As I write this, the planet Mercury which is currently in retrograde motion, is exactly conjunct the sun, called “cazimi” by Medieval and Arabic astrologers. This word means “in the heart of the sun” or on the throne of the sun. It is a point where the little planet is exact in its alignment with the sun, and it only lasts a few hours during the course of today.
Secondly this Mercury conjunction with the sun is exactly in opposition to Jupiter now. Curiously Jupiter is also at its closest point to the earth in 57 years today. From here onward Jupiter gradually moves away from the earth once more, in its cyclic journey around the solar system.
Generally Mercury has three or four retrograde periods a year, which last for three weeks each. And during these periods Mercury passes between us and the sun. With a good telescope one can see the little planet pass across the face of the sun like a pea beside a football.
This position of Mercury as we have it today, marks the start of a new Mercury cycle. The traditional astrological mythology symbolically describes this conjunction moment to be like that of the advisor (Mercury) to the king getting a chance to sit on the throne of the king (Sun). The winged Messenger and scribe has a few hours in which to really be empowered by its position on the throne of the king, or directly in conjunction with the sun, from earth’s point of view.
As a result any activities traditionally in the domain of Mercury are highly favored. That includes writing, communicating (the winged messenger), short distance travel, education, trading, etc. The mind will be sharper and the wits improved. Before and after this window of opportunity, Mercury is in retrograde which is considered challenging to these same activities.
The retrograde is symbolically a time of delays, false starts, and slower communication, where things break down and need to be repaired. Not only that, but for about ten days before and after this “cazimi” day (today), Mercury is considered overshadowed by the sun or “combust”. The sun’s rays are so strong that the little planet Mercury becomes invisible or overshadowed by the rays of the sun, which is debilitating to its influence.
In my personal life today, as this “Cazimi” moment occurs, I just received a payment of money that I was waiting for. It was due a few weeks ago, although I was in no hurry for it. And just today, as the window of opportunity opens, the payment for the sale of an item arrives. The timing is very coincidental.
So this is a lucky day for us all, regardless of your horoscope. Use the opportunity to set some intention, do some study in a favored field where you can learn a great skill, or perform a ceremony, ritual or meditation on your inner guide. After all, Mercury is also known as “psychopomp” or guide of the souls on their way to the higher realms after leaving the body at death.
May our inner guide be with us in our time of need on our journey to our goal. Curiously Jupiter is also traditionally known as being symbolic of the priest or spiritual teacher. In Sanskrit the name for Jupiter is “Guru”, which also means heavy (with knowledge), and as we know, Jupiter is the heaviest planet in the solar system. It has the greatest gravitational pull.
So with Jupiter at its closest point to the earth today and for the next few days, we may feel inspired by guidance on our soul journey through life. We may be blessed with inspiration and genius, even if just for a moment. It is, nevertheless, a magical moment.
Besides that, the extra gravitational pull from Jupiter may affect the earth’s crust somewhat, leading to potential increased earthquake and volcanic activity, and their concomitant tsunamis. I’m off to the beach to look out for any approaching waves. See you on the other side.
(image pixabay)