This is a study of astrological Mercury, covering all aspects of the planet and its importance in the development of the personal and collective unconscious. Mercury is often treated as a light-weight planet which overemphasizes the intellect and ignores the emotional side of life. By drawing on mythology and a series of case histories, this book shows that it can be far more. People who feel stuck, endlessly repeating the same unsatisfactory patterns of behaviour, might find inspiration in the story of Hermes, the Roman Mercury, and his descent into the underworld. The book argues that his love affair with Venus, and the birth of their hermaphrodite child, has much to teach us about reconciling the male and female within ourselves. The book explores Mercury's role as eternal child, rapist, trickster, traveller, healer and eventual miracle-worker. It also examines his aspects to the other planets and how he operates in the different houses and signs.