Mercury Cazimi in Cancer: Revelation

In classical astrology, a planet within 15 degrees of the Sun is “under the beams.” We cannot see it; its influence and power lost in the brilliant heat of our star.

There is a moment, though, when the planet regains its power and more. At the conjunction, power is increased. This is cazimi, the heart of the sun, a time of great insight for those prepared to ask.

The specifics are a bit fuzzy as not all documents agree. Generally, within 8-12 degrees, the planet is “under the beams” and loses power. Within 8 degrees, the planet is “combust,” invisible and severely depleted. But at the exact conjunction, as the planet is within 16-17 minutes of the Sun, the “cazimi” occurs.

Imagine approaching the Sun. The heat is intense, the fires roiling. You can barely think and are sure you will perish. The closer you get, the more difficult it is to continue.

The moment comes when you reach the center. Like the eye of a hurricane, all is still, golden, silent. There is power here and wisdom. You can ask a boon before you must reenter the inferno. What will you ask?

This cazimi happens very close to the end of Cancer. This is the third decan, which Austin Coppock names The Overflowing Cup. Ancient sources associate this decan with luxury and also the choice to be an ascetic, not to ask for more than we need.

Today, the disparity between the wealthiest and the poorest is enormous and increasing. The natural world is asked to produce more than it can sustain. There are big questions to be asked about the boundaries between luxury and need, privilege and poverty.

Our own lives, too, call for balancing. What,in fact, to we need? How much? And at what cost?

We are in a time of reckoning, ready to let go of what is no longer needed, what might in fact be holding us back. Perhaps this cazimi can offer a moment of clarity as we hold on and let go.

Mercury’s retrograde is not over, but this window of illumination is real and valuable. Choose wisely.

Title created from a photo by Johannes Groll:

https://unsplash.com/photos/upXoQv5GAr8