In this article we provide a detailed overview of Mercury in Libra as well as its impact in each of the 12 houses of the zodiac. Do you have Mercury in Libra 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.
Libra: The Sign of the Scales
Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac. In Vedic astrology, Libra is known by the Sanskrit name tula, or “the measuring scale.” The sign of Libra possesses a balanced, tasteful, and calculating nature. Libra is a sign of justice. In an astrological chart, it indicates areas where you are judicious and thoughtful in your efforts.
Basic Traits
Ruled by Venus. Venus is known as the planet of music, fine food, and the arts. He brings a sensual and indulgent energy to the house he inhabits.
An air sign. Libra is imaginative, logical, and curious.
A moveable sign. Libra is fluid, spontaneous, and fond of change.
A masculine sign. Libra is aggressive, bold, and thick-skinned.
Areas of Influence
Libra influences its planetary lord in the following areas:
- Aesthetics and taste
- Morality and justice
- Optimism and fine living
- Learning and scholarship
- Balance
Traits of Mercury in Libra
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 Libra:
You are a persuasive speaker. You are a gifted speaker and you can easily win others over to your point of view through reason and argument. You know how to appeal to people’s emotions. You can do well in a career related to marketing or commission-based sales.
You are very hospitable. You like to host others and entertain in your home. You like being the center of the party. You may sometimes externally treat people nicely but behind their backs you don’t give them the same respect. Be careful not to indulge this tendency.
You are devoted to God. You are a naturally pious and faithful person. You like the social and worldly benefits of religious life, perhaps more than the deeper spiritual experiences it can afford. Still, it is an important part of your life. Try to go deeper in your relationship with the Divine. This will bring you great satisfaction.
You are attached to your family. You have genuine affection and fondness for your spouse, children, and extended family. This is a good quality, as it shows you care for them and that you will work to make them happy in life. However, it can also become a source of anxiety or frustration, if you are overly protective or if you neglect your own growth and instead try to micro-manage family affairs.
You are highly focused on earning money. You like money and you work hard to earn it and to expand your earning potential. You are likely to have multiple business ventures going on simultaneously. Make sure you focus on what is working so that you don’t distract yourself too much or dissipate your energy across too many different projects.
Mercury in Libra 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 |
