Open the Gates of Understanding

Happy New Gregorian Year to all!  As we are entering the lunar month of Aquarius, let’s examine the state of the cosmos, and the new trends to follow in our lives!

The upcoming month of the “water bearer” (in Aramaic, “Dli”) has been thoroughly examined and commented on by many kabbalists and astrologers of ancient times. Why? Aquarius represents the spreading of knowledge (water being the metaphor for wisdom), i.e. a time in mankind when everyone will have clarity and understanding, and we will no longer need spiritual teachers.” (We are not quite there yet...) Indeed, the sign of Aquarius – the fire of the air – opens up the gates of knowledge, and signals a brand new era: the Age of Aquarius.

"Aquarius represents the spreading of knowledge."

Contrary to popular belief, the Age of Aquarius didn’t start with the famous “Summer of Love” in the 60s, but in the 16th century under the influence of two major kabbalists: the Ari, Rav Isaac Luria from Safed, and Rav Abraham Azulai (of Moroccan birth), whose revolutionary credo was that Kabbalah should be taught in the marketplace. We can just imagine how such a bold assertion was received during the Renaissance!

And so for us today, a new moon is born in this ever so special sign, associated with the ultimate redemption of mankind. This year, something unique will take place. In the molad (or birth of the moon) of Aquarius, most celestial bodies (the sun, Mercury, Venus, Saturn) are in serious Capricorn, with the exception of the chart’s ascendant, Mars, and of course, Jupiter, which are in sharp Scorpio.

Kabbalistically, Capricorn is the sign of harvest, representing the fruits of hard labor. Its energy grounds the water bearer knowledge, making it practical for us in day-to-day life. The message here is clear: dream big, but be practical about your dreams; place them all in order of realization, and they will manifest.

"In the molad (or birth of the moon) of Aquarius, most celestial bodies are in serious Capricorn."

As we know, Saturn, the zodiac IRS, just entered Capricorn, the sign of its ruling. And it will remain in this sign for a little over two years. In its previous location in Libra (from 2009 until October of 2012), Saturn tested all our relationships. In the end of its transit, many connections simply didn’t make the cut! With Saturn in Scorpio, (approximately October of 2012 to September of 2015) we were urged to gain depths and intuition, as well as financial responsibilities. Saturn then entered Sagittarius (2015 to 2017), pushing us to control our excesses, to better understand our belief systems, and test our faith.

Now in Capricorn, its goal – and ours – is to build new structures and create a new order. It’s time to consider our legacy and continuity. Saturn AND Capricorn both dislike superficiality and waste! We are reminded of this serious business through the entire month of Aquarius (also ruled by Saturn!). So, no more flying on the wings of an alternate reality, Aquarius style. For all our dreams to come true, we need law and order!

Intuition is another important aspect of this lunar month of Aquarius. As both Capricorn and Scorpio have strong instincts, we can tap into another dimension of ourselves in order to make more accurate decisions. In conclusion, let’s stay responsible and grounded, Saturnian style! But let’s do it with greater idealism and dreams.

Have a great month, everyone! Chodesh tov!

Yael