Which energy is more important? Mercury in Gemini conjunct Jupiter, or later in the day when Mercury moves into Cancer for the next month?
Astrology is about the flow of energy available to us at any time, should we choose to use it. I am reading Iain McGilchrist’s book The Matter with Things – which describes how we humans have two ways of viewing and interacting with the world. One part of our brain (the left hemisphere) loves to answer questions like Which is more important, and how can I measure the difference? The other side, the right hemisphere, is concerned with experience and the qualities of an experience.
Astrology provides us with a language for experience while offering plenty of techniques for using left-brained analytical tools as well. It encourages us to engage both sides of our brains, rather than focusing solely on glorifying just the left-brained style of thinking.
So, back to our question—Mercury in Gemini conjunct Jupiter gets more points in a left-brained analysis and the part of Astrology that likes to quantify things. It is a flash of inspiration or clarity. Now, ponder this in a right-brained way—how will you experience these two transits? One is more intense, like a strong gust of wind blowing by. Imagine how you might capture this energy to use it. Mercury in Cancer is a longer-lasting experience, where your background thoughts are more inclined toward home, emotions, and personal history.
As I write this, I realize that Mercury in Gemini describes how our left brain interacts with the world, while Mercury in Cancer signals a switch to our right-brained experiential mode. And, without realizing it at first, this post itself demonstrates the answer to my initial question.
I am engaging with an insightful idea (Mercury in Gemini conjunct Jupiter), then explore it, relate it to other concepts, and finally transition into a discussion of different ways to experience Mercury’s energy (Mercury in Cancer).
PS – The pattern is clear: brilliant minds stumble upon profound insights, then craft ways to share them. Eventually, another sharp thinker comes along, sees things from a fresh angle, and refines the message through a different system. Astrology, built on the wisdom of some of humanity’s keenest observers over the past 4,000 years, continues to serve as a bridge between knowledge and experience. Time and again, I find it weaving into my understanding of works like those of Iain McGilchrist—offering yet another lens through which we can fully engage with life and shape it into something deeply meaningful.
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