Astrologers have always cared about planetary visibility — not symbolically, but literally. A planet's distance from the Sun at your birth tells us how clearly that planet could be seen in the sky, and this became a metaphor for how clearly its qualities show up in your life.
Among these conditions, cazimi is the rarest and most significant. Let's break it down simply.
Cazimi — The Planet in the Heart of the Sun (0°17′)
Cazimi comes from Arabic for "in the heart." A planet is in cazimi when it sits within 17 minutes of arc (0°17′) from the Sun — a tiny, precise window. That is astronomically, the planet sits inside the Sun's disc from Earth's perspective.
In views of astrologers, they see this planet as purified and empowered by the energies of the Sun. This is not a generic "strong conjunction", but a rare state of combustion immunity — the planet is so close to the Sun that it is elevated rather than overwhelmed. So, for example, if the native has Mercury cazimi in their chart, then they are likely to have sharp minds, and quick insights (in other words, exhibiting the powers of Mercury in its purest form).
Combust & Under the Beams — The Planet Hidden in Light
A combust planet is completely invisible in the sky at birth — that is, when it's within ~8° of the Sun. As it's so close to the Sun, this planet tends to exhibit its powers internally, privately and sometimes in a hidden manner (mirroring the astronomical phenomenon where it's physically overshadowed by the Sun). If say the planet is Venus, it could manifest through private feelings, or intense but concealed affection.
Under the Beams refers to planets that are 8°–15° from the Sun — they are still affected by the Sun, but much less so than combust. These planets tend to express themselves softly, subtly, sometimes in background ways and often through reflection rather than direct action.
Closing Thoughts
If you're curious how these visibility conditions show up for you, our tools clearly mark whether any planets are cazimi, combust, or under the beams in both your birth chart. You'll instantly see which planetary themes are spotlighted — and which are operating more quietly beneath the surface.
And if you'd like to explore how these conditions are unfolding right now, simply visit the Chart of the Moment below to see which planets are currently spotlighted, softened, or hidden by the Sun.
