In this article we provide a detailed overview of Mercury in Capricorn as well as its impact in each of the 12 houses of the zodiac. Do you have Mercury in Capricorn in your horoscope? If so then this article is for you.
Mercury: The Planet of Language, the Intellect, and Commerce
Mercury is like the prince of the royal planetary family. He is as precocious as he is capricious. In Roman times, Mercury was worshiped as the god of communication and commerce. The name of this planet comes from the Latin word merx, or merchandise. In English, the word “mercurial” refers to someone who is spontaneous and unpredictable. This accurately sums up Mercury’s personality. The Sanskrit name for Mercury is Budha, meaning one who is clever or intelligent.
Mercury’s day of the week is Wednesday, known in Latin as “Mercurii.” Similarly, the popular name for Wednesday in Indian cultures is Budhavar, or the day of Budha.
Mercury travels through the twelve signs of the zodiac in 88 days. He spends about seven days and eight hours in each sign.
When looking at a chart, Mercury represents the following:
- Language, speech, and intellect
- Friends, companions, and couples
- The mother’s siblings, nephews, and nieces
- Capacity for learning & rhetoric
- Logic, literature, and writing
- Medicine, music, and mathematics
- Commerce, astrology, and charms
- Artistic expression, comedy, and expertise
- Birds, sculpture, and repetition
LEARN MORE: The Puranas provide an advanced understanding of our universe, including descriptions of life on other planets. Check out our guide to Vedic Cosmology.
Capricorn: The Sign of the Crocodile
Capricorn is the tenth sign of the Zodiac. In Vedic astrology, Capricorn is known by the Sanskrit name makara, or “the sea monster.” The sign of Capricron possesses a clever, sensible, and dependable nature. Capricorn is a sign of discipline. In an astrological chart, it indicates areas where you are deliberate and philosophical in your efforts.
Basic Traits
Ruled by Saturn. Saturn is known as the planet of karma, austerity, and mysticism. He brings a sober and mysterious energy to the house he inhabits.
An earth sign. Capricorn is grounded, thoughtful, and practical.
A movable sign. Capricorn is fluid, spontaneous, and fond of change.
A feminine sign. Capricorn is talkative, emotional, and sensitive.
Areas of Influence
Capricorn influences its planetary lord in the following areas:
- Austerity and self-discipline
- Hard work and sacrifice
- Philosophy and contemplation
- Skepticism and worldliness
- Stubbornness
Traits of Mercury in Capricorn
The influence of Mercury in a birth chart will change depending on which house it is located in, its relative position in relation to other planets, as well as other factors. However, the following general traits are likely to be found in a native who has Mercury in Capricorn:
You are a skilled craftsman. You like to work with your hands, and you have a talent for the visual arts, especially sculpture, woodworking, pottery, and other building-related work. You may be able to make a profession out of one of these trades.
You’re a daydreamer. You often imagine how your life might be different. You aren’t very fulfilled with your present circumstances, and one way you cope with this disappointment is through daydreaming about alternate possibilities for yourself.
You may suffer from anxiety. You tend to be overanxious about the future, and you are especially concerned with how others perceive you. Your mind tends to jump to worst-case scenarios. Remember that reality is rarely as bad as it seems at first glance. There is always a silver lining, or something you can be grateful for.
You will have financial difficulties. Although you are a hard worker, you nonetheless suffer financial hardship. Your income may be irregular, or you may face large, unexpected bills. You are not very good at saving money.
You are likely to work for others. You tend to work for the sake of others. You are a good assistant, and if you find the right employer, you could be a valuable asset. However, you may feel frustration that you are in such a dependent position.
Mercury in Capricorn in the 12 Houses
Every natal chart is unique. It is not possible to give a fully accurate reading without considering the various elements of the chart, including planetary combinations, aspects, friendships, directional strength, and more.
The traits below are general indications which will change depending on the influence of the factors listed above.
In the First House
The first house symbolizes physique and self-expression. You are very intelligent and a talented speaker. You are gifted in many different subjects. You have a strong body, and you are likely to live a long life. This is a very strong placement for Mercury in a birth chart.
In the Second House
The second house symbolizes wealth and cultural traditions. You are wealthy and are likely to earn a livelihood by means of your sharp intellect. You are truthful and a talented writer. You likely have a large family.
In the Third House
The third house symbolizes siblings, courage, and literary works. You are very brave and you like to take risks, especially when it will gain you some recognition from your peers. You can succeed in business. You have good relations with your siblings.
In the Fourth House
The fourth house symbolizes one’s mother, home, and basic beliefs. You are intelligent, clever, and well-educated. You have a happy life — ample wealth, a nice home, a suitable career, and a pleasant family. You are likely to have many friends.
In the Fifth House
The fifth house symbolizes children, creative works, and overall success. You have a love for learning and you are likely to have gotten a good education in your youth. You can make money through good investments. You are generous with others, and you will gain great happiness through your children.
In the Sixth House
The sixth house symbolizes debt, disease, and service. This is not a very favorable position for Mercury in a birth chart. You have no enemies, though you sometimes resort to harsh or overly critical speech. You also may be lazy. Be careful not to shirk your responsibilities, otherwise you will face repeated difficulties in life.
In the Seventh House
The seventh house symbolizes the spouse, marital happiness, and sexual desire. You make good money and you will marry someone from a rich family. You are very intelligent, and you also have a taste for expensive and attractive clothing. However, you are likely to have excessive interest in sex.
In the Eighth House
The eighth house symbolizes death, calamities, and interest in the occult. You are successful in your profession and you will live a long life. You can rise to a high position of influence in your social sphere. You are hard-working and religious. You can become adept in the practice of meditation.
In the Ninth House
The ninth house symbolizes religion and morality. You are happy, wealthy, and well-educated. You may be a businessperson, writer, or even hold a position in the government. You are philosophically inclined and also very interested in religion and spirituality.
In the Tenth House
The tenth house symbolizes one’s father, career, and reputation. You will do well in your career. You have a good relationship with your elders. You are truthful, righteous, and wise. You can succeed in expansive and ambitious undertakings.
In the Eleventh House
The eleventh house symbolizes gains, aspirations, and friendships. You are very wealthy and you will have an attractive spouse and stimulating romantic life. You can become famous, and you will live a long, full life. You will triumph over your enemies.
In the Twelfth House
The twelfth house symbolizes losses, misfortune, and liberation. You will meet with repeated frustrations in life. You have a bad habit of taking the wrong advice from the wrong people. In this way, you have a hard time learning from your mistakes. You may not be very well-educated. This is another poor placement for Mercury in the birth chart.
Learn More About Vedic Astrology
Expand your knowledge of astrology! Check out our guides to Vedic Astrology and the nine planets, known collectively in Sanskrit as the nava-graha. You can also learn about the differences between Western and Vedic astrology.
The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac
| Aries | Taurus | Gemini |
| Cancer | Leo | Virgo |
| Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius |
| Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces |
