CONNECTiNG THE DOTS

The Jewish calendar’s association of each month with a zodiac sign and a tribe of Israel is deeply rooted in Jewish mysticism, tradition, and symbolism. This system reflects the interconnectedness of time, spirituality, and the cultural heritage of the Jewish people.

Kabbalah

According to the Kabbalah, each month is linked to one of the twelve zodiac signs, which have divine influence. Each zodiac sign symbolizes specific qualities and energies that are particularly potent during its corresponding month.

Tribes of Israel

Each of the twelve months is also associated with one of the twelve tribes of Israel, corresponding to the twelve sons of Jacob. These tribes represent different aspects of the Jewish collective soul and the divine attributes (Sefirot). Each tribe has unique characteristics and a particular spiritual mission, which aligns with the energy of the corresponding month.

This system blends astronomy, theology, and Jewish tradition to offer spiritual guidance and cultural continuity. It provides meaning and direction, reflecting the holistic nature of Jewish spirituality and its cosmic perspective.

SEFER YETZiRAH

The Sefer Yetzirah, or “Book of Creation” is one of the earliest works of Jewish mysticism, particularly within the Kabbalistic tradition.

Ten Sefirot

The Sefer Yetzirah introduces the concept of the Ten Sefirot, which are fundamental to Kabbalistic cosmology. These Sefirot are seen as ten attributes or emanations through which G-d interacts with the world. They are often described as both numbers and divine attributes.

Twenty-Two Hebrew Letters

The Sefer Yetzirah explains the importance of the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, which it divides into three categories: three “mother” letters (Aleph, Mem, Shin), seven “double” letters (Bet, Gimel, Dalet, Kaf, Peh, Resh, Tav), and twelve “simple” letters. These letters are seen as the building blocks of creation, used by G-d to form the universe.

According to the “Sepher Yetzirah“, the Hebrew letters are spiritual frequencies that G-d used to create 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.

WHAT iS A RULiNG PLANET

In Jewish astronomy and Kabbalah, the ruling planets are significant influencers of the spiritual and physical characteristics of time periods and individuals.

These planets are not just astronomical bodies but also spiritual entities that convey divine energy. Their influence can shape the spiritual atmosphere of a month and the innate characteristics of individuals. The interplay between these planetary influences and other Kabbalistic concepts, such as the Sefirot, contributes to a holistic understanding of personality and destiny within the framework of Jewish mysticism.

THE 12 GEMSTONES OF THE EPHOD (BREASTPLATE)

In Jewish tradition, there are specific associations between gemstones and each of the twelve Hebrew months.

In the Torah (Exodus 28:15-21), there is a description of the Breastplate (Choshen) worn by the High Priest (Kohen Gadol), which contained twelve gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones are mentioned as part of the priestly garments and represent the different aspects of the tribes and their virtues.

THE MONTH OF IYAR

The month of Iyar is connected to the astronomic sign of Taurus. Kabbalists explain that Iyar (Aleph, Yud, Yud Resh) is an acronym for Ani Hashem Rofecha – I am G-d your healer. Through this connection to healing, we can hopefully realize that healing is within each of us. We have the ability, through meditating on the Letters of the Month and by maintaining absolute certainty in the Light, to connect to the unadulterated self – free of disease and any physical issues that we face. Taurus is ruled by the Planet Venus. The Hebrew word for Venus is “nogah” which means light and the month is also called the “Month of Light”. It is interesting to note that Venus, unlike all the other planets in the solar system, rotates clockwise, from left to right – or from the side of judgement to mercy. We can learn from this that during the month of Iyar Taurians have the opportunity fuse the energy of light and judgement – converting the desire to receive for the self alone into the desire to receive in order to share.

Taureans are typically very comfortable people, content with their relationships, possessions, finances and general well being. They are considered to be optimists and rarely, if ever, see bad intentions in others. They are content within the Light they receive. In order to break out of their comfort zones, the energy of judgement from Venus forces the Taurus to make decisions and judgments for the best outcome within situations they are presented, as opposed to being complacent within the Light. 

SiGNiFiCANT EVENTS OF THE MONTH

The entire month of Taurus falls during the period of Sefirat Haomer (the Counting of the Omer). During this time we count 49 days between Pesach and Shavuot, and each day gives us an opportunity to correct negative things we did in our past. These 49 days are seven times seven different levels of negativity, all leading up to the revelation on Mount Sinai and Immortality, accessed on Shavuot. It is a time in which we can earn the Light that we received on Pesach and prepare ourselves for freedom from all forms of endings – in relationships, business, health, and all aspects of life.

The Hebrew name for the month is Iyar, which stands for “Ani Hashem Rofecha” – “I am G-d, your Healer.” This offers us all the ability to awaken healing processes during this month.

A MONTH OF HEALiNG

Iyar is the month of healing. This is where healing comes in. G_d says, “All the sicknesses . . . I will not place upon you, for I am the L‑rd who heals you.” In other words, G‑d is giving us preventative medicine—the ability to fight apathy and to experience our divine service with passion and excitement.