VIRGO (BETULA) – ELUL – GAD – AMATHYST
Virgo is the sixth month of the astronomical year. Virgo is an earth sign and is ruled by Mercury.
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.
ELUL (ViRGO)
The month of Elul (Virgo) is the sixth month of the astronomic year. This month corresponds to the sign of Betula (Virgo), which is an earth sign and is ruled by Mercury.
Elul is the month of teshuvah, renewal and cleansing, where Jews engage in repentance, reflection, and return to G-d.
Elul is sometimes referred to as the “month of the bride” in Jewish mystical thought. This metaphor highlights the intimate and loving relationship between G-d and the Jewish people. Just as a bride prepares meticulously for her wedding, Jews prepare themselves spiritually during Elul to enter into the covenant with God anew on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Those born during Elul (Virgo) are connected to practicality, working and serving others; people born in this month feel the need to achieve financial security and a desire to serve society.
They are analytical, detail-oriented, and practical. They have a strong sense of duty and are meticulous in their work. Known for their modesty and reliability, they are also helpful and compassionate, though they can be overly critical and perfectionistic at times.
Personality Traits
People born in the month of Elul are associated with the following personality traits:
Introspection and Self-Reflection: Elul is the month preceding the High Holidays, a time traditionally dedicated to self-examination and repentance. Individuals born in this month often possess a deep capacity for introspection and self-awareness. They regularly evaluate their actions and strive for personal improvement.
Humility: The introspective nature of Elul fosters a sense of humility. Those born in this month tend to be modest and grounded, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses and continuously working on self-betterment.
Compassion and Empathy: Elul is a time for seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. Individuals born in this month are often compassionate and empathetic, sensitive to the feelings and needs of others. They are inclined to offer support and understanding to those around them.
Diligence and Responsibility: Preparation for the High Holidays requires diligence and responsibility. People born in Elul typically exhibit these qualities, taking their commitments seriously and working hard to achieve their goals. They are reliable and dependable in both personal and professional spheres.
Spiritual Sensitivity: Elul is considered a spiritually significant month, often referred to as a time when “the King is in the field,” symbolizing God’s closeness and accessibility. Those born in this month often have a heightened spiritual sensitivity and are drawn to spiritual practices and growth.
Seeking Forgiveness and Making Amends: The themes of repentance and forgiveness that dominate Elul are reflected in the personalities of those born in this month. They are inclined to seek reconciliation and make amends for past mistakes, valuing harmony in their relationships.
Practicality and Preparation: Elul is a month of preparation for the significant spiritual events of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Individuals born in this month are often practical and organized, excelling in planning and preparation for future endeavours.
Patience and Perseverance: The process of self-improvement and spiritual growth requires patience and perseverance. People born in Elul often possess these traits, showing resilience and determination in their personal development and life challenges.
Calm and Contemplative Nature: The reflective aspect of Elul lends itself to a calm and contemplative demeanour. Those born in this month often have a serene presence and take a thoughtful approach to decision-making and problem-solving.
These traits highlight a blend of introspection, humility, compassion, and spiritual sensitivity, making individuals born in Elul thoughtful, responsible, and spiritually inclined. Their ability to reflect deeply and strive for personal growth equips them to lead balanced and meaningful lives.
The Cosmic Energy of the Month
The process of self-improvement and spiritual growth requires patience and perseverance. People born in Elul often possess these traits, showing resilience and determination in their personal development and life challenges.
The reflective aspect of Elul lends itself to a calm and contemplative demeanor. Those born in this month often have a serene presence and take a thoughtful approach to decision-making and problem-solving.
Focusing your Energy
Virgos need to check and assess their actions. Like a businessperson that reviews the year-end profits and losses, it’s easier to criticize others than it is to see what is wrong with one’s self. When they learn to love, honour and accept others as they are, without criticism, judgement, or trying to change them, this is when the Virgo correction is complete; once the Virgo experiences unconditional love, they have finished their correction.
Financially, Virgo is not an easy month. Many important changes might happen, including the need for new business ventures with new consciousness. There is a large incident of immigration in this month, where more people find the need to leave their homelands in order to go new places, looking to change their luck.
The Cosmic Energy of the Month
The process of self-improvement and spiritual growth requires patience and perseverance. People born in Elul often possess these traits, showing resilience and determination in their personal development and life challenges.
Those born in this month often have a serene presence and take a thoughtful approach to decision-making and problem-solving.
These traits highlight a blend of introspection, humility, compassion, and spiritual sensitivity, making individuals born in Elul thoughtful, responsible, and spiritually inclined. Their ability to reflect deeply and strive for personal growth equips them to lead balanced and meaningful lives.
Point of Reflection
In personal relationships there are more international connections and meetings, which means there is more openness to go out of the family circle to meet new people. This is a month to contemplate the meaning of life, both in the personal and global realms.
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 ELUL
Earth Element
Planet Mercury
Perfectionism/Criticism
Small Details/No Big Picture
Urge/Seek Spiritual Perfection
Help others/Serve
No Compromise
Fast Thinking
removing Clutter
Selfishness
TRiBE OF GAD
(Beauty, Mercy, Action)
Summer Fruit Harvest
Guava, Kiwi Harvest
Pineapple Harvest
Olive Harvest
Gathering
Date Harvest
Soul searching of the heart
Betula (443 Numeric Value)
Till, cultivate and turn compost heaps. Garden pests and weeds are most vulnerable. Prune to shape plants. Aviod planting anything.
ELUL – ViRGO (BETULA)
A person born during Elul is ruled by the intestines. This sign has a strong analytical process of thought. Details matter, and Virgo’s strive for perfection. Perhaps this is why billionaires are Virgo’s more often that any other sign.
Aiding digestion through the consumption of proper nutrients is important.
Virgos would do well to eat fresh vegetables and properly raised and fed meats instead of food that has been treated with pesticides and/or herbicides or very processed or packages for a long shelf life.
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 God to form the universe.
According to the “Sepher Yetzirah“, the Hebrew letters are spiritual frequencies that G-d used to 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.
LETTERS OF THE MONTH – Resh and Yud
Elul is a month of repentance and preparation for the High Holidays. The letter Yod symbolizes a point of divine energy, representing humility and the spark of potential for spiritual growth and renewal. The letters for the month of Elul are Resh and Yud.
Resh
Resh created the Planet Mercury and represents poverty. The design of the letter Resh looks like a person who is bent over – a poor person, and the word resh is from the root “rush” – to be poor. The numerical value of Resh is 200. The Talmud states that a poor person can collect charity until he has 200 “zuz”. Once they have more than 200, they are no longer considered poor.
Yud
The letter Yud created the constellation of Virgo and symbolizes richness and the highest level of consciousness. It is the first letter of G-d’s holiest name, the 4-letter tetragrammaton. Yud represents thought before the act of creation. Likewise, Elul is the month when the “thought of creation” took place, an unadulterated state, before actual creation which occurs in the following month of Tishrei. We have the opportunity during Elul to balance the opposing energies of poverty and higher consciousness within the Resh and Yud to examine ourselves, purify and make a spiritual correction.
Days of Connection in Elul
Moses carved the second set of tablets and ascended Mt. Sinai on the 1st and 2nd days of Elul indicating that the Israelites had been forgiven and granted mercy for the sin of the golden calf. The shofar is sounded daily in the morning (except Shabbat) during Elul from Rosh Chodesh to the day before Rosh Hashanah. The Shofar announces that these are special days of compassion when our prayers can be received and to awaken one’s spirit. The gates of compassion are now open for us and for teshuvah – returning.
We also recite the 27th Psalm from Rosh Chodesh Elul through Hoshahah Rabbah on Sukkot and we recite Selichot – penitential prayers during Elul which include a passage from Exodus with the 13 Attributes of Mercy. Ashkenazi say Selichot for 4 days prior to Rosh Hashanah while Sephardim say it for entire month of Elul.
It is customary in Elul to extend wishes of a good year by including “K’tiva V’Hatima Tova” (a good writing and sealing of judgement) in all letters and greetings
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 – Kochav (Mercury)
The controlling planet is Mercury, in Hebrew – Kochav. Kochav’s numerical value is Caf Vav = 26 (the same numerical value as Yud Hei Vav Hei or the Tetragrammaton) and Caf Bet = 22 letters of the Hebrew Alphabet, together creating the most powerful and energetic combination.
Planets Attributes
Communication, intellect, adaptability, and commerce. Mercury’s energy enhances analytical skills, adaptability, and the ability to connect and share ideas effectively.
Birth Qualities of Kochav
Mercury is the planet of communication, which means it is like an electrical cable, telephone wire, a teacher, an adviser, a story teller – basically anything that can transfer any information from point a to point b.
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 – Amethyst – Purple
Gad’s stone was an Amethyst – achlama. It strengthens the heart and provides courage. Therefore, it is called achlama from the language of recovery and strength. It eases fears, provides a sense of courage, intuition and creativity. It may help those who do not sleep well and decrease nightmares.
Amethyst Qualities
Amethyst provide; Spiritual protection, calming energy, intuition, mental clarity, healing, and connection to higher realms.
- Amethyst has protective qualities, guarding against negative energies and psychic attacks
- Creates a shield of energy
- Calming and soothing energy
- Enhances intuition and spiritual awareness
- Strengthens mental clarity and focus
- clears away mental fog and confusion
- Promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being
- Facilitates communication with angels, spirit guides, and divine beings
THE MONTH OF ELUL
The month of Elul is considered a month of repentance, a time to reflect and clean the slate ahead of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in the following month of Tishrei. It is a period of introspection and self-review where we have the opportunity to go back in time to our “virgin” selves and take stock of people we’ve wronged or errors we’ve committed during the past year which have brought any chaos into our lives. Elul is connected to the astronomic sign of Virgo which means virginity or purity in both English and Hebrew.
WEEK 1
A time of reconciliation, sounding of the Shofar, repentance and devine loving kindness.
WEEK 2
Repentance of the rightious, the end of the year for animal tithes, the end of the year for vegetable tithes, remember the Shmita.
WEEK 3
A period of Self reflection and purification, leading to the day of judgement, Rosh HaShana.
WEEK 4
A day of concealment. The day of judgement, the sounding of the Shofar 100 sounds, the confusing of the Evil. Inscribe us for life. The ten commandments.
SiGNiFiCANT EVENTS OF THE MONTH
One of the most powerful months of the Hebrew calendar, Elul is the last month of the Hebrew year and is a month of reconnecting to the Creator and starting anew. Similar to the word “search” in Aramaic – it is a time to search and draw close to God in advance of the Day of Judgment and Atonement during the High Holidays in Tishrei.
The Talmud says Elul is an acronym for “Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li” – I am to my Beloved as my Beloved is to me, an allegory to our eternal relationship with G-d. Elul is a month of accounting and preparation where we have an opportunity to account for the past and prepare for the future. It is customary to increase charitable giving during Elul in order to expand our vessel and help us return to our original state. In ancient times it was considered the “New Year for Tithes”.
THE 40 DAYS
Rosh Hodesh Elul marks the beginning of a period of 40 days of forgiving and self examination that ends at the closing Prayer on Yom Kippur.
Moses returns to the mountain for an additional period after the sin of the golden calf, starting on Rosh Hodesh Elul. Moses comes down, 40 days later, on Yom Kippur, holding the new tablets and bringing a message of atonement and forgiveness.
SPECiAL DAYS
Kabbalists say that these days have the unique quality of forgiveness, repentance and atonement since the six days of creation and that is why Mt. Sinai events occurred exactly at that time of the year.
DAYS OF REPENTANCE
The days of Elul are known as days of Teshuva (repentance), from the word LaShuv (to return), returning to ourselves, our truth, our real inner connection.
THE NEW YEAR
According to the Zohar, the Hebrew New Year is a time, which the Universe returns to the day of its Creation; this, in order to give us an opportunity to ease the Tikun process.
INTERACTiNG WiTH A ViRGO
Understanding these traits and tailoring your interactions accordingly can help foster positive relationships with individuals of each mazal.
ASSETS OF A Betula (ViRGO)
Gentle, hard workers, detail-oriented, devoted, good friends, civic-minded, able to make quick judgments, extremely caring…
MAiN MOTiVATiON
PERFECTION
NEGATiVE QUALiTiES
Judges others by external appearances. Learn to ‘judge a container by its content, not its label.’
Look deeper into a person, and do not put so much importance on what they look like.
Reacts without regard for anybody else’s feelings. If you spot it, you got it!
People are mirrors for us, so when we see faults in other people, it is reflecting something in ourselves.
DOESN’T ACCEPT CRiTiCiSM
No one is right 100% of the time. Though you may be right 99% of the time, be open to what others have to say.
IMPATiENCE
Being patient with someone is actually a gift. By holding your tongue and listening, you are doing a great act of sharing.
Focuses on the Small Scale
Virgos have the ability to make great changes for large amounts of people, as long as they are taught to widen their focus.
WORRiERS
Virgos always see what needs to be done next, and this state of constantly being “on” makes them inclined to worry.
They have to do everything by themselves. You are not alone. It’s OK to ask others for help. In fact, it’s recommended.
ROSH HASHANA
According to the Zohar, the Hebrew New Year is a time, which the Universe returns to the day of its Creation; this, in order to give us an opportunity to ease the correction (Tikun) process.
Once Rosh Hashanah ends it also begins, and the life force of the new year starts to enter at the same very moment and it starts to charge our souls with abundance for the year to come.
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
- Learning to see the big picture
- Flowing with life and being happy
- Letting go of the details; being careless
- Ending judgement
- Giving people that disappointed them a second chance
GETTiNG ALONG WiTH A ViRGO
- Don’t take their criticisms personally.
- When they are being testy, it’s best not to engage them. It’s hard to tango alone.
- Encourage them to learn how to relax.
- Give them criticisms by proposing alternate solutions. Don’t just lecture them.
Fire Element
Assertion, Drive, Willpower
Air Element
Communication, Socialization, Conceptualization
Earth Element
Communication, Socialization, Conceptualization
Water Element
Emotion, Empathy, Sensitivity