Contradictions and Course Corrections: Chodesh Menachem Av 5779

"Leo"from the Michal Mahzor, Germany 1258.

 Chodesh Menachem Av Tov!
Av 5779
(August 2 – August 30)

Our tradition tells us that when Chodesh Av comes, we reduce our joy, yet it also informs us that Tu b’Av is one of the two most joyful holidays in the Jewish calendar! It was on Tu b’Av that the daughters of Jerusalem disregarded social status and economic disparity by each loaning the other white dresses so that all might dance beneath the moonlight in equality. It was the day the 12 Tribes were reconciled after the civil war and tribal intermarriage permitted again.

Indeed, Chodesh Av is full of contradictions and course-corrections. The new moon in Leo on erev Rosh Chodesh Av scorches hypocrisy and deceit with the white-hot heat of judgment. The (delayed) fast of Tisha b’Av August 11 is sufficiently solemn with Moon in Capricorn, yet the day’s energy wildly fluctuates, with Jupiter direct, Mercury’s ingress into Leo, and Uranus’s retrograde station in Taurus. Universal rather than particularistic love reigns at the full moon in democratic, humanitarian, egalitarian Aquarius on Tu b’Av, August 15. Course-corrections are re-calculated August 23 at the last quarter moon in Gemini with the Sun’s entrance into calm, analytic Virgo. By the Virgo new moon August 30 joined to Mercury in his own sign, clarity is restored.

May Chodesh Av’s powerful potential for extreme emotion be channeled into the passionate quest for dignity, wisdom and discernment! 

"Menachem Av" with "Ari" the lion representing the zodiac sign of Leo, detail from a Torah binder, Germany, 1748

Celestial Trifecta: Solar Eclipse / New Moon in Capricorn / Rosh Chodesh Shevat!

Solar Eclipse / New Moon in Capricorn on Sunday, January 6 at 3:28am Jerusalem time. Molad of the new month of Shevat on Sunday at 11:13 (14 chalakim) AM, followed by Rosh Chodesh Shevat on Monday.

 Yes, this year Chodesh Shevat begins literally in the middle of Solar Capricorn (15 degrees). Both Capricorn and Aquarius (the constellation of Shevat) are ruled by Saturn ("Shabbtai") in classical astrology. Saturn himself, old Father Time, sits only 3 degrees away from the Sun/Moon conjunction that is the New Moon / Solar Eclipse. 

Jupiter ("Tzedek") in Sagittarius semi-sextiles Saturn in Capricorn, and the Sun/Moon eclipse.

Some possible reflections of these celestial portents include but are not limited to:

- Resolving financial matters in a "Lucky" way. This does not mean "gambling," it means a lucky break, a payoff, recognition of your mature and responsible decision-making which manifests in good fortune or a significant upgrade in a long-term and somewhat stressful material world austerity period.

- A greater degree of Self-Acceptance and the ability to integrate work-in-progress, imperfect parts of Self into waking consciousness. 

- Expanded joy of accomplishment. Not a giddy happiness but a deep, profound, and perhaps surprising joy springing from the internalization of your own competency, developed by the combination of time and hard work.

- The regenerative power of joy triggers a greater ability to reestablish affinity with your own body and experience your own vitality and life-force, regenerating and reviving both body and soul.

May the celestial reflection of the terrestrial conditions shine beautifully upon you, and unfold with astounding grace!

Chodesh Kislev is Coming!

Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5779:

New Moon at 15 degrees Scorpio today (Wednesday November 7th), Rosh Chodesh #Kislev tonight through Friday (2 days this year). 

We welcome the Hebrew month of Kislev Nov. 8-9. Kislev is connected to the mutable fire sign Sagittarius (Keshet, the bow), the Tribe of Benjamin and the traditionally beneficent planet Jupiter (Tzedek). The Holy of Holies was built upon a tiny bit of Benjamin’s tribal land during the time that the Temple stood in Jerusalem. Just as the Temple gave spiritual light to the world, Kislev gives spiritual light to the soul during the darkest part of the year.

This year, Kislev begins 13 days before the Sun enters Sagittarius on the solar calendar. This gives most of November a Scorpio-Sagittarius (Mars-Jupiter) flavor, supersized by Jupiter’s return to his home sign of Sagittarius on Nov. 8 for the first time since Nov. 2006-Dec. 2007 and multiplied by Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius/Scorpio from Nov. 16 through Dec. 6.

Jupiter’s propensity for devotion can be seen in how Benjamin named his ten sons for life events connecting him to his supposedly lost brother Joseph. Sagittarius the Archer is brutally honest, aiming for the highest truth with his bow, shooting right through convention, tradition and the status-quo to reach the heart of the matter.

Pictured: Ceramic plate from my "12 Tribes" Series, Kislev/Benyamin/Keshet. Benyamin is portrayed as the "Wolf" of Genesis 49:27. Note the glyph for the planet Jupiter ("Tzedek" ), the ruling planet of Sagittarius.

New Moon / Solar Eclipse Opposite Pluto: Power Games and Security Issues

The astronomical clock in Prague, pointing to the Cancer/Capricorn cusps

The New Moon at 20 degrees Cancer is opposite Pluto at 20 degrees Capricorn. Symbolically speaking, Pluto is all about power and control. The Sun will be eclipsed by the Moon in maternal, emotional, nurturing, empathetic Cancer. 

Cancer and Capricorn both have "security" issues. Cancer is concerned with emotional security, which is equated with the key words "Food, Home, Mother, Money." Capricorn is concerned with material security, the acquisition and use of power, wealth, and resources. 

The Tribal Rulers of Cancer and Capricorn give further insight into these issues. Reuven, the Tribal Ruler of Cancer, jealously guarded his family honor from a place of emotional need. Dan, the Tribal Ruler of Capricorn, fiercely guarded the borders of Israel against threats from invading "others." 

On a global level, Pluto in Capricorn opposed by the eclipsed Sun and Moon in Cancer is a power and control-grab of resources by the Haves against the Have-Nots. 

On a personal level, this describes the dynamic tension between your control issues and your emotional needs. In what realm those play out depends on which of your 12 Houses the Pluto-Sun/Moon opposition happens in. 

For a personalized natal chart analysis reading, couples/relationship charts and group dynamic analysis, be in touch with me by email: lorelaikude@yahoo.com

Passover 5775 Lunar Eclipse - Blood Moon Tetrad Calling Your Name!

Passover 5775's Lunar Eclipse - Saturday, April 4th, beginning at 4:58am Pacific, 7:58am Eastern and 2:58pm Israel time.

The Sun at 14 Aries and the Moon at 14 Libra oppose each other (as with every Full Moon) but this Full Moon is also a "Blood Moon" and the shortest Lunar Eclipse of the Century.

This is the third in a series of four Lunar Eclipses called a "Tetrad". Passover 5774, Sukkot 5775, Passover 5775 and Sukkot 5776 are all Lunar Eclipses.

This is a relatively rare event astronomically, and as far as the doubling of Lunar Eclipses on the two most prominent "Full Moon" Jewish holidays, that is even more rare.

The Torah teaches a concept which I call "Doubling". It's when something happens twice in order to signify that it is a message from G*d.

When Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, he told Pharaoh that his two dreams were "one" (the dream of the fat and thin cows, and the dream of the fat and thin stalks of wheat). Joseph tells Pharaoh that G*d has doubled his dream to indicate that it is true, prophetic, and divine in origin.

Several times in scripture a name is called twice to prove it is a direct call from G*d. "Avraham, Avraham", "Yacov, Yacov", "Moses, Moses", "Shmuel, Shmuel" - these are all "doubled" to ensure nobody mistakes the caller for anyone else but G*d.

The "doubling" of the Lunar Eclipses (twice on Pesach and twice on Sukkot, 2014-2015) is, in my humble opinion, no less than G*d calling to the Jewish People.

The Talmud (Sukkah 29:a) teaches that Lunar Eclipses are indicative of negative judgement towards Am Yisrael. Specific sins are mentioned which bring about this particular judgement: "On account of those who perpetrate forgeries, on account of those who give false witness; on account of those who rear small cattle in the land of Israel; and on account of those who cut down good trees."

Regarding the eclipse of the Blood Moon, the Talmud states: "If its face is red as blood, [i a sign that] the sword is coming to the world".

Aries, the Zodiac Sign in which the Sun is during this Eclipse, is ruled by Mars (Maadin), "god" of War. The Moon in Libra is ruled by Venus (Noga), "goddess" of love, balance, beauty and peace. In the Jewish Zodiac, Aries is Yehuda and Libra is Ephraim.

Both Yehuda and Ephraim are the "supernatural firstborn" of their fathers. Yehuda, although the fourth son of Jacob (Yacov) and Leah, became the leader and "supernatural" firstborn by appointment of his father, Yacov, after the moral failings of his three older brothers (Reuven, Shimon and Levi). Ephraim, the younger of Yosef's two sons, was appointed the "supernatural" firstborn by Yacov, who consciously switched his hands while blessing Menashe and Ephraim, giving the younger son (Ephraim) the blessing of the first-born.

Is G*d is sending a message to the Jewish People by "doubling" the Lunar Eclipses - Pesach, Sukkot, Pesach, Sukkot - and not just on "any" Full Moon, but on the most significant Full Moons of the Jewish Year. Yehuda/Ephraim (Aries-Libra), Ephraim/Yehuda (Libra-Aries), Yehuda/Ephraim (Aries-Libra), Ephraim/Yehuda (Libra-Aries)?

What is G*d trying to say to us?

The answer is a very serious warning about Jewish unity. Ezekiel 37:16-17 unfolds the answer here:

"And you, son of man, take for yourself one stick and write on it, 'For Judah and for the sons of Israel, his companions'; then take another stick and write on it, 'For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and all the house of Israel, his companions.' "Then join them for yourself one to another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand."

• Perhaps HaShem is telling us by doubling the Lunar Eclipses that our lack of care for one another and for the Land (and the Earth herself which we have been given) as detailed in Tractate Sukkah is bringing Divine Judgement on us.
• 
  Perhaps HaShem is telling us that unity between Yehuda and Ephraim, the two sticks becoming one, is the key to sweetening judgement and avoiding catastrophe.
• 
  Perhaps we are being called to remember that Tiferet ("Beauty and Balance") associated with Jacob (Yacov) in the Sefirot and demonstrated by his appointment of Yehuda and Ephraim as "supernatural" first-born is symbolic of the balance between Mars (war) and Venus (peace). Perhaps the divisions between members of Claal Yisrael have their roots in too much imbalance. 

We clearly see that some of us lean too heavily on the "Yehuda" side without considering the claims of "Ephraim", while others default to the "Ephraim" side while discounting or ignoring "Yehuda"'s validity. The lack of balance - in other words, the presence of EXTREMISM on both sides - is destructive to not only the Jewish People, but the world at large.

Ezekiel 37:16-17 is part of the Haftarah we read on Shabbos Vayigash, typically right after Chanukkah. In this Parsha, Yehuda and Yosef (father of Ephraim) enact the drama of revealing the concealed truth. Identities long hidden come to light. Truth is outed, tears are wept, hearts which have been broken are mended, regrets long held are dissolved in forgiveness, long-lost loved ones are reunited.

Maybe - as individuals, as communities, as a global and spiritual Claal - maybe we need to internalize the Yehuda/Ephraim paradigm, maybe we need to find beauty and balance in the opposites, maybe we need to hold space for the full spectrum of each other, maybe we can listen to what G*d is saying and find a way to hear the voice of the Divine as if our own name is being called, twice.

Solar Eclipse, Vernal Equinox, AND Rosh Chodesh Nissan - the Trifecta of Energetic Renewal!

PUSH THE RESET BUTTON TODAY! Full Solar Eclipse, Vernal Equinox, New Moon at 29 Pisces AND Rosh Chodesh Nissan, there is no better day of the year to start over. 

Anything you think you've failed at, abandoned or think is too late - dust it off and try again, this time the energetic configurations of the Universe are supportive to any and all new beginnings, particularly in the area of your life where the Pisces/Aries cusp is located on your natal chart. You can do it!!! Chodesh Nissan Tov, redemption is right around the corner, can you feel it?


5775 has been the year for eclipses in the Hebrew Calendar. There was a Lunar Eclipse on Sukkot (October 14, 2014), a Solar Eclipse on Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan (October 23rd, 2014) and today's Solar Eclipse/Vernal Equinox/Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Still to come in 2015: The Lunar Eclipse on Pesach (April 5th), the Solar Eclipse on Rosh HaShannah 5776 (September 13th) and the Lunar Eclipse on Sukkot (October 27). 

Is it "good for the Jews"? Is it good for HUMANITY? The Talmud is fairly negative on this topic, stating that Solar Eclipses are times of judgement for the nations, while Lunar Eclipses are times of judgement for the Children of Israel. 

On a metaphysical/psychological level, the Solar Eclipse is when the light is removed from our reason (the Sun) and we find ourselves in darkness, and it is our job to reconnect to the light when it returns in a whole new and higher way. When we are in darkness and can suddenly see, we are freshly illuminated. The Lunar Eclipse is when our emotions (the Moon) obscure our reason, and it is our task to find emotional wisdom even when our hearts are obscured with fear. 

At the very least, this should give those of us who follow the cycle of sacred time known as the Jewish Year pause. Yes, there are Solar and Lunar Eclipses every single year. No, they don't always fall on Jewish holidays in such a cluster. Yes, a preponderance of Jewish Holidays fall on Full Moons (Tu b'Shvat, Purim, Pesach, Pesach Sheni, Tu b'Av, Sukkot) and each of the 12 Hebrew Months contain a New Moon, but because of the Metonic 19-year Cycle and the fact that Rosh Chodesh in some years falls up to 36-40 hours after the astronomical New Moon, there hasn't been a confluence/cluster of Solar and Lunar Eclipses on Jewish holidays (6 in 13 months) in I don't know how long (possibly 500+ years, still trying to do the math).

Wishing everyone everywhere a sweet and holy Shabbos Hachodesh Rosh Chodesh Nissan Shalom! May we stay connected to the light with our minds, hearts, bodies and souls - and to each other.

Chodesh Ram Cheshvan Tov!

Chodesh Ram Cheshvan Tov!

The Jewish Year is one whole, two halves, four quadrants, 12 months associated with 12 Tribes/12 Houses. We've just rounded the corner into the Northwestern Quadrant - Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius (Tishrei/Cheshvan/Kislev) corresponding to Ephraim, Menashe and Benyamin - "Rachel's Boys" (Ephraim and Menashe were the sons of Joseph, the son of Rachel, and this Quadrant of the year is the most intense "Rachel Energy" of the entire Jewish Year ).
Each of the 4 Quadrants are made up of 3 Signs, always in the same progression: Cardinal (Initiating), Fixed (Establishing) and Mutable (Transforming). That is the archetype for all energetic progressions, internally and externally.

It's Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan today. Fixed Water - Establishing Emotion. We're going to spend the next month diving into the deepest, darkest depths of our feelings and if we do our work correctly, we'll emerge from this month like a pearl diver coming up for air with the biggest, most pure and beautiful translucent pearl he found in the depths of the sea and the dregs of the bottom of the ocean.
 
Cheshvan is sometimes called "Mar" (bitter) Cheshvan but we call it Ram (the highest!!) Cheshvan - for even though there are no holidays aside from Shabbat during this month, Ram Cheshvan is destined to become the highest when the 3rd Temple is inaugurated during this month as it is prophetically destined to happen - may it be soon!

The Flood began and ended during Cheshvan, it's also the month of the yartzeit of Rachel Imanu and of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, who, like Rachel our Mother, constantly cried for the Children of Israel to return again, return again, return to the Land of our souls.

Cheshvan/Scorpio/Menashe is EXTREMELY INTENSE. Intensely emotional, intensely deep, as far from superficial as East is from West. We have the "klee", the container to be able to use this intensity right now for applied spiritual growth and the development of emotional wisdom.

The "Rachel" Quadrant of the Jewish Year is about relationships. Tishri is about the marriage and partnership relationship, Cheshvan is about the sexual relationship and the relationships between ourselves and those with whom we share resources. Kislev is about sharing inspiration, sharing philosophies and ideas and religious constructs and ideologies. 

We're in the Northwest Quadrant ("Rachel's Boys") Part of the Jewish Year

Rosh Chodesh Ram Cheshvan certainly got off with a big bang as we welcomed it with a New Moon/Solar Eclipse/Venus Conjunction yesterday, and on Saturday Mercury leaves his Retrograde period and will station Direct. On Sunday, Mars moves from fiery, inspirational (possibly fanatical) Sagittarius into practical and pragmatic Capricorn. 

It's going to be a week of energetic changes but it will feel "right", in fact it will feel more than right, it will feel right on time as well. We're going to dive deep - make sure your oxygen mask fits you correctly and you know how to use it!

ZERO THE HERO - NEW MOON/SOLAR ECLIPSE IN SCORPIO - REBIRTH & RENEWAL

Beginning this Thursday, we're about spend the next five months experiencing a series of New Moons at Zero Degrees of each successive sign: Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and culminating with Pisces.

What's so special about Zero Degrees of any particular sign? It's a well-known astrological principle that "A Planet is not established in a Sign until it reaches One Degree". The clear archetype of Thursday's New Moon/Solar Eclipse at Zero Scorpio (2:57pm Pacific, 5:57pm Eastern, 12:57am Israel time on Friday) is the "Phoenix rising from the ashes" - rebirth and renewal of what has previously decayed and died. The fact that this happens at Zero Degrees of Scorpio is like a "clean sweep", a huge energy opening where everything is possible and nothing is impossible, a blank canvas, leaping over the chasm between 29 Libra and One Degree Scorpio without a net.

Whatever House in your Natal Chart is ruled by Scorpio will be the most strongly affected by this Transit, and in fact it's the area in your life most likely to benefit from this radical rebirth and renewal opportunity. It's really an extraordinary opportunity to attempt the impossible, and to transcend previous disappointments, failures, and fears. It's a chance to get an eagles-eye view of your life and your situation - soaring overhead, looking down at the "big picture" instead of being trapped inside a perspective where you can't see the forest for the trees.

On Facebook I wrote the other day: "This is a time of intense rebirth. This is a time to transcend all the limitations you've put on yourself. If you feel trapped or imprisoned, you now can see how your fears and incorrect beliefs about yourself have forged the chains you wear. Dissolve those fears and the chains will break as well. It's really an extraordinary opportunity for radical change. I invite you to take it."


It's so important to know what Houses this Zero Degree Eclipse Series will fall in. Note the following:

October 23, 2014 - New Moon/Solar Eclipse Zero Degrees Scorpio (Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan)
November 22, 2014 - New Moon Zero Degrees Sagittarius (Rosh Chodesh Kislev)
December 21, 2014 - New Moon Zero Degrees Capricorn (Rosh Chodesh Tevet)
January 20, 2015 - New Moon Zero Degrees Aquarius (Rosh Chodesh Shvat)
February 18, 2015 - New Moon Zero Degrees Pisces (Rosh Chodesh Adar)

In each of the cases of the five New Moons at Zero Degrees, they ALL precede Rosh Chodesh of each successive month by mere hours (instead of up to a day or day and a half as in some years). The "Chodesh Energy" (the unique characteristics and attributes) of each of these months will be INTENSIFIED by the Zero Degree New Moon of each successive month.

The way in which they will be intensified is the degree to which the expansive panoply of possibilities are each within the grasp of the particular individual. At Zero Degrees, it's "all bets are off," all the preconceived notions are thrown out the window and there's a tremendous capacity for FREEDOM from the past - FREEDOM from old habits - FREEDOM to make new choices.

But only if you take the steps. Freedom requires movement on our part - we have to step into the Red Sea, so to speak, to be able to cross over to the other side.

 You need to see your own individual Natal chart to know and understand what areas of your life will be open to this succession of change/opportunity. Be in touch with me ("Astrolojew" - Lorelai Kude) about your personalized Natal Chart analysis reading. Email: lorelaikude@yahoo.com

Rosh Chodesh Sivan - Let's Fall In Love!

Everybody knows Shavuot is our "Wedding Day," the day Israel as a Nation was "wed" to HKBH with Mount Sinai itself as our chuppah and the Torah as our Ketubah. Rosh Chodesh Sivan 5774 precedes our "Shabbos Kallah" as a people, as we prepare to receive the Torah all over again next week. 

Rosh Chodesh Sivan 5774 is Tiferet Sh'B'Malchut, the manifestation of beauty and balance in this world. Venus ("Noga" in Hebrew) has just entered sensual, Venus-ruled Taurus in the 5th House of Romantic Love, and Mars Conjunct Midheaven is out there and visible in a big way, in romantic, idealistic Venus-ruled Libra. 

Emotional Moon in 7th House of Marriage and Partnerships in Communicative Gemini Squared by Wounded Healer Chrion in 3rd House super-sensitive Pisces makes the words we speak go straight to the heart. 

Exalted Jupiter in intuitive Cancer in 9th House of will make religious expression and spiritual connection one. 

The stage is set for words of love to pierce our hearts, cleanse our souls, and lift us higher. Chodesh Sivan Tov to everyone far and near, may we only hear and speak nourishing, healing, loving words, one to another.

Chodesh Adar Bet Tov Tov!!!

Rosh Chodesh Adar Bet is coming, it's the Pisces/Pisces New Moon and we're about to become ALIGNED again! 

The Conjunct Sun and Moon at 10 degrees Pisces makes a perfect Trine to Jupiter in Cancer, a Triple-Water Ripple Effect that opens the gates of compassion, understanding and empathy within us. 

Make a list of everyone you need to forgive - then put your own name at the top of it. Forgive yourself first and the rest will follow. Chodesh Tov Tov!!!

Mercury Retrograde FINALLY ends today, Baruch HaShem, although it won't have left the shadow of its Retrograde motion until it finishes traveling forward through the shadow period, which ends March 20th.

Between now and March 20th, we're fixing everything that got tangled up in the last few weeks. The good news is - the fixing will be easy, as easy as combing one's hair after using a very good hair conditioner (as opposed to trying to comb one's hair without any conditioner at all). In the shower. Nice and warm and steamy. Get the picture? :)

But of course there's never a dull moment in the celestial world, because there's never a dull moment in the terrestrial world. Mars in Libra turns Retrograde on March 1st, another turn on its interminably long journey backwards and forwards through Libra over an 8-month period of time. Mars will Retrograde from 27 Libra back to 9 Libra until May 21st.

Mars was previously at 9 Libra around Christmas, specifically December 25th - 29th 2013. Basically what is happening is an energetic re-visiting of the ways in which we've expended our energy (Mars) between now and May 21st. We'll revisit the things that were important to us in late December and maybe have a second chance to do things differently. 

Mars in Libra asks: Where is your passion invested? Did you put your energy where your heart is, or did you put it where someone else told you to put it? Are you using your koach, your Chi, your sacred energy to please others or to be true to yourself? You need to answer all these questions, or the Universe will answer them for you.

Contact Astrolojew for a personalized Natal Chart counseling consultation, in person or by Skype.
Lorelai Kude - in the USA (818) 746-6174
lorelaikude@yahoo.com

 

Rosh Chodesh Shvat Tov!

Chodesh Shvat Tov!

The Hebrew Month of Shvat begins at Sundown on January 1st. 

Shvat belongs to the Tribe of Asher, and is associated with the Mazal of "Dlee," the pitcher of water, otherwise known as Aquarius, the Water-Bearer.

Shvat's element is Fixed Air (even though Aquarius is the water-bearer!) and, appropriate to the Tribe of Asher (which is associated with delicious foods) the Sefer Yetzirah tells us that the stomach is the body organ associated with Shvat, and the Tikkun of Shvat has to do with eating.

The Bnei Yisachar ("Discourses on Shvat") says that according to Astrology, Dlee-Aquarius is the sign of the Jewish People. No other sign of the Zodiac is as concerned with issues of humanitarianism, universalism and the brotherhood of mankind as is Aquarius. The bucket of water is an appropriate sign for Israel, because water is a symbol for Torah, and it is Israel's job to be the water-bearer for this world.

Each of the Four Elements (Fire, Air, Earth and Water) operate in one of Three Modalities (Cardinal/Initiating, Fixed/Establishing or Mutable/Transforming). The Month of Shvat is the Fixed Air Sign of the Zodiac. 

All three Air Signs (Gemini/Sivan, Libra/Tishrei and Aquarius/Shvat) are associated with the Torah - which was given over by Moshe ("Mishna Torah") beginning on Rosh Chodesh Shvat (Aquarius, Fixed Air, Establishing Torah). The Torah was given to the Jewish Nation at Sinai during the Month of Sivan (Gemini, Mutable Air, Transforming Torah) and during Tishrei the Second Set of Tablets were given (Libra, Cardinal Air, Initiating Torah).

It is interesting to note the Planets associated with the Months and their Modalities in this example. The Planet Mercury (Kokhav) which has to do with communication, is associated with Gemini (Mutable/Transforming Air) and the Tribe of Zebulon, known for conducting commerce (via shipping) with foreign nations.

The Planet Venus (Noga) is associated with Libra (Cardinal/Initiating Air) and the Tribe of Ephraim. Venus is concerned with beauty, relationships, balance and justice/fairness, as well as the arts and romantic love.  The Second Set of Tablets that were given by Moshe during Tishrei were the sign of the RELATIONSHIP that HKBH could live with in regards to the Jewish People.

There are two Planets associated with Aquarius. One is Saturn (Shabtai) which co-rules Capricorn/Tevet, and the other is Uranus (Oron). There are good reasons for the co-rulership and the evolving of our consciousness about the Planets in general and their relationship to the Nations of this world. 

Saturn (Shabtai) is concerned with structure, order, organization, boundaries and restriction ("Tzimtzum").  The relationship between Tevet and Shvat is most interesting. They are the Months on this side of the year said by the Ari as "belonging to Esav" from Rosh Chodesh Tevet - which remember, is STILL within Chanukah! - until Tu b'Shvat). Tevet and Shvat are the two eyes (according to the Holy Ari who attributed facial organs to the Hebrew Months), Tevet is "Ayin" and associated with the right eye, and Shvat is "Tzadik" and associated with the left eye. One needs both the right and left eye to see properly and in perspective.

Uranus (Oron) is originality, individualism, humanitarianism, a visionary perspective. It's the energy associated with hiddushim, original insights. No other Sign of the Zodiac has more talent for originality, or is so intellectually curious, as Aquarius. It is interesting to recall that both Copernicus and Galileo were Aquarians. Shvat is the Month most conducive to original thought. 

Wishing everyone a Happy Solar/Gregorian New Year 2014, and a happy and holy Chodesh Shvat 5774!





 

Rosh Chodesh Tevet / Sagittarius New Moon / Happy Chanukkah!

Welcome, 
New Moon in Sagittarius!

The New Moon at 10 Degrees Sagittarius comes to us at 2:22am Tuesday Israel time / 4:22pm Monday California time.

Rosh Chodesh TEVET falls on Monday Night (December 2nd) - The Month of Tevet is a 2-day Rosh Chodesh, (Tuesday/Wednesday).

Confusing? Not at all. The Hebrew Day begins at nightfall, the Solar day begins at dawn. Just think of it as New Moon / Rosh Chodesh "season," it comes every month - in 12 varieties of energetic flavor!

This year the New Moon in Sagittarius has a lot of HORSEPOWER! A tight Trine (120 degree angle) with Uranus in Aries (Nissan/Yehuda) and a Square (90 degree angle) to the important Asteroid Chiron (the "Wounded Healer") in Cancer (Tevet/Reuven), the New Moon in Sagittarius coming at the nick of time, to help lift the energy from the subterranean volcanic intensity of the previous Scorpio Cycle to the fiery and frolicsome Jupiter-tinged madcap roller derby/Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey circus-style level of lifestyle Sagittarius people love to operate at.

This year's Sagittarius New Moon is very Tevet-flavored, meaning that although the "incredible lightness of being" one can experience after being in Scorpio and then coming into Sagittarius, that lightness will be in fact tempered by Tevet, i.e. Capricorn, which this year in the Jewish Calendar Cycle dominates much of December 2013.

It's not all bad to have the Tevet/Cappy tempering, though. It actually creates conditions where the fiery enthusiasm of Sagittarius can become tangible and real, useful and even valuable when the Capricorn/Tevet energy is applied.

Uranus in Aries makes a nice tight TRINE to the New Moon in Sagittarius, adding FIREPOWER to the New Moon cycle.

Uranus is the planet of abrupt change, individuality (or as I like to say, radical, terminal uniqueness), of what we call "hiddushim," those blinding flashes of prophecy and insight that come to us in a moment, unbidden and yet welcome.

Aries of course is the Cardinal Fire Sign, associated with Mars - an enormous amount of "get up and go" supports the Sagittarius (Mutable Fire) New Moon, giving it a big BOOST, making sure the takeoff is powerful!

The Hebrew Calendar operates on a 19 year cycle, and some years the New Moon in Sagittarius falls on or near Rosh Chodesh Kislev, but this year (being a leap year, when we shore up the spaces in-between) we're actually closer to Tevet during this New Moon Cycle than we are to Kislev. It's JUPITER (Sagittarius/Tribe of Benyamin) and SATURN (Capricorn/Tribe of Dan) that are driving the energetic bus!

Jupiter in Hebrew is TZEDEK, and Saturn is SHABTAI, both these Luminaries have specific energetic functions in the Zodiac and in our lives.

Jupiter/Tzedek brings expansion, inspiration, a sense of joy. Saturn/Shabtai brings responsibility, structure, a sense of duty. What if there was a way to combine both these energies without them being antithetical to one another?

At this very moment, Transiting Jupiter/Tzedek is in the Sign of Cancer (Tammuz / Tribe of Reuven), expanding and inspiring all things NURTURING, all things GROWING, all things having to do with the concepts of FOOD, HOME, MOTHER and MONEY.

Transiting Saturn/Shabtai is in the Sign of Scorpio (Cheshvan, Tribe of Menashe) right now, evaluating, structuring, organizing and finding a way to USE the SECURITY generated by the Jupiter in Cancer concerns, finding a way to VALUATE what kind of ROI is being generated by those things we find value in at this time of our lives.

It's not a calendar coincidence that the Festival of CHANUKAH always marks the transit between the end of Kislev and the beginning of Tevet. Because Chanukah always begins on 25 Kislev, Rosh Chodesh Tevet always falls out on the 6th Candle of Chanukah.

Chanukah transits both Kislev and Tevet, this New Moon / Rosh Chodesh combines both Sagittarius and Capricorn. The LIGHT OF CHANUKAH comes at the darkest time of the Year, but what is light without a vessel? Tevet's STEADYING and SUPPORTIVE energy can build the vessel strong enough to hold all that Sagittarius light!


This is happening UNIVERSALLY, and it's happening INDIVIDUALLY.

• Where does the New Moon in Sagittarius fall in your personal Natal Chart?
• In what areas of your life will you most need to experience freedom?
• Where do you need structure?
• What new thing is being born?
• In what area of your life do you long to manifest courage?

I'd love to connect with you and introduce you to yourself as I see you!

Reflective Rectification Astrological Analysis Services
Lorelai Kude
USA: 818-746-6174
Email: lorelaikude@yahoo.com
Skype: Lorelai1211