February 08, 2001

Hermes, in Greek mythology played two parts. He was the messenger of the gods, wearing a feathered hat and winged sandals. In his hand he carries the caduceus, the herald's staff. He collected and delivered messages; he did not create them. As a god he oversaw the way of travelers, he was luck in godly form; he also ruled the realms of music, eloquence, commerce, cheats and liars. It is said that he created both the lyre and the flute.

When the Greek Pantheon became the Roman Pantheon, Hermes name was changed to Mercury and his rôle altered slightly. He maintained his guise as messenger and overseer of commerce, but with a twist; he now sported feather-tipped wings and commanded others to speak as well as being an orator himself.

In astrology Mercury, the planet, has many of the same rôles as did the Greek Hermes and the Roman Mercury. Mercury 'rules' communications, awareness, intellect, logic, reason and adds the piquancy to how we both create and express our thoughts.

When Mercury retrogrades every aspect of our planet feels the impact. Patience and adaptability are put to the test. Confusion and misunderstandings are common fare. Our thought processes seem to have direction and misdirection independent of us, our feelings, our understandings, our free will.

There are rules of thumb from our day-to-day lives that need to be amplified during any Mercury retrograde, but especially this one happening in Aquarius, Aquarius, whose domain is rationality, purpose, and understanding.

• Plan ahead and plan for alternatives: Mercury's backward travel impedes and sometimes traps. This rule of thumb does not only apply to travel, but to any undertaking, large or small.
• Carefully cultivate the power of critical thinking. Examine and re-examine thoughts, beliefs, opinions, suppositions before putting them out for public consumption. Remember that it is easy to mislead without meaning to do so.
• Be impeccable in your presentation and have your facts sorted from your opinions.
• Be fully prepared to answer questions, to clarify and to defend statements and actions.
• Be empowered, affirmative, and assertive.
• Be profoundly responsible.

Mercury teaches us to be flexible, to be patient, to 'see' the alternatives. Mercury encourages us to be creative and to be prepared.

The Magician, card number 1, is associated with Mercury. In my personal deck the Mage is a beautiful young man shown in an attitude of humble anticipation. His eyes are lowered; his countenance is peaceful, but somehow saddened. Surrounding him are the symbols of the elements, and in turn, the minor arcana. A goblet, shaded in indigo, sapphire, and aquamarine, represents Water and the suite of Cups rests on a darkened surface in front of this ascetic individual; an ebony-handled dirk quivers as it arises from the goblet in an bubble of liquid mercury represents Air and the suite of Swords. To the Mages left, casting light and shadows, is a dark-blue candle, its base and holder unseen in the depth of darkness, but highlighting the goblet, and the dagger. The candle represents Fire and the suit of Sceptres. To the right of the Mage uroborous encircles two overlapped and connected triangles that further encloses coins of the realm and a carpenters square representing Earth and the suite of Coins.

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Do you remember

Do you remember

Do your remember

Do you remember?

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Concepts associated with the Magician: Communication, Timing, Clear Thinking, Recapitulation, Truth, Authority, Action, Awareness, Mysteries, Leader

The MAGE represents the active side of creative prowess. With the MAGE we are introduced to the concept of intent; the ability to focus the mind, the will, on a specific purpose. Through the personal power of the MAGE, we learn how to impact the world with the strengths of our knowledge, our scholarship, our critical thinking, and our convictions.

The MAGE is also known as the Transformer for the power of transmogrification. Magic, it can be said, is the ability to alter the ordinary into the extraordinary.

The MAGE will provide a consistent source of truth and awareness. The MAGE can be called upon in times of difficulty to assist with determining the truth of the situation and to help shed ignorance and unlearn misinformation. The MAGE influences how the material world is perceived.

The MAGE, while a leader, is neither kindness nor tolerance. The MAGE shows the way, but does not stop for sightseers or lag-behinds. The MAGE does not tolerate inanity or dilettantism. The MAGE demands commitment and determination.

The lesson of The MAGE is persistence. The FOOL now has purpose added to goals.

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