Chodesh Iyar: “I am G-d your Healer” (אני י‑י רפאך)

"Taurus" detail from silver Torah shield, Kiev Ukraine late 19th/early 20th century

Read my horoscopes for Iyar in the Jerusalem Post

Chodesh Iyar (May 5 - June 3) is associated with the constellation of Taurus, the planet Venus (Noga), the gallbladder in the human body, the left nostril of the human head, the Hebrew letter vav, and the Tribe of Issachar. 

I Chronicles 12:33 describes “The sons of Issachar who have the wisdom to understand the times [i.e. astronomy and calendars], to know what Israel ought to do”.  Issachar’s flag had a sun and a moon drawn upon it, as he is associated with the “counting month” of Iyar, each day of which is contained within the Sefirot HaOmer period.

Issachar’s spiritual gift of discerning the times and the seasons activates the healing powers of this special month, hinted at by the Hebrew letters spelling Iyar (אייר), an acronym for “I am G-d your Healer” (אני י‑י רפאך).  

The Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Uranus in Taurus opposite the Full “Blue” Moon in Scorpio May 18 occurs on Pesach Sheni, the “Second Passover”, symbolic of second chances. This celestial configuration demonstrates that “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11) empowering us to both speak and hear healing words of patience, understanding, and forgiveness, one to another, at precisely the right time. Second chances are opportunities for healing and restoration. 

Iyar also brings Lag b’Omer, the 33^rd day of Sefirot HaOmer commemorating the cessation of the great plague caused by lack of respect between Rabbi Akiva’s students, killing many of them. The Moon’s occultation of both Saturn and Pluto on Lag b’Omer are mini-eclipses, symbolizing the darkness that disrespect between Jews creates in this world. 

Let us take Iyar up on her promise: “I am G-d your Healer” offers second chances, healing from the wounds of mutual disrespect, restoration and wholeness to all Claal Yisroel!