Finding the ‘Virgo’ Within: A Time for Love’s Renewal
The Hebrew month of Elul, coinciding with the astrological sign of Virgo (Betulah, meaning “virgin”), offers profound teachings about love. While love, like oxygen, sustains us year-round, Elul opens channels for deeper connection, reminding us of love’s purity and potential for renewal.
Elul: A Call to Love’s Essence
Elul derives from a verse in Song of Songs: “*Ani l’dodi v’dodi li*” – “I am to my beloved, and my beloved is to me.” This beautiful verse encapsulates the essence of true love: a reciprocal dance of giving and receiving, a reflection of two souls recognizing and cherishing one another.
Beyond Need, a Transcendent Experience
Love, often mistaken for a need, transcends mere necessity. It’s a transformative experience, akin to standing before breathtaking beauty, becoming one with the experience. In true love, the self dissolves, replaced by a profound sense of unity.
This unity, however, doesn’t imply a loss of self. It’s about recognizing the inherent oneness of humanity, a spiritual connection exceeding individual desires.
The Power of Initiation: A Lesson in Bitul
The phrase “I am to my beloved” implies initiative, a selfless act of reaching out. It’s not about calculating what you receive, but offering yourself unconditionally. This concept of “Bitul” – selflessness – lies at the heart of true love.
Think of nurturing a flower. You don’t demand blooms; you water, care for it, and allow its natural beauty to emerge. Love operates similarly. It requires patience, respect for the process, and a willingness to give without demanding instant gratification.
Reclaiming Love in a Culture of Instant Gratification
We live in a world obsessed with instant results, yet genuine love defies such expectations. It cannot be manufactured or rushed, demanding vulnerability and surrender. We must resist the urge to treat love as a transaction and embrace the transformative journey it offers.
Rekindling the Flame: Small Steps to Profound Connection
Elul invites us to reconnect with the pure, innocent love we witnessed as children. While adult love carries complexities, we can still access that wellspring of pure connection.
Start small. Reach out to loved ones, offer a kind word, let go of pride and resentment. This month reminds us that even amidst past hurts, we can choose love, rekindling the flame within and radiating that warmth outwards.
This Elul, let us rediscover the “Virgo” within – that pure, unconditional love residing in our depths. Let us approach ourselves and others with renewed tenderness, fostering connections that nourish our souls and create a more loving world.
This article is based on Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s talk on the Meaningful Life YouTube channel. Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0eMN1eGH3E.
