One of the things that confuse me the most about fundamental Christianity is the way bible verses are used to explain an idealistic argument for or against a given topic. Often, many of these verses are used to either oppress or denigrate an individual in the name of “God”, and are often taken out of their original context.
This week we are in the portion of Re’eh, which literally means ‘to see’. However, there is no Zohar available for this particular portion, which means that we have to read between the lines, and search for insight and meaning in the regular Torah text. Although many scholars will focus this week on “blessings and curses”, which is the first line of this particular portion, there is a particular section that I feel is pertinent for those of us that work in the arcane sciences or utilize the services of the practitioners of the arcane sciences.
The verse in question says the following:
“If there arise among you a prophet or a dream of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying: ‘Let us go after other gods, which you have not known, and let us serve them;’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the Lord, your God, is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and all your soul.”
Deuteronomy 13:2-4
According to the sages, there is nothing wrong with prophetic vision. If there was such a restriction you would not see several books written by biblical prophets including Isaiah and Jeremiah. If you read the verse closely, you will see that Moshe says (paraphrased), “If this prophet or dreamer of dreams says, ‘Let us go after other Gods, which you have not known, and let us serve them.’ In essence, you should not listen to anyone who instructs you to take another spiritual path – regardless of where you are in life; you are where you need to be.
The prologue to the Zohar is very specific about interpretations of the Torah. It reveals that the Torah should be interpreted through the eyes of the individuals that are engaged with it. In other words, the Torah should not be taken literally, but explored from the perspective of adding meaning to our lives, and as a result we should constantly update our interpretations based on the needs of the current times.
How would we interpret this verse in this day and age? The truth behind this verse lies in the intentions of readers and the reader’s belief system. Let me explain.
How many times have you gone to a psychic, tarotist, or astrologer, and you felt that the practitioner was pushing their belief system upon you or you felt that the practitioner in some way was judging you and your situation? Regardless of the ‘current situation’ that you are in, it is the reader’s responsibility to provide you with compassion, understanding, and emotional support in helping you resolve your issues and to answer your questions. It is not the reader’s responsibility to force you down a road that you are not ready to receive. Your spiritual path is your spiritual path, and your choices are what you are responsible for, and not for another individual to judge. Everyone should feel respected and treated with human dignity irrespective of the reader’s personal feelings about your situation.
As you make decisions about whom to consult regarding your life, make sure that you ask yourself whether or not the individual supported you or whether the individual tried to steer you down a different path. Remember, you are where you are meant to be, and the choices you make in the present formulate your future. Of course, sometimes you are given information that you do not want to receive, but the information should be presented in a manner that allows you to make choices and decisions about your life. After all, it is your life to live!
Now, on with the astrology…
Your Cosmic Weather Forecast:
This week is going to be a shock to the system for many. We are moving out of the vibrant, energetic, and spirited sign of Leo, and into
disciplined and hardworking Virgo. The feeling will be akin to the alarm clock ringing in the morning after being out till 3 AM. However, we still must get out of bed, put our knickers on, and plod forward.
As the Sun and Venus move into Virgo, we will notice that our attention will shift to our work, health, and our ordinary day to day responsibilities. This will be rather dull if you are fiery by nature, but welcomed if you are of a more earthy temperament. This is a great week to put everything in order and get back into a routine for the fall months, but be relieved that you still get one more weekend of fun and frolic because Labor Day quickly approaches.
This coming Thursday could prove to be the most frustrating day of the week as Mars squares Saturn. We may feel thwarted or blocked (Saturn) as we pursue (Mars) our immediate tasks at hand, but this aspect provides us with the steadfast determination to succeed regardless of what may be hindering us. Since this is a waning square the areas of frustration may be experienced in your work or professional life. Avoid letting Mars out of the box by engaging in petty arguments as you could likely damage your professional reputation.
Friday will be a day of great relief for many as Mercury goes direct. However, if you are taking any trips or traveling during this time make special preparations for mishaps that may happen. This is especially important if this trip is for business. As I have mentioned in past forecasts, Mercury rules communication and the days that it goes retrograde and turns direct are two of the prickliest days that the trickster planet tends to operate. However, during the weekend we can begin to take actions on things we have put on hold over the last three weeks.
Tarot Tune-Up:
Get out your tarot or oracle decks. Shuffle the cards thoroughly. Since we are in the portion that has to do with “seeing”, let’s ask the cards a direction question. What do the cards have to tell me about “seeing” the obstacles on my path that prevent me from achieving my highest good? Draw a card out f the deck! Let me know which card you drew.
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