What Does Mercury Rising Mean in Astrology? Mercury in the First House

Co-authored by Angel Eyedealism and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: September 18, 2023 References

Have you ever heard someone say they're a Mercury rising? A rising sign just means that it's the sign of the First House in your birth chart—specifically, it's the sign that was rising on the Eastern horizon when you were born. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about Mercury rising's impact on your own chart.

Section 1 of 4:

What does Mercury rising mean in astrology?

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It means that the planet Mercury falls in your First House. For this to be astronomically possible, your First House zodiac sign is either Virgo or Gemini. Mercury rising means Mercury is the dominant planet on your birth chart, so you'll notice the planet's effect on communication and your mind as it relates to Virgo or Gemini. Read on to find out how Mercury rising affects your sign.^{[1]
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- To find your rising sign, you can input your birthdate, exact time of birth, and place of birth in a birth chart calculator. It will automatically generate your chart, so you can see your rising sign.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Angel Eyedealism
  Astrologer & Performance Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.}
- Although Mercury can be in other houses on your chart, to be a rising sign it has to be in your First House.
- Your rising sign is also known as your ascendant sign—abbreviated as AC.

Section 2 of 4:

What does Mercury represent in astrology?

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Mercury represents the mind and rules communication. It influences your thoughts and how you express yourself. People with Mercury in their charts tend to be quick thinkers since the planet has a fast-moving orbit. Mercury's placement in the First House means that you're intellectually curious and love to share what you know.^{[3]
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- Mercury in the First House is also connected to mutable signs—Virgo or Gemini—so you tend to be flexible in your thinking.^{[4]
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Section 3 of 4:

What effect does Mercury rising have on Gemini?

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You have a strong way with words and you're an intellectual. Gemini is the messenger of the gods, so it's not surprising that you are clever at communicating. Since Mercury is in your First House, the House of Self, you see yourself as curious and always learning.^{[5]
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- Your passion for learning about the world means that you can easily get distracted or take on too many projects. Try to focus your concentration if you start to feel overwhelmed.
- Instead of hearing someone say "Mercury rising," you're more likely to hear them describe themselves as "Gemini rising" or "Gemini ascendant," since it's more specific.

Section 4 of 4:

What effect does Mercury rising have on Virgo?

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You're a quick learner and you work hard to care for those around you. Virgo is an Earth sign and since it's set in the First House, you tend to be very grounded and realistic. Having Mercury in this house means that you're able to easily process information. Mercury in the First House makes decision-making simple for you, especially when you're dealing with relationships, health, or goals.^{[6]
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- It's easy for you to become lost in the details sometimes. Give yourself permission to relax if you begin to feel stressed out or pressured.
- You'll probably hear someone describe themselves as "Virgo rising" or "Virgo ascendant" instead of "Mercury rising" since it's more specific.