Rosh Chodesh Tevet

Rosh Chodesh is the first day of the month in the Hebrew calendar and is marked by the appearance of the new moon. The full moon is always fifteen days later on the 15th of the Hebrew month, often marking the start of Jewish holidays. In 30-day lunar months, we celebrate Rosh Chodesh for two days, on the last day of the prior month and on the first day of the new month.

On Rosh Chodesh we have the opportunity to connect to the seed level energy of the month and inject greater control over our spiritual and physical well being. Each month has a unique energy influenced by a different planet and astrological constellation with two corresponding Hebrew letters as written about by Abraham the Patriarch in the "Sefer Yetzirah" or Book of Formation, one of the first books of Kabbalah.

Rosh Chodesh Tevet - Capricorn

The month of Tevet, from the word "tov" meaning good, is connected to the astrological sign of Capricorn. Tevet or Capricorn is the tenth month in the Hebrew calendar, whereby 10 is a Holy number, further supporting it as a good month. However, Tevet is also one of three months, along with Tammuz (Cancer) and Av (Leo), where the energy of judgement is more direct and is considered a negative month. Each astrological sign is connected to one of the 12 Tribes and Capricorn is connected to the tribe of Dan. Dan is spelled Dalet Nun (din), which means judgement.  The sages also say that Moses was hidden during the three negative months. The Kabbalists suggest that the contradiction between Tevet being good and negative is resolved by it being a positive month, so long as proper restriction is employed.  Tevet is a month where the Shechinah (female aspect of G-d) is not present and does not provide a protective shield for the direct light that is revealed. As the 10th month of the year, Tevet is connected to the sephira of Malchut which gets all of its light directly from the higher nine sephira and has no light of its own. In order to filter the intense light, it is necessary to practice restriction during the month, otherwise the overwhelming energy could be transformed into anger and stress.  The sign of Capricorn is an earth sign and those born under the sign are typically attached to the physical realm. It is considered the most "material" sign and a Capricorn's correction and ability to obtain their true power is by overcoming the desire for physical pleasures and connecting more to spirituality. If a Capricorn is able to learn the secrets of spirituality and transform their intense focus, attention and business acumen, they will be unstoppable forces of good.  The key is to see things as separated with both a spiritual and physical influence during the month.  All of us can use this understanding to try and see G-d's hand behind everything during Tevet, supporting our desire to restrict and the process to control an abundance of unfiltered Light available during the month.

Letters of the Month - Ayin & Bet

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 Tevet are Ayin and Bet. Ayin created the constellation of Capricorn and Bet created the planet of Saturn which both rule over the month of Tevet. Ayin Bet have the numerical value of 72 and connect us to the 72 Names of G-d ( http://thehealinggift.com/chart .) We can use the 72 three-letter combinations to take greater control of the physical world and help to overcome the Capricorn's connection to material and physical aspects of our lives. Also, Ayin means eye or to see, and we can use this letter in our meditations during the month to "see" the spiritual nature of reality and how G-d is in everything. Bet, is the first letter in the Torah and is connected to the word "bracha" or blessing. We can use the Bet to share and send blessings to others, the key to a happy and fulfilled life.

Days of Connection in Tevet

Rosh Chodesh Tevet falls on the 6th and 7th days of Chanukah and the month continues with Zot Chanukah, the last day of the holiday. The sages explain that the 8th day of the holiday is the complete manifestation of all of the light revealed during Chanukah and we can accordingly connect to the energy of miracles.  The 10th of Tevet is another connection in Tevet and is a fast day, commemorating the attack of Jerusalem in 586 BC by the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar.

Have a great month and powerful Rosh Chodesh Tevet! Use the power of the 72 Names and specifically the power of sight and blessings from the Ayin Bet to share with others, to see G-d's hand in everything and to connect to your higher self.