Welcome Summer Solstice, Turn of the Tide

Today we welcome the Summer Solstice, and the Sun moves into the Sign of Cancer, the Cardinal (Initiating) Water Sign. 

Cancer is associated with the Hebrew Month of Tammuz and the Tribe of Reuven. Reuven was the first-born of Leah and Jacob, he is portrayed in the Torah as emotional, loyal and attached to his family, especially his mother, on whose behalf he gathers medicinal herbs to stimulate her fertility, and whose honor he attempted to uphold after the death of Rachel, when he moved his father's bed into the tent of Bilhah, Leah's handmaiden, in a move to "right" what he considered to be "wrong" in his rather complicated family drama. 

As first-born, Reuven was the heir to the birthright but the leadership of the family of Jacob went to his brother Yehuda, as Reuven's emotions often got the better of him. Jacob his father describes him as "impetuous, like water" and yet Reuven was the one who pleaded with his brothers not to kill their brother Yosef, devising a plan to rescue him from the pit, but unable to follow through as he was overpowered by the machinations of his other brothers. 

Despite the loss of his birthright, the Tribe of Reuven was given the honor of being one of the Four Directions (Reuven to the South, Dan to the North, Ephraim to the West and Yehuda to the East) around the Mishkan as the Children of Israel traveled through the desert. In Parsha Korach (which we just read this Shabbat) the rebellious followers of Korach were able to influence some of the Tribe of Reuven to follow them in their rebellion, undoubtedly playing upon their emotionality and the suppressed resentment of having their birthright usurped by the Tribe of Yehuda. People born under the Sign of Cancer are emotional, sensitive, family and security oriented, and the things that trigger them the most are: FOOD, HOME, MOTHER, MONEY.

It is interesting to note that the Tribes assigned to guard the Four Directions are each either a natural first-born (Reuven and Dan, South and North, both the natural first-born of their respective mothers) or a son who has taken the place of the first-born (Yehuda and Ephraim, East and West, both were given first-born status and rights by Jacob).

It's the "turn of the tide" again, as we change quadrants / directions in the progression of the year. From the East to the South - from Yehuda/Nissan to Reuven/Tammuz. Rosh Chodesh Tammuz is coming next Shabbat, we have a week between the Summer Solstice and the Cancer/Cancer New Moon, followed shortly thereafter by Rosh Chodesh Tammuz.  

As we swivel upon this axis, turning now at the "corner" demarcated by the Solstice and the Sun's ingress into Cancer, followed by Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, we are going from the Quadrant of Sacred Time assigned to initiating actions and self-motivated impetus to the Quadrant of Sacred Time assigned to manifesting creative production, self-expression, and healing.  

What does Sacred Time mean to YOU? Your personal Natal Chart is a portrait of your soul's journey though Sacred Time. Planets in the Four Quadrants and Two Hemispheres and their relation to each other are trigger points for teaching your life-lessons. 

Be in touch for your personalized Natal Chart reading - in person, or by phone or Skype.
astrolojew@gmail.com or 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.

Back to Parshat BaMidbar

As the annual Torah cycle progresses, this week we're back at BaMidbar at last! 

Of course as an Astrologer, this is my favorite Parsha. The 12 Tribes arrayed around the Mishkan reflect exactly the 12 Mazalot (Zodiac Signs) mirroring them in the Heavens above. The Tribal Encampment Configuration in the Desert was a powerful energetic vortex designed by HKBH and arrayed in the Heavens even before humankind was created. 

The same pattern was foreshadowed by the positions the 12 sons of Yacov (Jacob) were instructed by their dying father to take around his coffin as they escorted it from Egypt to Ertez Yisrael, to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah with Yitzchak, Rivka, Avraham and Sarah. The coffin of Yacov was the "Mishkan" in this instance.


The energetic vortex was deliberate and powerful. The Cardinal (Initiating) points each had their "Degalim" (flags) - Yehuda/Aries/Nissan to the East, Ephraim/Libra/Tishrei to the West, Reuven/Cancer/Tammuz to the South and Dan/Capricorn/Tevet to the North. Following each Cardinal Tribe/Sign/Month comes the Fixed (Establishing) Issachar/Taurus/Iyar, Shimon/Leo/Av, Menashe/Scorpio/Cheshvan, and Asher/Aquarius/Shvat. Following the Fixed Tribes comes the Mutable (Transforming) Zevulon/Gemini/Sivan, Gad/Virgo/Elul, Benyamin/Sagittarius/Kislev and Naftali/Pisces/Adar.

Initiating - Establishing - Transforming. Each Quadrant of the Year works to propel that energy from Equinox to Solstice and back again... like clockwork. COSMIC CLOCKWORK.
Astrologically, these 12 energies are the "Houses of the Holy" and YOU are the Mishkan - the point in the middle of the cosmic energetic circle, where Initiating, Establishing and Transforming energies do their cosmic dance around you in the Heavens, mirroring and reflecting above in symbol and archetype that which is below. 

Total Eclipse of the Heart

The much-ballyhooed Lunar Eclipse begins tonight. On the West Coast of America, it will be visible from 9:54pm - 3:38am - basically during the entire Passover Seder.

This is "A Total Eclipse of the Moon," there will be another one corresponding to this one on Sukkot, six months from now. In the case of tonight's Eclipse, it's more like a "Total Eclipse of the Heart," as darkness covers light for a time, making opaque what was once clear, straining our faith and, best case scenario, strengthening it - or altogether changing it, aligning to our inner truth and recalibrating to what is right NOW.

The intensity of this Lunar Eclipse is that it forms a "Cardinal Grand Cross," all in Cardinal (Initiating) Signs. The Sun,

Mercury, Uranus and Ceres, largest of the Asteroids are all in Cardinal Fire Aries, opposite the Moon, Mars and the North Node in Cardinal Air Libra.

Aries is Mars, Libra is Venus. Aries is war, Libra is negotiation. Aries is Yehuda, from whom King David and eventually Moshiach comes from. Libra is Ephraim, the son of Yosef, from whom Moshiach ben Yosef arises. The Full Moon of Nissan is Passover, the Full Moon of Tishrei is Sukkot. That Cardinal Axis is the energetic paradigm upon which the Jewish Year hangs.

Squaring this configuration are Jupiter in Cardinal Water Cancer and Pluto in Cardinal Earth Capricorn - and Pluto plays the role of the "wicked son" of the celestial seder this year, throwing himself into Retrograde motion right before the Eclipse, and igniting long-smouldering passions and suppressed beliefs.

Cardinal Signs are impelled to LEAD, to start something, to begin. Aries/Yehuda leads the way and Libra/Ephraim (who is the son of Yosef) has to negotiate terms. Jupiter in Cancer, who is Reuven (the Month of Tammuz), is concerned with legacy, security and stability, and Pluto in Capricorn, who is Dan (the Month of Tevet), who is fierce, dedicated, ambitious and persistent.

People born between December 26 - January 10th, April 2nd - 17th, June 28-July 10 and September 29-October 20 are most likely to feel the drama because their Sun will be in one of those four quadrants which are creating the configuration.

Also, anyone with Moon, Ascendent or any of the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars) in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn will also reflect the dynamic tension, and the almost explosive urge to begin something new.

The truth is, the Eclipse and this Cardinal Cross happens in everybody's Natal Chart, you just have to know where to know how it might be reflected in your personal circumstances.

Remember, Israel is "Above the Zodiac." Knowledge is power, and self-knowledge is the only way to inner freedom - to know one's self is to know how you were "fearfully and wonderfully made" by our Creator. That's why Astrolojew loves to do your Natal Chart with you - to show you what your G*d-given wiring system looks like, and how best to use it.
www.astrolojew.com
Chag haMatzot Kasher v'Sameach - Have a wonderful and redemptive Passover!

Happy 112th Birthday to the Lubavicher Rebbe!

Today is 11 Nisan on the Hebrew Calendar.  On 11 Nisan we wish a Happy Birthday to the Lubavicher Rebbe, who would have been 112 today!!!

For those who do not know, Menachem Mendel Schneerson zt"l was the Lubavicher Rebbe of Chabad, who is known far and wide simply as "The Rebbe"

I don't presume to do the Rebbe's Natal Chart because the birth time is unreliable (only a "C" Rodden Rating, birth time was rectified although the date itself is rated "A" as reliable), so I won't discuss House Placements, but by the Mazalot (Signs) his Planets were in I can say the following:

His Sun, Mars and Mercury in Aries describe him as a fearless leader, this triple dose of Cardinal (Initiating) energy illustrates his ability to

START something gigantic, while his Venus in Pisces and Jupiter in Aquarius reflect his universal lover of humanity without borders.

His Moon in Virgo Trine Chiron and Saturn in Capricorn support a selflessness, hard-working and devotional lifestyle, and the stunning Neptune at 29 Degree Gemini with Uranus in Sagittarius reveal a radical thinker who is an innovator in communication and technology.

Is Israel "Above the Zodiac"? Indeed, no better example than that of Menachem Mendel Schneerson zt"l who took ALL of his G*d-given gifts and talents, infused them with his love of G*d and love of the Jewish People and in fact the entire human race, and changed the world with them.

So happy birthday, Yom Huledet Sameach to the Rebbe - as we get ready for Passover, which begins this coming Monday night (along with a gigantic Lunar Eclipse - more about that in our next post)!

New Moon in Aries - Rosh Chodesh Nissan - It's Superhero Time!

After swimming with the fishes for not just one but two Adars this year, now we're turning the Cardinal Corner as Rosh Chodesh Nissan rushes towards us this week.

Nissan is the 1st Month of the Astrological Calendar and corresponds to Aries, to the Tribe of Yehuda, to the Planet Mars. Aries is the Cardinal (Initiating) Fire Sign.

At this time the Sun, Moon and Uranus are all Conjunct in Aries - it's Superhero time! Don't forget your cape and your tights. You're going to need them. 

Any Planet that finds itself in a Conjunction (within 3 Degrees) of the Sun and Moon is super-super strong. Uranus/Sun in Aries is the liberation of the personality, Uranus/Moon in Aries is the liberation of the emotions - when they all happen together one can expect fireworks. This Conjunction demands recognition and affirmation of one's own individuation and should anyone negate that, sparks will fly - or maybe entire neighborhoods will be torched.

The Cardinal Signs are all in play - Cardinal is Initiating Energy, all four of the Cardinal Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) are about starting something.

Right now, all four Cardinal Signs are having a role to play here. Aries is Cardinal Fire - Initiating Inspiration. The Sun, Moon and Uranus are Conjunct in Aries. Squaring (at a 90 Degree Angle) this Triple Conjunction is volcanic, suppress-until-explosion Pluto in Cardinal Earth Capricorn - Initiating Manifestation.

Opposing Pluto (and thereby Squaring the Sun/Moon/Uranus Conjunction) is gigantic Jupiter (who has to blow up everything he touches, because after all, he's Jupiter!) in Cardinal Water Cancer (Initiating Security, or as I like to call this aspect, "The Office of Homeland Security in your chart").

Both Pluto AND Jupiter Square the Sun/Moon/Uranus Conjunction (and oppose each other). Squares are generally corners and you can't see around a corner, that's why Squares are considered difficult angles in Charts. Pluto in Capricorn wants to control resources, Jupiter in Cancer is afraid of shortages. These opposing energies make a "corner" (Square) around which the intense, bright light of the Sun/Moon/Uranus Conjunction in Aries wants to inform with raw courage. 

There's been way too much fear lately. This is the time to take a big leap forward in consciousness and understand that your material world, your resources, your sustenance, your security, everything you've been hoarding or saving is really NOT what keeps you safe and wards off thoughts of deprivation and darkness. No, not at all. Neither your control over others nor your valiant attempts at self-control is really working without the missing link - faith. It's faith in G*d and most of all in G*d's vision for YOU, that is going to get you to put on that cape and those tights and attempt to jump tall buildings in a single bound. 

Because right now, you CAN overcome the forces of doubt and darkness. Wear red, laugh a lot, let your Inner Child order your food and make your entertainment decisions. That dream you've been dreaming but not telling anyone about? Time to take it out of the closet and into the streets. Start the day by thanking your Creator for making you YOU. You're the only one who can live the story of the heroic journey of your soul during this lifetime - make it yours, and only yours, with all your strength. 

Chodesh Nissan Tov! Our Redemption is close at hand!

Go With The Flow - But Where Are You Going? And What Will You Do When You Get There?

It's been a big week for WATER SIGNS!

It's common Kaballistic knowledge that the 12 Signs of the Zodiac correspond to the 12 Months of the Hebrew Calendar as well as the 12 Tribes of Israel. We're currently almost halfway through the Month of Adar (actually, the SECOND Month of Adar, as this Hebrew Year of 5774 is a Leap Year, necessitating the addition of an extra Adar).

 

Adar corresponds with Pisces, the Mutable/Transformative Water Sign. There is nothing more "watery" than Pisces, their symbol is two fish swimming in opposite directions, seemingly oblivious of each others presence.

 

Pisces urges us to "go with the flow" more than any other Zodiac Sign, and both the "modern" Planetary Ruler of Pisces - the Planet Neptune, and the "traditional" Planetary Ruler of Pisces - the Planet Jupiter - encourage us to DREAM BIG.

This week the Planet Saturn ("Shabtai" in Hebrew, the same root as the word "Shabbat") stationed Retrograde in the Fixed/Establishing Water Sign of Scorpio. Saturn brings structure, boundaries, borders, edges, organization and the "Gevurah" energy as a counterpoint to the Sun in Pisces. Saturn in Scorpio asks: "Go with the Flow? Where are we going? How will we get there, and who is paying for the trip? What are we going to be doing once we get there?"
This week the Planet Jupiter ("Tzedik" in Hebrew, the same root as the word "Tzadik" meaning "righteous person") stationed Direct in the Cardinal/Initiating Water Sign of Cancer. Jupiter expands everything it touches, and Jupiter in Cancer expands the energy of nurturing, growth, security, and ambition. Jupiter in Cancer chimes in chorus with Saturn in Scorpio - "Go with the Flow? Trust the Flow if it's sustainable, positive, nurturing and true to your heart!"
This Trine of Triple Water energies in the Sun, Saturn and Jupiter create a real energetic opportunity to change in sensible, sustainable and structured ways that can be positive, growth-oriented and bring light into this world. Use that energy for good!

Everybody has a natal chart, with all 12 Signs represented. If you're reading this and wondering where the Water Sign Trine is happening in your chart, and how it relates to you personally, please be in touch.

 

Jerusalem-based Astrologer Lorelai Kude now sojourning in Northern California, available for personalized Reflective Rectification Astro-Analysis in person, on Skype or by phone

email: lorelaikude@yahoo.com

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

 

Superbowl 2014 - Stoner Bowl, Battle of the Dragons!

I can't resist taking a peek at tomorrow's Superbowl through the lens of mundane Astrology. After all, it's been dubbed "The Stoner Bowl" and many a joke has been made over the fact that Washington and Colorado, the two States to legalize Marijuana are going head to head (or shall we say, hit to hit?) for the greatest prize in American sports - the 48th Superbowl.

Just off the top of my head, taking a look at the symbols of the teams - the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos - I would have to call Seattle for obvious reasons (Seattle / Wet / Sea / Hawks / Aquarius / Adar Aleph / Pisces / Water - at least that SHOULD be obvious). The Broncos are a "dry" team and would have a better chance of winning if the Superbowl was being played in Arizona or if Rosh Chodesh Adar Aleph hadn't come in right before the Superbowl (making it even WETTER, given that the Sun is still in Aquarius, the Water Bearer).

But ... is it really that simple?

Looking at the Natal Charts of both Russell Wilson, the Quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, and Peyton Manning, the Quarterback for the Denver Broncos, I'm struck at how alike in ambition, talent, leadership and drive these two star athletes are - even though Manning is old enough to be Wilson's father (and that age gap might make a difference tomorrow, in surprising ways).

Russell Wilson and Peyton Manning are both Fire Signs - in fact, in Chinese Astrology, they're both DRAGONS. Manning, the Aries, is a Fire Dragon, and Wilson, the Sagittarius, is an Earth Dragon.

The Seahawk's Russell Wilson is a Sagittarius with his Moon in Leo and Mars, Planet of Aggression, Energy and "koach" is in Aries. The triple play of all three Fire Signs, perfectly configured to give him visionary prowess (Sagittarius), pride and leadership (Leo) and courage and fearlessness (Aries) right where it counts.

The Bronco's Peyton Manning has a brave Aries Sun, with his Moon in ambitious, practical Capricorn and Mars in persistent Cancer. His Mercury and Venus are both in Pisces, giving him an uncanny ability to "dance" and Jupiter at 29 Degrees (the "Critical Degree") of Aries gives him UNBELIEVABLE luck, the luck of a baby being born in the right place at the right time.

GAME CHART SUPERBOWL 2014

Tomorrow's Superbowl will be played at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, starting at 6:30pm Eastern Time. The Moon will be Void of Course in Pisces, not good for either player, unless the game goes past 11:30pm Eastern Time, in which case the Moon will finally enter Aries, favoring Manning.

The game itself, although called for 6:30pm Eastern Time (that would be 29 Degrees of Leo) will actually begin somewhat later (after all the ads, intros and accolades) during the time when Virgo is rising.

Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the Planet of Communication and speed. Mercury will be in Pisces, and that will certainly favor Manning, whose Natal Mercury and Venus are both in Pisces.

It's also more favorable for Manning's Mars in Cancer (a nice Trine) but Manning's Mars in Cancer is also in a little trouble. At 2 Degrees Cancer, it's Conjunct the current position of an embarrassing little asteroid called Hades in the 11th House of the Game (see chart). The 11th House is the House that rules "Groups" - including of course TEAMS. Manning's Natal Mars Conjunct Transiting Hades in Cancer in the 11th House could be a recipe for breaking Grandma's heart in public - some kind of let-down of the dynastic kind, a family heritage flavored disappointment, akin to wetting one's pants at the Thanksgiving table. OR, the nagging thought that he might be letting down the "family" (the team and all the fans) will drive him all the harder.

Transiting Chiron ("The Wounded Healer") at 11 Pisces is Conjunct Manning's Natal Venus in his 7th House (House of Marriage and Equal Partnerships). It's possible to say that even though Peyton Manning is considerably older than Russell Wilson, he's like a Jedi Knight compared to a young initiate, who lacks nothing when it comes to courage but can't hold a candle to experience.

Manning will be practically psychic tomorrow, able to communicate with his team-mates almost telepathically, and most of the work he'll be doing will be in his head, while Russell Wilson will be far more passionate, more emotional and possibly extremely surprising. 

Wilson's Natal 29 Degree Sagittarius Uranus gives him the EXTREME WILDCARD aspect, and as it lies on the 4th/5th House Cusp of the Game Chart, you can expect the unexpected, the creative, the fiery - and possibly the fireworks!

Russel Wilson's Natal Mercury/Mars Trine (Sagittarius/Aries), his intensely competitive and deeply possessive Venus in Scorpio and of course the "Wildcard" Uranus at 29 Sagittarius with his Sag Sun/Leo Moon make him "Mr. Fire" on the field - but careful "Mr. Fire" not to burn out, or flare up. Manning could easily bait Wilson psychologically, and Wilson's Jupiter (Planet of "Luck" at Zero Gemini in the Game Chart's 10th House (HOW IT LOOKS IN PUBLIC) makes me wonder if the words "bad timing" or "poor luck" or "just one of those things" might not be used Moetzi Superbowl, when everyone has the luxury of looking into a rear-view mirror.

So - what's going to happen? I don't know, I don't even follow sports! I've never seen either of these teams play and have read nothing about it. But if I had to bet I'd bet that Peyton Manning is the sentimental favorite, with both "luck" and experience on his side, and that Russell Wilson is the fiery young superhero come to teach the old dog some new tricks. I think we've seen that movie before, right?

My prediction - a close game, Seattle will lead but the Broncos will end up winning.

If I'm wrong - I guess you could sue me, but on the other hand, if you're foolish enough to actually spend money betting on the Superbowl based on someone's astrological predictions, you must have a real Jupiter/Neptune affliction in your chart!

 Oh - and don't forget about the Chinese Astrology aspect - Earth extinguishes Fire. Wilson is an Earth Dragon, and Manning is a Fire Dragon. Additionally, it was just the Chinese Year of the (Wood) Horse at the New Moon last week, and Chinese Astrologers say that Fire Dragons like Manning must be VERY careful this year, while Earth Dragons like Wilson can expect to have a pretty good year. So by Chinese astrology, bet on the Seahawks.

To Summarize - by Symbolism (Seahawk / Bronco) and by Chinese Astrology - Seahawks win.

By Mundane Astrology - Close call, but betting for Broncos.

Rosh Chodesh Adar "Aleph" - Time to Increase Our Joy!

We're in Year 6 of the current 19 Year Cycle of the Hebrew Calendar, which happens to be a 13-month Leap Year, and those two facts together explain why we're so far off the cycle of time - almost two whole weeks, considering that today was the New Moon in Aquarius (10/11 Degrees) and this evening is Rosh Chodesh Adar "Aleph," the extra month added for the Leap Year 5774 that will, by Purim - I promise! (Bli Neder) - Everything will start to feel "normal"-ish, again, like it hasn't in a while.

It is said that when the Month of Adar comes, it's time to increase our joy. Because we have two Chodesh Adars this year, we can double our joy and believe me world, we sorely need it right now.

The Aquarius/Aquarius New Moon gives Adar Aleph a particularly "out of this world" energy.... and for a very good reason.  In classical Astrology, the Planet Jupiter was associated with both Sagittarius and Pisces, while the Planet Saturn was associated with both Capricorn and Aquarius. Later when the unseen-with-the-naked-eye planets Uranus and Neptune were "discovered" (although Astrologers always knew they were there), Uranus was assigned to Aquarius and Neptune to Pisces. However, Aquarius and Pisces still retain a relationship with Saturn and Jupiter despite the addition of other Planets.

A "Normal" (non-leap) Year on the Hebrew Calendar is like this:

• Kislev / Tzedek (Jupiter) / Sagittarius
• Tevet / Shabtai (Saturn) / Capricorn
• Shvat / Shabtai (Saturn) / Aquarius  (Uranus co-ruler)
• Adar / Tzedek (Jupiter ) / Pisces (Neptune co-ruler)

A LEAP YEAR on the Hebrew Calendar is like this:

• Kislev / Tzedek (Jupiter) / Sagittarius
• Tevet / Shabtai (Saturn) / Capricorn
• Shvat / Shabtai (Saturn) / Aquarius  (Uranus co-ruler)
• Adar Aleph / Tzedek (Jupiter ) / Pisces (Neptune co-ruler)
• Adar Bet (Tzedek / Jupiter ) / Pisces (Neptune co-ruler)

Instead of the Jupiter/Saturn/Saturn/Jupiter of non-Leap Years, this year we have Jupiter/Saturn/Saturn/Jupiter/Jupiter, and the kickoff to Adar Aleph happens on the Aquarius/Aquarius New Moon, making it literally the "furthest out" month of the Year, as far as we can go before we are reined back into a more "normal" expression of time.

So too Adar Aleph is "far out" energetically, enabling us to meld the structure and discipline of Saturn (Shabtai)'s Aquarian energy, infused with the LIGHTENING MAGIC of Uranus, Planet of Hiddushim and the higher expression of "Bina," and move that into expansive Jupiter's enhancement of Neptune's big dream of universal love, brother/sisterhood and one-ness with our Creator and each other.

Leap Years in the Hebrew Calendar, when Adar Aleph is added to the Calendar called "Pregnant Years" (the actual Metonic Cycle term is "Embolismic") and Adar Aleph is what we're pregnant with - so Mazal Tov and welcome to the world, Adar Aleph, may joy begin to increase due to your arrival and may we all give birth to something joyful today!

Chodesh Adar Aleph Tov - Shabbat Shalom!

"Mini Moon" / Wolf Moon / Tu b'Shvat / Full Moon

The "Mini-Moon," the first Full Moon of 2014, the Full Moon of the Month of Shvat - Tu b'Shvat 5774.

A "Mini Moon" when the Moon reaches its apogee – or its further point from Earth in its orbit.

This will be the closest a full moon has been to its exact time of apogee since November 1994, and will not be as close again until 2052.

The Native and Indigenous Peoples of North America call this phenomenon a "Wolf Moon," because the wolves howl with hunger at the Full Moon that climaxes the Winter months.

Issues of abundance, scarcity, provision, protection, security and stability are at the forefront of the Chart for the "Mini Moon."

Some years in the 19 year Hebrew Calendar Cycle find Tu b'Shvat falls on Capricorn/Cancer (Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Cancer), other years it falls in Aquarius/Leo. This year the Capricorn/Cancer dynamic is a powerful archetype for control of security, resources, provision, and all that manifests as the material or "gashmi" aspects of sustainable life.

Power Struggles between our values and what we value. Encouraging erratic, abrupt and headstrong dynamics with passive-aggressive opponents who hold the resources won't yield fruitful results. Find common ground in concerns about security and what that really means on a day-to-day level - home, food, family, relationships - and stop distracting yourself from facing the "Tachlis" reality by chasing after shadows that aren't really there - especially when there are real shadows to be dealt with, right in your own backyard.

The real shadows to be wrestled with are mistrust, miscommunication, powerfully controlling agendas controlled by fear, rigidity and entrenched belief systems.

Let the common ground of Mother Nature and Father Time be a place to invite the "other" to dance - Let the humanitarian, human race-loving energy of Shvat flow like the "Glee," the bucket that the Water-Bearer brings to "Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel - things are gonna get much better if you only will...."

Egyptian Astrologer Warns The World: The Jews Are Gaining Power!

All sorts of hooplala going on out there in Internet Land right now regarding this video of Egyptian Astrologer Sayyed Al-Shimi which appeared on Al-Nahar TV explaining why the upcoming transit of the Planet Saturn though Sagittarius (scheduled for December 2014)  means that the Jews will be stronger.

What's funny, of course, is the timing of this video - corresponding to the time when we read in the Torah about the birth of Moses and how he becomes the deliverer of the Jewish People from Egypt.

You know there's a Midrash that says that the Egyptian Astrologers correctly predicted that Moses' downfall would come about through water - they just didn't get that it would be in G*d's time and G*d's way, with a water (from the rock he should have spoken to instead of struck) they never could have foreseen.

Saturn ("Shabtai" - "My Sabbath") is a Planet very closely associated with the Jewish People. Saturn typically transits through each Sign of the Zodiac for about 2 1/2 years. Right now Saturn is in Scorpio, a Sign traditionally associated with the Arab Nations. Saturn has been in Scorpio since early October, 2012.

Beginning in December 2014 until December 2017, Saturn will be transiting through Sagittarius. It's a very favorable position for us, in that it has a lot of energetic potential. 

One should not take Carte Blanche with the concept that Saturn in a Fire Sign is automatically good for the Jews. But I will make the following observation - from late April 1937 until the end of July 1939, Saturn was in the aggressive, Mars-Ruled Fire Sign of Aries. Those were the years that Hitler (y'mach sh'mo) and his Nazi Party had HUGE success not only in Germany but in Europe in general with their aggressive stance and their antisemitic rhetoric.

Hitler himself was very involved in the occult and employed astrologers. When Saturn made a hard conjunction to Hitler's natal Sun in Taurus, Hitler invaded Poland. It's still a mystery as to whether Hitler chose that time period because he knew it was a powerful energetic opportunity for him to exert his will over hundreds of thousands of people.

Most of the beginning of WWII happened when Saturn was in Taurus. It wasn't until May 1942 that Saturn entered the Air Sign of Gemini that things peaked (the Axis Powers had their biggest successes January - May 1942) and the war began to change direction.

The movements of the Planets does not CREATE circumstances and events as much as they REFLECT them.  Saturn''s transit through Mars/Pluto-ruled Scorpio has not been "good for the Jews." The combative, aggressive and hostile energies of Mars and Pluto move Saturn from mature to stubborn, rigid to ossified, structured to enmeshed and mired in the same-old, same-old. 

There are three Fire Signs - Cardinal/Initiating Fire Aries (ruled by Mars), Fixed/Establishing Fire Leo (ruled by the Sun), and Mutable/Transforming Sagittarius (ruled by Jupiter). When Saturn is in any of these Fire Signs, Saturn's "tzimtzuming" energy (which is to constrict, create borders and boundaries, control) meets the energy of the ruling Planet of the Sign that Saturn is visiting.

The upcoming transit of Saturn through Sagittarius is a melding of the energies of Saturn ("Shabtai" - "My Sabbath") and Jupiter ("Tzedek" - from the word Tzadik, Righteous). It's a most profoundly auspicious time to wed the maturity and wisdom of Saturn with the fortuitous, positive, expansive and beneficent energy of Jupiter.

All the Saturn in Sagittarius transits of the previous Century (March 1897 thru the beginning of January, 1900, December 1926 - November 1929, April 1937 - July 1939, October 1956 - January 1959, November 1985 - February 1988) had the same Saturn the Sign of Jupiter energy, with different material world manifestations.

So what I have to reply to you, Mr. Egyptian Astrologer Sayyed Al-Shimi, is, like your Egyptian Astrologer predecessors who predicted a savior would arise who would meet his downfall through water, you're seeing something that you don't know how to perceive. Although you DO see that the upcoming Saturn in Sagittarius will be good for the Jews, tragically, because of the brainwashing you've received from your culture and your religion, you don't see just HOW GOOD something that's good for the Jews is also good for this WORLD. 

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!