Mercury Transit in Cancer

Cancer belongs to the Moon, whom Mercury counts an enemy, and Budha passes through in about sixteen days. Feeling colours thought here and clouds the judgement. Memory works better than analysis during the stay.

Cancer governs the chest, the mother, the home and emotional memory. Mercury in this sign turns talk toward family and old matters. Conversations about the home carry more feeling than usual, and business decisions taken now are decided by mood.

The nakshatras are Punarvasu, Pushya and Ashlesha. Punarvasu, under Jupiter, opens with repair and return. Pushya, under Saturn, is the most nourishing stretch and suits study and teaching. Ashlesha is Mercury's own nakshatra, and the closing days ask for care in what is said.

Classical gochara counts Mercury well in the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth and eleventh from the natal Moon. Gemini, Aries, Aquarius, Sagittarius, Libra and Virgo Moons receive it in those houses. Cancer Moons hold it in the first, and Leo Moons carry it in the twelfth, where words are misread.

The stay shows a person how memory shapes their reasoning. An argument that keeps returning to an old grievance is not about the present. Separating the feeling from the fact is the work of these days. Speak carefully during Ashlesha.

• Recite Om Bram Breem Braum Sah Budhaya Namah on Wednesday.
• Study or teach during Pushya where the schedule allows.
• Say nothing in anger to family during Ashlesha.