Astrology and Kabbalah are perfect bedfellows.  Each week, I am amazed at how the Kabbalistic energy aligns perfectly with astrological transits.  This week we experience the first of 6 eclipses of 2009.   Despite our modern ideals, customs, and intellectual sophistication eclipses still evoke fear and trepidation.  However, for “most” people the eclipse will be a mild annoyance and uneventful.   However, to add insult to injury, we are still within the grips of Mercury retrograde.

Why all the fear?  Most of us have gone through life regretting something that we have done or said.  Whether that was a breakup, argument with friends, or altercations with those we perceive are against us.  We go through life with a “karmic” bank account, and most of us are in deficit spending.  In fact, according to Kabbalah every negative action or action done with negative (usually desire to receive for the self alone) intent accrues debt.  Sooner or later we must be to a -0- balance and astrological transits, whether planetary or eclipses often provide us with opportunities/events to learn lessons to move us past our karma.   

This weeks Kabbalistic portion is called Bo.   The portion itself is about removing negative experiences in our life that prevent us from achieving spiritual growth and/or consciousness.  Kabbalah reveals that the only way to achieve this is by connecting to the Light (Sun), which is a metaphor for self awareness.   However, the most important message out of the portion involves astrology.  

In this portion, Pharaoh’s advisors tell him to release the Israelites.   Pharaoh asks Moses who should be released and Moses replies that all the Israelites must be set free.  Pharaoh then informs Moses that his astrologers have informed him that negative planetary energies were against them.   Moses still instructs Pharaoh to release them all, despite the challenges that the Israelites may face.   Moses, does not doubt the astrology (and considering they wandered around the desert for 40 years, Pharaoh may have had a point), but he makes the choice to face it and go through it.

What does this story tell us?   The planetary energy that was upon Moses was a planet called, “Ra’ah”.   There is very little information provides as to which of the 7 visible planets “Ra’ah” refers to.  However, the term is Hebrew means “to perceive”.   However, if you look at the story with an astrological eye, it is clear that Ra’ah refers to Mercury in retrograde status.  (The Israelites wish to return (Mercury) to Israel and Pharaoh warns them not to travel (Mercury Rx)   Moreover, the story is clear that despite the astrological conditions that are upon us we must work with them rather than running away from them.   We can achieve this by understanding the energies in our own charts, and how planetary energies are affecting us.  

On the astrological level eclipses and Mercury retrograde occur often and with frequency.  They are not excuses for not living our lives, and making choices to not experience opportunities as a result of their presence.   We need to remember that you cannot add anything to the chart that is not already in the natal horoscope.  Although the houses that eclipses and Mercury Rx land are often highlighted, if there are no planets that are in aspect, then there is no energy for manifestation.  However, if the eclipse or Mercury Rx hit upon a major planet, configuration, or sensitive point within the chart then you may find the areas ruled by these planets activated for good or for ill.

This week we have a unique opportunity to rise above negative influence.  The more we are aware of ourselves and understand our natural rhythms the more power we have to utilize the productive energy available in each transit.   Eclipses and Mercury Rx are what they are, and are not inherently good or bad, negative or positive, benefic or malefic.   They instruct us to know ourselves!   Are you up to finding out who you really are?

Did you know that the biblical Moses was born from the union of an illicit affair?   Oh, the scandal!  According to Kabbalistic sources, a man named Amram married Jochebed, who was his aunt.   Moses, of course was their son, and born of this union.   Based on our modern rules of social structure, you would think that Moses would be limited to do anything.   People tend to remain trapped in their circumstances.

So, I am sure you are asking, what the secret meaning behind this?   Have we stepped into “The Jerry Springer Show -4000 BC?”?

Kabbalah teaches that everything written in the Torah has a deeper meaning than simply the story presented to us in the Old Testament.   By discovering the hidden meanings we can use this information to change and transform our lives.

In essence, there is a very powerful meaning in this text.  First, we know that Moses is a very righteous and important individual in Judeo Christian literature.   The Kabbalists teach that Moses was born to help us overcome our personal bondage.  Secondly, the message is that no matter what we are born out of, we can rise above our “circumstances” to become spiritual giants.   Even though Moses is born out of a negative circumstance he rises above it.   How many times have we felt that we were limited because of who we are?  Where we were born?  Our financial limitations?

This week we are given the power to rise above our limitations.   How do you do this?   You simply attempt to walk a spiritual path, and the rest comes on its own.  Considering that Mercury is currently in retrograde (revisit) and approaching a conjunction with beneficial Jupiter, we can use the current energy to expand (Jupiter) our minds (Mercury) and make choices and decisions on how to better ourselves.   Take a look at differences that you want to make in your life. Is there something that you want to pursue, yet you have delayed?   Do you want a better job?  Do you want to take courses to expand your current educational skills?   Do you wish to make more money?   We can use the power of this conjunction to spark the energy necessary to move forward into our future.   Reflection is our modern Moses, it gives us the power to rise above anything.

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Storm Cestavani is the host of “The Storm Cestavani Show,” which airs every Thursday at 11pm

Every time Mercury goes retrograde, I am amazed at the amount of panic that pervades the masses.   People scatter in a whirlwind of cancelling plans, checking electronic devices, and worry about potential trips and impending loss of luggage.  I find it quite infectious, as even “I” recently cancelled a project of mine when I realized it began after the trickster decided to change motion.  Needless to say,  “The Big Bad Wolf,” is back!

Since the purpose of my Synergy columns is to enrich our lives and make the most of the energy available to us, I am going to “attempt” to describe Mercury retrogrades constructive meaning and how we can use this period for our greater good, rather than being controlled by its distractions.    Mercury begins its retrograde trek at 07 Aquarius and will travel all the way back to 21 Capricorn, which is where he was located on Christmas Day.  This is known as the shadow period or a precursor of what is time come.  Usually the themes that are invoked during Mercury retrograde will begin to make their appearances during this period.  Take some time to analyze what was going on during the holidays and if any themes kept reoccurring.

In its most productive use, the key word to use during Mercury Retrograde is reflection.   We can use the particular energy that is available to us now to take a deeper look at our lives.   We can make mental (Mercury) notes (Mercury) about where we see ourselves and what path we wish to take in the future.  What changes have you considered making, but have put off?    Is there any direction you would like to see your life head in?   Anything you wish to pursue?   The retrograde period is a time for thinking and deep “inner” analysis, but NOT a period of action.  We can begin to act on our reflections when Mercury moves out of its 2^nd shadow period on February 22^nd.

Finally, we all need a period in our lives where we can quiet our minds, and ask ourselves serious questions about our place in the world.  Mercury Retrograde provides us the opportunity to achieve this.  Considering Mercury Retrogrades 3-4X per year implies how important it is for us to “slow down” as the demands of life seem to make us busier and busier.    I will not promise that your toaster will not break, or unexpected car repairs will not occur.  I can’t even promise you that your luggage will be found after it is misplaced at the airport.  However, I can promise that taking the time to use Mercury Retrograde in a positive and healthy manner will help you begin “Enjoying Everyday Life”.

One of the largest myths in metaphysical circles is the delegating of Astrology to the back pages of Newspapers and Magazines.   There is a ‘popular’ believe that Astrology is simply a list of character traits that are applicable to anyone under any given sign.   Is there a small truth to this?   Yes, but there is also much more.

Did you know that there are 12 other bodies that most astrologers use that affect your life?   Were you aware that these bodies are constantly in movement in the heavens?   By taking the current movement of the planets and comparing them in relation to other planetary placements in your chart, an astrologer can begin predicting trends and events that have happened in the past, will happen in the future, and provide you with a complex energy of what is happening now.

It is my belief that Astrology is the best self help tool that we have.   Astrology provides a unique view of the most important thing in our life — ourselves!   My purpose in creating “Synergy” is to provide information that is instructive to help assist us with our day to day life.  If you do not have a copy of your astrology chart, you can email me your birth data (Date of birth, Time of birth if known, and place of birth) and I will email you a copy of your chart.  Why?   Because, I believe everyone should have one!

In the following days, I will post information about planetary positions and how we can use this energy to guide our lives and make better informed decisions about the future.  Are you up to changing your life for the better?  Your moment is here and it begins now!