absorb other people's energy and emotions from what they say - cleanse yourself with sage, crystals or water.
• You fall into a victim mentality and feel helpless, overwhelmed, or unable to handle the situation.
• You need a lot of support and comfort during your emotional ups and downs.

The best way to process information:

• With music, poetry, images and artistic touches.
• By working in a beautiful, serene and spiritual setting, in nature or in your favorite peaceful sanctuary.
• Learn in a safe space where you can ask questions without feeling “stupid” for not understanding right away.

Productivity Tips:

• Allow yourself to “sleep on it” – literally! Pisces rules dreams and the subconscious, and your mind will digest and integrate ideas while you rest.
• Meditate, either with a guided recording or in a sacred space you create.
• Create a bulletin board to capture ideas through images.
• “Show, don’t tell: People may not understand your ideas if you just talk about them.