Mercury – planet of communication and information. In modern astrology, he is often associated with the third house, which certainly makes sense. The third house is about short trips, communication, and siblings. But in traditional astrology, Mercury is said to rejoice in the first house, not the third. It might not seem immediately intuitive, but exploring this connection can help you understand both Mercury and the first house on a deeper level.
The House
The first house is arguably the most important house in the chart. It is the hour marker, the house that sets the entire house scheme for the rest of our chart. It is the first impression we make on the world, and the first impression the world makes upon us. It is how we respond to life. It is how we construct our identity. It is, in essence, who we are. So why is Mercury the planet that fits here?
The Connection
Everything that we encounter in life is information. It is first filtered by our body and senses, which are signified by the first house. But once it goes through that filter, it has to be processed in a way we can understand. And that is Mercury’s job. Mercury is able to quickly pick up and sort all the incoming information, helping us to understand and navigate our world. No living thing can survive without being able to respond appropriately to its environment. Even plants, fungi, and bacteria rely on this process. On this incredibly basic level, Mercury is what keeps us alive.
But it goes even deeper. When we process information, we begin to create categories, which become more complex the more information we receive. We may start with “hot and cold” or “dangerous and safe”, and evolve to “gross and delicious” or “fun and boring.” It’s these categories that help us form opinions, and it’s these opinions that form the basis of our personality. And as we grow, Mercury’s function grows with us, helping us form the beliefs and affinities that guide our lives. In short, what we think is who we are.
In addition, because the first house represents our identity, Mercury does well because Mercury allows us to speak our truth. Mercury helps us boldly announce ourselves to the world. Mercury in the first house helps us stay authentic, intelligent, and honest. It helps us to be fully ourselves.
The Natal Chart
While planetary joys are used more often in non-natal astrology, it still can have important implications in the natal chart. Mercury in the 1st is strengthened and likes where it is, regardless of sign. It simply thrives. So for instance, if you have Mercury in Gemini in the first house, you’ll be a wordsmith who can process information like a quantum computer. But even if you have Mercury in Pisces, the sign of its fall, in the first house, your Mercury will still work well. Your mind lights up in the world of fantasy, poetry, music, and even a little strategic misinformation. You’ll move through the world with an ephemeral quality, and even though your Mercury won’t be sharp and incisive like it would be in another sign, it will be absolutely killing it with the tools it has available. There is a long line of musicians, artists, poets, and even grifters who would heartily agree.
Bringing It Together
The first house is our connection to the outside world. Mercury is how we process and respond to that world. The first house is who we are, and Mercury is how we construct our identities. The first house is about survival, and Mercury gives us the tools we need to survive. The first house is about authenticity, and Mercury helps us communicate and reinforce our true selves. And when you see them together in the natal chart, you know you’re dealing with a strong mind and a skilled tongue, no matter what sign is involved. By understanding the connection between Mercury and the first house, we understand the true function of both – to help us become who we are.
Do you have Mercury in the first house, or do you know someone who does? What is your experience?
I have Mercury in the 1st in Aquarius, opposite Pluto and Jupiter in the 7th in Leo. I have no idea what it means. I do know that I’ve always been known as mouthy and speak truths that make people uncomfortable.
See my comments below! We are big mouth sisters!
LOL, can you imagine the two of us in the same room after a few glasses of wine?
Yup!
My 1st house is full loaded: Mercury, Sun,Moon,Pluto, and South node in Virgo Sextiling Jupiter and Neptune in the 3rd house Scorpio. What does that meean?
I have Mercury in Sag (also not a great sign apparently to have it in. It has a wide conj with Saturn. I had a hard time in school because my mind like to wander but I’m do love to write – but I have been known to say something that could be short and make it long…lol. And I love reading which lets me gather lots of information.
I’m an info nut and voracious reader too. I read about 20 books a year and always have. When I was a kid, if I ran out of books to read, I’d read the phone book. I think Mercury in the 1st makes a very informed individual.
Interesting. A woman married to a first house Mercury in libra once told me ‘he is always reading and presenting me with ideas. I am not like that.’ The other one I know taught secondary school literature her whole life. They both also have Neptune in the first. They tell these outlandish stories like that’s what really happened. It used to really irritate me until I learned to laugh at their imaginations gone wild.
My Mercury, which rules my chart (Virgo ascendant) is in my 7th house, in Pisces and opposes my ascendant with a two-degree orb. Does this mean that my Mercury doesn’t work well for me, seeing as it’s in the 7th, opposite the 1st house?
I assume other things in my chart may be involved, but I just wonder about Mercury in the terms you wrote about today!
Luckily, no! Planets are not debilitated in the house opposite their joy. So no worries on that front! 🙂
I have mercury conjunct Jupiter in the first in Cancer and my sun in gemini conjunct my Asc. I’m told I talk a lot and love gathering information
One other point about Mercury in the 1st that I forgot to bring up in the post:
The Ascendant, or first house cusp, is a liminal space, as it is literally the horizon. It’s the intersection of light and dark. And Mercury is inherently liminal, being neither nocturnal nor diurnal. Even in his myth, Mercury is both a heavenly messenger and a psychopomp. So Mercury is the perfect planet to rejoice in this in-between space. 🙂
I have a Libra Mercury in the 1st with a Virgo Ascendent. I am obsessed with using the right word and the right tone when I express myself. My roommate complains Ill say the same thing 3 or 4 times but in different ways lol! I try to tell him its because Im revising what I say after I say it to be sure Im communicating properly. This Virgo is teachy preaching herself to say things correctly and powerfully. Include mars in the 10th and Im one hell of an arguer/debater/persuader. Born salesman…or lawyer. Whichever way you want to look at it
Progressed Mercury is in my 1st house now, conjunct my Ascendant in Pisces this year. Communication is absolutely highlighted at this time. I’m a complete monkey mind though. It’s been a lot but maybe after it progresses into the 2nd decade I will have a better handle on it all.
*Decan not decade