Jewish Astronomy and the Calendar
How the Sun and Moon Govern Jewish Time
☀️ The Lunar-Solar System
The Jewish calendar is unique because it is both a lunar and a solar calendar. Months are based on the cycles of the moon, while years are kept in sync with the solar cycle to ensure holidays fall in their proper seasons.
🌙 The New Month (Rosh Chodesh)
A new Jewish month officially begins with the appearance of the new moon. In ancient times, this was determined by direct observation by witnesses in Jerusalem who would then report to the high court. Today, it is calculated based on astronomical data. This is celebrated as a minor holiday, known as Rosh Chodesh.
⚖️ The Leap Year
A purely lunar calendar is shorter than a solar year by about 11 days. To prevent the Jewish holidays from drifting through the seasons (for example, Passover always needs to be in the spring), a leap month, called Adar I, is added seven times in a 19-year cycle. This clever system keeps the lunar months aligned with the solar seasons.
✨ The Role of Stars (Mazalot)
While the calendar is primarily lunar-based, stars and constellations, known as Mazalot, played a crucial role. They were observed for navigation and to mark the seasons, known as Tekufot. The position of constellations helped verify the timing of the spring equinox.
In ancient times, the rabbinical court (the Beth Din) needed to confirm that the start of the spring month, Nisan, would coincide with the arrival of spring. If they determined that Passover would fall before the barley harvest or before the equinox, they would declare a leap year by adding a second month of Adar (Adar II) to the end of the year, ensuring the calendar remained in alignment with the seasons.
🔭 The Twelve Mazalot
The twelve signs of the zodiac, or Mazalot, each correspond to a Hebrew month. Here is a complete list of how they are linked to the calendar:
- Taleh (Aries) 🐏: Linked to the month of Nisan.
- Shor (Taurus) 🐂: Linked to the month of Iyar.
- Teomim (Gemini) 👯: Linked to the month of Sivan.
- Sartan (Cancer) 🦀: Linked to the month of Tammuz.
- Aryeh (Leo) 🦁: Linked to the month of Av.
- Betulah (Virgo) ♍: Linked to the month of Elul.
- Moznayim (Libra) ⚖️: Linked to the month of Tishrei.
- Akrav (Scorpio) 🦂: Linked to the month of Cheshvan.
- Keshet (Sagittarius) 🏹: Linked to the month of Kislev.
- G’di (Capricorn) 🐐: Linked to the month of Tevet.
- D’li (Aquarius) 🏺: Linked to the month of Shevat.
- Dagim (Pisces) 🐟: Linked to the month of Adar.
🌌 The Mazzaroth: A Stargazing Guide to the Gospel in the Stars ✨
For thousands of years, the night sky has been a canvas displaying God’s majesty. This guide explores the Mazzaroth, the biblical term for the constellations (Job 38:32), as a silent, celestial witness to God’s incredible plan for humanity.
This theory, known as “The Gospel in the Stars,” was first researched by Frances Rolleston and popularized by theologian E.W. Bullinger. We’ll use the Hebrew names first, followed by their more familiar Greek names. Each one is clickable for more info.
Act I: The Promise 💫
Bethulah (Virgo) ♍️: The Seed of the Woman
The Story: This is where the story begins with a promise from God to send a “seed of the woman” to crush the serpent’s head (Gen. 3:15). The celestial maiden represents the virgin birth of our Savior (Isa. 7:14).
Moznayim (Libra) ⚖️: Divine Justice
The Story: The scales represent the weight of sin and the need for a price to be paid. This constellation points to the need for a Redeemer to pay the debt on our behalf.
Akrab (Scorpio) 🦂: The Great Deceiver
The Story: Akrab represents the enemy of God—Satan. This sign symbolizes the epic battle between good and evil and the suffering the Messiah would endure.
Keshet (Sagittarius) ♐️: The Triumphant Victor
The Story: Victory! The archer is a powerful picture of the conquering Redeemer. With his bow aimed at the heart of the scorpion, he is ready to defeat the enemy once and for all.
Act II: The Atonement 🙏
Gedi (Capricornus) ♑️: Life from Death
The Story: The dying goat represents the sacrificial death of Christ. The lively fish tail symbolizes the new life that comes from that sacrifice.
Deli (Aquarius) 🏺: The Living Water
The Story: The water being poured out is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. This constellation reminds us of the promise that the Messiah would pour out living water on all who believe.
Dagim (Pisces) ♓️: The Redeemed
The Story: The two fish represent the two parts of God’s redeemed people—the Jewish and Gentile people—united by the grace of the Redeemer.
Taleh (Aries) 🐏: The Lamb Who Was Slain
The Story: This constellation points to Jesus as the ultimate Lamb of God who was slain for the sins of the world (John 1:29).
Act III: The Triumph 👑
Shur (Taurus) ♉️: The Coming Judge
The Story: The bull represents the immense power and authority of the returning Christ, who will come not as a humble servant, but as a King and Judge.
Teomim (Gemini) ♊️: God and Man
The Story: This constellation illustrates the two natures of Jesus: both fully God and fully man. It also represents the duality of the redeemed.
Sartan (Cancer) ♋️: The Saved Flock
The Story: This sign represents Christ’s flock, the Church, gathered into His “fold.” It reminds us that the Good Shepherd will protect all of His sheep.
Aryeh (Leo) ♌️: The Lion of Judah
The Story: The lion represents the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah,” a title for Jesus Christ (Rev. 5:5). The lion’s paw is shown crushing the head of the serpent, a fulfillment of the first prophecy.