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Cheshvan 5784

Oct. 15–Nov. 13, 2023

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On Simchat Torah the end is joined to the beginning; the last letter in the Torah is a Lamed and the first letter a Bet; together they spell “Lev”, which means heart. Our hearts are broken by the tremendous horrors that began on the last Shabbat of our annual Torah reading. “Am Yisrael”, the People of Israel, is as one spiritual entity throughout time/space/history. We each share in the pain and suffering.

The entire month of Cheshvan is empty of holidays but filled with celestial portents. The “Ring of Fire” Annular Solar Eclipse in Libra, Shabbat Beresheit, Erev Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, with Mercury/Kochav opposite Chiron. With Mars/Ma’adim, Scorpio’s planetary ruler, in the sign of Scorpio itself, powerful forces focus with precision and intensity on one goal. The Sun squares Pluto, Venus/Noga trines Jupiter/Tzedek, and Mercury enters Scorpio Shabbat Noach, at the First Quarter Moon in Capricorn. Potent and practical, tactical and tender, the life force within pulses with vitality.

The Sun enters Scorpio on Oct. 23 and trines Saturn/Shabbtai on Oct. 24. Structural support from seeds planted long ago springs into action. The Full Moon/Partial Lunar Eclipse in Taurus on Shabbat Lech Lecha, with the Sun, Mars, and Mercury in Scorpio opposite the Moon, Jupiter, and Uranus in Taurus emphasizes the dynamic tension between “mine” and “ours.” Unexpected surprises emerge when Saturn stations Direct in Pisces on Shabbat Vayeira, with Mercury opposite Uranus. Use extreme caution with Mars opposing Uranus on Shabbat Chayei Sarah.

By the New Moon in Scorpio with the Sun and Moon opposite Uranus on Nov. 13, the landscape of a new world begins to emerge. What it will look like depends upon G*d’s mercy, and how we use our common ancestral superpower, the power of prayer, as well as the individual ancestral superpower of each Mazzalot.

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Aries / Taleh

The Ancestral Superpower of Yehuda’s Tribe is courage. With Mars/Ma’adim in Scorpio all month, you focus your strength and leadership on those around you. With Mars and Mercury/Kochav opposite Jupiter/Tzedek on Shabbat Lech Lecha, with the Full Moon/Partial Lunar Eclipse in Taurus, you’re called to defend shared values. Mercury conjuncts Mars on Oct. 29, bestowing the power of words. Use them with wisdom and intentionality. Expect the unexpected at the opposition of Mars to Uranus/Oron on Shabbos Chayei Sarah. Sometimes the bravest thing to do is to be cautious.  The coupling of wisdom with courage produces the best fruit.

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Taurus / Shor

The Ancestral Superpower of Issachar’s Tribe is knowledge and discernment of the times. Your power to spark inspiration peaks on Shabbat Noach, with Venus/Noga trine to Jupiter/Tzedek. The Full Moon/Partial Lunar Eclipse in Taurus on Shabbos Lech Lecha is joined by both Mars/Ma’adim and Mercury/Kochav opposite Jupiter in Taurus. This requires extreme discernment between what belongs to you alone and what you share with others. Venus opposes Neptune/Rahav on Nov. 3, possibly distorting your perception due to strong idealization. Venus trines Pluto on Nov. 6 and enters Libra on Nov. 8. The power of a loving heart knows no rival.

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Gemini/ T’omim

The ancestral superpower of Zevulon’s Tribe is communication. Mercury/Kohav squares Pluto Oct. 20, and enters Scorpio on Oct. 21, Shabbos Noach. You’re given the power of precision; use it surgically and with compassion. Mercury trines Saturn/Shabbtai on Oct. 22, supporting you structurally in all your endeavors. The opposition of both Mercury and Mars/Ma’adim to Jupiter/Tzedek Shabbos Lech Lecha at the Full Moon Partial Lunar Eclipse may unearth unprocessed emotions you’ve put so far on the back burner you’ve almost forgotten. Mercury enters Sagittarius on Nov. 9, and squares Saturn Nov. 10. The blunt force of truth-telling is softened by compassionate framing.

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Cancer / Sartan

The ancestral superpower of Reuven’s Tribe is loyalty. The New Moon/Annular Solar Eclipse in Libra Erev Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan focuses directly on home and family. The First Quarter Moon in Capricorn  Shabbos Noach stimulates practical partnership. The Full Moon/Partial Lunar Eclipse in Taurus on Shabbos Lech Lecha proves that in your case, “family of choice” is just as important as blood relations. Don’t hold anything back at the Last Quarter Moon in Leo, Nov. 5. You’re meant to give it your all now, and you’re even more empowered at the New Moon in Scorpio, Nov. 13.

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Leo / Aryeh 

The ancestral superpower of Shimon’s Tribe is the powerful protection of others. The New Moon/Annular Solar Eclipse in Libra Erev Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan warns against becoming unbalanced due to stressful circumstances. Prioritize your health when the Sun squares Pluto on Shabbos Noach, at the First Quarter Capricorn Moon. The Sun enters Scorpio Oct. 23 and trines Saturn/Shabbtai Oct. 24, refocusing your priorities. The  Full Moon/Partial Lunar Eclipse Shabbos on Lech Lecha reveals an emerging truth in a very public way. The Sun opposes Jupiter/Tzedek on Nov. 2, stretching the already tense highwire between your public and private life.

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Virgo / Betulah

The ancestral superpower of Gad’s Tribe is strength through service. Mercury/Kochav squares Pluto on Oct. 20 and enters Scorpio on Oct. 21 before trining Saturn/Shabbtai on Oct. 22. You are being empowered to be of sustainable and significant service at this time but remember to take care of your own needs or you can’t be helpful to anyone! Burnout is never the answer. You’ll be immersed in the needs of your spiritual community when Mercury and Mars/Ma’adim oppose Jupiter/Tzedek on Shabbos Lech Lecha at the Full Moon/Partial Lunar Eclipse.  A fresh and surprising discovery may appear when Mercury opposes Uranus/Oron on Shabbos Vayeira. 

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Libra / Moznayim

The ancestral superpower of Ephraim’s Tribe is harmonious partnership. The “Ring of Fire” Annular Solar Eclipse in Libra, Shabbat Beresheit, Erev Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, with Mercury/Kochav in Libra opposite Chiron in Aries, is your opportunity to overcome all relationship obstacles. When you help to heal others, you can heal yourself. Venus/Noga trines Jupiter/Tzedek on Shabbos Noach, the enhancement and enlargement of beauty and balance. Perception distortion and over-idealization may occur when Venus opposes Neptune/Rahav on Nov. 3. Venus trines Pluto on Nov. 6 and enters Libra on Nov. 8, imbuing you with the greatest superpower of all: the power of love.

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Scorpio / Akrav

The ancestral superpower of Menashe’s Tribe is strength through humility. With Mars/Ma’adim in Scorpio and Mercury/Kochav square Pluto Oct. 20, you translate feelings between those who can’t understand each other. The Sun squares Pluto and Mercury enters Scorpio on Shabbos Noach. Your sensitivity, precision, compassion and concentration are greatly enhanced. Your powers peak when the Sun enters Scorpio Oct. 23, and the Sun, Mars, and Mercury opposite the Moon, Jupiter, and Uranus on Shabbos Lech Lecha, with Full Moon/Partial Lunar Eclipse in Taurus. Transcend every petty thing that has no eternal consequences. Take extreme caution when Mars opposes Uranus Shabbos Chayei Sarah.

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Sagittarius / Keshet 

The ancestral superpower of Benyamin’s Tribe is unity. With planetary ruler Jupiter/Tzedek in Retrograde Taurus all month, no matter how fast you try to go, you sometimes feel like you’re slogging through mud. Venus/Noga trines Jupiter/Tzedek Shabbos Noach; your effort matters, even if it isn’t going as quickly as you’d like. Mercury/Kochav and Mars/Ma’adim opposite Jupiter/Tzedek at the Full Moon/ Partial Lunar Eclipse in Taurus, Shabbos Lech Lecha. Suppressing your big feelings can make you ill; them all out in a safe place. The Sun opposes Jupiter Nov. 2, and Mercury enters Sagittarius Nov. 9. Trust your sense of direction.

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Capricorn / Gidi

The ancestral superpower of Dan’s Tribe is security. The First Quarter Moon in Capricorn Shabbos Noach, with the Sun square Pluto and Venus/Noga trine Jupiter/Tzedek, is a powerfully practical new beginning based on adjusted expectations. All things become beautiful in their time, including you.  Redefined responsibilities are spelled out when Mercury/Kochav and Sun trine Saturn/Shabbtai on Oct. 22-24. Saturn in Pisces stations Direct Nov. 4; your environment becomes a lot less ambiguous. You’re able to hold space for the many who depend on your stability and maturity. Chaos eludes structure but this is not your first time at this rodeo.

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Aquarius / D’li

The ancestral superpower of Asher’s Tribe is generosity. Providing for the needs of your family and community, both near and far, is done under ingenious circumstances with modern planetary ruler Uranus/Oron in Retrograde Taurus all month. Venus/Noga trines Uranus Oct. 31, lending unusually creative energy to problem-solving. Classical planetary ruler Saturn/Shabbtai stations Direct in Pisces, and Mercury/Kochav opposes Uranus on Shabbos Vayeira. Aquarius is a Fixed Sign, not necessarily adept at rolling with punches, but now it’s time to learn how to duck and weave. Take extreme care when Mars/Ma’adim opposite Uranus Shabbos Chayei Sarah. Err on the side of caution.

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Pisces / Dagim

The ancestral superpower of Naftali’s Tribe is faith. Your modern planetary ruler Neptune/Rahav is in Retrograde Pisces and your classical ruler Jupiter/Tzedek in Retrograde Taurus. Two negatives make a positive! You’re inspired by the beauty of shared values and common ground when Venus/Noga trines Jupiter Shabbos Noach. Your other superpower is to be as slippery as a fish is swimming away from trouble. Confronting the ideological distortions of others is never a good idea unless you’ve examined your own in the mirror. Tell yourself the truth first when the Sun opposes Jupiter on Nov. 2, Venus opposes Mercury trines Neptune on Nov. 3 -6.