CANCER (SARTAN) – TAMMUZ – REUVEN – RUBY
Cancer is one of the three “negative” months of the year. Cancer is controlled by the Moon.
HOW TO READ & UNDERSTAND YOUR CHART
The wisdom gained by reflecting on your astronomical chart will help you realise your inner potential, gain profound self-awareness, and receive invaluable guidance for effective communication.
Each of us is blessed with unique gifts and challenged by specific obstacles that are intricately tied to the astronomical sign under which we were born. These signs, rooted in the sacred teachings of Kabbalistic astronomy (mazalot), serve as spiritual compasses, illuminating the obstacles we must transcend and unveiling our sacred life purpose. The ultimate aim is to empower yourself to rise above the celestial influences and seize control over the direction of your life.
The Kabbalah teaches us that the course of history transpires as a result of the cyclical energy processes of the year rather than because of physical events. Therefore, by looking at the time at which each moment in history occurs, we can better understand why it happened.
TUMMUZ (CANCER) – THE MONTH OF EMOTiONS
Sartan (Cancer) along with Gedi (Capricorn) and Aries (Leo), is one of the three “negative” months of the year. In Tevet (Capricorn) is when the siege of Jerusalem began, in Tummuz (Cancer) the walls around Jerusalem were penetrated, and in Av (Leo) the destruction of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem took place.
Those born during Tammuz (Cancer) are emotional, nurturing, and intuitive. They prioritize home and family, showing strong loyalty and protectiveness. Creative and imaginative, they also possess resilience and persistence. Their empathetic nature makes them compassionate caregivers, though they can be moody. They thrive in caring roles and value emotional connections.
Personality Traits
People born in the month of Tammuz are associated with the following personality traits:
Resilience and Strength: Tammuz is traditionally associated with challenges and difficulties, as it marks the beginning of the period of mourning leading up to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Individuals born in Tammuz often possess strong resilience and inner strength, able to withstand adversity and bounce back from setbacks with determination.
Emotional Sensitivity: Tammuz is a month of heightened emotional intensity, characterized by mourning and reflection. People born in Tammuz tend to be emotionally sensitive and empathetic, deeply attuned to their own feelings and those of others. They may have a keen sense of empathy and compassion.
Creativity and Expression: Despite its sombre associations, Tammuz is also a month of artistic expression and creativity. Individuals born in Tammuz often have a strong creative streak, finding solace and catharsis through artistic outlets such as writing, music, or visual arts.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Tammuz falls during the summer months, a time of change and transition. Those born in Tammuz are often adaptable and flexible, able to navigate shifting circumstances and thrive in dynamic environments.
Spiritual Depth: The mourning period of Tammuz encourages introspection and spiritual growth. People born in Tammuz may possess a strong spiritual inclination, seeking meaning and purpose in their experiences and striving for personal and religious growth.
Passion and Intensity: Tammuz’s emotional intensity often translates into a passionate and intense personality. Individuals born in Tammuz may approach life with fervour and enthusiasm, pouring their heart and soul into their pursuits and relationships.
Caring and Protective: Tammuz is associated with the tribe of Reuben, traditionally described as “impetuous as water.” People born in Tammuz may exhibit similar qualities, showing a caring and protective nature towards their loved ones and communities.
Resilience in Relationships: The challenges associated with Tammuz can strengthen interpersonal bonds. Individuals born in Tammuz may demonstrate resilience and loyalty in their relationships, standing by their loved ones through thick and thin.
Seekers of Truth and Justice: Tammuz is a time for reflection on moral and ethical principles. Those born in Tammuz may possess a strong sense of justice and fairness, seeking to uphold truth and righteousness in their personal and professional lives.
These traits reflect a blend of emotional sensitivity, creativity, resilience, and spiritual depth, making individuals born in Tammuz compassionate, resilient, and deeply introspective. Their ability to navigate challenges with grace and their commitment to personal growth contribute to their strength of character.
Focusing your Energy
Because the sun and the moon control one sign each, an unbalanced situation is created in each of these months. This imbalance causes the crab, the symbol for the month of Cancer, to walk sideways rather than forward and backward. This also gives the month of Tamuz the opening for Cancer to begin, and it is the only month that has a disease named after it.
The Cosmic Energy of the Month
On the seventeenth day of Tummuz (Cancer), Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the Tablets, bringing the world the power and energy of immortality. However, the Israelites didn’t wait patiently for Moses to come down from Mount Sinai and built the Golden Calf, the sight of which caused Moses to shatter the Tablets. This moment marked a clashing of two energies: the power of immortality versus chaos, suffering, depression and death.
The historical fact that the wall of Jerusalem was destroyed and the Tablets were broken on the seventeenth of Cancer was simply a manifestation of the incompatibility between the potential of the spiritual vessel and the reality of the Desire to Receive for the Self Alone. If we do not make an effort to “love our neighbour as ourselves,” we are essentially choosing the Golden Calf, and similarly, we cause our own walls to break down and begin destruction in various aspects of our lives.
Sartan (Cancer), in Aramaic is made up of two parts: Sar – to remove and clean all the negativity, and Tan – chaos, hatred, animosity and any aspect of negativity. The power of the month of Cancer is to remove any problems or negative situations that might cause this disease to come to our lives.
According to the Book of Formation by Abraham the Patriarch, the month of Cancer was created by the Hebrew letters Chet (which created Tamuz) and Taf (which created the Moon). The moon begins each lunar month as a thin scythe and reaches its fullest brightness on the fifteenth. From the moment that the fifteenth day is over, the light of the moon begins to wane, and this cycle repeats itself each month.
This explains the Cancerian’s high sensitivity. They seem to need more love than any other sign. The moon’s waning causes them to feel that there is always something missing, and this leads to depression. The cure for these low moments is caring, sharing, loving, and giving to others. In addition, Cancerians must do their best to let go of the past and see beyond ill feelings and wounds. This is the only way for them to truly find happiness and love.
Point of Reflection
Cancerians are very domestic people. Their motto is “my house is my fortress,” and they are strongly connected to family and home. They love history and archaeology – anything that reminds them of the past. They have a sensitive stomach, as this is where they hold tension and unresolved emotional difficulties.
CONNECTiNG THE DOTS
The Jewish calendar’s association of each month with a zodiac sign and a tribe of Israel is deeply rooted in Jewish mysticism, tradition, and symbolism. This system reflects the interconnectedness of time, spirituality, and the cultural heritage of the Jewish people.
Kabbalah
According to the Kabbalah, each month is linked to one of the twelve zodiac signs, which have divine influence. Each zodiac sign symbolizes specific qualities and energies that are particularly potent during its corresponding month.
Tribes of Israel
Each of the twelve months is also associated with one of the twelve tribes of Israel, corresponding to the twelve sons of Jacob. These tribes represent different aspects of the Jewish collective soul and the divine attributes (Sefirot). Each tribe has unique characteristics and a particular spiritual mission, which aligns with the energy of the corresponding month.
This system blends astronomy, theology, and Jewish tradition to offer spiritual guidance and cultural continuity. It provides meaning and direction, reflecting the holistic nature of Jewish spirituality and its cosmic perspective.
MONTH OF TUMMUZ
Water Element
Planet Moon
Emotional/Sensitivity
Polarization
Hard Outside/Soft Inside
Apprehensive
Justice/Honesty
Materialism
Loyalty/Family
Appearance
TRiBE OF REUVEN
(Might, Awe, Sight)
Tend grape vines
Figs begin to ripen
Two Tablets of the Ten Commandments were carved on Mt. Sanai
Sartan (319 Numeric Value)
Plant aerial crops or prune to encourage growth or graft. Plant seed and root crops. Sow vegetable seeds or transplant vegetable seedlings. It’s also the best time to water since plants take it up more easily in a water sign.
TUMMUZ – CANCER (SARTAN)
A person born during Tammuz is ruled by the stomach. Most cancerians love to cook and eat, and their families are extremely important for them.
However, not just food fills their appetite, they often stuff their feelings inside as well. They have an aversion to direct communication and it can often cause miss understanding and stomach discomfort.
They should express their real emotions and keep a journal, writing down thoughts and feelings.
SEFER YETZiRAH
The Sefer Yetzirah, or “Book of Creation” is one of the earliest works of Jewish mysticism, particularly within the Kabbalistic tradition.
Ten Sefirot
The Sefer Yetzirah introduces the concept of the Ten Sefirot, which are fundamental to Kabbalistic cosmology. These Sefirot are seen as ten attributes or emanations through which G-d interacts with the world. They are often described as both numbers and divine attributes.
Twenty-Two Hebrew Letters
The Sefer Yetzirah explains the importance of the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, which it divides into three categories: three “mother” letters (Aleph, Mem, Shin), seven “double” letters (Bet, Gimel, Dalet, Kaf, Peh, Resh, Tav), and twelve “simple” letters. These letters are seen as the building blocks of creation, used by G-d to form the universe.
According to the “Sepher Yetzirah“, the Hebrew letters are spiritual frequencies that G-d used to create the universe. A different Hebrew letter controls or influences the constellation and planet of the month. By connecting to these letters through meditation we can draw down specific energy to empower and enlighten us.
LETTERS OF THE MONTH – Chet and Yet
Tammuz is a month of challenge and destruction, marking the beginning of the Three Weeks of mourning. The letter Chet (ח) represents life and potential, emphasizing the hope and resilience needed during difficult times. The letters for the month of Tammuz are Taf and Chet.
Taf
Taf created the Moon and rules over the month of Tammuz. The moon represents Malchut, the physical world of manifestation, where we find end, limitations and doubt. Interestingly, the letter Tav is the final letter of the Hebrew alphabet – also indicative of the end and limitations.
Chet
The letter Chet created the constellation of Cancer and is formed by two other letters – Zayin and Vav. These letters created the constellations of Gemini and Taurus, the two prior months. The word Tammuz literally means the “completion of Vav and Zayin”, an additional connection to the prior months’ energy of healing and balance. By meditating on the Chet, we can connect to the positive energy from Taurus and Gemini and overcome judgement and imbalance found in Tammuz.
Each month also has a specific “sense” to which it is connected. Tammuz is connected to “sight” and we learn that by using our sense of sight we can see beyond the perceived physical limits and manifestation of the month and connect to the spiritual realm and all that is possible.
Days of Connection in Tammuz
The letter Chet created the astronomical sign of Tammuz. Chet is pronounced “Het” – which means sin in Hebrew and connects us this month to one of the greatest sins in human history – the sin of the golden calf. The 17th of Tammuz is 40 days after Moses ascended Mt. Sinai on Shavuot to receive the 10 Commandments. Commentators suggest that on the afternoon of the 16th the Israelites grew impatient with his return and built an idol and began to behave immorally.
On the 17th of Tammuz, Moses came down the mountain, saw the idol created by the Israelites and smashed the tablets in anger – postponing the universal energy of immortality and endless fulfilment. This date is also associated with the day on which the Babylonians breached the walls of Jerusalem and commences the three week period of semi-mourning known as “The Three Weeks”. The Three Weeks commences on the 17th of Tammuz and culminates on the 9th of Av, a date associated with the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples and several other catastrophes that have befallen the Jewish people throughout history.
Other powerful days of connection during Tammuz are the 3rd of Tammuz (Gimmel Tammuz) and the 29th of Tammuz, the Hilulas (death anniversaries) for the Chabad Rebbe and Rashi – two Holy souls. The Rebbe is considered by many to be the greatest Jewish leader of the 20th Century and Rashi is considered the preeminent Torah commentator. On the death anniversary of a Tzaddik we are able to connect to their energy through proper meditation and prayer.
Have a great month and powerful Rosh Chodesh Tammuz! Use the power of sight and the ability to share with others to overcome any sense of physical limitation and emotional imbalance and connect to your higher self.
WHAT iS A RULiNG PLANET
In Jewish astronomy and Kabbalah, the ruling planets are significant influencers of the spiritual and physical characteristics of time periods and individuals.
These planets are not just astronomical bodies but also spiritual entities that convey divine energy. Their influence can shape the spiritual atmosphere of a month and the innate characteristics of individuals. The interplay between these planetary influences and other Kabbalistic concepts, such as the Sefirot, contributes to a holistic understanding of personality and destiny within the framework of Jewish mysticism.
RULiNG PLANET – Levanah (Moon)
Levanah (the Moon) holds profound symbolic significance. It represents reflectivity, symbolizing the reception and transmission of divine light. The Moon’s cyclical phases embody transformation and renewal, illustrating spiritual growth. As a symbol of feminine energy, it embodies qualities of receptivity, intuition, and nurturing.
Planets Attributes
Emotions, intuition, nurturing, and changeability. The Moon represents the inner self, emotional responses, and the nurturing aspects of one’s personality.
Birth Qualities of Levanah
Levanah (the Moon) embodies qualities of reflectivity, transformation, feminine energy, mystery, and plays a significant role in timekeeping and spiritual symbolism.
THE 12 GEMSTONES OF THE EPHOD (BREASTPLATE)
In Jewish tradition, there are specific associations between gemstones and each of the twelve Hebrew months.
In the Torah (Exodus 28:15-21), there is a description of the Breastplate (Choshen) worn by the High Priest (Kohen Gadol), which contained twelve gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones are mentioned as part of the priestly garments and represent the different aspects of the tribes and their virtues.
BiRTH STONE – Ruby – Red
Reuven’s stone was a Ruby – Odem, a very red, blood-colored stone, as its name testifies. When worn by a pregnant woman, the ruby prevents miscarriage. It is also known as the fertility stone.
It is highly recommended for women who wish to become pregnant, especially when ground into powder and mixed with food and drink. It eases pregnancy and keeps the mother and fetus healthy. Many women with fertility problems finally became pregnant when wearing a ruby (best worn as a ring or bracelet).
Even women who have been through unsuccessful medical fertility treatments, finally conceived by holding the Ruby during the treatment. The ruby is also beneficial for women in difficult labor.
Ruby Qualities
Ruby’s provides and strengthens; Passion, courage, protection, vitality, love, and leadership.
- Rubies strengthen passion, vitality, and life force energy
- Ignite the inner fire
- Courage and strength
- Protective qualities, shielding the wearer from negative energies and harm
- Vitality and energy, helping to boost physical stamina and endurance
- Strengthen romantic relationships.
- Enhances the capacity for love and deepen their emotional connections
- Encouragea boldness and assertiveness
THE MONTH OF TUMMUZ
Kabbalists explain that Tammuz or Cancer is the fourth month in the Hebrew calendar and is one of three months, along with Av (Leo) and Tevet (Capricorn), where the energy of judgement is more direct. Tammuz is often referred to as the month of emotions where the energy can be unbalanced. Specifically, Tammuz is a triple water sign – part of a group of three water signs, itself a water sign and the first water sign of the group (right column energy) – resulting in intensified emotional tendency during the month and for those born under the sign.
The sign is controlled by the Moon, the only Hebrew month under the influence of this celestial body. The Moon’s act of growing and waning each month creates a further sense of unbalance and Cancerians often experience ups and downs and mood swings – thought to be associated with the lunar phases. We can also see that the crab, the animal associated with the sign of Cancer, walks sideways, unbalanced, and that cancer cells produce in an unbalanced way. This state of high emotion and potential unbalance can be overcome during the month by sharing and finding the good in others. It is as simple as that.
WEEK 1
A time of calamity.
Tummuz is the time for planting Cabbage, Collards, Kale, Onion (Seeds), Leeks, Spinach, Turnips and Beetroot.
WEEK 2
A time for repentance, restoring order.
Plant Cauliflower, Celery, Lettuce, Mustard, Parsnips, Potatoes, Radishes, Sweet Chard.
WEEK 3
Plant Okra (Bamya), Tomatoes, Cucumber, Eggplant, Luffa, Melon, Peanuts and Peppers.
WEEK 4
Plant Beans, Carrots, Pumkin, Squash (Summer), Squash (Winter), Sweet Potatoes.
SiGNiFiCANT EVENTS OF THE MONTH
On the seventeenth day of Tummuz (Cancer), Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the Tablets, bringing the world the power and energy of immortality. However, the Israelites didn’t wait patiently for Moses to come down from Mount Sinai and built the Golden Calf, the sight of which caused Moses to shatter the Tablets. This moment marked a clashing of two energies: the power of immortality versus chaos, suffering, depression and death.
The historical fact that the wall of Jerusalem was destroyed and the Tablets were broken on the seventeenth of Cancer was simply a manifestation of the incompatibility between the potential of the spiritual vessel and the reality of the Desire to Receive for the Self Alone. If we do not make an effort to “love our neighbor as ourselves,” we are essentially choosing the Golden Calf, and similarly, we cause our own walls to break down and begin destruction in various aspects of our lives.
Sartan (English: Cancer), in Aramaic is made up of two parts: Sar – to remove and clean all the negativity, and Tan – chaos, hatred, animosity and any aspect of negativity. The power of the month of Cancer is to remove any problems or negative situations that might cause this disease to come to our lives.
KOHANiM
During the first year after the Exodus, Aaron (Moses’ brother) and his sons were consecrated as the Kohanim (priests).
This occurred after the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle (Mishkan), which served as the portable sanctuary for the Israelites in the wilderness.
GOLDEN CALF
After the sin of the Golden Calf, the Levites (including the Kohanim) played a significant role in restoring order. The Levites, under the leadership of Moses, executed judgement on those who had participated in the idolatry (Exodus 32:25-29). This event underscored the role of the Levites and Kohanim in upholding the covenant and maintaining religious order.
MOSES’S 2nd TABLETS
The month of Tammuz is linked to the initial sin and the breaking of the first Tablets.
It marks the beginning of a period of mourning and reflection, culminating in the fast of the 17th of Tammuz.
TABERNACLE
The construction of the Tabernacle symbolized a means for the Israelites to atone for their sin and to have a tangible representation of G-d’s presence among them.
INTERACTiNG WiTH A CANCER
Understanding these traits and tailoring your interactions accordingly can help foster positive relationships with individuals of each mazal.
ASSETS OF A Sartan (CANCER)
Empathetic and able to easily understand the needs and emotions of others, family oriented, good business sense, desire to share, careful with money.
MAiN MOTiVATiON
Finding Security
CHALLANGES
Wear ‘masks’ that hide extremely thin skin and fear of being hurt.
Ask the Light for the strength to open up to others. Know that the secret to not being hurt is finding the courage to not fear it.
MOOD SWiNGS
Sudden mood swings that reach into depression, often drawing others down too.
The dark emotions start with the incessant mental chatter. When you find yourself obsessing, find a sharing action to do. Tell someone they look nice, go buy your office mate a cup of coffee – the idea is that the action will take you outside your fears.
Uncertain about the future, finds reason to worry all the time.
Seeds for the future are being planted NOW. Inject Light into the now through actions of love and certainty.
Ask yourself what you are afraid of and what you need to fulfill that emptiness. Visualize getting what you need. Give yourself that much – you deserve it.
THiNKS ABOUT WHAT iS LACKiNG
Thinks about what is lacking in life.
Appreciate, appreciate, appreciate. Every time you think of something you don’t have, think of something you do have. Practice feeling gratitude and in time you will learn to immediately wipe away doubts with the certainty of having.
Prone to keeping things to self, both material and psychological. Afraid to open up and trust people, causing them to cling to people and seek reassurance in material comforts.
Paradoxically, the harder you hold on, the faster it slips through your fingers. True security comes from the Light, not physicality. Constantly remind yourself to “let the Light in.”
THE TiME is NOW
Slow to move to action, avoids taking risks, remains emotionally attached to the past.
Don’t wait for the secure feeling before moving – act now.
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
- Having no fear
- Letting go of the past
- Gaining real emotional independence
- Caring genuinely (not because they want to feel needed)
- Accepting changes
- Letting go of their cynical side
GETTiNG ALONG WiTH A CANCER
- Open your heart to them.
- Create an atmosphere of trust by listening and understanding without judgement.
- Don’t react to their bad moods.
- Help them to take risks and give of themselves spiritually or materially.
Fire Element
Assertion, Drive, Willpower
Air Element
Communication, Socialization, Conceptualization
Earth Element
Communication, Socialization, Conceptualization
Water Element
Emotion, Empathy, Sensitivity