- Constellation: Aquarius
- Ruling Planets: Saturn & Uranus
- Tribe: Asher
- Stone: Chrysolite
- Color: Blue-Green
- Symbol: Olive Tree
- Letter: Tzadi צ
- Direction: North
Rosh Chodesh Shevat (head or beginning of the month) began on the evening of January 26, 2020. The word Shevat comes from ancient Akkadian. It means “lashing” and refers to the lashing rains that come during this time. Rain is also linked to Aquarius, the water bearer, in that rainwater is carried in buckets. A full water pail is said to be a sign of blessing.
The month of Shevat is associated with Asher. Asher is represented by the color blue-green and the stone chrysolite. Just as it is unknown exactly what stone Leshem is today, it is unclear what exactly chrysolite it. It has most frequently been said to be peridot or topaz. Because Numbers Rabbah tells us that the stone of each Tribe corresponds to the color of their standard, the stone would need to be greenish-blue in color. With the symbol of Asher being an olive tree, it is my belief that peridot is most likely chrysolite.
Shevat is the month of blessing and righteousness. The letter tzadi צ corresponds to Shevat. Tzadi (especially in its final form ץ) resembles a tree. The Tree of Life represents knowledge and righteousness. The letter tzadi צ also represents the tzadik or righteous person who is full of knowledge. In symbolic terms, a tzadik carries Torah to the people. The tzadik brings refreshment to our parched souls.
Asher is a tribe of the North. Asher is meant to bear light to Dan’s darkness. In Shamanism, the north is represented by the hummingbird. The hummingbird is the archetype of an epic journey. It represents our soul and the journey each of us takes in life. Asher, the water bearer, brings us knowledge and water to help us on our spiritual journey.
Shevat is a time to examine our lives and motives. It is time to see what path we are on. Perhaps we need to take up the pail and carry water to our parched friends and relatives. Maybe we need to embody the characteristics of the hummingbird and guide ourselves and others deeper into our spiritual journey. No matter where we are in our lives we can embrace being a tzadik.
