Chodesh Av 5785:The Narrow Place Becomes a Portal for Divine Mercy
Chodesh Av 5785
July 26 - August 24, 2025
Constellation/Mazal: Leo (Aryeh) ♌︎ – The Lion
Tribe: Shimon | Letter: ט (Tet) | Sense: Hearing
Element: Fire (Fixed – Establishing Inspiration)
Planetary Ruler: The Sun
Leo, from the Michal Mahzor, 1258
We'll start our overview of Chodesh Av by rewinding a bit to the beginning of The Three Weeks.
This year we see a demonstration of poetic justice as Saturn/Shabbtai in Aries stationed Retrograde on the 17th of Tammuz, marking the beginning of our annual journey through the narrow places during the "3 Weeks".
The Three Weeks, Bein ha-Metzarim, began on the 17th of Tammuz. בין המצרים is usually translated "between the straits" and the feeling of being pressed upon from all sides, constricted, is a very Saturn-like sensation, as Saturn is, among other things, the planet of boundaries.
With Saturn having only recently entered Aries, something new is wanting to be born. This time period might feel like the constrictions of the womb, preparing for birth.
During this Retrograde, Saturn will even return into the last degrees of Pisces (September 1 - November 27), to retrieve the missing pieces of those dreams you may have left behind. Nobody wants to be born without a dream for their soul to long for! All spiritual growth is spurred on by the soul's desire to satiate that longing.
During this Three Weeks, Mercury in Leo stations Retrograde on July 18 (through August 10). The Sun enters Leo July 22, and on July 23 Venus in Mercury-ruled Gemini squares Mars in Mercury-ruled Virgo. Mercury is currently retrograde in Leo. Did I mention all the blustery roaring? But more than that: Financial markets (Venus) are influenced by words (Mercury) but challenged by actions (Mars). That challenge must be resolved. Nobody believes "do as I say not as I do" anymore.
The New Moon in Leo on July 24 with the Sun trine to Retrograde Saturn and Neptune in Aries, and Rosh Chodesh Av on Shabbos Matot-Massei. Chiron in Aries stations Retrograde July 30. SO MUCH FIRE!!! The Leo Sun's fiery trine to both Saturn and Neptune in Aries merrily inflames everything. In the arena of personal and political conflicts: unless somebody gets a grip, the one-upsmanship may become nigh unto unbearable. For the individual with strong Fire Sign placements (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), this transit may bring a renewed creative burst. Thankfully Mars will be in cool-headed, analytic Virgo during this time, which hopefully will be a counterweight to this Cosmic Conflagration!
There's also a severe sense of judgement on the abuse of power happening in the cosmos as the Leo Sun prepares to make his opposition to Pluto in Aquarius on Erev Rosh Chodesh Av. Word to Oligarchy dressed up in the drag of Populism: your slip is showing.
Watery Neptune in Aries may become the frog in the pot of boiling water during this time. Suddenly you are aware: You ARE in a bubble! Beware lest your ideals and fantasies about what "reality" looks like from your bubble has got you into HOT WATER!
Venus enters Cancer July 31, and Tisha b'Av is Sunday August 3, with the Sun in Leo and the Moon in Scorpio, symbolizing harsh judgement via violence and war, as it always is during a regular (non-"leap"/pregnant) year on the Hebrew calendar.
In the gashmius, everything looks bad. But in the ruchnias, there’s an abrupt change.
Suddenly, by Tu b'Av - everything turns around! A Grand Air Trine between Mars in Libra, Uranus in Gemini, and Pluto in Aquarius produces electrifying breakthroughs, unexpected unions, and radical connections. This is a chance to experience revolutionary intimacy.
Astrology is a language of symbols and archetypes, and the symbols are speaking: are you listening?
Here's the work:
- Defining personal responsibility. What does personal responsibility mean to you?
- Reevaluating commitments. Have you bitten off more than you can chew?
- Recognizing accountability. To whom are you accountable? If the answer is nobody, you're in trouble.
If you honor your own truth, value your own uniqueness, and hold fast to your integrity, the narrowest place become a birth canal, a portal for Divine Mercy. As Bob Dylan says: "He that is not busy being born is busy dying".
Leave behind what has decayed beyond hope of resurrection, and focus on what you're birthing into the world.
CHODESH AV 5785
Rosh Chodesh Av (Shabbat Matot-Massei – July 26, 2025)
The month of Av begins on Shabbat, as the double Torah portion Matot-Massei is read. This year, the "Narrowest Days"—the final "9 Days" of the Three Weeks—is softened by Shabbos, a day of rest, return, and renewal. The sorrow of Av opens not with chaos, but with containment. A segula for compassion. A portal of mercy. A glimpse of comfort - which is hinted at by the traditional name of the month: Menachem Av.
July 28 – Venus in Gemini sextile Chiron in Aries
Words of affection and thoughtfulness become pathways to healing. This aspect speaks to the power of gentle curiosity and connection as a balm for old wounds. Start slow and work up to a pace your heart can keep up with, but don't stop until you've turned the corner.
July 30 – Chiron stations Retrograde in Aries
Chiron, The Wounded Healer, turns inward. This signals a collective and personal review of pain, identity, and the courage it takes to forgive. Forgiveness comes with reframing, and reframing removes the binary of victim/perpetrator. Own your own role in whatever is happening to you. Your micro efforts reflect a macro movement of universal energy. The "Butterfly Effect" is real.
July 31 – Venus enters Cancer
Venus as The Divine Feminine moves from flirty but superficial Gemini to nurturing (and perhaps smothering?) Cancer. The Cancerian longing for emotional safety and soul-level connection replaces the airy detachment of Gemini. Themes of home, food, mother, memory, family, and vulnerability around issues of security and safety emerge—just as we near Tisha b'Av.
August 1 – Solar-Mercury Cazimi in Leo + Venus square Saturn Rx + 1st Quarter Moon in Scorpio
A day of paradox: the Sun and Mercury conjunct in Leo burns bright with bold ideas—but Venus in Cancer is challenged by Saturn in Aries and the mystifying fog of Neptune. The Moon in Scorpio intensifies the emotional atmosphere. Expect revelations with an undertow. Feelings may rise faster than clarity. Don't get dragged under, and don't make any sudden, irrevocable moves.
August 2 – Venus inconjunct Mercury Retrograde (Shabbat Devarim)
The final Shabbos before Tisha b’Av carries tension between heart and mind, speech and sentiment. Discomfort arises from misaligned emotional and mental realities. It’s a time for listening more than speaking.The fear is that what we hold to be our dearest truth might in fact be based on a lie. Be courageous enough to investigate.
August 3–4 – Tisha b’Av (Sun in Leo, Moon in Scorpio)
This year, Tisha b'Av, the day of collective Jewish sorrow, is marked by a Sun in Leo and a Scorpio Moon. The harshest Sun/Moon pairing—ego, fire, and pride facing deep, hidden pain. A cosmic mirror for the national soul wound. A reckoning with passion misused, leadership lost, and sacred structures destroyed. Fasting should come easy this year. How anyone can have an appetite for food on a day like this, especially as the fate of the remaining hostages in Gaza remains unresolved, is beyond me.
August 7 – Mars enters Libra
When the warrior of Mars enters the realm of the Venus-ruled Cardinal Air sign of Libra, the strong desire for peace, justice, and relational harmony emerges. Strategy replaces aggression. Diplomacy and charm become your greatest weapons. This is an energetic turning point after the emotional pressure of the Three Weeks.
August 8 – Tu b’Av: Mars in Libra trines Uranus and Pluto (Grand Air Trine!)
On the most romantic day of the Jewish calendar, the heavens offer a Grand Air Trine between Mars in Libra, Uranus in Gemini, and Pluto in Aquarius. What might happen? Perhaps electrifying breakthroughs, unexpected unions, and radical connections. This is a chance to experience revolutionary intimacy, if you've got the courage to allow yourself to be truly seen in all your human vulnerability and imperfection.
August 9 – Full Moon in Aquarius (Shabbat Va’etchanan)
This is the emotional climax of the month. Mars in Libra opposes both Retrograde Saturn in Aries and Neptune. There is tension between the desire to move forward and the fog of past wounds or illusions. The Aquarius Full Moon brings a cool detachment to hot emotions, inviting communal reflection over personal drama. Perhaps the best time of the year to ask the advice of your trusted friends and most intimate members of your community.
August 10 – Mars trines Pluto exact
Mars in Libra trines Pluto in Aquarius, exactly. Thought (the quality of the Air Signs of Libra and Aquarius) is initiated and established. A moment of deep empowerment through partnership, diplomacy, and strategic action, all fueled by a new understanding. Transformation arises from harmony, not conflict.
August 11 – Mercury stations Direct in Leo
Clarity begins to return. Communications regain boldness and purpose. A good day for declarations, writing, or speaking from the heart. Mercury won't return to his original RX point until August 25, so there is time to review and readjust, going forward.
August 12 – Saturn in Aries sextiles Uranus in Gemini, and Venus in Cancer conjuncts Jupiter
Yay! One of the most auspicious alignments of the month. Saturn and Uranus—tradition and innovation—work together, creating an energetic environment which supports stable change rather than disruptive chaos. The Venus/Jupiter conjunction in sensitive, loving Cancer brings blessings of love, beauty, finances, and healing. It's a post–Tisha b’Av consolation, and the prize is viewing the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower in the evening.
August 15 – Mercury in Leo sextiles Mars in Libra
Words and willpower unite. Express yourself with courage and grace. An excellent time to speak truth with both passion and diplomacy. How to find the right balance? Put your ego on the back burner and your best foot forward, not in your mouth!
August 16 – Last Quarter Moon in Taurus (Shabbat Eikev)
The month of Av begins his final stretch with an invitation to integration and embodiment. The Moon's light hides herself as we turn inward, digesting all that has happened since the Full Moon - which by this time may seem aeons ago! Baruch HaShem: Shabbat grounds us in simple pleasures and spiritual stability.
August 18 – Mercury sextile Mars (again)
If a conversation or contract was left unresolved during Mercury Retrograde, now is the time to revisit it with renewed focus and energy. It's ok to ask for revisions!
August 19 – Sun in Leo trines Chiron in Aries
The ultraviolet rays of the Sun radiate cleansing, healing energy. When ego puts itself aside and aligns with the wound, confidence is born from vulnerability. A day to acknowledge how far you've come—and honor your inner resilience. Maybe you want to celebrate this privately, but don't be surprised if others acknowledge as well. You are seen!
August 22 – Sun enters Virgo (Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul)
As Av closes, the Sun moves into discerning, humble Virgo. We begin to prepare for Chodesh Elul, the month of teshuvah. The New Moon in Virgo forms at 0°—a Black Moon, symbolizing a fresh, introspective cycle. Yet it opens with the Sun inconjunct Retrograde Saturn, a reminder that real change requires reckoning with responsibility and structure.
READ INDIVIDUAL HOROSCOPES FOR CHODESH AV HERE
