Israel is above astrological influences: Eclipse, Tarot & TikTok

By Jack Levy

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When the sky darkens in the middle of the day during a solar eclipse, what does it mean? In Judaism, this phenomenon has been interpreted in surprisingly diverse ways. This essay will explore two main viewpoints: the rationalist perspective of Maimonides, who sees eclipses as mere astronomical events, and the interpretation of the Talmud, which considers them as not very auspicious omens. Both views raise an intriguing question: if "Israel is above astrological influences" (Israel Lemala min haMazal), how can we reconcile these views with modern life?

Maimonides' View

In his work "The Guide for the Perplexed," Maimonides argues that celestial events such as eclipses are simple, predictable, and natural phenomena, challenging the notion that they are divine omens. This empirical approach underscores his belief in a universe governed by consistent laws, accessible through human reason. By studying these phenomena, Maimonides aims to demystify them, suggesting that knowledge and understanding can dispel fears and superstitions.

Talmudic View

Conversely, the Talmud in Succa 29b offers an interpretation that views eclipses as bad omens, linked not to natural causes but to the moral conduct of humanity. This spiritual perspective reflects a deep connection between human actions and universal events, suggesting that our behaviors can influence or reflect celestial signs. This link between heaven and earth resonates with a worldview in which the divine and the human are intimately intertwined.

Astrological Influences and Modern Psychology: Awareness and Choice

But, do the stars influence our daily lives? While some events like the moon's effect on tides are well-known, studies also suggest that the full moon may increase criminal activity. These examples show that, albeit subtle, astrological influences are real.

However, Jewish tradition teaches us that "Israel is above astrological influences" (Israel Lemala min haMazal), implying that, despite these influences, we have the capacity to overcome them if we choose. This does not mean denying that the stars affect us, but rather recognizing that we have the strength and free will to decide how we react to these influences.

This concept aligns with the idea of becoming "the observer" in our own lives. By adopting this role, we are not merely dragged along by subconscious currents or external influences; instead, we position ourselves where we can observe these influences without allowing them to dictate our actions.

Profound Psychology: The Tarot as a Tool

From a psychological perspective, rather than as a means of divination, tarot can be a valuable ally in exploring the subconscious. Traditionally, the 22 Major Arcana of the tarot are not only linked to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet but also correspond to the 22 paths of the Tree of Life in Kabbalah. These paths represent archetypes or states of consciousness that facilitate our journey through the Tree of Life, offering guidance for spiritual and emotional evolution.

Each card can be seen as a mirror of our inner perceptions and emotions, reflecting not what will happen in the future, but what already resides within us. This approach to tarot as a tool for introspection reveals our fears, desires, impulses, and potentials, helping us to better understand and manage these internal dynamics. In this sense, it is clear that: we do not see the world as it is, but as we are; the tarot cards offer us a window into our own essence, colored by our personal experiences and expectations, if we know how to use them.

Modern Technology and Self-Awareness: The TikTok Algorithm as a Mirror

To illustrate, I like to use an example that might sound a bit ironic, but is quite revealing. Consider TikTok, a platform that many love and others hate to love. TikTok uses a sophisticated algorithm whose goal is simple: to show you more of what you seem to like. How does it know? Well, it analyzes the history of the videos you've watched, how much time you spent watching each one, among other juicy data.

So, when I find myself watching videos that we might call 'silly' or, at best, incredibly useful, I realize something crucial: my mind is actively seeking this type of content. At that moment, before getting lost in the endless abyss of scrolling, I pause. I ask myself: Is this the kind of information I want to nourish my mind with?

This is where I put into practice the principle of "Lemala min haMazal," which means to be above the influences. I no longer let TikTok's algorithm dictate what I consume; instead, I take control and consciously choose what I want to watch. In this simple yet powerful act, I am not just a passive observer of the content presented to me, but I become the curator of my own digital content.

This approach might seem small, but it is a powerful affirmation of independence and self-determination.

In conclusion, just like tarot, TikTok, and astrological phenomena, which allow us to look inside ourselves through archetypes and symbols, these can serve as mirrors of our own preferences and tendencies, as long as we are aware of their impact and choose wisely.

Conclusion

From ancestral interpretations of eclipses to modern tools for self-awareness, it is clear that the way we choose to interpret our surroundings can have a profound impact on our lives. Each eclipse, each tarot card, each video on TikTok is nothing more than a canvas onto which we project our fears, hopes, and dreams. So the next time you see an eclipse, ask yourself: Is it an omen of disaster, a beautiful natural spectacle, or simply a reminder that sometimes we need to darken our world to see which lights to turn on? As always, the answer lies in the eye of the beholder—and in their ability to choose how to interpret the world around them. What about you? How did you interpret the eclipse? Your response not only reveals your worldview but also how you choose to live in it.

"The Whole World is a ¨Corpus Simbolicum¨" Gershom Scholem

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