Quicksilver

Also called Mercury

MetalIn 3 Signatures3 traditions

overview

Quicksilver, the liquid metal mercury, is the metal of the planet Mercury: it runs, splits, rejoins, and dissolves other metals, just as Mercury the god moves between worlds. In alchemy it is one of the three principles, the volatile spirit. Gemini and Virgo share it through their ruler.

Uses

Communication and quick thinking
Travel and commerce
Change and adaptability
Alchemical transformation

ritual

Planet: Mercury ☿︎
Day: Wednesday
Signs: Gemini, Virgo
Alchemical symbol: ☿︎
Chemical symbol: Hg (atomic number 80)

Working with it

Never handle real mercury. Use its glyph, or a mixed metal such as an alloy coin or a piece of hematite, as a stand-in on a Wednesday altar. Draw the ☿ symbol on paper before writing or speaking work.

⚠ Safety note for Quicksilver

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★ Part of the Signature of

♊︎ Gemini· Metal ♍︎ Virgo· Metal ☿︎ Mercury· Metal

Where the traditions place it

Gemini — Common practice
Virgo — Common practice
Mercury — Agrippa, Common practice, Golden Dawn