Toxic

Mercury Sign

Mercury in Cancer 

Anyone born with Mercury in Cancer is more comfortable in the realm of emotion than ideas. It’s hard for these folks to separate their hearts from their heads. They have wonderful memories and never forget special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. In fact, people with this planetary placement expend most of their intellectual energy toward their nearest and dearest. They’re always thinking about ways to make their loved ones happy, comfortable, and safe. These people always manage to find the perfect gift, and it’s often one that is made with their own two hands.

People that have their natal Mercury in Cancer are very sensitive, and often take off-the-cuff remarks too personally. Take care not to poke fun at their dignity or tease them about their appearance. Anyone with this planetary placement needs to regularly hear they are loved, appreciated, and respected. In exchange, Mercury in Cancer will intuit effective ways to support their friends and family.


Mercury in Cancer is sensitive and withdrawn. They are very thoughtful of others. They are shy and may choose not to talk at all. They may respond slowly, giving the impression of being a deep thinker, which they very well may be. They like to meditate on a problem, and reflect on their experiences.

They are great listeners, and can actually make decisions faster than it appears. Cancer Mercury has a terrific memory, too… especially if it is emotional in nature. They come across as gentle, intuitive, sentimental people. They take things very personally, which can make them appear defensive. At the same time, they can also make you feel protected and warm. They can appear to be hiding something even when they are not, which can cause Cancer Mercury some trouble.

Mercury in Cancer learns best when they feel balanced emotionally. They can remember a lot of information, though they prefer to focus on a subject and approach their problems step by step. They are empathic and can pick up the feelings of others. They are good at putting themselves in the other person's place.

Cancer Mercury does not like to argue. They will go out of their way to avoid it if possible. At the same time, they are good at starting an argument. They do this very subtly, and then feel hurt when others argue back.

They are attracted to poetry and the romance of yesteryear. Don't be upset if they withdraw for a time when making a decision… it helps them figure out their own opinions on the matter rather than being influenced by others. The dislike distractions and need to focus on matters at hand. They make very good speakers and writers. Mercury in Cancer has a talent for feeling out the audience.

Cancer Mercury is very intuitive. It is not easy for them to be objective. They learn best through experience and are very receptive to subliminal messages. They have a deep appreciation of the past and historical artifacts. They would probably enjoy working in a museum. Mercury in Cancer is loyal and very patriotic.

They are creatures of habit, and a lack of routine is upsetting to them. Mercury in Cancer is very considerate of others, which engenders sympathy and support when they need it. They are very good at giving motherly advice. When they are upset, they tend to sulk. They cannot focus enough at this time to react with practical reasoning. They can be moody and defensive when criticized. Cancer Mercury is talented at reading between the lines, so they are not easily fooled.

They are often called upon to speak at family gatherings because they are in touch with life's deeper meanings. Mercury in Cancer also knows how to draw someone out of their shell when they feel awkward or troubled.


You can bet that Mercury in Cancer natives will remember almost anything -- from their own past, to your conversation two months ago. You might notice their memory is a little skewed in the direction of emotion. The truth is, these people remember the mood surrounding all the moments they have stored in their memory. This is because they "feel you out" when you are talking to them. The words are not as important to them as the emotions behind them.

Cancer communicators come across as gentle, intuitive, and sentimental. Sometimes, they can appear quite defensive, as they can take things quite personally. They make you feel very warm and protected. Sometimes it is in their voice (solid yet soothing); and often it is in the message they are giving. Sometimes Cancer communicators can come across as if they are hiding something, which can get them into more trouble than they perhaps deserve. 

Keynote: Perceptions are communicated sensitively and imaginatively.

Symbol: A poetic recitation stirs the emotions of a crowd.


An excellent memory and imagination is likely, but there is a tendency to look to the past sometimes too nostalgically so that forward thinking and planning can cause apprehension and worry because of having to consider and accept the unknown.

It is important that the individual realizes that the imagination tends to work over-time, all too often negatively, so that when things go wrong (or appear to do so) they are turned from molehills into mountains. A love of the past may be seen in a fascination with history, also long historical /romantic novels or family sagas will be enjoyed or even written. There is usually tenacity, especially when studying, but one may be prone to changing their mind, perhaps mostly when emotional reactions clash with logical thinking and the assessment of situations.

People with Mercury in Cancer can sway the public with their oratory but they need to guard against being so eager to make an impression that they gloss over their own convictions. They may be tempted to say what they think their listeners want to hear or are willing to accept. Thus, they gain a reputation for being opportunistic when in fact they are really only too anxious to please. They need to turn to their own powers of introspection and be completely honest with themselves. Otherwise, their persuasions can too easily be altered by circumstances as they drift like a rudderless sailboat blown hither and thither by every breath of opinion.  

The mind is retentive, especially in matters pertaining to family history and bygone times. An instinctive feeling for the archaic gives an aptitude for dealing with antiquities and an interest in museums. The ability to turn back to the past makes many Mercurial Cancerians natural psychologists. The works of Carl Jung who popularized the idea of the collective unconscious and who wrote extensively on the symbolism of fantasies and dreams, typify this associative mode of thought.

When Mercury is in Cancer, the mind may not be especially original but a compensating psychic permeability permits the absorption of ideas without labored explanations. With the Sun also in Cancer, the intuitive powers are intensified, but they may be denied recognition because of the reticence of the sign.

Mercury in Cancer often gives deep sympathies and a vivid imagination. If such a person hears of a flood or earthquake in some part of the world, they can visualize the havoc created by the disaster and commiserate with the unfortunate victims. In extreme cases, the tendency to dwell upon melancholy images dissipates time and energy through worry about the vicissitudes of others and fear that similar troubles might befall one’s own loved ones. No matter how dauntless a Cancerian may be they are vulnerable where their family, especially their children are concerned. They need to avoid brooding over calamities, past, present, or potential, and to cultivate faith in their own reason and intelligence.

Mercury/Cancer people may not be outstandingly intellectual but they are usually kind and well meaning. They have a tolerance of human frailty based on an ability to sense the mental state of others and to sympathize with their problems and anxieties. They respond to feelings as much as to facts, realizing that if an individual feels something intensely, then this is a legitimate part of their world of reality.

Cancer brings out the passive side of Mercury, making the mind receptive but not always capable of discrimination. There is a liability to be swayed by appeals to the emotions, even against the dictates of common sense. If, however, mental stability and depth of purpose reinforce the innate sensitivity of the Cancerian, they may become the psychologist who studies the art of healing as well as the science of suppressing disease. This integrative kind of psychology does not require degrees or diplomas but may be practiced by anyone who genuinely wants to help others.