Rosh Chodesh Adar

Month of Joy

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 Adar - Pisces

The month of Adar is the twelfth and final month in the Hebrew calendar and is connected to the astrological sign of Pisces. Those born under the sign have the benefit of “seeing” all of the prior signs and for that reason are considered the most spiritually elevated people.  Great spirits with little correction often reincarnate into a Pisces.  Pisces have the unique insight to understand that Light is revealed by sharing, but by correctly recognizing that everything will work out for the best, they sometimes limit their desire. It is critical for Pisces to act, not just sit and wait for the result.  The Pisces correction is to overcome their potential passive behavior and to take a leadership role in whatever they do. Moses was a Pisces and, similar to his example, a Pisces can use their spirituality, modesty and sensitivity to help others. Adar contains the energy of miracles because it includes the holiday of Purim, an cosmic holiday that transforms darkness to Light. When Moshiach consciousness comes, the only holiday that will be celebrated will be Purim. Pisces is a water sign represented by two fish positioned in opposite directions. The two fish hint to the fact that Pisces can come and go between both the physical and spiritual realms and, like water, the sign is connected to mercy. Also, because fish do not have eyelids, their eyes are always open and are a symbol used to protect against evil eye. Fish are also a sign of Christianity, reflecting love, kindness and charity. Lastly, Adar in Hebrew means spinal cord and the same way in which the spinal cord holds together the entire body, the Pisces holds together and stabilizes the months and zodiac signs.

Letters of the Month - Kaf & Gimmel

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 Adar are Kaf and Gimel.  Kaf created the constellation of Pisces and serves to connect the upper (spiritual) and lower (physical) worlds.  Kaf is the only letter in the Hebrew alphabet that goes below the line, and enters the lower world.  By acting as a "double-agent", the Kaf can enter the realm of darkness, confront negativity head-on and Pisces can use the wisdom to control and negative aspects of their lives.  When the leg of the Kaf, that part that goes below the line and enters the lower realm, is removed, we are left with the letter Hei, which is representative of G-d's name, Hashem. The letter Gimel created the Planet Jupiter which controls the month and has the energy of sharing. When combining the two letters in meditation, we can focus converting the wisdom gleaned from the lower world into Light and sharing it with the world.

Days of Connection in Adar

The holiday of Purim falls on the 14th of Adar and is also celebrated on the 15th in certain communities.  This holiday has great mystical significance and is celebrated by the reading of the Megilla - the Book of Esther, along with and a big feast, dressing up, exchanging portions of feed and giving charity to the poor. Spiritually, the holiday reflects the ability to convert darkness into Light, regardless of our circumstances, and is associated with great joy.  The story describes how a seemingly irreversible edict to destroy the Jews, put in place by King Asheverous' evil henchman Haman, is reversed and Haman and his 10 son's are hung on the same gallows built for Mordechai the Jew.  The story is beautifully told and despite the clear hand of G-d working behind the scenes to save the Jews from destruction, G-d's name is never expressly mentioned throughout the reading. This alludes to the fact that what is hidden is often more powerful than what is revealed.  The story of Purim has very interesting connections to Nazi Germany and I've included a link to a video that details the connection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzaJZ0bGe0s&t=172s.  Adar has several other days of connection including the 3rd of Adar when Moses was born, the 13th of Adar - the day that Esther fasted ahead of the Purim celebration and the 15th of Adar, known as Shushan Purim.  Adar also has two special Shabbat connections within the month - Shabbat Shekhalim and Shabbat Zachor. Shekalim is either on the Shabbat before or on Adar 1 and is the Shabbat of Shekels where every adult male Jew was asked to contribute half a Biblical Shekel for the upkeep of the Tabernacle. Shabbat Zachor is the Shabbat immediately preceding Purim and the attack by Amalek is recounted. There is a tradition from the Talmud that Haman was descended from Amalek. The portion that is read includes a commandment to remember the attack by Amalek, and men, women and children are encouraged to make a special effort to hear the reading. These special Sabbaths further add to the joy or of the month. 

Have a great month and powerful Rosh Chodesh Adar! Remember, it's Adar, so be happy!