Full Blue Moon and Tu B'Shevat

This morning was the full moon, called the Blue Moon because it was the second full moon in January. Actually, the original definition of a blue moon is a fourth full moon in one season; I'm going with the newer definition- the second full moon in a month- because I don't have any better name for this moon. Both are correct, because it's folklore, and folklore is fluid.

Tonight is also Tu B’Shevat (too b’sch VAHT), the Jewish New Year for Trees. It begins at sunset on the evening of the full moon of late January or early February. This is the season in Israel when the earliest-blooming trees begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. In contemporary Israel it’s celebrated with tree planting ceremonies and a focus on ecological awareness. Many also share a seder (ceremonial meal) of tree fruits.

Agenda: 
1. Altar
2. Journal queries
3. Practice receptivity
4. Tree of Life visualization
5. Plant a tree
6. Share a seder meal

1. Altar:
It's time to clear my altar and discern what to put on it for the next month. (For my general thoughts on altars see About Altars). I generally keep it simple and choose only things that speak to me and feed me, and reveal what I believe in.

Things I'm keeping-

• pine cones- for potential growth and enlightenment
• an empty bowl- to symbolize waiting with an open heart and mind 
• my straw doll- for luck and protection

Things I'm adding-

• a pink candle for openness, receptivity, and generosity
• a turtle, for long life and the patient earth

2. Journal queries: 
So how often is 'once in a blue moon'? By either definition a blue moon happens about every 2 or 3 years. By a much older definition, though, before the folklore of seasonal blue moons developed, saying 'once in a blue moon', was like saying 'when cows fly', meaning never! This is a good time to contemplate the seemingly impossible.

How can I have a loving and available attitude with difficult people?
What's my next giant step towards being an activist for peace and justice?

Review the intentions I set 2 weeks ago, at the new moon. 
Do these goals all still seem vital? 
What are my next steps?

3. Practice receptivity:

My theme this month is receptivity; like the earth accepting the seed, and willing to nurture it. Receptivity requires that I be open, gentle, and available, but not passive: I must give attention to what I receive, and do the work required to care for it.

My goals this month are to:

• Take the time to open myself to inspiration, and then do the work that inspiration gives me.
• Nurture my friendships and perform intentional acts of kindness.
• Learn more about racism and what I can do about it.
• Practice gratitude and compassion meditation.

4. Tree of Life visualization: 

I like Tu B'Shevat's focus on trees and ecology, but I also enjoy the deeper symbolism expressed by the Kabbalists: They have an image of God as an upside-down tree, whose roots are invisible to us, and whose trunk and branches reach downward toward us. Through this Tree of Life flows love, enlightenment, and persistent creation, causing the world and each of our lives to bloom. Today I will light my pink candle and settle into quiet meditation:

Detail from "Presence".

Picture the tree of life above us all, upside down, reaching towards us. From that tree streams a pink light of love, wisdom, health, and growth. 

Picture a funnel at the top of my head, and the pink light flows in and fills my heart with a warm, tingly glow. Allow a smile to settle on my face and in my heart. 

See the pink light move from my heart to every part of my body so that every cell is glowing and vibrating. 

Now see the pink light of love radiating to fill the whole room, then the whole city, and the whole planet earth. See that all people, plants, and animals feel warm and happy.

5. Plant a tree:

It’s a tradition to plant trees on Tu b’Shevat, or to donate money for the environment. 

I planted a lemon tree three years ago on Tu B'Shevat, and it needed replanting in a bigger pot, so today I did that and gave it a sprinkle of organic food, too. 

6. Share a Seder meal: 
Eating fruit on this night helps to keep Divine blessings flowing in the world. We will have a fruit seder tonight at sunset.

I usually buy any fruits I feel like, but I try to include some of the seven species of fruits and grains named in the Torah (Deuteronomy 8:8): Wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. 

We cut the fruit and arrange it on a big platter, and set the table nicely with candles and flowers. (Sometimes I also make some whipped cream, for fun.)

When everything is ready, I light the candles and we say this prayer:

Baruch atah Adonai eloheynu melech ha-olam borey p’ri ha-eyts.

Blessed are You, our God, Who creates the fruit of the tree.