The Indian name for the planet Mercury is Budha, derived from the Sanskrit root “budh,” which means “awaken, become aware.” A “buddha” is an “awakened one.” With its slightly different spelling, “budha” means “awakening,” as well as “intelligent, clever, or wise.” It can also denote a “wise or learned person.”
In ancient Greek and Roman mythologies, Hermes or Mercury was identified as the messenger of the gods and Budha plays a similar role in traditional Vedic mythology. In India, Wednesday is the day of the week specifically dedicated to Budha and is thus known as “Budhavar.” Historically, Wednesday was also associated with Mercury in European cultures (e.g.: mercredi (French), mercoledì (Italian), miércoles (Spanish), miercuri (Romanian), dimecres (Catalan), Marcuri or Mercuri (Corsican), dies Mercurii (Latin).
Not surprisingly, Mercury and Budha are understood in much the same way in both Western and Vedic astrological systems. At the most basic level, Mercury/Budha is associated with mental functions of all sorts. These functions include intelligence, thought processes, logic and reasoning, learning ability, written and verbal communications, perceptions, awareness, analysis, calculation, and mathematics. It is also associated with various skills and technical abilities, which find expression in human endeavors such as commerce, sports, cinema, and other communicative media.
The relative placement of Mercury/Budha in an individual’s natal astrological chart, including its configuration with respect to other planets in the chart, is suggestive of qualities and issues associated with that person’s basic mentality, intelligence, speech patterns, style of communication, and even with one’s sense of humor. A further parallel of the two systems is the designation of Mercury/Budha as the planetary ruler of the astrological signs of Gemini/Mithuna and Virgo/Kanya, signs connected with communications and analysis, respectively.
On a more collective level, astrologers keep an eye on the yearly patterns of movement associated Mercury/Budha – especially with respect to its “retrograde” periods. All of the planets move in their orbital paths around the sun and thus appear to slowly move against the background of stars in the heavens. But since Earth is also one of those planets in motion, when Earth passes another planet (or is passed by the inner planets of Venus and Mercury), for a period of time that planet will appear, from our changing vantage point, to be moving backwards through the field of stars. This apparent backwards movement is referred to as “retrograde motion.” Astrologically, retrograde motion is associated with an inversion or introverted movement of the energy that is commonly associated with the planet in question. Mercury/Budha is distinctive in that it has three such retrograde cycles every year, instead of just one such cycle each year, as is the case for the other planets.
Astrologers advise a certain measure of caution and watchfulness during these Mercury-retrograde periods, since there tend to be more communication and informational glitches during these periods than when Mercury/Budha is in direct motion. Thus, from an astrological point of view, these Mercury retrograde periods are not the most ideal times to sign contracts, make new plans, or embark on new projects, as there are often unanticipated factors not taken fully into account, reversals in conditions, misunderstandings, or faulty communications, any of which can bring about unwelcome complications or disappointments. People often report more than the usual incidences of computer and data problems, as well as annoying problems with reservations, travel, and transportation arrangements. On the other hand, these retrograde periods are said to be excellent times to catch up on bills, paperwork and correspondence, as well as engaging in review processes and consolidation of details connected with projects already under way. Each Mercury Retrograde cycle lasts for about twenty-one days (three weeks). Not something to fear, this Mercury Retrograde will be good time for sending out Christmas cards, thank you notes and end-of-the-year newsletters. Unleash the power of the planets in practice.
Among other things, Dr. John Casey teaches courses in Sanskrit language, Indic Studies, and Buddhism.