Christian Symbolism in the Planet Mercury

Christian Symbolism in the Planet Mercury

Mercury is named after the Roman God Mercurius, their god of commerce, the messenger of the gods, and the mediator between gods and mortals. That last description stands out to me the most because it suggests that Mercury could represent Jesus Christ as the Mediator. Let’s explore some reasons why this may be the case.

The planet Mercury is known for a few unique characteristics. First, it is the planets that is closest to the sun and consequently it can be difficult to see, often being consumed in the light of the sun. Second, it is the planet that has the fastest orbit. What can we gleam from these 2 characteristics?

The Mediator

If the sun represents God or divinity, Mercury can represent a nearness to God. That nearness to God, of course, a good representation of Christ who “[dwells] in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see” (1 Timothy 6:16). While no man can behold God in the flesh, I would argue that we can see him in certain ways with spiritual eyes, and we can certainly be ministered unto by spiritual beings.

This is where the second characteristic of Mercury comes into play. Being the planet with the fastest orbit we could say that Mercury has wings. In fact, the Roman god Mercurius is depicted with winged sandals, also called Talaria, which allowed him to “fly as swift as any bird.” From this we get a connection between speed and wings. The Doctrine and Covenants explains that wings symbolize “power to move and to act, etc” (D&C 77:4). This may be why angles are often depicted with wings.

The Messenger

In scripture, we see various instances of angels as messengers. Ancient tradition, validated by Paul (Gal. 3:19), indicate that angels delivered the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. In the New Testament messages are delivered by angles to Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:28); Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-13); and to shepherds abiding in the field (Luke 2:8-9), just to name a few. In addition to bringing messages, an angel’s purpose is to mediate between God and man in one way or another. In a word, angels are also mediators, but the ultimate Mediator is Jesus Christ. He is as the scriptures say “the mediator of the new covenant” (Hebrews 12:24).

But what about commerce? If Roman tradition says that Mercurius was the god of commerce, can I in any way relate that to Christ? This may seem odd at a glance, but when you uncover the meaning of the word commerce, you find it’s meaning has similarities to that of a messenger or mediator. The word “commerce” isn’t in the bible, but it’s synonym “trade” appears 5 times. It’s definition according to Blue Letter Bible is “to go around, or go about.” The act of going around and about for a certain purpose is relevant also to a messenger, or even mediator. The economy of earth moves with money, but I suggest that the economy of heaven is based on the work of angels. God doesn’t need money to get things done in heaven. He just needs willing hands and feed, also known as angels. To say that God is present in our day to day economy is to say that he is present in our daily lives. He sends messengers and mediators to intervene on our behalf. And in His infinite love, He send his only begotten Son, the mediator of all men.

“I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit” (2 Nephi 2:28).

To me Mercury represents Christ as the Mediator, with his power to move and act on behalf of the children of God. He is the only one who could approach the light and bring heaven to Earth, that by obedience to His will all mankind may be saved “through the great Mediator of all men” (2 Nephi 2:27).

I hope you enjoyed this video, and that you might have learned something. Come back next time, when we explore christian symbolism in the planet Venus. Until next time remember, to be spiritually minded is life eternal.

Sources

Galatians 3:19, 1 Timoty 2:5, Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 12:24, 2 Nephi 2, D&C 77: 4-6

Key words: Wings, Mediator, Messenger, Angle, Trade, New Covenant

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