Discovering the Mazal: Energies and Insights of the Hebrew Calendar

For much of the modern world, the passing of time is similar to water flowing under a bridge - each moment is replaced by the next in an endless stream.

Some cultures reserve a few recurring auspicious or inauspicious moments. For example, Monday mornings are dreaded, while Friday afternoons are eagerly awaited, but these are perpetuated mostly by routine, rather than spiritual influences.

The Hebrew calendar, however, is different. Rooted in the spiritual dimension, it echoes these patterns and themes throughout time.

From periods of triumph and celebration to periods of reflection and trials, the Hebrew calendar weaves a complex story that continues to guide us and at times, nudge us to wake up.

For what it is worth, the same is true of the weeks, days, and even the hours¹ of the day - which may be a future article of its own.

Each moment is packed with a unique spark of potential for us to be aware of, and when we become familiar with these rhythms, we can prepare for, and even harness these energies for spiritual development.

Sefer Yetzirah

We learn about these ideas in one of the oldest texts in the Kabbalah, "Sefer Yetzirah," The Book of Formation.

Though scholars are uncertain of its authorship, this work is believed to have been compiled sometime around the second century. Like many Jewish writings, its contents were transmitted through the oral tradition prior to its publication.

Jewish tradition attributes this work to the Patriarch Abraham. It is believed Abraham had achieved mastery of Astrology through his time in Mesopotamia, but later learned the true source of these forces.

Sefer Yetzirah speaks about these unseen forces at work in our world, outlining how the letters of the Hebrew Aleph-bet and the Sefirot² serve as the building blocks of creation. Through these combinations, we can learn how they shape, sustain, and influence every aspect of life.

This concise work contains centuries of observations and wisdom that span various fields of study, including; mathematics, Gematria, Jewish Astrology, and mysticism.

Mazal

For some people, things just seem to always work out, and for others, not so much. Sometimes, it seems we're in the flow, and other times, it feels like we're going against the tide. Why is this? Mazal.

The word Mazal is popularly used in the phrase, "Mazal tov," which many might translate as 'good fortune.' Mazal represents, in my words, the Divine flow of energy that moves through time and space.

Though there is a deep discussion about the influence of Mazal, the Talmud tells us:

"Offspring, life, and sustenance are dependent not upon merit, but upon mazal," ...
- Moed Katan 28a

"Elementary Forces"

All of the world is under the influence of the Mazalot (plural), whether or not they are aware of it. This is what Paul references as the "elementary forces" in Colossians 2:8.

Jewish tradition teaches that the stars are associated with Angels, and they serve as a delivery system for the Creator's decrees, yet, they do not operate outside of His Will.

Throughout history, many nations have worshipped the stars, and attributed powers to them. The Talmud refers to these as Akum (עכו"ם), which is an acronym for  star worshipers.

The nation of Israel is, however, not under the direct influence of Mazal, provided they remain connected to the Creator⁴.

Each Hebrew month has a Mazal of its own, and these are reflected in the holidays for the time period.

Perhaps most amazing, these influences march to the rhythm of the weekly Torah reading, which is why it is common to find modern events reflect the same themes present in the narrative of that Torah portion.