First Pentacle of Mercury

What this is

The First Pentacle of Mercury is the chief seal of the Mercurial set in the Key of Solomon, cut to invoke the spirits of Mercury and so to open their whole power of mind and message. It is the master-key to the swift spirits of the quickest planet. It is the foundation of the Mercurial work.

What it governs

It governs the invoking of the spirits of Mercury. Its sphere is the calling of the messenger-planet's powers: the spirits of mind, learning, and exchange that Mercury commands. It rules the opening of the Mercurial work and the summoning of its quick spirits to the seeker's purpose.

Its properties

It is figured in mixed or orange colours on the day and hour of Mercury, its border carrying the names by which the Mercurial spirits are called. The upright virtue of the seal is intelligence rightly summoned, the swift mind called to a worthy purpose; its shadow is the cleverness that serves no end but its own. The pentacle teaches that knowledge is a servant whose worth lies in the use it is put to.

Where else it appears

This master-seal is the talismanic skin of the same Mercurial intelligence that Ophiel grants in the Arbatel, teaching all arts swiftly, and that the angel Raphael bears over Wednesday. The Mercury-spirit's learning, the fox's quick wit, and the drawn seal that calls the Mercurial spirits are facets of one Mercury. Lay them together and the same swift intelligence looks back.

Where you meet it on the Oracle

On The Day, the First Pentacle of Mercury appears as a tradition-face of Wednesday, the day of Mercury, beside the planet itself, the angel Raphael, and the planet's other daily faces. When it surfaces it colours the day with its single purpose, recorded in the old grimoire as one to invokes the spirits of mercury. Read it not as a literal talisman to cut but as the day's invitation to that exact work under Mercury's hand: a pointer to the matter the day is shaped for, the door that stands open today.

Why it matters

It names the truth that knowledge is a tool that takes the shape of its user's purpose. It matters because the Mercurial day rewards learning and the quick command of the mind. It asks you to seek knowledge and to put it to good use.

Correspondences

planet

Mercury

element

Air, Water

zodiac

Gemini, Virgo

sephirah

Hod

day

Wednesday

colour

Orange

metal

Quicksilver

stone

Opal

tarot

The Magician