The Mercury archetype represents our mind and how we think and communicate. It shows how we articulate and conceptualise ideas, give and receive information, and use language to make sense of the world. It also represents networks and transportation. Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo. The symbol is the semi-circle of the Moon over the circle of the Sun, both above the cross of matter. So Mercury brings the conscious (Sun) and unconscious (Moon) together in material reality.

Keywords for Mercury:

• Communication
• Mediation
• Connections
• Logos (Divine reason & order)

Mercury Myths

There are many gods who represent the mythology of Mercury. In Sumerian mythology there was Enki, a fire and creator god. In Scandinavian mythology there was Loki, also a fire god and a trickster. Loki was a thief and a liar, but also offered wise counsel at times.

The Greek god associated with Mercury is Hermes, winged messenger of the gods. Hermes is the god of thieves, liars and businessmen, and as he rules over crossroads, he is patron of travellers and the lost. He’s also god of luck and money, and is depicted as wearing winged sandals and carrying a caduceus. Hermes is the only god who can move freely between the realms of the gods, humans and the dead.

In Egyptian mythology we have Thoth, god of wisdom, justice and writing. He is patron of the sciences and messenger to Ra. There is also Anubis, the jackal headed god who guides the souls of the dead to the underworld.

Mercury Myths on Film

The Social Network tells the story of the birth of Facebook and social networking, and how Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg) managed to make millions with an idea he more or less stole from other people: twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, both played by Armie Hammer. It also portrays his difficulty communicating and forming relationships, and how he alienated his friend, and co-founder of Facebook, Eduardo Saverin, played by Andrew Garfield.

Shakespeare in Lovetells the story behind the creation of one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays – Romeo and Juliet. Will Shakespeare, played by Joseph Fiennes, has writer’s block and is hopelessly stuck with his new comedy – Romeo and Ethel the Pirate’s Daughter. This changes when he meets his muse, Lady Viola, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, and the joys and difficulties of their impossible romance inspire him to create one of his masterworks.

>Read the rest of the series here