The position of mercury or the 3rd house ruler indicates the learning style and topics of interest.
Aries mercury/Aries 3rd house/mercury in the 1st: Energetic mind enthusiastic to learn. Does well in a classroom when they have motivation, physical activity and the freedom to immediately express thoughts/opinions at will. Could focus on topics that concern themselves, competitive sports, future goals, independence and social activism.
Taurus mercury/Taurus 3rd house/mercury in the 2nd: Values and finds beauty in education. Does well through hands-on experience and in serene, comfortable environments. Heavily relies on the physical senses to learn. Could indulge in learning and find pleasure in it, concerning themselves with topics like music, art, fashion, food and cooking, finance, cosmetology, security and moral codes.
Gemini mercury/Gemini 3rd house/mercury in the 3rd (☿): Extremely adaptable to most learning styles, preferably active and communicative learning activities as well as visuals that stimulate the mind. How well they perform in the classroom depends on their attention span. The eternal student and natural teacher. Interested in a variety of things, such as technology, journaling, media, science, gossip, sociology and communications.
Cancer mercury/Cancer 3rd house/mercury in the 4th: Learns well with one-on-one interactions, such as private tutoring. How well they pay attention and their performance in the classroom depends on their mood and comfort. Good memory, especially if the lesson appealed to the emotions. Could be interested in topics about motherly principles, children, women psychology, social welfare, cooking, the home and spirituality.
Leo mercury/Leo 3rd house/mercury in the 5th: Takes pride in their intelligence and does well in settings that encourage and praise their efforts. Any insults to the mind directly injure the ego. Wants learning to be fun, playful, expressive. Passionate learner interested in studies concerning the development of ego and identity (psychology), self-expression, creative writing, the arts, romance, childcare and youth.
Virgo mercury/Virgo 3rd house/mercury in the 6th (☿): Extremely adaptable to most learning styles, preferably logical and precise lectures as well as systematic methods that structure the mind. Natural educators. How well they perform in the classroom depends on the state of their nerves. Topics of interest may include journaling, science, mathematics, mental and physical health, self-care and healing, technology, social service and work ethics.
Libra mercury/Libra 3rd house/mercury in the 7th: Does well in settings where the environments are calm, civil and equalized. Interested in esthetic matters, the arts, social debates, equity concern, mediation, social justice, law, and relationships. Benefits from participating in projects where they can exercise the mind and work with others.
Scorpio mercury/Scorpio 3rd house/mercury in the 8th: Learns well in settings that challenge the mind, where they can critically question concepts and ideas. Wants learning to empower them and strengthen their perceptions, can become fixated on topics that catch their interest such as science, esoteric research, politics, social injustices, death, criminology, conspiracy theories and law.
Sagittarius mercury/Sagittarius 3rd house/mercury in the 9th: Adaptable to most learning methods preferably ones where the individual is able to learn from experience such as through traveling or ‘outside classes.’ Interested in religious, spiritual, theoretical, political, cultural, ethical and existential topics which have no limits and could be further expanded on. A constant search for “god,” in other words, a sense of fulfillment through learning.
Capricorn mercury/Capricorn 3rd house/mercury in the 10th: The mind is focused best in environments that provide structure and order, with methodical designs and encouraging figures. The individual is concentrated on topics having to do with morals, law, family principles, public and political issues, power and future ambitions. The mind most inclined to be groomed as a natural mentor to others.
Aquarius mercury/Aquarius 3rd house/mercury in the 11th: The learning style is best cultivated through unordinary methods and only does well when the nerves are stimulated, otherwise boredom causes static and unfocused restlessness. Engages in topics that are bizarre, concerned with society, social wellness and justice, Utopian ideas, politics, technology and spirituality.
Pisces mercury/Pisces 3rd house/mercury in the 12th: An extremely adaptable and impressionable mind with a visual learning preference and a liking to environments where they are able to work and study alone. Could devote themselves to topics involving mysticism, religion, healing, the arts, mental illness, psychology and social welfare.