Mercury, or Budha, is the karaka for intellect, communication, and business acumen in a Vedic chart. It rules both Gemini and Virgo, and is exalted in its own sign of Virgo — one of the few grahas where rulership and exaltation coincide. It's debilitated in Pisces, where Mercury's need for clear analysis runs against that sign's diffuse, intuitive nature.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Nature | Neutral — takes on the nature of whatever it conjuncts |
| Own Sign(s) | Gemini and Virgo |
| Exaltation | Virgo |
| Debilitation | Pisces |
| Vimshottari Dasha | 17 years |
| Day | Wednesday |
Mercury's Mahadasha runs 17 years, longer than several grahas often assumed to be more significant. Classically it's treated as neutral: Mercury's results shift toward benefic or malefic depending on which planets are conjunct or aspecting it, more than any other graha — it's called the 'prince' of the grahas partly because it takes its character from whoever it's closest to. Ruling Wednesday, Mercury also governs writing, trade, and short-distance travel.
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