In the longstanding tradition of mystical Jews and lifestyle publications, we bring you New Moon Readings. They aren’t fortune telling or magic, and they’re not about luck or a mysterious power. They draw upon on the wise monthly themes of the Hebrew calendar, the influence of the solar system on our daily lives, and, sometimes, totally pagan prognostication tools (tarot!) to guide us.
This Shevat (January 28 – February 25) begins on a new moon in Aquarius, the 11th sign of the zodiac, and, one might argue, the most free-spirited. Aquarius is a visionary sign that doesn’t follow the status quo. It’s the humanitarian visionary whose airy nature gives us a non-traditional path forward. Aquarius asks, “How can we move forward in a new way that serves the collective?” A fitting question to ask ourselves this month.
Three important things happen this month, all on the same day: the 15th of Shevat (Feb 10). First, Tu B’shevat, the Jewish holiday known as the New Year for the Trees, which, in modern times, has become an environmental holiday. Second, a full moon in Leo (Aquarius’ opposite). Third, a Penumbral lunar eclipse.
That’s a triple whammy of powerful energy and meaning culminating in one day.
Tu B’shevat symbolizes what we want in our lives: what seeds we are planting and, relating back to Aquarius, our vision for the abundance that will grow from the seeds we plant. Dream big.
The fact that this holiday also falls on a full moon in Leo and during a lunar eclipse is an opportunity for some big magic. Lunar eclipses are a chance to purge, so get ready to cleanse your life of anything that does not align with your authentic self so you can step more fully into the vision you create for yourself this month. Our true selves aren’t just asking to shine through, they are demanding it. These trees will grow big and the abundance we can receive from this intention is great.
We are being called to step into our power: plant a new vision, let go of anything that can hold us back from achieving this vision, and step into our truest selves with unencumbered power.
The question is: how?
The Spirit Speak Divina Tarot deck, read in a Tree of Life spread, which stems from the Jewish mystical inner teachings of the Kabbalah, helps to provide a roadmap. The spread is read from bottom to top (10-1) and each position represents physical and spiritual aspects of your being. It ends with an extra pull of the Da’ath card which further elaborates how to accomplish your goal.
The Eight of Pentacles asks, “What is your work?” What are you setting in motion, and what is it that you want to be working towards?
The Four of Cups alludes to a disappointment in how things are currently. What’s not working for you and what more can you be doing?
The Magician. The truth is, you are enough and you have all of the resources that you need to accomplish your vision. What assets or skills can you utilize?
The Judgement card is all about a rising up of spiritual energy. Your desire for a new vision is because you know there is something better out there, something more meaningful. You have a higher purpose here. What is it?
9 of Cups. Now, we arrive at the heart of the matter, where all of this desire for change comes from. This is the ultimate wish card. It’s the genie. You are on this path because you are following the deepest wishes of your heart. What are they?
The Lovers. So within, so is without. To accomplish this new vision, we may have to change how we relate to others and the nature of our close relationships. What or whom do we give attention to (or not)?
Knight of Wands. Build and keep that fire under your ass, that momentum, a desire to move forward through any barriers you come across. What inspires this energy in you?
6 of Cups. Come to terms with what your heart really desires, rather than the expectations that you or those around you may have created for you over time. What “shoulds” can you shed?
Eight of Cups. A change of heart – where you are going may be a new direction for you altogether, but it is one that is more aligned with your feelings and heart. What are you leaving behind or walking away from?
Queen of Wands. Why are you planting new seeds, taking a new path? Because you want to live your fullest embodied truth. There is no other way.
The Sun. “The will to bring your highest aspiration to manifestation.” The astrological sign of Leo (our full moon for this month) is also ruled by the sun, so this positive sun card is asking again that we show up in a big way. Shine your truest self bright.
Shevat is the month where we begin to align our big visions for ourselves and the world with our action. Align the visions of your head with the actions of your true heart.
By Lauren Cucinotta, a Brooklyn-based intuitive Tarot card reader and energy healer. As the child of non-practicing Catholics and a Jewish stepdad, Lauren jokes that she was the biggest shiksa in Hebrew School. Her readings gently reveal the hidden truths of surrounding energies so that you can gain clarity and take action.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lauren here and follow her on Instagram.
Thank you for visiting Arq!
Arq is no longer publishing new content. We hope you'll enjoy our archived posts.