Mystical Associations
Tarot, Astrology, and the Hebrew Letters are different mystical systems that many of us use to reflect our spiritual moments and make meaning in our lives. We have included the associations for each month, and we invite your curiosity about how they relate to each other.
Tarot is a system of divination with historical connection to playing cards. In addition to the four “suits” that relate to the four elements, there are 22 Major Arcana cards that relate to the development of the soul. At this point there are so many different decks that interpret the archetypes and elemental systems in so many ways, we invite you to explore options that rewrite the more patriarchal and colonial aspects of the old system, while honoring the structure. (We recommend Cristy C. Road’s “Next World Tarot.”) Tarot is a tool that is primarily used by women, queer, trans, and nonbinary folks, that values and lifts up the feminine divine, and makes beautiful art and playfulness out of oppression. Tarot is one of the many tools of the diaspora that we use as part of our resistance, a way to study and play despite oppression, reflecting a deeper level of reality, which the capitalist, sexist, colonialist system we are indoctrinated into can’t define or control.
The astrological archetypes and constellations associated with the months are part of our popular consciousness, and star charts hold meaning for a lot of people. While cultures all over the world have developed complex astrological systems, the ones most referenced in western culture come from the Greek and Roman system. Jews in the ancient near east were historically interested in astrology, before the Greeks and Romans introduced their system. This interest was likely influenced by astrological systems developed in Africa.
In Judaism there is fantastic mysticism around the Hebrew letters. The Sefer Yetzirah (The Book of Creation), the earliest known written text on Jewish mysticism, teaches us that the Hebrew letters are the energetic and physical components of creation. Each letter is a world unto its own and by combining them, more worlds are formed. Each letter is connected to a number, offering a Jewish system of numerology, called gematria. The letters are symbols for understanding our divinity as humans living in a world of many wondrous beings. Meditating on the letters can be a portal to our subconscious. Drawing them, embodying them with movement, and singing about them can show us new ways of living. In many ways the Hebrew letters are the foundation for all mystical Jewish teachings. We include them here because there is a letter associated with each month. Enjoy exploring them and researching them. (To learn more about the Hebrew letters visit Rebekah’s website: RebekahErevStudio.com)
Mystical Associations by Month*
Tishrei ~ Tarot Card: Strength Hebrew Letter: Lamed ל Astrological Sign: Libra
Cheshvan ~ Tarot Card: Death Hebrew Letter: Nun נ Astrological Sign: Scorpio
Kislev ~ Tarot Card: Temperance Hebrew Letter: Samech ס Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
Tevet ~ Tarot Card: Devil Hebrew Letter: Ayin ע Astrological Sign: Capricorn
Shvat ~ Tarot Card: Star Hebrew Letter: Tzadi צ Astrological Sign: Aquarius
Adar ~ Tarot Card: Moon Hebrew Letter: Kuf ק Astrological Sign: Pisces
Nisan ~ Tarot Card: Emperor Hebrew Letter: Hei ה Astrological Sign: Aries
Iyar ~ Tarot Card: Hierophant Hebrew Letter: Vav ו Astrological Sign: Taurus
Sivan ~ Tarot Card: Lovers Hebrew Letter: Zayin ז Astrological Sign: Gemini
Tamuz ~ Tarot Card: Chariot Hebrew Letter: Chet ח Astrological Sign: Cancer
Av ~ Tarot Card: Justice Hebrew Letter: Tet ט Astrological Sign: Leo
Elul ~ Tarot Card: Hermit Hebrew Letter: Yud י Astrological Sign: Virgo
*Note that we did not include astrological associations in the 5782 planner, because it’s a leap year, which has 13 months instead of 12.