Meditation for 18th - Chai Elul

Teaching of the Baal Shem Tov

Based upon the Baal Shem Tov's teaching that on the last 12 days of Elul (the last 12 days of the Jewish year), beginning with "Chai" [18] Elul, we should strive to do teshuvah for each of the preceding twelve months of the year.

One way of perceiving the monthly energy is as a Mikvah of a specific energy that we experience in that month. That specific energy impacts and cleanses those energetic aspects of ourselves. Of course this is a potential cleansing. To become an actual cleansing requires our action to change ourselves if we are in the world of Torah. If we are in the world of Chaos that chaos is the cleansing if we only realize this fact.

The Sefer Yetzirah gives us information about relationships and aspects of the monthly energies. Below we are bringing these relationships for one to contemplate the past year from the aspect of energies.

Accordingly, on the 18th of Elul:

we review our behavior of the previous Tishrei (the month the High Holidays which began the current year), pinpoint and reflect upon those areas that need improvement, and resolve to do better.

Relationships:

Month: Tishrai

Permutations of Name of HaShem - והיה

Tribe: Ephraim אפרים

Tree of Life Channel: Hod - Yesod

Sense: Sex

Astrological Influence:

Tishrai is the beginning and seed level of the new year. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Succot occur in this month. It is a time of reflection, self-examination, and accountability. Any hardships or negativity that we experienced over the last year illustrates that the seeds planted a year ago required more care, purity, and commitment on our part. Think about digging deeper this year. Put forth more effort. The purer the seed you plant this month, the sweeter and more abundant the fruits will be in the year to come.

Attributes of Libra - Scales:

The people born under the Sign Libra are kind, gentle and lovers of beauty, harmony and peace. However, in their effort to keep everyone happy, they find it difficult to say 'NO' to anyone, and as a result, they end up getting stressed.

Review the above items and contemplate what happened in your life during last Tishrai. Evaluate what you need to do more of - or less of during this coming Tishrai.

Similarly, there is another Chassidic teaching [Likutei Sichot, vol. I] that 3 - 9 Tishrai, the seven days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, should be utilized to employ the same process of review, pinpoint, reflect and resolve, but this time according to the days of the week.

In the new year of 5784, 3 Tishrei falls on Monday: think about what you did on the Mondays of the previous year.

In the new year, 4 Tishrei falls on Tuesday: think about what you did on the Tuesdays of the previous year.

In the new year, 5 Tishrei falls on Wednesday: think about what you did on the Wednesdays of the previous year.

In the new year, 6 Tishrei falls on Thursday: think about what you did on the Thursdays of the previous year.

In the new year, 7 Tishrei falls on Friday : think about what you did on the Fridays of the previous year.

In the new year, 8 Tishrei falls on Shabbat: think about what you did on the Shabbatots of the previous year.

In the new year, 9 Tishrei falls on Sunday: think about what you did on the Sundays of the previous year.

Doing this we not only redeem the old year, but also get the new year off to a good start as well. For this reason it is customary [see Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 130:1-2] to be extra careful concerning mitzvah-observance during these days.

The Chassidic teaching referred to above also mentions that the day is Chai ["life"] Elul not just because it is the 18th of the month, but also because its significance and the spiritual activity it inaugurates [as above] injects life vitality into Elul!

19th of Elul

Month: Cheshvan

Relationships:

Permutations of Name of HaShem - ויהה

Tribe: Menasheמנשה

Tree of Life Channel: Netzach - Yesod

Sense: Smell

Astrological Influence:

Cheshvan is a difficult month; remember Tammuz and the first half of Av? In Cheshvan our material desires come to the forefront of our minds. Strive to overcome these thoughts and desires as they are not ever true for US in Cheshvan. They are false desires. If we realize this and do not pursue them we develop spiritual strength and build our vessel to receive the miracles waiting for us next month in Kislev.

Attributes of Cheshvan - Scorpio:

Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac and represented by the scorpion. Scorpios are truly the contradicting sign. They can be the best and worst of both worlds – independent and clingy, loving and cold, authoritative and weak.

20th of Elul

Month: Kislev

Relationships:

Permutations of Name of HaShem - וההי

Tribe: BenYaminבנימין

Tree of Life Channel: Tiferet - Hod

Sense: Sleep

Astrological Influence:

During Kislev you will have the opportunity to "see" outside of your comfort zone and more importantly you will be able to CHOOSE to go outside of your comfort zone. You will actually be given the opportunity to transform your comfort zone so that your life movie will become less chaotic. Hopefully you will make that choice.

Attributes of Sagitarius - Rainbow or bow or Archer:

Curious and energetic, Sagittarius is one of the biggest travelers among all zodiac signs. Their open mind and philosophical view motivates them to wander around the world in search of the meaning of life. Sagittarius is extrovert, optimistic and enthusiastic, and likes changes.

21st of Elul

Month: Tevet

Relationships:

Permutations of Name of HaShem - היהו

Tribe: Danדן

Tree of Life Channel: Binah - Tiferet

Sense: Anger

Astrological Influence:

Tevet energy will bring us the opportunity to see the ultimate paradox. To gain control we must relinquish control. The energy this month will push us to see everything as separated from everything else. Resist that energy by retaining the consciousness that you are not acting alone. That you are part of a larger more complex plan that includes everyone and everything around you. This enlightened consciousness will prevent your impure actions from hurting others and allow your positive actions to grow the revelation of Light in the world.

Attributes of Capricorn - Goat:

22nd of Elul

Month: Kislev

Relationships:

Permutations of Name of HaShem - ויהה

Tribe: Menasheמנשה

Tree of Life Channel: Netzach - Yesod

Sense: Smell

Astrological Influence:

Tevet energy will bring us the opportunity to see the ultimate paradox. To gain control we must relinquish control. The energy this month will push us to see everything as separated from everything else. Resist that energy by retaining the consciousness that you are not acting alone. That you are part of a larger more complex plan that includes everyone and everything around you. This enlightened consciousness will prevent your impure actions from hurting others and allow your positive actions to grow the revelation of Light in the world.

Attributes of Capricorn - Goats:

Capricorn Traits : The Capricorn-born people are the most determined of the entire Zodiac. The most prominent qualities of the Goats, as they are called, are that they are ambitious, conservative, determined, practical and helpful.

23rd of Elul

Month: Shevat

Relationships:

Permutations of Name of HaShem - ויהה

Tribe: Asherאשר

Tree of Life Channel: Gevurah - Tiferet

Sense: Digestion

Astrological Influence:

The universe will support the consciousness of Let Go and Let God. If you try to hold onto your negativity the universe will kick you in the groin during this month. Let go and you will be amazed at what can be accomplished towards world peace and joy.

Attributes of Shevat - Deli-the water bucket:

Truthfulness, Just, Curious, Affectionate Personality, Frank and Imaginative. Unpredictable, Detachment, Tendency to go off-track, and Inefficiency. Possible Health Concerns: The Aquarius-born people must be very careful of any kind of addiction.

24th of Elul

Month: Picses

Relationships:

Permutations of Name of HaShem - ההוי

Tribe: Naftaliנפטלי

Tree of Life Channel: Binah - Chesed

Sense: Laughter and Playfulness

Astrological Influence:

This is the tikune of the Piscean and this is the influence of everyone during the month of Pisces. This is why the Holiday of Purim, which gives us the opportunity to "see" the spiritual cause behind the story of Purim and to "see" the ultimate spiritual cause of everything, which is HASHEM, is read during the month of Pisces - Adar.

During Adar look for the concealed. Look for the actual cause, the spiritual cause. The person born in Pisces is given psychic abilities so that they will be able to see the spiritual causes. During Adar all of us will find it easier to see these spiritual causes, even without our psychic abilities being active.

Attributes of Pisces:

Pisces are very friendly, so they often find themselves in a company of very different people. Pisces are selfless, they are always willing to help others, without hoping to get anything back. Pisces is a Water sign and as such this zodiac sign is characterized by empathy and expressed emotional capacity

25th of Elul

Month: Nissan

Relationships:

Permutations of Name of HaShem - יהוה

Tribe: Yehudahיהודה

Tree of Life Channel: Keter - Chochmah

Sense: Speech

Astrological Influence:

Every year the worst family arguments take place at the Seder Table since the influence of Mars is the strongest of the month and most people do their cleaning on a physical level not taking control of the astrological influences. This teaches that what happens to the Jews will happen to the non Jewish world. An example is the second world war and the Showa. 6 million Jews died and 60 million human beings died during the second world war. Try to see past the illusion of death and destruction that many in the world to the rebirth of spring and renewal and breaking out of our limitations which is "Freedom" in its deepest sense.

Attributes of Aries - Lamb:

Enterprising, Incisive, Spontaneous, Daring, Active, Courageous and Energetic, the Aries are the proverbial infants, guileless and optimistic to the fault. However, they also are impatient, impetuous, vain, proud and egoistic.

26th of Elul

Month: Iyar

Relationships:

Permutations of Name of HaShem - יההו

Tribe: Yissacharיששכר

Tree of Life Channel: Keter - Binah

Sense: Thought

Astrological Influence:

During Iyar the word healing actually means fulfillment of our desires. Someone in pain has a desire to relieve the pain. Someone who is ill has a desire to become well. Healing means your desires can be fulfilled this month. Often, we relinquish control of our lives to doctors, lawyers, and other “experts,” expecting them to heal our physical, financial, and emotional wounds, or somehow make everything well. However, true healing and fulfillment is our own responsibility. This spiritual truth is made more evident this month as the effulgent Light radiating in Iyar inspires us to seek healing and fulfillment from within.

Attributes of - Taurus - Bull:

Known for being reliable, practical, ambitious and sensual, the people born under the Zodiac Sign Taurus have an eye for beauty. They tend to be good with finances, and hence, make efficient financial managers. However, like everyone else, a Taurus also has both positive and negative traits.

27th of Elul

Month: Sivan

Relationships:

Permutations of Name of HaShem - יוהה

Tribe: Zebulunזבולון

Tree of Life Channel: Chochmah - Gevurah

Sense: Walking

Astrological Influence:

In comparison to the energy of Iyar and Taurus, Sivan and the Astrological sign of Gemini will feel extremely positive. And balance is the proper path. Yet the energy of quickness can lead people to misunderstand and follow the path of negativity that leads away from balance. Please utilize the tool of "Binding by Striking" this month. Try to remember that "Binding by Striking" is the path to our Creator and to absolute Happiness and Pleasure! This is the path to true balance.

Attributes of Gemini:

Expressive and quick-witted, Gemini represents two different personalities in one and you will never be sure which one you will face. They are sociable, communicative and ready for fun, with a tendency to suddenly get serious, thoughtful and restless.

28th of Elul

Month: Tammuz

Relationships:

Permutations of Name of HaShem - הוהי

Tribe: Reuvenרובן

Tree of Life Channel: Chessed - Tiferet

Sense: Sight

Astrological Influence:

During Tammuz we all will be exposed to deep changing emotions. Summer starts during Tammuz and our life patterns and habits change from our normal school year patterns. This causes us to become reactive to the new patterns. Try not to travel during this period. Try to not allow yourself to become reactive. Try to stop your reactions during this period. Use the energy of healing from Iyar and the energy of balance from Sivan to achieve the completion of unification of our homes and families during the month of Tammuz.

Attributes of Tammuz - Cancer:

Deeply intuitive and sentimental, Cancer can be one of the most challenging zodiac signs to get to know. They are very emotional and sensitive, and care deeply about matters of the family and their home. Cancer is sympathetic and attached to people they keep close.

29th of Elul

Month: Av

Relationships:

Permutations of Name of HaShem - היוה

Tribe: Shimonשימון

Tree of Life Channel: Chochmah - Tiferet

Sense: Hearing

Astrological Influence:

Our ego constantly convinces us that we know it all—that we alone are the architects of our own success. Humility is therefore the key word of the month. Go out and ask for help—from the Light and especially from people with whom you feel competitive. Be careful of false humility. Humility means know who you truly are and also what the other person in your life at this moment truly needs. This is the gift of Aryeh to each and every person this month. You just have to ask that question - "Who am I? and What does HaShem want me to do?" for the universe to try to give you the answer. Of course you must be open to receive the truthful answer the universe is showing you.

Attributes of Leo - Lion:

Warm, action-oriented and driven by the desire to be loved and admired, the Leo have an air royalty about them. They love to be in the limelight, which is why many of them make a career in the performing arts. The personality of a Leo is made up of some positive as well as negative traits.