Iyyar - Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Sign: Bull - Taurus Senses Mode: Fixed Earth, Feminine Planet: Venus Energetics: Warm/Damp
Understanding Iyyar
Iyyar means 'breaking through of the light.' Here we are in the peak of Spring, plants unfurled and budding, reaching for the light. There is abundance and earthly prosperity.
We take root and ground our initiation and spark from Aries, fixing it into the earth to grow and generate, ensuring fertility and survival. Taurus is a fortress of protection on Earth.
Iyyar is the most auspicious time for collecting the most potent plants for medicinal purposes. The Iyyar moon draws the forces of healing to the surface, bringing forth their potency.
Body Correspondences
Taurus rules our neck and throat, thyroid and ears, vocal chords and tonsils. The metabolic system, medulla oblongata, and hearing. Salivary glands, taste buds, and teeth of the lower jaw.
Cell Salt: Nat Sulph
Herbal Actions
The energetics of Taurus are moist and feminine, expressed in the second house which shows what we hold dear or value. It is a time to cultivate stability and flexibility alike.
The tissue state associated with Taurus is damp stagnation - the accumulation of water in tissues. It needs help flowing and draining, so bitter and astringent plants help here.
Herbs for Taurus
Taurus herbs, being ruled by Venus, often have beautiful flowers and pleasant smells.
Roses (Rosa spp.) - Cooling and soothing, opening us to our hearts and sensuality in a grounded present way. They bloom during this season and carry the essence of Venus.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum) - Excellent for sore throats and fevers, mucous conditions of lungs, gas, ulcers, and diabetes. Also brings on milk supply in breastfeeding women.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) - Helpful for mucous membranes including hoarseness and sore throat. Combines well with other herbs and brings out their medicinal value, harmonizing and activating plant combinations. Works on the adrenal axis as an anti-inflammatory.
Calamus Root (Acorus calamus) - Chewed similarly to coca leaves for long distance walks to aid stamina. Relaxes muscles, helps digestion, is diaphoretic, and eases anxiety. Balances energy to function as a whole.
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) - A blood tonic and astringent with an affinity for the thyroid gland as it contains Iodine. Astringency is useful for the relaxed tissue states Taurus can be prone to.
Cleavers (Galium aparine) - Grows abundantly this time of year. A wonderful lymphatic to cleanse our waterways and support our kidneys.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) - A wonderful aromatic herb with an affinity for the throat, excellent in gargles or tea.
Spiritual Themes
During Iyyar and its opposite month Cheshvan, there are no Torah-based holy days - we are guided to our inner work, as expressed in the counting of the Omer that seeks to count our way to the 50th gate of soul refinement.
As Rav Dov Pinson says: "The Tikkun (healing) of this month involves balancing and integrating the intense, almost intoxicating inspiration we received in Nissan and during Pesach. Iyyar is the bridge month connecting the liberation of Nissan and the revelation of Sivan."
The Hebrew letter for Iyyar is Vav - which means Hook, as it bridges past, present and future and maintains firm ground in the present. This requires great faith: to let go of the pain or romanticization of the past, and the anxiety or anticipation of the future, and trust that Now is the only place you need to be.