And as it turns out, astrology is not completely outside the realm of Jewish religious writings though it is, of course, frowned upon in many instances.
The author begins by addressing the problem of astrology in Jewish thought, noting that traditionally Jews are cautioned against reliance on the movement of the heavens and siting Talmudic and Kabbalistic sources that both support and perhaps partially refute this point of view.
The book goes on to examine the signs of the zodiac, correlating them with the Hebrew calendar which is I guess no less a match (with the true positions of the constellations) then the Gregorian - at this stage of the game.
The book goes on to examine the signs of the zodiac, correlating them with the Hebrew calendar which is I guess no less a match (with the true positions of the constellations) then the Gregorian - at this stage of the game.
The signs of the Zodiac are interpreted in a mostly religious sense relying on material from the Zohar, Sefer Yetzirah, and other Kabbalistic writings, the Hebrew bible and key events in the history of the Jewish people. It is a book perhaps better suited to a student of Kabbalah than a practitioner of astrology and a good resource for anyone seeking a better understanding of the Hebrew calendar.
Some of the correspondences are interesting. The month of Nissan (which contains the Passover) overlaps Aries, for example, and I can see a correlation between the energy of Exodus, the beginning of the Zodiac and birth of Israel as a cohesive, if landless, nation. I found the correlations between the elemental aspects of astrology and mysticism interesting as well.
As an aside, I find it notable that under the "new" assignment of the signs (reconciling the placement of the constellations, changed due to the precession of the earth, with signs of the Zodiac as it has appeared in the media) the new first day of Aries is April 18, 2011 also the 14th of Nissan, 5771 - Erev Pesach, the eve of Passover.
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| Where the magic happens :) |
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| Home-Made Light Box & Incense. |
Shelving unit pictured below lives here as well.
I made my craft room by ripping out the insides of a walk in closet - lucky for me one with a window. It is not a big room but it I know where things are and it smells like incense and candles. It's my little space and I love it!
I made my craft room by ripping out the insides of a walk in closet - lucky for me one with a window. It is not a big room but it I know where things are and it smells like incense and candles. It's my little space and I love it!
As anyone whose been following this blog knows, I've been reading Tarot for 40 years now. My original 1971 Rider Waite has been shuffled from home to home and state to state numerous times. The old box is almost falling apart and while I still have it, I don't use it for storage anymore - haven't used it for I'm not sure how long.
For my deck, home is a simple wooden box, a probable Indian import, with a smooth polished surface and brass inserts of sun, moon and stars. I keep the deck loose in the box because I like the energy of wood. I believe that it absorbs energy. I find a wooden Tarot box to be stabilizing and protective.
For my deck, home is a simple wooden box, a probable Indian import, with a smooth polished surface and brass inserts of sun, moon and stars. I keep the deck loose in the box because I like the energy of wood. I believe that it absorbs energy. I find a wooden Tarot box to be stabilizing and protective.
I have a semi extensive Tarot collection. I say semi because I have pared it down in recent years from over 40 decks to a number generally hovering somewhere around 22. Adding to the collection is about resonance to me, not numbers, and I don't keep a deck unless I connect with it - no matter how attractive the artwork. I like the idea of having 22 decks for obvious (to anyone who reads Tarot) reasons, too, even though I find that keeping the number at exactly 22 is impossible.
Decks come and go in my collection. I like to think that most of them, even the dearest of them, speak to me for a time - and then they speak to someone else. While they are with me, however, even if I have bought them only because I think they deserve to be passed along to some other more compatible reader, I take care of them and for me caring for a deck properly is all about energy.
Decks come and go in my collection. I like to think that most of them, even the dearest of them, speak to me for a time - and then they speak to someone else. While they are with me, however, even if I have bought them only because I think they deserve to be passed along to some other more compatible reader, I take care of them and for me caring for a deck properly is all about energy.
When I get a new deck, I get an immediate impression of its previous use. Part of that impression is empathic and part is just good observation. The last deck I bought - a ©1970 US Games Aquarian deck - is noticeably, but gently, worn - lots of rubbing but no tears or bends or stains. The edges of the cards aren't separating but they aren't tight either and the box has been taped, carefully but repeatedly. All these things are evidence of frequent use - with reverence - and that's a good thing. It is my impression that this deck (a brokered eBay deal) came from a professional or at the very least frequent reader who loved and respected the art of Tarot reading.
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| 1971 Rider-Waite (backup deck) |
I don't believe in leaving decks outside though I have done it. Too much can happen and a wet deck is a ruined deck no matter how restorative moonlight and morning dew can be in best case scenario. Crystals are quite at home in the great outdoors however and I have a small crystal collection intermingled with my cards.
You can read a lot about charging crystals on the net but I keep it pretty simple. In general, anything that appeals to me - full moon, new moon, waxing never waning moon, summer rain, the first snow, the garden in early spring - seems to work. The crystals don't have to spend the night outside, though they do seem to appreciate it from time to time, and I usually stay with them, lining them up in the moonlight and saying a few words with intention because people need recharging too. I usually allow the freshly charged crystals to surround new decks and my everyday reading decks, moving them around to mix things up, and recharging the stones as needed.
You can read a lot about charging crystals on the net but I keep it pretty simple. In general, anything that appeals to me - full moon, new moon, waxing never waning moon, summer rain, the first snow, the garden in early spring - seems to work. The crystals don't have to spend the night outside, though they do seem to appreciate it from time to time, and I usually stay with them, lining them up in the moonlight and saying a few words with intention because people need recharging too. I usually allow the freshly charged crystals to surround new decks and my everyday reading decks, moving them around to mix things up, and recharging the stones as needed.
I keep my collection, in their various cardboard and wooden and other boxes, on an open shelf in my workroom. This is the clearest space in my house. There is no clutter. No TV. No radio. No negativity. Only my photography, art and jewelry supplies, my psychically sensitive etsy items, my Tarot decks, card decks, incense, crystals, candles, silk scarves and small Indian import Saraswati statue (made with real River Ganga mud). I allow fresh air to circulate every day, even in winter, and burn incense and candles regularly. Most importantly - I do not allow any discord or negativity in this room. This includes negative others and myself. If I become frustrated in this room when working and cannot recenter, I leave and go do something else until whatever agitation I am feeling passes.
New decks brought into this room lose their static pretty quickly. Those that leave make their way to their true homes better for their stay. I am a firm believer in the old adage which says that spiritual tools will find their way to the right person at the right time. One of the things I like best about making the occasional sale on etsy is the feeling I get from knowing that I have been part of this process.
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| Left to right: Quartz crystal point, boxed 1971 been-my-deck-forever deck (top), 1970 Aquarian deck (also boxed) bottom, amethyst crystal geode, 1971 Rider-Waite backup deck, lemon-sage candle, vintage Art Deco playing card deck (enlarge to see the interesting geometric design on the back), Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music and creative arts, quartz crystal point. Vintage scarf. |
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| Photo by Nastya Dulhiier on Unsplash |
I have to say, at the outset, that the author's sources are not part of my particular area of interest. But I find the interpretations are very interesting. Especially my own and I thought the negative in particular had some truth to it. I also enjoyed the Hasbrouck's discussion of the world as it was prior to the second WW - especially in regard to scientific discovery.
Some of the cards listed seem inconsistent with the sign of the Zodiac with which they are associated but I've found that elsewhere. Her advice, as it pertains to me seems sound.
The assigned major arcana card for Leo is Strength and whatever my faults, I do consider myself to be a strong person. Sometimes too strong. The card for my particular birth date (August 22nd) is the 7 of Wands, which Hasbrouck calls the seven of Leo. By her interpretation this card is ruled by Mars and Mars is prominent in my birth chart. Positive attributes for this birth date follow:
"Leo Sevens are dominant, vital people, always ready for action, adventure - or a battle. They are energetic and enthusiastic, tireless themselves, they are capable of inspiring others to work with them [unless those others are offspring it seems] and for them. They have great charm, especially for the opposite sex. They are emotional, highly charged, and passionate in their personal affections. Their imaginations are vivid and creative, they tend to dramatize everything in life, from petty details to great enterprises. They have the ability for intense concentration, and when positive, they are entirely without fear. Under pressure, they exhibit great fortitude, and resourcefulness is one of their most valuable assets." Not so sure about the charm and would like to think I am not dramatic about everything but not necessarily all that far off otherwise!
The negative:
"They are fighters, taking, at all times, the opposition or the defensive. They are quarrelsome [want to argue with that but probably shouldn't], proud, touchy and obstinate. They lack the ability to co-operate with others, they desire always to dominate and direct. Their resourcefulness becomes mere excitability and impetuosity; they rush into action with considering the consequences. Wrong side out, they are apt to be cruel in personal relationships, especially where the emotions are involved. Their versatility leads them to scatter their energies so widely that the effort to concentrate on a number of things at the same time destroys their mental balance, making them highly irritable, nervous and unpredictable. It is difficult for them to coordinate their energies." Pretty on the mark though thankfully not always the case.
The author's comments:
"Their versatility is of an unusual type. Not only can they do a surprising number of different things, but they do them all astonishingly well, apparently without training or preparation. But the net result of this magic is rather likely to be that the roof is placed on an edifice built without foundations, so that the first storm blows it down. The imagination of the Leo Sevens knows no bounds. They have to learn to practice the art of doing one thing at a time [!], and of completing one job before they start the next one. The average Leo Seven leaves a trail of unfinished business."
"They take their knocks well, however, and no one of them has yet been found to be discouraged for more than a few hours." This last is not strictly true but close. Overall, I found the author's assessment fairly accurate - especially, unfortunately, some of the negatives. I found it encouraging as well.
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