Mercury remedies

• thinking, learning and memory
• speech, writing and communication
• trade, accounts and contracts
• the skin and nerves, traditionally

Often one or more of these, especially in Mercury’s own period or when it is weak in the birth chart:

• scattered thinking or poor concentration
• misunderstandings, or careless speech
• mistakes in paperwork and contracts
• nervousness

Free, and the strongest remedies of all, because they change the habit the planet shows up through.

• Read or learn something every day; keep a notebook.
• Speak truthfully and say less when unsure; check documents twice before signing.
• Keep plants and greenery around you.
• Help children or students with their studies.

Say it 108 times (one round of a mala), in the morning, facing east if you can. Start on a Wednesday and keep the same time each day; a steady small practice counts for more than a long one done once.

Deity: Vishnu; the Vishnu Sahasranama is traditionally recited for Mercury.

Fasting: A Wednesday fast.

Charity: green moong dal, green vegetables, or books and stationery for students, on a Wednesday. Why: sharing learning is how Mercury grows. Give to someone who needs it, and only what you can easily afford.

Only when Mercury is a good planet for your ascendant.

Metal:

gold

Finger:

little finger

First worn:

a Wednesday morning, after saying the mantra 108 times

Substitute:

green tourmaline or peridot are sometimes used as substitutes

The stone should touch the skin. Buy a natural, untreated stone from a reputable gemologist, wear it on trial first, and take it off if anything feels wrong. More in Gemstones: rules before you wear one.