Exploring the Connection Between the 12 Tribes of Israel and the 12 Astrological Signs
Throughout history, the number twelve has carried deep spiritual and cultural significance. From the twelve apostles of Jesus to the twelve months of the year, this sacred number repeatedly appears as a symbol of completeness and divine order. Two intriguing examples of its resonance come from the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve signs of the zodiac. Both systems, deeply rooted in spirituality and identity, reflect distinct traits and purposes.
But are the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve astrological signs connected? This fascinating question invites us to explore their spiritual parallels, each offering a unique lens on human nature and divine purpose. Whether you're drawn to astrology, biblical teachings, or both, this exploration highlights how these ancient systems guide us toward greater self-awareness and spiritual growth.
The Twelve Tribes of Israel: A Spiritual Foundation
The twelve tribes of Israel stem from the twelve sons of Jacob, whose name was later changed to Israel after wrestling with God. Each son became the patriarch of a tribe that carried unique blessings, characteristics, and roles within the larger narrative of Israel's history.
These tribes were not just political or familial divisions—they embodied spiritual identities and missions. From Judah, the lion-hearted leader, to Issachar, the wise and discerning, each tribe played a vital part in fulfilling the divine promise to Abraham.
Astrology and the Twelve Signs: A Cosmic Blueprint
In astrology, the twelve signs of the zodiac divide the celestial sphere into twelve segments, each associated with specific traits, elements, and energies. These signs help individuals understand their personality, life purpose, and the cycles of the universe. Like the tribes, each zodiac sign brings a unique perspective, contributing to the collective whole.
Bridging the Connection: The Tribes and the Zodiac
The parallels between the twelve tribes and the twelve astrological signs are compelling. Both systems reflect diverse human experiences and qualities, offering profound insights into our spiritual journey. Let’s explore the connections between each tribe and its astrological counterpart.
Aries
Aries, represented by the Ram, is known for its courage, initiative, and pioneering spirit. Similarly, the Tribe of Gad symbolizes strength and resilience. In Genesis 49:19, Jacob blesses Gad, saying, "Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last." This reflects Aries' unyielding determination to face challenges head-on, emerging victorious despite obstacles.
Imagine a warrior charging into battle, undeterred by the odds—that’s both Aries and Gad in action.
Soul Tribe: Gad- Means Troops
Apostle: Peter
Coat of Arms:
Gad: the warrior archetype. Expanding on the justice of Dan, Gad is ready to fight for his beliefs. The warrior is necessary to both defend our cherished values and to protect our freedoms.
Apostle Peter: Was crucified upside down on an x shaped cross. According to church tradition it was because he told his tormentors that he felt unworthy to die In the same way that Jesus Christ had died.
Archangel Uriel: One of the seven Archangels who stands at the throne of God and one of the four major Archangels that serve humanity. Uriel, whose name means ‘Light of God’, is the angel who brings humankind knowledge and understanding of the Divine. He is the most radiant of angels and has been depicted descending from heaven on a fiery chariot drawn by white horses.
Taurus
Taurus, symbolized by the Bull, represents stability, patience, and an appreciation for earthly pleasures. The Tribe of Issachar is celebrated for its wisdom and deep understanding. In 1 Chronicles 12:32, the men of Issachar are described as "men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do."
Much like Taurus, Issachar embodies a grounded nature and a commitment to using knowledge for the greater good. They are the steady, reliable presence that provides guidance during uncertain times.
Soul Tribe: Ephraim- Means Fruitful
Apostle: Simon
Coat of Arms:
Ephraim: It is not enough to just survive in an alien environment, but to thrive – to ‘be fruitful in the land of my affliction.’ Ephraim is the power to transform the difficulties into Divine power.
Apostle Simon: He was known to preach the Gospel in Egypt and then joined the apostle St. Judas (Thaddaeus) in Persia, where, according to the apocryphal Acts of Simon and Judas, he was martyred by being cut in half with a saw, one of his chief iconographic symbols (another being a book)
Archangel Michael: Archangel Michael is known as the greatest and most revered of angels in many scriptures and spiritual traditions. In Muslim lore, he is the angel of nature who provides both food and knowledge to man. Archangel Michael is identified with the angel who wrestled with Jacob, destroyed the armies of Sennacherib and saved the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace in Jewish mystical tradition. Archangel Michael also appears in the Bible as the angel who appeared to Joshua as he prepared to lead the Israelites in battle at Jericho.
Gemini
Gemini, the Twins, signifies duality, adaptability, and communication. The Tribe of Simeon, whose name means "to hear," resonates with these themes. Simeon’s legacy includes both moments of strength and challenges, highlighting the complexity and duality often associated with Gemini.
This pairing reminds us of the importance of balance and the power of words to unite or divide.
Soul Tribe: Manasseh- Means Who Make Me Forget
Apostle: James
Coat of Arms:
Manasseh: represents the ability to not succumb to the powers of constraints that want to make you forget your spiritual roots. To remain connected regardless of the challenges.
Apostle James: The leader of the church in Jerusalem , was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club. This was the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the Temptation.
Archangel Raphael: Archangel Raphael brings us the gift of healing and shows us how to heal ourselves through love and Joy. He allows us to find healing in nature and in universal energies. His name means “divine healer” or “God heals”. Any healing starts from him and, being a messenger of Divine Providence, it is him who guides those who seek unity. He gives essential and complete healing to any kind of evil. In other words, he is the return to the divine source.
Cancer
Cancer, represented by the Crab, is deeply connected to home, family, and nurturing. Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, exemplifies these qualities. His compassion shines in Genesis 37:21, where he intervenes to save Joseph, saying, "Let us not take his life."
Reuben’s protective instincts mirror Cancer’s devotion to loved ones and the powerful emotional bonds that define this sign.
Soul Tribe: Issachar- Means Man of Reward
Apostle: Andrew
Coat of Arms:
Issachar: The scholar. Scholarship provides wisdom, clarity and direction. It is the foundation of any system. Issachar is the dedication to immerse in study and education.
Apostle Andrew: Was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. After being whipped severely by seven soldiers they tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words, "I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it". He continued to preach to his tormentors For two days until he expired.
Archangel Gabriel: is a powerful and loving messenger of Divine love, wisdom, and guidance. Gabriel is the Archangel of communication, new beginnings, and strength. He will assist you in learning to tune into messages of Divine love for yourself, and in opening to allow Divine strength to flow throughout your life.
Leo
Leo, symbolized by the Lion, is a natural-born leader with a regal presence. The Tribe of Judah carries this same royal energy. Judah is described as "a lion’s whelp" in Genesis 49:9 and is known for producing kings like David and, in Christian tradition, Jesus.
Both Leo and Judah inspire others through their courage, charisma, and unwavering confidence.
Soul Tribe: Judah - Means Acknowledgement
Apostle: John
Coat of Arms:
Judah: is the leader; his descendants would be the kings of Israel, beginning with King David and concluding with Mashiach. Judah is the path of selflessness – the most vital ingredient in true leadership.
Apostle John: Faced martyrdom when he was boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison Island of Patmos. He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos. The apostle John was later freed and returned to serve as Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey. He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.
Archangel Uriel: One of the seven Archangels who stands at the throne of God and one of the four major Archangels that serve humanity. Uriel, whose name means ‘Light of God’, is the angel who brings humankind knowledge and understanding of the Divine. He is the most radiant of angels and has been depicted descending from heaven on a fiery chariot drawn by white horses.
Virgo
Virgo, represented by the Virgin, is associated with purity, diligence, and service. The Tribe of Naphtali, known for eloquence and grace, aligns beautifully with Virgo’s meticulous nature. In Genesis 49:21, Naphtali is described as "a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words."
This connection reflects Virgo’s emphasis on precision, communication, and uplifting others through thoughtful service.
Soul Tribe: Naphtali- Means My Struggle
Apostle: Phillip
Coat of Arms:
Naphtali: is the free spirit personality. Like a ‘deer running free’ – breaking out of the status quo – independence is a necessary component in growth. Yet, this free spiritedness must always take care to ‘deliver words of beauty.’
Apostle Philip: was crucified upside down at Hierapolis by the Roman Emperor Domitian around 80 CE. Philip is described as a disciple from the city of Bethsaida, and the evangelist connects him with Andrew and Peter, who were from the same town. He also was among those surrounding John the Baptist when the latter first pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God. It was Philip who first introduced Nathanael (sometimes identified with Bartholomew) to Jesus. According to Butler, Philip was among those attending the wedding at Cana.
Archangel Michael: Archangel Michael is known as the greatest and most revered of angels in many scriptures and spiritual traditions. In Muslim lore, he is the angel of nature who provides both food and knowledge to man. Archangel Michael is identified with the angel who wrestled with Jacob, destroyed the armies of Sennacherib and saved the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace in Jewish mystical tradition. Archangel Michael also appears in the Bible as the angel who appeared to Joshua as he prepared to lead the Israelites in battle at Jericho.
Libra
Libra, the Scales, embodies harmony, balance, and beauty. The Tribe of Asher, blessed with abundance and prosperity, aligns with these traits. Deuteronomy 33:24 describes Asher as "blessed with children" and "dipping his foot in oil," signifying wealth and harmony.
Libra and Asher remind us of the importance of cultivating beauty and balance in our lives.
Soul Tribe: Asher- Means happy, contentment, richness, affirmation
Apostle: Bartholomew/Nathaniel
Coat of Arms:
Asher: is both prosperity and pleasure. Asher is the dimension of blessing beyond the norm – to be given more than what is necessary for survival. Asher is the personality of not just getting what you need, but also enjoying it.
Apostle Bartholomew/Nathaniel: Was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed for our Lord in present day Turkey. Bartholomew was martyred for his preaching in Armenia where he was flayed to death by a whip.
Archangel Raphael: Archangel Raphael brings us the gift of healing and shows us how to heal ourselves through love and Joy. He allows us to find healing in nature and in universal energies. His name means “divine healer” or “God heals”. Any healing starts from him and, being a messenger of Divine Providence, it is him who guides those who seek unity. He gives essential and complete healing to any kind of evil. In other words, he is the return to the divine source.
Scorpio
Scorpio, symbolized by the Scorpion, is intense, transformative, and deeply intuitive. The Tribe of Dan shares this energy, particularly through its role in judgment. Jacob’s blessing states, "Dan shall judge his people" (Genesis 49:16), highlighting themes of justice and discernment.
Both Scorpio and Dan embody the transformative power of truth and the courage to confront life’s shadows.
Soul Tribe: Dan- Means to judge or govern
Apostle: Thomas
Coat of Arms:
Dan: is the path of law and order. Objective justice is the heart of any civilization.
Apostle Thomas: Was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church in the Subcontinent.
Archangel Gabriel: is a powerful and loving messenger of Divine love, wisdom, and guidance. Gabriel is the Archangel of communication, new beginnings, and strength. He will assist you in learning to tune into messages of Divine love for yourself, and in opening to allow Divine strength to flow throughout your life.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius, the Archer, is adventurous, optimistic, and truth-seeking. The Tribe of Benjamin reflects these qualities through its bravery and resourcefulness. Genesis 49:27 describes Benjamin as "a ravenous wolf," a symbol of strength and determination.
This connection celebrates the Sagittarian spirit of exploration and the courage to pursue one’s path with enthusiasm.
Soul Tribe: Benjamin- Means Son of the right hand
Apostle: James
Coat of Arms:
Benjamin: is hungry, hungry for the Divine sparks in all of existence. So, like a ‘ravenous wolf’ Benjamin recognizes that his mission is to passionately seek out the Divine energy embedded in matter, devour it, consume and elevate it.
Apostle James: James the Son of Zebedee was a fisherman by trade when Jesus Called him to a lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was beheaded at Jerusalem. The Roman officer who guarded James watched amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer Walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he declared his new faith to the judge and Knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian.
Archangel Uriel: One of the seven Archangels who stands at the throne of God and one of the four major Archangels that serve humanity. Uriel, whose name means ‘Light of God’, is the angel who brings humankind knowledge and understanding of the Divine. He is the most radiant of angels and has been depicted descending from heaven on a fiery chariot drawn by white horses.
Capricorn
Capricorn, represented by the Goat, is ambitious, disciplined, and practical. The Tribe of Zebulun, associated with commerce and trade, mirrors these traits. Genesis 49:13 says Zebulun "shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for a haven of ships."
This connection reflects Capricorn’s industrious nature and its ability to build lasting success.
Soul Tribe: Zebulun- Means to exalt or honor
Apostle: Matthew
Coat of Arms:
Zebulun: is the merchant, the businessperson personality. His role is to enter the marketplace and redeem the Divine sparks within the material world (the ‘secret treasure hidden in the sand’ (Deuteronomy 33:19)). Zebulun complements Issachar; they forge a partnership: Zebulun supports the scholar, he funds houses of scholarship, which earns him a right to partake in the reward of Issachar’s studies
Apostle Matthew: Suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, Killed by a sword wound.
Archangel Michael: Archangel Michael is known as the greatest and most revered of angels in many scriptures and spiritual traditions. In Muslim lore, he is the angel of nature who provides both food and knowledge to man. Archangel Michael is identified with the angel who wrestled with Jacob, destroyed the armies of Sennacherib and saved the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace in Jewish mystical tradition. Archangel Michael also appears in the Bible as the angel who appeared to Joshua as he prepared to lead the Israelites in battle at Jericho
Aquarius
Aquarius, the Water Bearer, symbolizes innovation, humanitarianism, and forward-thinking. The Tribe of Ephraim, meaning "fruitful," is known for its expansive influence. In Genesis 48:19, Jacob prophesies that Ephraim "shall become a multitude of nations."
Aquarius and Ephraim share a visionary spirit, inspiring growth and progress for the greater good.
Soul Tribe: Reuben- Means behold a son
Apostle: Jude
Coat of Arms:
Reuben: represents the powerful energy of everything that comes first. The first fruit, the first moments of the day, the beginning of every creation – has enormous amounts of energy. "Unstable like water,’ this power can go either way: If harnessed properly, the energy can change worlds; if abused it can destroy. Like water, it can be the source of life, but if left unchanneled, it erodes its environment and can flood its surroundings.
Apostle Jude: Was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.
Archangel Raphael: Archangel Raphael brings us the gift of healing and shows us how to heal ourselves through love and Joy. He allows us to find healing in nature and in universal energies. His name means “divine healer” or “God heals”. Any healing starts from him and, being a messenger of Divine Providence, it is him who guides those who seek unity. He gives essential and complete healing to any kind of evil. In other words, he is the return to the divine source.
Pisces
Pisces, represented by the Fish, embodies empathy, intuition, and spirituality. The Tribe of Manasseh, Ephraim’s brother, also reflects themes of blessing and spiritual connection. Manasseh’s name means "causing to forget," symbolizing healing and emotional release.
This pairing highlights the Piscean gift for compassion and the ability to transcend worldly struggles through faith.
Soul Tribe: Simeon- Means God has heard that I was unloved
Apostle: Judas
Coat of Arms:
Simeon: is aggressive – the antithesis of Reuben’s water. The fierce anger and cruel wrath that can result from unbridled anger must be eliminated unless it turns into weapons of violence that consume the person and all those he comes in contact with.
Apostle Judas: Judas betrayed Jesus to the Sanhedrin in the Garden of Gethsemane by kissing him and addressing him as "rabbi" to reveal his identity in the darkness to the crowd who had come to arrest him. His name is often used synonymously with betrayal or treason.
After learning that Jesus was to be crucified, Judas was overcome by remorse and attempted to return the 30 pieces of silver to the priests, but they would not accept them because they were blood money, so he threw them on the ground and left. Afterwards, he committed suicide by hanging himself
Archangel Gabriel: is a powerful and loving messenger of Divine love, wisdom, and guidance. Gabriel is the Archangel of communication, new beginnings, and strength. He will assist you in learning to tune into messages of Divine love for yourself, and in opening to allow Divine strength to flow throughout your life.
What This Connection Teaches Us
The parallels between the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve zodiac signs reveal a universal truth: we are all uniquely gifted and connected. These systems remind us of the importance of embracing our strengths, learning from our challenges, and seeking harmony within ourselves and the world.
Final Thoughts
Whether you resonate more with the tribes, the zodiac signs, or both, this exploration offers a heartwarming reminder of our shared humanity. By honoring the qualities that make each of us unique, we contribute to a greater spiritual tapestry that connects us all.
May this journey inspire you to embrace your spiritual path with open-hearted curiosity and courage.
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