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Kislev 5781

Nov. 17-Dec. 15, 2020

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The lights of Hanukkah come during the month Kislev to illuminate the darkest time of year. This Kislev each of us is being called to be the light ourselves, to shine brightly upon one another as this present darkness of societal division and disunity looms large. We are headed for an epochal change — and that process creates disruption, anxiety and resistance.

After Kislev’s tribal leader Benjamin triggered civil war for not giving up the perpetrators of a horrific act, Benjamin was restored to the tribal confederacy, creating unity. Benjamin’s rainbow flag included all the tribal colors, symbolizing universal inclusion. Jacob adjured his other sons that youngest son Benjamin never risk being left behind in Egypt. No one gets left behind in God’s economy, even those with whom we have conflict. The more we alienate, distance and cast out others, the more urgent restoration and reconciliation becomes.

Mercury/Kochav’s opposition to Uranus/Oron Nov. 17 delivers shocking news, the veracity of which will be called into question. The lunar eclipse/full moon in Gemini/T’omim Nov. 30 occurs in tandem with Mercury’s sextile to Saturn/Shabbatai, enhancing mental discipline, the ability to distill meaning from a sea of information and a desire to comprehend rather than cull those with differences. The solar eclipse/new moon in Sagittarius/Keshet Dec. 14, accompanied by Venus/Noga’s sextile to Jupiter/Tzedek and Mercury’s trine to Mars/Ma’adim demands liberty, freedom and independence be balanced by individual responsibility to the greater community.

Nobody exists within a vacuum; our words and actions have far-reaching effects. This Kislev calls us to take authority over our own lives, especially when external authority seems doubtful, chaotic or untrustworthy. It’s time to ignite our own candle and shine light into the darkest places — first within our own hearts, and then to the world we share.

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Aries / Taleh

Mars/Ma’adim direct in Aries feels like a huge relief this month! You’re finally in your comfort zone with a clear path ahead, empowered to take positive steps in the right direction. Sun trine Mars Dec. 10 inspires confidence and gives you a power boost. The solar eclipse/new moon in Sagittarius/Keshet Dec. 14 reroutes your inner GPS to the right destination, filling you with energy and purpose. Mercury/Kochav trine Mars enables powerful communication. Tribal leader Yehuda demonstrated wisdom by accepting responsibility for his own actions; the added responsibility you’ve taken on this year has developed into wisdom as well.

Taurus / Shor

Planetary ruler Venus/Noga in Scorpio/Akrav through Dec. 14 continues to trigger issues of security and possession around your relationships. Be clear about what belongs to you and what you’re willing to share with others. Venus square Neptune/Rahav Dec. 5 distorts relationship perceptions; though this may be pleasant it isn’t necessarily truthful. Venus sextiles Pluto, Jupiter/Tzedek, and Saturn/Shabbatai Dec. 10-15, supporting the deep maturation of emotional responsibility. Tribal leader Issachar was trusted by his brothers to know and discern the times. Be worthy of the trust others have placed in you.

Gemini / T’omim

The drama begins Nov. 30 with the lunar eclipse/full moon in Gemini and planetary ruler Mercury/Kochav’s sextile to Saturn/Shabbatai. This cosmic curtain call summons you to a starring role over the next year. Doubts about your viability are put to rest with extreme displays of competency at Mercury’s trine to Mars/Ma’adim during the solar eclipse/new moon Dec. 14. Mercury in Sagittarius/Keshet slings truth arrows at every target standing between you and the naysayers. Now is the time for directness, not diplomacy; your assertive requests made with confidence will be respected at the solar eclipse Dec. 14.

Cancer / Sartan

Eclipse season begins for you Nov. 30 with the lunar eclipse/full moon illuminating your deepest secrets and empowering you to speak your truth precisely and succinctly at the last quarter moon in Virgo/Betulah Dec. 7. Solar eclipse/new moon in freedom-loving Sagittarius/Keshet Dec. 14 liberates you from sharing your feelings with emotional vampires. Take back your heart, take courage, and take stock of your resources Dec. 21 at the winter solstice/first quarter moon in Aries/Taleh. The full moon in Cancer Dec. 19 is your annual personal full moon: revel in your own uniqueness and celebrate your individuality!

Leo / Aryeh

Monumental patience is the unexpected benefit of the stresses you’ve endured this year. This pays off in late November when good things come to those who wait. Sun-ruled Leo is disproportionately influenced by the solar square to Neptune/Rahav Dec. 9 which demands a clear decision despite muddled perceptions. Avoid snap judgements; discern between temporary circumstances and long-term realities. Choose the wise path bypassing distorting distractions; cleave to the non-negotiables which have been your guiding values all along. Solar eclipse/new moon in Sagittarius/Keshet Dec. 14 reinforces your core truths. Double down on your commitment to integrity.

Virgo / Betulah

Lunar eclipse/full moon in Gemini/T’omim Nov. 30 reveals new options in the career realm. Last quarter moon in Virgo Dec. 7 invites you to tie up relationship loose ends in the gap between the ideal and the real. Imperfection is perfectly human and so are you; acknowledging imperfection means you’re only human. Tribal ruler Gad musters his troops, displaying bravery at Mercury/Kochav’s trine to Mars/Ma’adim at the solar eclipse/new moon Dec. 14. It takes courage to confront loved ones; this transit empowers transformative truth-telling at home and with family. Speak your truth lovingly.

Libra / Moznayim

Planetary ruler Venus/Noga gives you a boost with firm foundational support via sextiles to Jupiter/Tzedek, Pluto and Saturn/Shabbatai Dec. 10-15. This invites you to build upon a feeling of emotional stability, even if external circumstances are anything but stable. Your influence in your neighborhood, community and immediate surroundings is supercharged at the solar eclipse/new moon Dec. 14; people will be looking to you for leadership, comfort and wisdom. Like your tribal leader Ephraim, use your privileged position to inspire others to work together towards a common goal, benefitting all. Integrity matters.

Scorpio / Akrav

Mercury/Kochav squares Pluto Nov. 27, and like tribal leader Menashe who acted as an interpreter between Joseph and his brothers, you can interpret your own desires and understand the root source of your need for control. It is safe to delve into the deepest places and the most ancient wounds now; mistrust born of neglect or worse has the chance to heal at Venus/Noga’s sweet sextile to Pluto Dec. 10. Acknowledge your inner “Prime Minister” in disguise — that part of you engaged in protecting and defending your personal sovereignty. Revealing your true self engenders intimacy.

Sagittarius / Keshet

Kislev is your month to shine, Sagittarius! As tribal leader Benjamin’s rainbow flag included all the colors of the other tribes, you model inclusiveness at the lunar eclipse/full moon in Gemini/T’omim Nov. 30. There is no tent bigger than Sagittarius’, and your leadership is marked by bringing everyone together for a common cause. The solar eclipse/new moon in Sagittarius Dec. 14 invites you to put down roots and manifest your wisdom in solid, practical ways; Venus/Noga sextile Jupiter/Tzedek inspires you to do so beautifully and with grace.

Capricorn / Gidi

After two and a half years in his home sign of Capricorn, planetary ruler Saturn/Shabbatai enters Aquarius/D’li Dec. 16, where he stays through March 2023. The remarkable upgrade to your patience, forbearance, maturity and wisdom because of Saturn’s long transit in your sign is both your fuel and your foundation in years to come. Tribal ruler Dan’s fierce protectiveness is now focused on guarding collective values. You’ll be able to use your maturity, experience, accumulated valuables, resources and prodigious abundance-generating powers to benefit your environment, your community and humanity itself. Your wisdom is in great demand!

Aquarius / D’li

Mercury/Kochav opposite modern planetary ruler Uranus/Oron Nov. 17 brings surprising, perhaps shocking news — or maybe you’re the one who will shock others when Venus/Noga opposes Uranus Nov. 27, revealing a relationship, affinity or personal choice that upsets the status quo and other people’s expectations of you. Like tribal ruler Asher you’re known as a generous giver, a supplier of positivity and idealism, but occasionally you need to deliver a sobering, serious message; Dec. 14 at the solar eclipse/new moon in Sagittarius/Keshet might just be the day folks need to hear your words the most.

Pisces / Dagim

The lunar eclipse/full moon in Gemini/T’omim Nov. 30 with Mercury/Kochav’s sextile to Saturn/Shabbatai gets to the root of misunderstandings, misperceptions and miscommunications which may have occurred at home with family. Venus/Noga trine Neptune/Rahav Dec. 5 helps soothe and smooth ruffled feathers. Last quarter moon in Virgo/Betulah Dec. 7 stimulates wisdom and discernment in partnerships; sun square Neptune Dec. 9 asks you to define the specific desires you want fulfilled. The solar eclipse/new moon in Sagittarius/Keshet Dec. 14 signals a new, perhaps independent beginning or upgrade in your career and professional persona.