Mercury in Cancer

MERCURY

If we picture the orbits of the planets as concentric spheres around the sun, the orbit of Mercury is the first sphere through which the out-surging solar power radiates as it spreads throughout the solar system. Mercury thus represents the first planetary adaptation or specialization of solar power. It refracts, as it were, the one, homogeneous solar stream into two facets or rays. Thus, out of the unitary solar purpose, duality is born.

For human beings on earth, mind and consciousness arise and develop on the basis of just such a duality, for in order to be aware, 'I' must perceive an 'other' who (or which) is 'not I.' Mercury symbolizes this primordial perception of duality, and once it occurs the function of Mercury is forever to try to link the two at the mental level.

Mercury's realm is the sphere of perceptions and ideas, of words that symbolize experience and minds which try to integrate experience into a meaningful whole. Thus Mercury symbolizes gathering data and information, knowing, formulating at the verbal level, communicating, listening, and rational decision-making.

Fleet as the quicksilver intellect which it symbolizes, fickle as an easily changeable mind, Mercury's functional activities can be misapplied. Negative applications of what Mercury represents include equivocating, rationalizing, intellectual superficiality, blabbing on and on, and disorganized eclecticism.

Leyla Rael

MERCURY IN CANCER

Keynote: Perceptions are communicated sensitively and imaginatively.

Symbol: A poetic recitation stirs the emotions of a crowd.

An excellent memory and imagination is likely, but there is a tendency to look to the past sometimes too nostalgically so that forward thinking and planning can cause apprehension and worry because of having to consider and accept the unknown.

It is important that the individual realizes that the imagination tends to work over-time, all too often negatively, so that when things go wrong (or appear to do so) they are turned from molehills into mountains. A love of the past may be seen in a fascination with history, also long historical /romantic novels or family sagas will be enjoyed or even written. There is usually tenacity, especially when studying, but one may be prone to changing their mind, perhaps mostly when emotional reactions clash with logical thinking and the assessment of situations.

People with Mercury in Cancer can sway the public with their oratory but they need to guard against being so eager to make an impression that they gloss over their own convictions. They may be tempted to say what they think their listeners want to hear or are willing to accept. Thus, they gain a reputation for being opportunistic when in fact they are really only too anxious to please. They need to turn to their own powers of introspection and be completely honest with themselves. Otherwise, their persuasions can too easily be altered by circumstances as they drift like a rudderless sailboat blown hither and thither by every breath of opinion.

The mind is retentive, especially in matters pertaining to family history and bygone times. An instinctive feeling for the archaic gives an aptitude for dealing with antiquities and an interest in museums. The ability to turn back to the past makes many Mercurial Cancerians natural psychologists. The works of Carl Jung who popularized the idea of the collective unconscious and who wrote extensively on the symbolism of fantasies and dreams, typify this associative mode of thought.

When Mercury is in Cancer, the mind may not be especially original but a compensating psychic permeability permits the absorption of ideas without labored explanations. With the Sun also in Cancer, the intuitive powers are intensified, but they may be denied recognition because of the reticence of the sign.

Mercury in Cancer often gives deep sympathies and a vivid imagination. If such a person hears of a flood or earthquake in some part of the world, they can visualize the havoc created by the disaster and commiserate with the unfortunate victims. In extreme cases, the tendency to dwell upon melancholy images dissipates time and energy through worry about the vicissitudes of others and fear that similar troubles might befall one’s own loved ones. No matter how dauntless a Cancerian may be they are vulnerable where their family, especially their children are concerned. They need to avoid brooding over calamities, past, present, or potential, and to cultivate faith in their own reason and intelligence.

Mercury/Cancer people may not be outstandingly intellectual but they are usually kind and well meaning. They have a tolerance of human frailty based on an ability to sense the mental state of others and to sympathize with their problems and anxieties. They respond to feelings as much as to facts, realizing that if an individual feels something intensely, then this is a legitimate part of their world of reality.

Cancer brings out the passive side of Mercury, making the mind receptive but not always capable of discrimination. There is a liability to be swayed by appeals to the emotions, even against the dictates of common sense. If, however, mental stability and depth of purpose reinforce the innate sensitivity of the Cancerian, they may become the psychologist who studies the art of healing as well as the science of suppressing disease. This integrative kind of psychology does not require degrees or diplomas but may be practiced by anyone who genuinely wants to help others.

Sun in Gemini / Mercury in Cancer

Considerable intuition and a powerful instinct are added to the Gemini traits. The imagination is likely to be expressed through writing or perhaps some form of handicraft.

The placing adds a measure of sensitivity especially when assessing other people's reactions, making one more sympathetic than critical. It can cause even the most rational Geminians to worry, but nevertheless logic should eventually rule the day.

This individual should recognize that a changeable mind can cause problems to loved ones as well as themselves.

Sun in Cancer / Mercury in Cancer

The Cancerian imagination is increased and must be given positive or creative expression. Undue worry is extremely likely, and if pessimism or depression are hinted at elsewhere this placing may increase such possibilities.

Intuition and love of the past will be enormously enhanced, as will moodiness. The thinking process is almost totally intuitive, and ideas, thoughts and decisions will be made quite instinctively, which is right for this combination.

Sun in Leo / Mercury in Cancer

Here, intuition and sentimentality are heightened, with the imagination put to excellent use. Leo optimism will help overcome the Cancerian tendency to worry, but Mercury adds kindness, consideration and sympathy, making one less dogmatic and bossy.

Mental flexibility will also be an asset and caution and shrewdness act as a good counter to Leo's fire.

The high emotional level of Leo is affected by the more sensitive, emotional element of Mercury in Cancer, increasing for instance, Leonine appreciation of splendid theatrical or musical performances, and allowing a full expression of feeling toward loved ones.

Astrology, the Divine Science

Mindfire