Mercury

It is the planetary glyph later reused for mercury metal. In alchemy, it marks the liquid metal also called quicksilver. The Mercury symbol is also used in astronomy and astrology for the planet and its influence.

Its shape is linked to the caduceus, a staff entwined by two snakes and carried by Hermes, the Greek god equated with Roman Mercury. A Roman celestial map from the 2nd century, the Bianchini planisphere, depicts Mercury with a caduceus, an early visual predecessor to the familiar glyph. Later alchemists used the planetary sign to mark the metal.

Why did someone send me ☿?

They are probably pointing to astrology or Mercury retrograde. In a message, ☿ can mark a birth-chart placement; beside “retrograde,” it points to a period blamed for communication, travel, timing, or technology trouble. It is specialist shorthand, not a universal emotional signal.

Alongside ♂ and ♀, it can stand for an inclusive, intersex, or gender-fluid category. In alchemical notes or historical design, it more likely means quicksilver or refers to Hermes and Mercury. For a medical emblem, ⚕ is the Rod of Asclepius; ☿ is Mercury’s planetary and alchemical sign.