Mercury

Mercury rules two signs, Gemini and Virgo. Both signs have to do with information, but each uses it differently. Mercury is the messenger of the gods, distributing timely information to all.

Mercury only takes 88 days to complete one orbit of the Sun, and as such would only spend a little over 7 days in each sign. However, it has 3 or 4 retrograde periods each year where it appears to be traveling backwards, which keeps it in some signs longer. As a result it is never more than 28° from the Sun's astrological position. This means that Mercury is either in the same sign as the Sun or one sign in front or in back of it.

Mercury's placement in a chart shows how a person thinks and communicates. Mercury also rules short distance travel and one's neighborhood. It is an indicator of how one works and the type of schedule that is best for that person. Mercury placed in a sign that loves neat and orderly things would not operate well without a regular schedule.