Deeper study into the 8 of Swords

8 of Swords – Reconciling/Emotional
(9 of Air, 45=4+5=9)
Astrology: Mercury in Gemini
Time: 22 May – 31 May
(1st decan of Gemini)
3rd House, House of Communications (Brothers)
Numerology: 9
Fortune Telling with Playing Cards:
9 of Spades (9 of Air)

Quick-witted and eclectic, Mercury in Gemini may appear a bit scattered. They have a broad knowledge of many subjects… but not too much about any one subject. They learn fast, but because they have so many different interests it is difficult for them to concentrate on a single subject. They also get bored easily. Give Gemini Mercury a stimulating environment and they will be happy.
Speaking of their environment, Mercury in Gemini is very sensitive to what is going on around them. They are very impressionable. They tend to be restless and full of nervous energy. While they tend to be open-minded, logical answers appeal to them. Most of the time intuition is not part of their process. They may come across as too intellectual. Spock was probably a Gemini Mercury. They may appear to be emotionally detached when communicating.

At the same time, Mercury in Gemini can also make an interesting speaker. They are not attached to their own opinions or ideas like Aries Mercury. They adapt well, and are curious about everything. It isn’t too difficult to persuade them to change their minds. They can be talented at smooth talking, and may actually be a little deceptive, with a sense of humor. They like to spot weaknesses around them and play with them a bit just because they can.

Mercury in Gemini makes decisions quickly, and they usually turn out well. They enjoy working with language and are good on the phone. It is easy for them to communicate with anyone from all walks of life with ease. Eloquent and engaging, it is hard to be bored with a Gemini Mercury around!
It is difficult for them to shut out external stimulation, however, which can wear on them. They can get overwhelmed and frazzled. They may show signs of irritability or mental confusion. Taking some down time will help them overcome this problem.

Gemini Mercury is a natural witty flirt. Their clever chatting often keeps their partners enthralled. They love to take part in cultural events and enjoy new situations. Their minds are always spinning. They blossom in a stimulating, fast paced environment.

When bored, Gemini Mercury may stir up some trouble or controversy just to make things interesting. They like to play mind games, and are delighted when they find someone who can mentally spar back. They may tend to gossip. A natural at social gatherings, they flit from group to group like a butterfly. They are usually attractive and full of good humor. Mercury in Gemini likes to travel, read, talk and meet new people. They are the original jack of all trades, master of none model. Writing helps them focus better, and many may become journalists or freelance writers.

Mercury in Gemini makes a person fond of change and travel. He is always ready to investigate some new thing, or go to some other place for a change; in short, almost anything that is new appeals to him. At the same time if Mercury is well-fortified such people gain greatly by this fluidic state of the mind for they are shrewd and penetrating in their judgment so that they know good value when they see it and are not prejudiced by preconceived, set opinions. Therefore they are good business men and their ability to see a point makes them particularly good lawyers. They also succeed well as traveling salesmen.

3rd House, House of Communications (Brothers). Early education and childhood environment. Communication. Happiness. Intelligence. Achievements. Siblings. Neighborhood matters. Short, local travel, and transportation.

Mercury in the Third House and well-aspected has wonderful influence on the mental qualities of the native. It makes the mind serene and optimistic, inclined to study and research work. It gives fluency as a speaker and success by short journeys or travel and makes the relations of the person harmonious with his brothers. When Mercury is afflicted in the Third House it inclines to worry and pessimism, trouble and annoyance with sisters and brothers and when on short journeys.

The number 9 – Mercury, Reconciling/Mental (Air)

Positive traits:

– Heartily friendly and congenial, energetic, imaginative, a hail-fellow, clever, selflessness, rational, lucid, readily influenced to do good works, artistic and communication talents, good speaker, adaptable.

Negative traits:

– Superficial, self-adulation, lacking emotions, impulsive, restless, scattered interests, devious, gindecisive, careless with finances, cold and distant, wanting peer attention.

Crowley: Interference. The number Eight, Hod, here signifies lack of persistence in matters of the intellect and of contest. Good fortune, however, attends even these weakened efforts, thanks to the influence of Jupiter in Gemini, ruling the Decan. Yet the Will is constantly thwarted by accidental interference. The centre of the card is occupied by two long Swords pointed downward.
These are crossed by six small swords, three on each side. They remind one of weapons peculiar to their countries or their cults; we see here the Kriss, the Kukri, the Scramasax, the Dagger, the Machete and the Yataghan.

Waite: A woman, bound and hoodwinked, with the swords of the card about her. Yet it is rather a card of temporary durance than of irretrievable bondage.
Bad news, violent chagrin, crisis, censure, power in trammels, conflict, calumny; also sickness.
Reversed: Disquiet, difficulty, opposition, accident, treachery; what is unforeseen; fatality.