Think back. Can you remember how you learned to read? Write? Or how to tie your shoe laces? Most likely it took some repetition, persistence, and something else unique to you.That unique thing was informed by your learning style.
Astrology is a great tool to understand your unique way of learning. The entire natal chart will provide clues, but ultimately knowing where Mercury was at your time of birth will be most useful.
Mercury symbolizes all things perception and communication. It describes our mental processes of thought, speech, and listening. Therefore your preferred way of learning is influenced by your Mercury.
To drill down further on your learning style, look to the sign Mercury occupies in your chart. Having Mercury in Leo is drastically different from having Mercury in Scorpio. Another level of insight comes from aspects formed to Mercury. An aspect is a geometric relationship formed between planets. Some aspects are easy and some are hard.. For example, Mercury in a difficult aspect to Saturn will encounter frustration in the learning process, especially when young.
You can learn more about how these nuances impact your personal Mercury and learning style by booking an astrological consultation with me.
For a broader look at learning styles according to your Mercury, understanding the differences between elements is a huge step in the right direction. Below, I’ll explain key characteristics of Mercury in each element and the best way to support learning there.
Mercury in Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, & Sagittarius)
When Mercury is in a fire sign, it’s energetic. Extroverted and dynamic, Mercury in fire, emphasizes the individual’s ability to shape the external world rather than being shaped by it. Therefore we tend to find these natives in leadership positions.
People with Mercury in fire will learn best when topics are stimulating and action-oriented. If rote memorization is necessary, find ways to make it interesting. For example, turn learning into a game where healthy competition is encouraged.
Mercury in Earth Signs- Physical (Taurus, Virgo, & Capricorn)
In earth signs, Mercury’s usual quickness is slowed. It’s tactile, thorough, and logical. Also, Mercury here will impart greater focus and sustainability. Therefore, these natives tend to be great technical experts.
People with Mercury in earth tend to learn best when learning can be hands-on and structured. Since they require more time to process new information, environments where learning can be self-paced is ideal.
Mercury in Air Signs- Social learning (Gemini, Libra, & Aquarius)
Mercury in air is quick and flexible. It’s free thinking, communicative, and has a high tolerance for ambiguity. These natives tend to excel in writing, law, and science.
Mercury in an air sign does not like to be bored. People with this placement can handle a lot of complex information at once and prefer learning environments that are interactive and social. These types also love asking questions and learning through discussions rather than pure lecture.
Mercury in Water Signs- Visual (Cancer, Scorpio, & Pisces)
Mercury in a water sign is intuitive. It senses things below the surface of what is perceived and verbally expressed. This placement of Mercury is more attuned to subjective reality. These are our counselors, healers, and artists.
People with Mercury in a water sign learn best when they can be emotionally connected to the subject. Bringing imagery, music, or art into the learning environment is a good way to invoke that emotional connection. Additionally, they thrive when learning is nurturing. This allows these natives to build trust and therefore feel good about opening up to new ways of thinking.