September 6 2023
6:21 pm
"Cazimi" is a fascinating astrological term that describes the exact moment when a planet is conjunct with the Sun. According to ancient astrology, when planets get too close to the Sun (between 12º and 9º on either side of the Sun), they become "combust." This causes the planets to weaken and become ineffective, and their significations are hidden in the Sun's rays, ultimately being burned in its heat. As a result, they lose their power and are unable to manifest their significations and agenda.
However, when the planet approaches the "heart of the Sun" (within 1º on either side of the Sun, according to Hellenistic astrologers), the planet is protected from inactivity, weakening, and irregularity. Instead, it is strengthened in the Sun's forge, like sitting with the king in the same seat.
When I was tuning into the energy of this Mercury Cazimi in Virgo, I was struck with a vivid image. In my mind's eye, I saw the winged messenger god of Greek mythology, Mercury (or Hermes), sitting regally on the throne of the Sun, in the Ancient Oracle sight of Delphi, steeped in history and magic.
Perhaps the image may have come from Demetra George's "Oracular Asteroids" workshop, which I recently listened to. During the workshop, she mentioned that oracular priestesses smoke Bay Laurel and inhale the smoke to enter an altered state to deliver divine messages to querent. However, some say that they chew the leaves or inhale the steam rising from a simmering pot with bay laurel.
In any case, the magic ingredient for this day is "bay laurel," and in Chai Astrology, we make a tea with it! Interestingly, while working with Asteroid Goddess Hekate, she called for the use of bay laurel, so I have already obtained organic bay laurel from Greece.
Here's how I made the tea: Delphi Oracle Bay Laurel Tea
Boil water in a pot.
Add three bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of ginger root, and 1 tablespoon of orange peel to the pot.
Boil for 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, crush 1 cinnamon stick, about 10 cloves, and 3 star anise in a mortar and pestle.
Take the pot off the heat after 3 minutes and add the crushed ingredients.
Cover and steep for 5 minutes.
Strain and add some marigold sugar that I got at the local vegetable stand.
Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Speaking of asteroid, there are literally thousands of asteroids to choose from, and finding the appropriate one for a specific theme and seeing it in your chart can be quite intriguing and interesting. For example, I discovered that Asteroid Hekate #100 is in conjunction with my Sun, Mars, and Venus conjunction in my natal chart, and when my astrologer friend pointed out this connection, I was strongly drawn to work with the goddess energy of Hekate. From that moment on, I have been devoted to working with Hekate and her Guidances.
And for this occasion, I checked Asteroid Pythia #432 (Pythia was the name given to the priestesses who served at the oracle of Delphi), Apollo #1862 (Apollo is the son of Jupiter and closely related to the Sun, it indicates our ability to shine and stand out in particular areas), and Delphine #3218 (Delphi was an ancient oracular sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Apollo) that was all mentioned in the Demetra’s workshop.
Asteroid Pythia is an asteroid that can indicate where psychic abilities are strongest in a person's natal chart, as well as where they channel their intuition with the help of Gaian energies. It is associated with the priestesses who served at the oracle of Delphi and can be connected to one's spiritual quest and ancestral lineage. When Pythia is prominent in one's chart, it tends to hold a significant influence in their life and can be a fascinating aspect to explore and understand.
Asteroid Apollo is linked to a place where individuals often make repeated reckless mistakes, leading to emotional enlightenment and transformation. It represents a space of child-like curiosity, naivete, and enthusiasm for life, even in the face of difficulties. When strongly present in a person's natal chart, it can have significant influence on their life and can be a fascinating aspect to explore.
Asteroid Delphine represents the desire to excel and surpass one's personal best. It is associated with embarking on a spiritual journey that draws one towards like-minded individuals in order to heal and grow together. Its placement in the natal chart can indicate areas in life where one seeks to achieve greatness and connect with others on a deep and meaningful level.
Looking at my natal chart, I was intrigued to discover that my Ascendant is marked by Apollo, my IC by Pythia, and my MC by Delphine. It's quite interesting to observe that when asteroids are present in the angles of the chart, they tend to hold a significant influence in one's life. Today, I am feeling their energy calling out to me and I am excited to explore it further.
I couldn't help but notice that asteroid Pythia is positioned in my 4th house of Virgo, which is quite intriguing as it seems to be connected to my ancestry. Moreover, while analyzing the transits, I realized that both Mercury and Sun are urging me to awaken ancient memories that have been buried deep beneath the surface. On the other hand, transit Delphine is situated on my DC and aligned with the fixed star Antares. As Antares is equivalent to Mars, I feel like it's a command from the cosmos to bring forth the ancient energy that has been lying dormant within me, and to draws like-minded truth of collective consciousness.
At precisely 2:34 pm, during the "Mercury hour," I embarked on a spellbinding journey with a chilled cup of tea I had brewed. I had prepared a sachet filled with Hekate's garden loose smudge, which I had made during the Full Moon, along with good conditioned bay laurel and a sharpie marker.
To begin the ritual, I meditated to connect with the planets, visualizing the winged messenger god Mercury sitting on the throne of the Sun. Then, I wrote down some powerful words that came to mind and set my intention. Then, I created a sigil that mimicked the pattern in the chart, aligning the asteroids and Mercury Cazimi to represent my deepest desires.
Next, I wrote the sigil onto the bay laurel and placed it inside the smudge sachet. I also wrote the sigil onto the sachet itself to amplify its power and ensure its manifestation. Then, I placed the sachet onto the Hekate altar.
Finally, I closed the ritual by taking the last sip of my tea.