A God By Another Name...

On Gods

There are many ways to conceptualize "Gods".

some contend that they are nothing more than internal psychological forces, anthropomorphized and externalized. Others that they are living spiritual inteligences.

Why choose? Why not both?

Paradox tends to be the rule more than the exception in this reality.

So if humans are indeed microcosms of the totality of the Universe, any vast being—and gods are certainly vast—has an internal reflection.

We can see this clearly in depth psychology and myth. We'll dig in a little more below, but first...

Mercurial Pan-Cultural Expressions

The deathless gods often change clothes in other cultures. Mercury is the Roman expression. He was Hermes in Greece. Thoth in Egypt. Odin in the Nordic traditions. Coyote in Native American.

HOWEVER... |

These manifestations of "Mercurial" energy are NOT equivalent. Changing your clothes can change aspects of your personality. Dressing up in a tux brings out a different side of you than yoga clothes.

Note to Magickal Practitioners

This also means you can refine your work with Merucry by zeroing in on the expression that best matches your goals. Working with Thoth would be better for learning abstract math than Odin, for example. Choose your expression wisely.

So let's take a closer look...

Cross-Cultural Comparisson

Greek and Roman Tradition: Hermes and Mercury

• In Greek mythology, Hermes is the son of Zeus and Maia, a trickster god born with cunning and intellect.

• He serves as a messenger of the gods, a psychopomp (guide of souls to the underworld), and a protector of travelers, merchants, and thieves.

• In Rome, Mercury was revered as the god of trade, communication, and financial gain, his influence spreading across the expanding empire.

Egyptian Tradition: Thoth and Hermes Trismegistus

• The Egyptian god Thoth shares many attributes with Hermes/Mercury: he is a scribe, magician, and mediator between worlds.

• In later Greco-Egyptian tradition, Hermes Trismegistus (“Thrice-Great Hermes”) emerges, blending Hermes with Thoth to create a divine figure of esoteric wisdom and alchemy.

Norse and Celtic Parallels

• The Norse god Loki, though more chaotic, shares Hermes’ trickster nature and ability to shift between realms.

• The Celtic god Lugh, a warrior and master of all crafts, echoes Mercury’s role as a protector of trade and intelligence.

Psychological Meaning and Modern Manifestation

Mercury as an Archetype in the Human Psyche

In modern psychology, Mercury aligns with Carl Jung’s trickster archetype—a force of disruption that challenges conventions and introduces new ways of thinking. He embodies:

• The intellectual and persuasive mind – quick thinkers, eloquent speakers, and those who influence others through language.

• The boundary-crossers – people who navigate different social circles, careers, and identities with ease.

• The innovators and improvisers – entrepreneurs, writers, actors, and public figures who thrive on adaptability.

Mercury in Modern Personality Types

People with strong Mercurial influence often display:

• Wit and humor – using laughter to teach, challenge, or defuse tension.

• Restlessness and curiosity – always seeking new experiences and knowledge.

• Cleverness and adaptability – able to thrive in chaos, but sometimes prone to deceit or manipulation.

Writers, marketers, actors, and politicians overwhelmingly exhibit Mercurial traits. Why? Because they rely on persuasion, strategy, and movement between different roles and ideas.

Mercury in aciton.

Mercury and Alchemy: The Transformational Force

Mercury as the Alchemical Principle

In alchemy, Mercury (Quicksilver) represents fluidity, transformation, and the bridge between matter and spirit. It is one of the three prime substances of alchemy:

• Mercury (Spirit) – The ever-moving, ever-changing force of life and intellect.

• Sulfur (Soul) – The fire of desire, passion, and will.

• Salt (Body) – The fixed, stable structure of physical reality.
  

Mercury as the Guide to Inner Transformation

• Alchemy is not just about metals—it’s about personal transformation. Mercury represents the mind's ability to shift, adapt, and elevate itself beyond limitations.

• He teaches that true wisdom is found in movement, flexibility, and constant learning.

• Many alchemical texts describe him as the Trickster who both conceals and reveals knowledge, forcing the seeker to look beyond illusions. |

Mercury Still Matters Today

Mercury is more than an ancient god—he is an active force in psychology, a living intelligence, a perennial expression of a fundamental force of the universe.

Whether as a patron of intellect, a trickster challenging norms, a protector of travelers, or a master of alchemy, he remains deeply embedded in human consciousness.

In a world that values speed, communication, and adaptability, Mercury’s lessons are more relevant than ever. Whatever manifestation you choose to connection with, he has something valuable to teach us: to think on our feet, adapt to life’s challenges, to flow and shapeshift, and seek the deeper truths hidden beneath the surface of reality.