"Brevity", as someone once said, "is the soul of wit." Timely reply, short and to the point, is usually the most effective answer to any question. In this conjunction, of course, we see the hallmarks of Mercury, and his two primary characteristics.
Mercury, ruler over Gemini and Virgo, is also known as Hermes in the Hellenistic tradition. As the messenger or interlocutor of the gods of Olympus, Mercury is privy to the working of supernatural forces and is seen in many mythologies as a magical helper representing, in Joseph Campbell's words, "the coming-down of divine wisdom into the world."
The little finger is Mercury and a well-developed mount directly beneath is a foremost indication of the Mercurian type. "If the little finger of Mercury extends in length up to the first phalange of the adjoining ring-finger of Apollo, and is built upon a well-pronounced mount, the Mercurian tendency is indicated. The Mercurian type may be shorter in stature, dark." These qualities are offset by quickness of mind and physical movement. For Mercurian types, the mental wheels are always turning. This continual energy can produce results in business very quickly.
Mercurians can be superlatively good or quite mischieviously bad. The line of Mercury extends from the base of the palm up to the little finger. Sometimes, to see it clearly, it is necessary to push slightly on the "percussion" side of the hand to make the Mercury line more visible for purposes of study. When the line of Mercury extends from the Life line directly to the mount of Mercury, you may be sure that effective communication in matters of the world and the heart is a possibility. If the Mercury line breaks at either of these major lines, possible dysfunction may be indicated.
Does the line of Mercury commence at the base with a fork? Effective communication through different forms is shown with this fork. These forms can be verbal, written, musical or, if Apollo is strong, visual. Mercury loves travel and an adjoining line or lines, running parallel to the Mercury line, are called travel lines. Gifted with unusual tact, Mercury has many resources.
If the Mercury line curves over to Luna, the intuitive nature is emphasized. If it runs down to join with the Life line itself in the well of the palm, the importance of communication to the individual's physical vitality is shown.
Many historians of Palmistry have commented upon Mercury in the hand. William Benham, in The Laws of Scientific Hand-Reading states that numerous small vertical lines on the mount of Mercury are a strong indication of talent for medical studies. Fred Gettings in The Book of Palmistry writes that wearing a ring on the finger of Mercury "restricts materiality in the field of relationships with others--for this reason it is often a sign of difficulties in relationships, especially sexual ones."
To fully grasp the potential for timely communication in your own life, look at your little finger, the mount beneath and the presence of the Mercury line. Then look at the index finger of Jupiter. Is Jupiter well-developed and straight? A CEO, a business leader, or effective self-employment may be shown. Is the ring finger of Apollo pronounced, along with the mount beneath? Success in the performing arts may then be a very good possibility.
Is the tip of your thumb of equal size to the middle joint beneath? Does the thumb curve or is it straight? Strength in the thumb, combined with Mercury, indicates the ability to communicate in the face of adversity. Great flexibility of communication, and diversity of style, is shown by a curving thumb.
As one would expect, Mercury as the supernatural assistant, the magical helper, works for all of the different qualities and abilities shown by the hands. We can never have too much effective communication in our lives. And one can never be too quick in the expression of love.
Ray Zone has been called the King of 3-D. Visit his website at: ray3dzone.com or email Ray at: r3dzone@earthlink.net
