Rosh Chodesh Tammuz
Month of Emotions
Rosh Chodesh Tammuz - Cancer
The month of Tammuz is connected to the astrological sign of Cancer. Kabbalists explain that Tammuz or Cancer is the fourth month in the Hebrew calendar and is one of three months, along with Av (Leo) and Tevet (Capricorn), where the energy of judgement is more direct. Tammuz is often referred to as the month of emotions, a time when our emotional energy can become amplified and, at times, unbalanced.
Specifically, Tammuz is a triple water sign - part of a group of three water signs, itself a water sign and the first water sign of the group (right column energy) - resulting in intensified emotional tendency during the month and for those born under the sign. The sign is controlled by the Moon, the only Hebrew month under the influence of this celestial body. The Moon's continual cycle of growth and decline reflects the fluctuating nature of this month. Those born under Cancer often experience emotional highs and lows that Kabbalists associate with the Moon's influence. We can also see that the crab, the animal associated with the sign of Cancer, walks sideways, unbalanced, and that cancer cells produce in an unbalanced way.
Kabbalists teach that this heightened emotional energy can be transformed through acts of sharing and by consciously seeking the good in others. When we shift our focus from ourselves to the needs of those around us, balance naturally returns. All of us can use this understanding to try and go outside of our selves to share more and help others during Tammuz, creating balance to an ego-driven focus on our own emotions.
Letters of the Month - Chet & Tav
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 Tammuz are Tav and Chet. Tav created the Moon and rules over the month of Tammuz. The moon represents Malchut, the physical world of manifestation, where we find end, limitations and doubt. Interestingly, the letter Tav is the final letter of the Hebrew alphabet - also indicative of the end and limitations.
The letter Chet created the constellation of Cancer and is formed by two other letters - Vav and Zayin. These letters created the constellations of Gemini and Taurus, the two prior months. The word Tammuz literally means the "completion of Vav and Zayin", additional connection to the prior months' energy of healing and balance. By meditating on the Chet, we can connect to the positive energy from Taurus and Gemini and overcome judgment and imbalance found in Tammuz.
Each month also has a specific "sense" to which it is connected. Tammuz is connected to the sense of sight. By learning to see beyond apparent limitations and external circumstances, we can connect to deeper spiritual possibilities and a higher reality.
Days of Connection in Tammuz
As discussed, the letter Chet created the astrological sign of Tammuz. Chet is pronounced "Het" - which means sin in Hebrew and connects us this month to one of the greatest sins in human history - the sin of the golden calf. The 17th of Tammuz is 40 days after Moses ascended Mt. Sinai on Shavuot to receive the 10 Commandments. Commentators suggest that on the afternoon of the 16th the Israelites grew impatient with his return and built an idol and began to behave immorally.
On the 17th of Tammuz, Moses came down the mountain, saw the idol created by the Israelites and smashed the tablets in anger - postponing the universal energy of immortality and endless fulfillment. This date is also associated with the day on which the Babylonians breached the walls of Jerusalem and commences the three week period of semi-mourning known as "The Three Weeks".
The Three Weeks commences on the 17th of Tammuz and culminates on the 9th of Av, a date associated with the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples and several other catastrophes that have befallen the Jewish people throughout history. Other powerful days of connection during Tammuz are the 3rd of Tammuz (Gimmel Tammuz) and the 29th of Tammuz, the Hilulas (death anniversaries) for the Chabad Rebbe and Rashi - two Holy souls. The Rebbe is considered by many to be the greatest Jewish leader of the 20th Century and Rashi is considered the preeminent Torah commentator. On the death anniversary of a Tzaddik we are able to connect to their energy through proper meditation and prayer.
During Tammuz, use the power of sight to look beyond limitations and the power of sharing to move beyond self-concern. In doing so, we transform judgment into compassion, imbalance into harmony, and reconnect with our highest self.
Practical Tools for the Month
1. Pause Before Reacting
Tammuz is a month of heightened emotions. Before responding to a difficult situation, pause and ask yourself: "Am I reacting from emotion or responding from consciousness?" Creating even a few moments of space can prevent emotional imbalance from controlling your actions.
2. Find the Good in Someone
Each day, identify one positive quality in another person - especially someone you find challenging. Kabbalah teaches that focusing on the good in others sweetens judgment and shifts us from criticism to compassion.
3. Look Beyond the Limitation
Because Tammuz is connected to the sense of sight, practice seeing beyond appearances. When faced with an obstacle, ask: "What opportunity, lesson, or blessing might be hidden here?" Often the limitation we see is not the full reality.
Have a great month and a powerful Rosh Chodesh Tammuz!
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