The name of this week’s portion, Shoftim means, “Judges.” And that is exactly what we need to examine. As Karen Berg says, “Not only is it not our place to judge others, but one of the most merciful things we can do is open our hearts and give others the benefit of the doubt.” In other words, things are often different than they seem.
Let’s see how this week’s cosmic setting is perfectly aligned to support us in being less judgmental and more humble.
The week starts with the moon in Leo passing by Mercury and the sun in Leo, as well. All those elements together in one of the most confident signs can naturally lead us to be sure of ourselves and the way we think, see, or feel. At the same time, Jupiter in Aquarius stands opposite of Mercury for the first few days of the week.
Any opposition in the chart always leads us to ask questions and can potentially lead to a conflict or power struggles. And this specific one helps us question ourselves. When I say “question,” I don’t mean to doubt who we are and what we want. Rather, it is an awakening of humility and open-heartedness to others when we are inclined to judge. The way we see things is not always exactly how they are.
As the week progresses, there are few supportive elements to allow us to achieve a more humble approach to life. On Wednesday, Mercury moves into its home sign, Virgo. Also, Venus will form a positive aspect to Pluto. Those connections help us to achieve more balance and consideration of others while awakening a more calm and strong spirit energy within us. That can help us see others (and ourselves) in a more favorable light, as well.
As we move toward the weekend, there are two harsh aspects involving the celestial bodies Saturn, Uranus, the sun, and Jupiter. We will want to lie low and stay away from any egotistical expressions and remind ourselves of the spiritual message of this week: "Things are rarely as they seem."
