Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan
Month of THE FLOOD
Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan - Scorpio
The month of Cheshvan is the eight month of the Hebrew calendar, counting from Nisan and is symbolized by the astrological sign of Scorpio. Following the holiday-packed month of Tishrei, Cheshvan is often considered a dark month, lacking holidays and meaningful cosmic openings. Kabbalists share, however, that the greatest potential for light comes from darkness and Cheshvan is a great example.
The name Marcheshvan comes from a Babylonian term meaning "eighth month". The prefix "Mar", which means bitter in
Hebrew, was interpreted to allude to the lack of holidays during the month and to several bitter events associated with Cheshvan, most notably the great flood of Noach. The month is also commonly called Cheshvan.
The Kabbalists reveal, however, that Mar also means “drop of water.” What was once seen as bitter can therefore be transformed into sweet — the drop of Divine mercy that purifies and renews. The same water that brought destruction also represented cleansing; it was the mikveh of the world. During Cheshvan, this element of water becomes a vessel for manifestation, channeling the Light revealed during the High Holidays into tangible blessings. The new moon of Cheshvan thus acts as a seed of protection, like the amniotic waters surrounding new life. Our spiritual work this month is to transform the “Mar” — bitterness — into the sweet waters of healing, cleansing, and renewal.
In the Kabbalistic tradition associated with the Sefer Yetzirah, Cheshvan corresponds to Scorpio, or Akrav in Hebrew. Akrav is spelled Ayin, Kof, Resh, Bet. The outer letters, Ayin and Bet, have a combined numerical value of 72 - connecting us to the energy and protection of the 72 names of G-d. The inner letters, Kof and Resh, form Kar, meaning "cold". In this interpretation, the 72 names surround and drive away spiritual coldness, just as the floodwaters symbolize the cleansing of negativity and corruption during the time of Noach.
Letters of the Month - Dalet & Nun
According to the Sepher Yetzirah, the Hebrew letters are spiritual forces through which the universe was created. Different Hebrew letters govern the constellation and planet of each month. By connecting to these letters through meditation, we can draw upon specific energy to empower and enlighten us.
The letters for the month of Cheshvan are Dalet and Nun. Dalet created the Planet Mars and comes from the Hebrew word Dalut - poverty. When a person experiences lack, they may develop a powerful desire to achieve, transform and grow - qualities characteristic of those born under the sign of Scorpio.
The letter Nun created the constellation of Scorpio and connects to Nefilah - "falling". Yet every falls holds the seed of elevation. Together, Dalet and Nun form Din, which means "judgment". When Din is infused with mercy - the energy of water and cleansing Light revealed through the flood of Noah - it can become an opportunity for protection and healing.
Days of Connection in Cheshvan
The month of Cheshvan has no major holidays or public fast days observed throughout the Jewish community. In many writings, it is called Mar Cheshvan, the bitter Cheshvan - connecting it to the disasters associated with the month including the great flood and the splitting of Solomon's kingdom.
The key is to take the energy received during the holidays of Tishrei and bring it into our lives. This helps us maintain our certainty and working toward our intentions, despite the "bitterness" and perceived lack of Light during the month of Cheshvan.
Practical Tools for the Month
1. Turn inspiration into a daily practice. Choose one intention from the High Holidays and give it a place in your everyday routine. Set aside a few minutes for prayer, reflection, study, or an act of sharing.
2. Infuse judgment with mercy. When you notice yourself judging someone - or yourself - pause before reacting. Ask: “What might I be missing, and how can I respond with greater compassion?”
3. Transform bitterness into growth. Once a week, write down something that has felt difficult or disappointing. Acknowledge the feeling, then identify one constructive step you can take: repair a misunderstanding, ask for support, or change a habit.
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