Work Your Magick
Trickster, Magician, Thief, a few names given to the Greek god Hermes who is psychologically and astrologically linked to the planet Mercury. Mercury is the ruler of two zodiac signs: Gemini and Virgo, both mutable signs signifying adaptability and flexibility. The Inner Planets, co-written by my favorite Jungian astrologers; Liz Greene and the deceased Howard Sasporatas contain transcripts from seminars they conducted on Mercury, Venus and Mars, the inner planets. Their book inspired this blog.
They’re called inner planets because they orbit closest to the sun but astrologically inner planets are considered personal planets that represent our individuality and ego. Astronomically, the inner planets are known as terrestrial planets because they have rocky surfaces just like the earth, but unlike earth, they don’t have a magnetic field. I’m digressing, my Gemini propensity to go off on a tangent! I want to speak about the astrological significance of Mercury. And in the interest of full disclosure, it’s because Mercury is the ruler of my astrological natal chart, thus I gravitate toward this psychopomp and trickster as I continue to understand and explore my own dual nature and psyche.
Howard Sasporatas eloquently talks about Hermes and how the mercurial principal manifests itself in people’s lives. The Hermes archetype shows up in many cultures. Like the Coyote who is the North American trickster or the raven to the Inuit’s and Loki from Norse mythology. Wherever the astrological planet Mercury shows up in your natal chart is where you require variety and room to move.
How did Hermes come about? Think Greek mythology, remember Zeus? Zeus had numerous extra-marital affairs. He’d sneak off while his wife Hera was asleep. His liaison with the wood nymph Maia produced Hermes, their son. So be aware, wherever the planet Mercury is in your own chart may be a place where you are prone to trickery, pranks or even bending the truth a bit to suit yourself.
Myth has it that no sooner was Hermes born, he immediately became restless and anxious seeking something to do. Only one day old and Hermes was adventuring. He came upon a tortoise, admired it, then decided he needed to create something with its shell. He killed the tortoise and proceeded to chisel out its shell stretching oxhide around it and adding a few strings, inventing the first lyre. This side of Mercury can herald an area where you have ingenious creativity. The shadow side of Hermes in this story, is his lack of remorse about killing an innocent creature. The mercurial part of one can/may lend itself to a certain degree of ruthlessness.
Bored with the instrument, Hermes casts it aside and decides he’s now hungry. He ventures into brother Apollo’s land and steals two of his brother’s cows. He cooks the cows and divides them into twelve portions, sacrificing each portion to one of the Olympian gods, including himself. In this instance, Mercury symbolizes the part of one able to identify with the various energies of others, but nonetheless, the gift and the demon is one of strategy. If you’re hungry you gotta eat, right? But, is it okay to steal from your brother?
When Apollo confronts his younger baby brother concerning the theft Hermes lies, swearing he didn’t do it. Zeus ends up getting involved and finds the episode of his trickster baby boy humorous but then demands these brothers become friends. Hermes picks up his lyre and sings for his older brother Apollo who is enchanted by baby Hermes voice and talent. Hermes then gifts the musical instrument to his brother. He’s a trickster, but a generous one. Apollo, still suspicious, insists that Hermes promise he will never steal again from him. Hermes promises and stays true to his word.
Apollo offers Hermes a magical wand with two snakes wrapped around a winged staff, known as the caduceus. Today the caduceus is a symbol of medicine, but back then it was associated with trade, thieves, eloquence, lies, negotiation, alchemy and wisdom.
Hermes, the chosen god to aid children who needed rescuing or saving, was always successful due to his stealth, trickery, ingenuity and adaptability. As a personal messenger to Zeus, as well as to other gods and mortals alike, Hermes was said to have invented the alphabet. This master communicator traveled and exchanged ideas and information. Thus mercurial types are connectors, of people and information, although sometimes unsolicited. They’re curious, interested in so many things, they know a little bit about everything. They’re so damn inquisitive! Hermes, the master communicator also traveled to the Underworld as a psychopomp (a guide of souls), thus he’s a boundary crosser. This archetype exists in all of us to some extent. Where is Mercury in your astrological chart? How are you working this magick?
