The month of Av is upon us. This month's symbol is the lion, representing strength, leadership, and nobility. What makes a good leader? The names for the Sun in Hebrew give us some insight. Shemesh is the most common term, and comes from the word "shamash" which means "servant". Hamah is another name for the Sun, and it means "hot". In the same way, there are two kinds of leaders; those who use their power to serve their community and those that use their power to serve themselves. As those hot-head-Hamah leaders use their power to control and dominate others, the community burns.
What is the difference between the two? Humility; freedom from pride and arrogance, which includes the ability to listen and hear someone else's perspective. And that is what Hod, the sefirah of this month is all about. A sefirah is a vessel or channel of supernal energy, representing powers of the Soul. These include, but are not limited to, insight, understanding, knowledge, compassion, fortitude, and kindness. In the kabbalistic view, human beings are the connectors between the higher dimensions (our physical world being only a small percentage of existence), and this Earthly realm. With our thoughts, words, and deeds we bring more consciousness, beauty, and harmony into the world, or we block it.
To live with other humans in a healthy way requires the ability to listen and hear another's perspective. On the soul level, we are each an integral part of the unfoldment of Creation, filling a unique and vital role. On the human level, we are each a part of an intricate tapestry of social and environmental connections, from the bacteria living in our guts, to the circles of friendship that sustain us. This is the power of the soul that Hod provides, to balance our power with responsibility.
As we make our way through the world, it is also our responsibility to discern who is a healthy leader to follow, and if there are none, to be one. And as we weave the essential community that is required for human life to thrive, we must learn to open our Hearts to others, be vulnerable, and listen. While we assess the character of those around us, we must discern where and when and with whom to be vulnerable. This ability to sense when we need to close off and protect ourselves from someone or something, or relax and open up, is a function of the Pericardium in Chinese Medicine, another organ associated with the Element of Fire and the Summer season.
The physical Pericardium is a double-walled structure that envelops and protects the Heart. It literally holds our Heart in place, as its surface connects to the sternum, diaphragm, and vertebral column. It protects the essential core of our physical bodies, and the residence of our Shen, the spiritual element of our psyche. While one side of this double walled structure anchors the Heart onto the skeletal system, the other is a softer, serous membrane that wraps around the Heart, cushioning and lubricating it. In this sense, it protects and connects, just like a healthy boundary in a relationship.
As we find ourselves in the peak of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere, we may need some help with balancing our own internal energy. One way we can do this is with acupressure to the Lao Gong point. This is a powerful point in the palm of your hand, and is considered a minor chakra. It can be found where the tip of the ring finger lands, in the palm, when we make a fist. Massage each point until you feel a shift in your energy, or any other welcome change, from a calm mind to a fuller breath. I like to use the thumb of the opposite hand to massage Lao Gong, as in the picture below. Apply a moderate pressure with the tip of your thumb, and move it in tiny circles while you focus on taking a few deep, full breaths.
~ Thank you https://www.liliankluivers.nl/en/blog-1/summer-acupressure-part-1-pericardium-8 for the image ~
I challenge you to massage this point on each hand, for at least one minute a day for the next week. Send me an email and let me know how it goes!
As we reach the final peak of Summer, we have a Full moon in Av/Leo. This is the 15th day of the month of Av, aka Tu B'Av, a Hebrew holiday celebrated as a day of Love. There are many reasons for this, but the one I love the most is as a celebration of universal harmony and love, as symbolized by the peak of the Summer Sun (yang) and the Full Moon (yin). Have you ever watched the full Moon rise as the Summer Sun sets? It is a beauty beyond compare.
If you like what you're reading, I'd love to hear about it. Leave a comment or send me a message at aliza@threefishpond.com.
With love and hope,
Aliza
Element: Fire
Organs: Heart/Small Intestine/Pericardium
Emotions: Joy (balanced)/Mania (unbalanced)
Acupressure: Pericardium 8
Mazal/Sign: Av/Leo (Fixed Fire)
Hebrew Holidays: Tisha B'Av and Tu B'Av
Important Dates
New Moon of Av/Leo: July 28
Tisha B'Av: August 6 - 7
Full Moon of Av/Leo: August 11
Tu B'Av: August 11 - 12
New Moon of Elul/Virgo: August 27
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