Rosh Chodesh Av
Light from Darkness
Rosh Chodesh Av - Leo
The month of Av is connected to the astrological sign of Leo and is the only month ruled by the Sun. Av means father and is symbolized by the lion, one of four holy entities along with the bull, eagle and mankind represented on the chariot in Ezekiel's mystical vision of G-d. Mystics explain that all energy from the upper world's come through these entities.
As Leo falls under the influence of the Sun the center of our solar system and the physical source of light for our world - it symbolizes confidence, vitality and leadership. Like the Sun, those influenced by Leo often possess tremendous creativity, generosity and courage. Yet these same gifts can become pride, ego and the desire for recognition when they are not balanced by humility and sharing. Kabbalists further explain that Av or Leo is the fifth month in the Hebrew calendar and is one of three "negative" months, along with Tammuz (Cancer) and Tevet (Capricorn), where the energy of judgement is more intense.
The negative energy of Av is evidenced in part by "The 9 Days", a window of time beginning on Rosh Chodesh Av and culminating on Tisha B'av - the 9th of Av. These 9 days fall within a larger Three-Week period of semi-mourning which commenced on the 17th of Tammuz. The 9th of Av, known as Tisha B'av, is considered to be the darkest day of the year for the Jewish people. The day is associated with several calamities throughout history including the sin of the spies, and the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples in Jerusalem. Rather than focusing only on tragedy, however, Kabbalah invites us to ask what these events are meant to teach us about our own lives today.
Yet the story of Av does not end in darkness. Immediately following Tisha B'Av, the energy of the month begins to transform, culminating in Tu B'Av on the fifteenth of the month - one of the happiest days of the Jewish calendar. This dramatic shift reminds us that darkness never has the final word.
On Tu B'Av, both the Sun and Moon are full, symbolizing the union of Zeir Anpin (the masculine aspect of Divine energy) and Malchut (the feminine aspect). In Kabbalah, this union represents spiritual wholeness and the restoration of harmony after a period of separation. Spiritually, Tu B'Av reminds us that healing, love and renewal often emerge only after we have moved through challenge and loss.
Further support for the duality of negative and positive aspects of the month can be found in the Hebrew word for Lion - Aryeh. Aryeh has a numerical value of 216 which has the same numerical value as Gevurah or judgement. 216 is also 3x the numerical value of Chesed, or mercy, which has the value of 72. In Kabbalah, the concept of gematria states that words with similar numerical values have an affinity and connection to each other. Leo reminds us that judgment and mercy are not opposites—they are two aspects of the same spiritual process. Our task is to transform judgment into compassion and Light.
Letters of the Month - Kaf & Tet
According to the "Sepher Yetzirah", the Hebrew letters are spiritual frequencies that created the universe. A different Hebrew letter controls or influences the constellation and planet of the month. By connecting to these letters through meditation we can draw down specific energy to empower and enlighten us. The letters for the month of Av are Kaf and Tet. Kaf created the Sun and rules over the month of Av. The Sun represents Zeir Anpin, the masculine aspect of the universe and a link to the infinite light.
The letter Tet created the constellation of Leo and is shaped like a womb. It represents the nine months of pregnancy condensed into the 9-day period from Rosh Chodesh Av through the Tisha B'av. It is said that Moshiach, a human leader and positive spiritual energy that will rule humanity with kindness and justice during the Messianic period, will be born on the 9th of Av. Like a child growing unseen within the womb, redemption often begins long before we can recognize it. Kabbalah teaches that even our darkest moments may already contain the seeds of new life and greater Light.
Days of Connection in Av
The practical spiritual work of Av is learning to transform judgment into compassion, fear into certainty, and separation into love. By choosing to share, maintaining certainty during difficult times, and genuinely feeling the pain of others, we transform the energy of judgment into compassion, blessing and Light. There are two distinct aspects of the Creator that can be characterized in several ways: (1) male and female; (2) Zeir Anpin and Malchut; (3) the Holy One and the Shekhinah; and (4) and the Sun and Moon. By joining the two energies on the 15th of the month, we connect to the full Sun and full Moon and move from the pain and negativity of the first 9 days and Tisha B'av to a day of happiness and love on the 15th of Av, Tu B'av.
This month, when you encounter disappointment, conflict or uncertainty, pause before reacting. Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" ask, "What Light is hidden here?" By choosing kindness over ego, certainty over fear, and sharing over selfishness, we participate in the sacred work of transforming darkness into Light - the enduring message of the month of Av.
Practical Tools for the Month
Look for the hidden Light.
When faced with a challenge this month, ask yourself: What opportunity for growth is hidden here?
Choose sharing over ego.
Perform one act of kindness or generosity each day without expecting recognition in return.
Reveal Light in one relationship.
Repair a misunderstanding, forgive someone, or simply express gratitude. Small acts of connection help transform judgment into mercy.
Resources & Credits
The Monthly Wisdom emails and the ideas presented herein are compiled from the following sources:
Kabbalisitc Astrology and the Meaning of our Lives - Kabbalist Rav Berg
Kabbalah Decoder - Janet Berensen-Perkins
Sefer Yetzirah
LiveKabbalah.org
The Books of customs: A Complate Handbook of the Jewish Year - Scott Martin Kosoksky Inspired by the Yiddish Minhoginbukh, Venice 1593
The First Jewish Catalog - Compiled and Edited by Richard Siegel, Michael Strassfeld and Sharon Strassfeld
The Zohar
Wikipedia