Part II: The Wings ofMercury
The Fleeting God of Merchants and Thieves
In conjunction with the magical process of categoriza
tion, not only is close study of the elements necessary but also a closer look at the symbolism of the planetary principles. The tradition of the planetary principles is a bit more unanimous than that of the elements when it comes to classifying money. Generally, money is ascribed to planet Mercury, although the Venus prin
ciple may also be applied at times, especially in con
nection with its relationship to trading and swapping
albeit in an ancillary function. The Jupiter principle finds use here as well: it relates to prosperity, wealth, abundance, and generosity on a general level.
In order to better understand the planetary prin
ciples, a look at mythology might help-after all, we're talking about the symbolic representatives of deities, and tradition provides us with plenty of information
35
on this. As a side note: Allocating money to Mercury is another argument in favor of identifying it with the element of Air, since Mercury is also the god of quick
silver and the messenger god with winged feet, who in turn is also the god of merchants and thieves.
As differentiating and discriminating as the poly
theistic pantheon always is, it is nonetheless comprised of personalized human elements and represents a sort of map of universal powers and relationship networks.
As opposed to the monotheistic god who embod
ies only the good (evil is left to subordinate charges), the deities of polytheism make no distinction between good and evil. The two concepts often mix, the bor
ders are fluid and indefinable, and contradictions are allowed to exist without the compulsion to resolve them.
Thus the figure of Mercury can be found in the most diverse contexts, whereby it should make no dif
ference as to whether we are dealing with the Roman god Mercurius or his direct forerunner, the Greek god Hermes. It is not uncommon that the gods are some
times difficult to distinguish from one another when it comes to their motives and actions. Although vari
ous features and characteristics have been accentuated throughout history, the essence is always one and the same. For example, it makes perfect sense to ascribe Mercury/Hermes to the ancient Egyptian god Thoth (Tahuti), although he was originally a moon deity.
This correspondence can be explained by the fact that
36 INTRODUCTION
Thoth is considered to be the language, and because he is known spirits of the dead on their journey as a sort of counselor. Hermes, the (meaning someone who guides world), has similar duties.
This brings us back to the (in its magical-esoteric interpre
"the Book of Thoth."
Traditional magic, with its Egyptian roots, is generally distinctions between terms such as information, education, intellect, cury principle can stand for the as well as every other cognitive way it can also symbolize wisdom.
its
�
esulting practical application in act10n.In any case, I recommend it when examining
able. With even just a small browsing through such literature, find something to substantiate might hold. And during your ber that myths are not meant to tive documents of historical events.
be viewed as general, abstract within certain contexts. In this Mercury (and his astrological
PART IHH•
note: Allocating money to Mercury in favor of identifying it with the :Mercury is also the god of quick
god with winged feet, who in of merchants and thieves.
and discriminating as the poly
always is, it is nonetheless comprised elements and represents a sort powers and relationship networks.
god who embod
left to sub.or
�
in�
te charges), make no d1stmct10n betweentwo concepts often mix, the bor-and contradictions are the compulsion to resolve
of Mercury can be found in the whereby it should make no dif
er we are dealing with the Roman his direct forerunner, the Greek god uncommon that the gods are some
distinguish from one another when motives and actions. Although vari
characteristics have been accentuated , the essence is always one and the it makes perfect sense to ascribe to the ancient Egyptian god Thoth he was originally a moon deity.
ce can be explained by the fact that
Thoth is considered to be the inventor of writing and language, and because he is known to accompany the spirits of the dead on their journey to the underworld as a sort of counselor. Hermes, the Greek psychopomp (meaning someone who guides spirits to the other world), has similar duties.
This brings us back to the tarot.cards again, which (in its magical-esoteric interpretation) is often called
"the Book ofThoth."
Traditional magic, with its classical and ancient Egyptian roots, is generally unfamiliar with the fine distinctions between terms such as knowledge, wisdom, information, education, intellect, and mind. The Mer
cury principle can stand for the thought process itself as well as every other cognitive process, in the same way it can also symbolize wisdom, life experience, and its resulting practical application in the form of magical action.
In any case, I recommend that you don't overdo it when examining mythological information avail
able. With even just a small amount of effort put into browsing through such literature, sooner or later you'll find something to substantiate any viewpoint you might hold. And during your research, also remem
ber that myths are not meant to be treated as objec
tive documents of historical events. Instead they should be viewed as general, abstract principles as expressed within certain contexts. In this sense, a deity such as Mercury (and his astrological correspondence, the
PART II: THE WINGS OF MERCURY · 37
planet of the same name) represents a sort of general outlook of the world that should never be too distinct or restricting-its sphere of influence should remain as great as possible.