LEO (ARIEH) – SHIMON – AV – TOPAZ

Leo is one of the three most negative months of the year. Leo is ruled by the sun, and is the Left Column of the fire signs.

How to Read and 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.

Leo – The Month of Light

Leo is one of the three most negative months of the year. The other two are Tevet (Capricorn), because it is ruled by Saturn, which is a planet of harsh judgments, and Tummuz (Cancer), because it is ruled by the moon.

People born in this month are infamous for behaving like the sun. Their trademarks are leadership, determination, domination and power, and in full force, this combination can lead to the pitfalls of ego and pride. Leos easily take on leadership positions. But we must remember, the only control we have is self-control. Any feelings of ego, pride and superiority only prevent us from helping others.

The month of Av is connected to the astrological sign of Leo and is the only month ruled by the Sun. Av means father and is symbolized by the lion, one of four holy entities along with the bull, eagle and mankind represented on the chariot in Ezekiel’s mystical vision of G-d. Mystics explain that all energy from the upper world’s come through these entities.

As Leo falls under the influence of the Sun, the center of our solar system and source of infinite light, it is easy to see why Leos believe the world revolves around them and why they need to be the center of attention. Kabbalists further explain that Av or Leo is the fifth month in the Hebrew calendar and is one of three “negative” months, along with Tammuz (Cancer) and Tevet (Capricorn), where the energy of judgement is more intense.

Leo is ruled by the sun, and is the Left Column of the fire signs. This indicates an added influence of fire, which is expressed as judgments – burning and consuming fire with no balance. This is the reason we experience a polarity of events, some negative and some positive. The Book of Formation says the letter Tet created Leo and the letter Caf created the sun. Together we get the energetic combination that controls the month of Leo.

At the center of our solar system, the sun brings each of the planets light and heat, without which organic life could not exist.

People born in this month are infamous for behaving like the sun. Their trademarks are leadership, determination, domination and power, and in full force, this combination can lead to the pitfalls of ego and pride. Leos easily take on leadership positions. But we must remember, the only control we have is self-control. Any feelings of ego, pride and superiority only prevent us from helping others.

The month of Leo is known for the massive occurrences of negativity that have transpired throughout history during this time; the Destruction of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem took place on the ninth of Leo. The systematic massacre of the Jews by Hitler’s Nazi regime was also ordered during Leo.

The number nine, represented by the Hebrew letter Tet, connects us to the Sefirah Yesod, which manifests all of the energy that is gathered from all the upper luminous emanations. Jerusalem was and remains the energy center of the world. When the people of Israel, and the residents of Jerusalem specifically, chose not to behave with human dignity toward one another – this energy was created and accumulated in Yesod – it had to manifest itself, and did so in an explosion of negativity on the ninth day of Leo, in a deadly short circuit.

Letters of the Month – Kaf and Tet

According to the “Sepher Yetzirah”, the Hebrew letters are spiritual frequencies that created 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. The letters for the month of Av are Kaf and Tet. Kaf created the Sun and rules over the month of Av. The Sun represents Zeir Anpin, the masculine aspect of the universe and a link to the infinite light.

The letter Tet created the constellation of Leo and is shaped like a womb. It represents the nine months of pregnancy condensed into the 9-day period from Rosh Chodesh Av through the Tisha B’av. It is said that Moshiach, a human leader and positive spiritual energy that will rule humanity with kindness and justice during the Messianic period, will be born on the 9th of Av, another example of Light being born from darkness.

Days of Connection in Av

As discussed, Av is a month of duality, containing both the most negative day of the year (Tisha B’av) and the happiest day (Tu B’av). By sharing, maintaining certainty through hard times and trying to feel the pain of others, we are able to convert the energy of judgement found in the first half of Av into light and blessings. There are two distinct aspects of the Creator that can be characterized in several ways: (1) male and female; (2) Zeir Anpin and Malchut; (3) the Holy One and the Shekhinah; and (4) and the Sun and Moon. By joining the two energies on the 15th of the month, we connect to the full Sun and full Moon and move from the pain and negativity of the first 9 days and Tisha B’av to a day of happiness and love on the 15th of Av, Tu B’av.

Have a great month and Rosh Chodesh Av! Be proactive and share with others to help join the two aspects of the Creator to reveal Light in the world – our true purpose in life.

Ruling Planet – The Sun

Leo is ruled by the sun, and is the Left Column of the fire signs. This indicates an added influence of fire, which is expressed as judgments – burning and consuming fire with no balance. This is the reason we experience a polarity of events, some negative and some positive.

Birth Qualities of the Sun

The Book of Formation says the letter Tet created Leo and the letter Caf created the sun. Together we get the energetic combination that controls the month of Leo. At the center of our solar system, the sun brings each of the planets light and heat, without which organic life could not exist.

Birth Stone – Topaz – Gold/Brown

Shimon’s stone was a Topaz – pit’da, a shiny green stone, the color of the pools of the ocean. The Topaz cools down the body from excessive heat. Therefore, this stone is found in Africa where it is very hot and the people are hot-blooded and need to be cooled down.

Topaz Qualities

Topaz strengthens; Creativity, confidence, communication, mental clarity, emotional healing, and spiritual growth.

  • Topaz stimulates creativity and inspire new ideas
  • Strengthens confidence and self-assurance
  • Instills a sense of pride and self-worth
  • Enhances communication skills
  • promote mental clarity and enhance focus and concentration
  • Promotes emotional healing and well-being
  • Alleviates stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil
  • Helps with spiritual growth and enlightenment

Month of Av

Fire Element
Planet The Sun
Greatness/Presence
Embarrassing
Seeing the Light
Center of Attention
Forgiveness/Judgement
Sharing/Givin
Unconditional Love
Leadership

Tribe of Shimon

(Kingdon, Lowliness, Hearing)
Summer fruit harvest
Grape harvest
Fig harvest
Olive harvest
Fatherly consoling and love

This is the month that the future King of Israel (Lion) will be born.
Arieh (216 Numeric Value)

Prune to shape shrubs during this month or cultivate and till the soil. This is thebest month to weed or control pests. Avoid planting anything.

Av – Leo (Arieh)

A person born during Av is ruled by the heart. Fun loving cheerful and generous. Leos play to an audience and thrive on response. Thay are loyal and devloted freinds ask only for a bit of attention in return. Leos put their heart into relationships and activities, often forgetting that the heart is one of the biggest muscles in the human body. 

Getting adequate exercise, keeping all of the muscles in the body in tone. 

The Month of Av

The month of Av is connected to the astrological sign of Leo and is the only month ruled by the Sun. Av means father and is symbolized by the lion, one of four holy entities along with the bull, eagle and mankind represented on the chariot in Ezekiel’s mystical vision of G-d. Mystics explain that all energy from the upper world’s come through these entities. As Leo falls under the influence of the Sun, the center of our solar system and source of infinite light, it is easy to see why Leos believe the world revolves around them and why they need to be the center of attention. Kabbalists further explain that Av or Leo is the fifth month in the Hebrew calendar and is one of three “negative” months, along with Tammuz (Cancer) and Tevet (Capricorn), where the energy of judgement is more intense. The negative energy of Av is evidenced in part by “The 9 Days”, a window of time beginning on Rosh Chodesh Av and culminating on Tisha B’av – the 9th of Av. These 9 days fall within a larger Three-Week period of semi-mourning which commenced on the 17th of Tammuz. The 9th of Av, known as Tisha B’av, is considered to be the darkest day of the year for the Jewish people. The day is associated with several calamities throughout history including the sin of the spies, and the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples in Jerusalem.

The month of Av is then transformed into a constructive month showing us the opportunity to convert darkness into light. Following the 9th of Av, the most negative day of the year, we have Tu B’av on the 15th, considered to be one of the happiest days of the year. On Tu B’av, both the Sun and Moon are full, connecting Zeir Anpin, the masculine energy of the universe represented by the Sun, with Malchut, the female energy of the universe represented by the Moon. The joining of Zeir Anpin and Malchut on the 15th of Av with the full Sun and full Moon is one of the highest forms of connection. It is for this reason that Tu B’av is considered the “day of love” and a perfect time to find your soulmate. Further support for the duality of negative and positive aspects of the month can be found in the Hebrew word for Lion – Aryeh. Aryeh has a numerical value of 216 which has the same numerical value as Gevurah or judgement and is 3x Chesed or mercy which has the value of 72. In Kabbalah, the concept of gematria states that words with similar numerical values have an affinity and connection to each other. Accordingly, we can see both judgement and mercy together in Leo.

Week 1

Av is the best time for planting Brocoli, Cabbage, Onions, Turnips, Beetroot, Carrots, Cauliflower, Lettuce. 

Week 2

A night of destruction, spies, falsities and calamity. Plant Radishes, Beans, Okra (Bamya), Tomatoes, Eggpant and Pumkin.

Week 3

The future, consolidation, revelationand merit. The extending of days. 

Plant Squash (Summer), and Squash (Winter).

Week 4

The end of the year for planting. 

Significant Events of the Month

The ninth day of Leo is a fasting day, not because the two Temples were destroyed, but because it is a day that lends itself to calamity. The culmination of negative energy created by a lack of unity and human dignity between people accumulates and manifests on the ninth of Leo. What is the solution? A change of consciousness and behavior. It is very easy to point fingers and blame others, but it is harder to transform oneself and change one’s attitude, be patient, forgiving, and loving. If each of us could perceive ourselves as though we were ticking time bombs, and any self-serving action would trigger the fuse, we would be much more careful with our actions and words. Where there is the greatest darkness, therein also lies the biggest potential to reveal tremendous Light, but it all depends on our actions.

The negative energy of Av is evidenced in part by “The 9 Days”, a window of time beginning on Rosh Chodesh Av and culminating on Tisha B’av – the 9th of Av. These 9 days fall within a larger Three-Week period of semi-mourning which commenced on the 17th of Tammuz. The 9th of Av, known as Tisha B’av, is considered to be the darkest day of the year for the Jewish people. The day is associated with several calamities throughout history including the sin of the spies, and the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples in Jerusalem.

To lessen the judgment of this month we also have two very positive events:

THE FIFTH DAY OF AV – the death anniversary of Rav Isaac Luria (the Ari). He chose to leave the world on the fifth day – which represents the luminous emanation of Hod – in order to transform daveh (poor and weak).The death of the Ari, which does not represent a physical death, provides us with an opening for Light that we can connect to by studying his writings on that night.

FIFTEENTH DAY OF AV – the happiest day of the year. On this day, both the sun and the moon are full. The sun – Zeir Anpin, the positive pole – represents the male aspect of our universe. The moon – Malchut, the negative pole – represents the female aspect of the universe. When the moon reflects the light of the sun, we receive this power to return Light, the strength to give, to care, and to love unconditionally. This is why our sages stated that there is no happier day in the year, and this rare cosmic opportunity allows us to find our soul mate. The same way the sun and the moon are in harmony on this day, so too can we draw this partnership to our lives.

The 12 Spies

Moses sent twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan. Upon their return, ten of the spies delivered a negative report, instilling fear and doubt among the Israelites about conquering the land.

God decreed that the Israelites would wander in the wilderness for forty years, until the entire generation that left Egypt had died out.

 

 

The 9th of Av

The Destruction of the First Temple: The destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BCE.

The Destruction of the Second Temple: Destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.

Expulsion of Jews from England: In 1290.

Expulsion of Jews from Spain: Similarly, on the 9th of Av in 1492.

Korach Rebels

Korach was a member of the tribe of Levi who, along with Dathan, Abiram, and a group of followers, rebelled against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. They challenged Moses’ authority, claiming that all the people of Israel were holy and questioning why Moses and Aaron should have special leadership roles.

New Year Sacrifices

The offering brought by the Israelites during the celebration of Passover in the first year after the Exodus from Egypt. The offering brought by the Israelites during the celebration of Passover in the first year after the Exodus from Egypt.

Assets of a Cancer

Generous, paternal, honest, natural leader, charismatic, good conversationalist, socially adept, inner strength, self-worth, creative, independent, handles stress and responsibility well, physical strength, attractive, goal-oriented.

Main Motivation

Prideful – Ask the Light for help to control the ego, work on being a stronger vessel for the Light, not for selfish desires

Control freak – Use strengths to help others, not dominate them.

Needs to be the center of attention
Understand you are not the center of the universe – only the Light knows best. The Light is everywhere, all the time, so it’s important to listen to others.

Lacks Motivation

Ask for help to understand the pain and needs of others. Go beyond your own desires.

Self Centered

Be more empathetic, try to understand others’ perspective

Susceptible to flattery – Understand that talents are given by the Light to be used for the Light. They are not earned or deserved.

Generous, as long as they are recognized as the giver – Give in order to help others in their spiritual path, not in order to satisfy your own ego.

Lacks Diplomacy

Think before speaking. Be sensitive to other person’s feelings.

Sees the whole picture but overlooks the details – Slow down and take the time to see the details

Think They Know Best

Leos see themselves as leaders and as someone who knows best and also loves the show and drama. If we challenge their leadership they will immediately put us in our place.

Their leadership can be hot and burning to their surroundings, in case of a dictatorship style of leadership. On that note, since their pride is their sensitive point, they are easy to calm by flattery and compliments.

Areas of Improvement

  • Control the ego
  • Try not to domoniate others
  • Ask for help to understand the pain and needs of others
  • Go beyond your desires and help others
  • Be sensitive to other peoples feelings
  • Slow down and take the time to see the details

Getting along with an Leo

  • Show respect and trust
  • Listen – don’ t contradict
  • Give feedback, help the Leo see the impact his words and actions have on others
  • Don’t be judgmental

Fire Element

Assertion, Drive, Willpower

Leo

Air Element

Communication, Socialization, Conceptualization

Earth Element

Communication, Socialization, Conceptualization

Water Element

Emotion, Empathy, Sensitivity

Tikun Haneshama (Soul Correction)

 The celestial bodies influence our lives and of entire nations upon the earth. The study of the celestial bodies’ energies based on recurring patterns that change by the hour, the week, month, year is essential for us to correct and improve ourselves.