The Mercury Model; an astrological approach to learning styles
Chris Ogilvie, Institution: Astro Innovation,
Cumbria: Helyn Connerr BA MSc Professional Astrologer
Within our common humanity we are all unique. One key difference is our style of thinking
and learning and we propose that this can be described in considerable depth and detail
from data derived from date of birth. Everyone has a natural style of thinking and
learning and “We all do best what comes naturally” (Cicero). Understanding
this and reconnecting people with their natural mental style helps both learners and
relationships
This presentation will introduce our original work, Mercury Model, an astrological
approach to the identification and description of learning styles. Over the past
four years we have used this model with over 400 people, from business, education and the
community. There has been a high degree of identification with the model and we have
a considerable body of anecdotal evidence to support its value in practical application in
a variety of contexts.
The Mercury Model presents twelve different styles of learning. These may be grouped
into 3 sub-sets of similarity. One of these consists of four categories: Fire
(enthusiastic activists), Air (conceptual logicals), Water (visual reflectors) and Earth
(pragmatists). Interestingly, these are similar to those categories used by Honey
and Mumford (1992 and 1986). However, the Mercury Model needs no questionnaires for style
identification and the empirical knowledge base, upon which the Model is formed, is
thousands of years old.
The Model goes far beyond twelve styles to achieve a high level of individuality. We
all have a primary tone to our mentality and this is described by one of the twelve
styles. However, rarely is it found in its pure form. For most of us there are
modifying factors we call subtones, which work together with the primary tone to
differentiate the nature of the mind even further.
In this presentation we will demonstrate the information about cognitive style and
processes that can be derived from date of birth. This includes
Initial reaction to new information.
Mode of receiving information.
Learning requirements for each style.
Style of processing.
The likelihood of retention.
Mental strengths; each of the 12 styles has its specialisms.
How each mind might appear to others.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that schools favour certain styles over others and that some
children, are consequently unfairly disadvantaged. Some people left school with a negative
self image as a result, having had their mental strengths perceived as weaknesses. This is
particularly true of one of the twelve.
This invites a number of questions. Is the topic of learning styles on the
curriculum for trainee teachers? Do universal prescriptions for education , such as the
literacy hour have any validity?
The Mercury Model has been used for self -development, improving communication between
couples and partners, helping parents and teachers support children’s learning and
particularly for team building in businesses.
For more information visit our website www.astro-innovation.com