Also called Mercurius, Mercury Negotiator.
Their story
Ovid tells that on the Mercuralia, merchants drew water from Mercury's spring near the Porta Capena, sprinkled it on themselves and their goods with a laurel branch, and asked the god to wash away the untruths they had told in trade. Mercury's temple stood by the Circus Maximus, close to the busy markets.
Their day
Wednesday. Wednesday was dies Mercurii, the day of Mercury, still mercredi in French.
Best times to give to them
- the Mercuralia on 15 May
- Wednesdays
- before a sale, interview or important message
- before a journey
What they like being given
- coins
- milk
- incense
- a small cake
- fresh spring water
How to honour them
- Keep the Mercuralia on 15 May by sprinkling your workspace with fresh water and asking for good business.
- Put the first coin earned from a new venture on his shrine.
- Say a quick prayer to Mercury before sending an important message.
- Keep your accounts honest and pay your debts promptly.
How they can help you
- business and sales
- communication and persuasion
- safe journeys
- money and luck
- quick learning
Symbols
- caduceus
- winged hat
- purse
- rooster
- tortoise
More Roman gods
- Jupiter Best and greatest, guardian of Rome
- Mars Father of Rome and guardian of fields
- Janus Two-faced god of doors and beginnings
- Saturn King of the golden age and lord of the harvest
- Sol Invictus The unconquered sun, reborn at midwinter
- Neptune Lord of fresh water and the sea
- Vulcan God of fire, both destroying and forging
- Apollo (in Rome) Healer and prophet adopted by Rome