Rosh Chodesh Ritual Information:
Rosh Chodesh is the first day of the Jewish month. It’s the day or two after the new moon, when we see the first sliver of the growing moon in the sky. In ancient times this was one of the most important holidays. Celebrated with festivals, this marker in time was essential for determining the timing of other holidays. Time, set by the moon was what bound people together. There is also understanding that this is a time people would enter the red tent, (I choose to include trans women, women and gender queers as part of my collective memory of the red tent. It may or may not be historically accurate but it is a history I choose to re-remember.) to participate in the shedding of a layer of themselves. Metaphorical or literal blood would be shed and given back to the earth in thanks. Stories, secrets, prayers, kvetching would be shared and transmutated.
Another story of Rosh Chodesh is the blowing of the shofar (rams horn) and the building of a fire on a mountaintop upon the sighting of the first sliver of the moon after the dark moon. This would signal neighboring villages to build fires on their mountains. These fires would light the world to bind people in the counting of time. How beautiful that the sight of a sliver of the moon, the first smile, would bring about a collective counting of time. This collective understanding, using the element of fire, the breath of our body with an animal horn and the movement of blood in bodies would be a celebration. A celebration of the wonder of life and connection.
Practices:
- Celebrate! Gather with friends or take some quality time with the babe that you are.
Look at the moon, smile back at her! Welcome her turning into your heart, thank her for her steady presence.
Do something new, read something new, acknowledge the newness of the month by acknowledging there is always something new in your life.
Reflect on the past moon cycle. What are things you would like to let go of? Pick a Moon Angel / Malakh Halevanah card to elucidate what needs release. Sit with that. Take a moment to reflect on what you would like to bring in and focus on in the coming moon cycle, as the moon becomes bigger. Journal and recount the month before:
What were the highs?
The lows?
Where did you shine most brightly?
Where were places you missed the mark, where you could have been more loving to yourself and those you love?
What do you want to get started on? Pick a card for that intention.