The Beginning of Months

of YHVH's Sacred Calendar

Exodus 12:2

by D. J. Love, Minister, TSN

written 4-2-2005
refined 4-18-2007

I have waited years before writing this message, and I am only writing it now,
because I believe that YHVH has revealed His Truth to me. Therefore, I feel
obligated to share this Revelation with you.

Believe me, I am fully aware of all the various methods for determining "The
Beginning of Months;" and I have participated in a number of the "Aviv
Barley" versus "The Equinox" discussions. Additionally, there is the added
factors of just exactly when does a "New Moon" begin; is it by calculation or
crescent, waxing crescent or waning crescent, and if by crescent then is it our
local crescent or the crescent in Jerusalem? And if that didn't complicate things
enough, then there is even more chaos and confusion as to whether or not a
"New Moon" is bright with light or dark? Now you and I know that YHVH is
not the author of confusion ( 1 Corinthians 14:33 ), and YHVH would not put
upon His "Chosen Few" anything that would prevent them from proper
observation of His Sabbaths (weekly or Annual). So then, just what is it that I
claim YHVH has revealed to me that could possibly make the pieces of the
puzzle fit together. Well first of all, let me categorically state that there is only
one verse in Scripture (Tanakh - Older Testament), and no verses in the
Apostolic writings (controversial New Testament translations) that positively
state(s) that YHVH has provided His "Chosen" with any other method than
astronomical observation (this does not mean astrology!). As a matter of fact this
was of such importance that YHVH established these as signs for days, weeks,
seasons, and years even before He created the first intelligent human beings
(Adam and Eve).

Genesis 1:14
And God said, Let there be lights (Sun, Moon, Stars, Comets) in the
firmament of the heaven to divide the day (Light) from the night
 (Dark); and let them be for signs (Prophetic), and for seasons
(Beginning of Months or Spring), and for days, and years:

Nowhere, in the establishment of "The Foundations of The Earth" does

YHVH state or even hint that a food crop (such as barley) would be a
determining factor. Actually barley (a Grass) was made a factor by man for the
sake of convenience, and was not done so in obedience (More about that later).

Genesis 1:9-13
9 And Elohim (YHVH) said, Let the waters under the heaven be
gathered together to one place, and let the dry land appear: and it
was so.
10 And Elohim (YHVH) called the dry land Earth; and the
gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and Elohim
(YHVH) saw that it was good.
11 And Elohim (YHVH) said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the
herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind,
whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after
his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after
his kind: and Elohim (YHVH) saw that it was good.
13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.

So, what method(s) has YHVH seen fit to teach His "Chosen," so that we, "The
Obedient," (in Spirit) can unravel the mysteries and remove the cloaks of chaos
placed on YHVH's Sabbaths? Actually the method is so simple that it makes me
sad that it took so long to discover; but I need to draw a parallel between the
phases of the Moon and the phases of a twenty-four hour day in order to reveal
it. Remember we must use the presence of Light and the absence of Light
(Darkness) of the sky (Sun, Moon, Stars) as our guide. But first let me state that
the reason YHVH uses "The Presence of Light" and "The Absence of Light"
(darkness) is so that His "Chosen" can clearly understand the importance of our
Spiritual Marriage Vows (Love and Obedience to His Commandments), and also,
to discern the "Logos" (Plan of Salvation) through His Sabbaths. Additionally,
each person that has ever been born must come to the knowledge of Good
(Light) and evil (darkness). We have no choice except to choose whether we
will learn from the mistakes of others and-or from our own mistakes.
 Note: "Logos" actually does mean "Plan," and
The Messiah is-was a very important aspect of
YHVH's "Plan of Salvation" for His "Chosen," but
Messiah is not the only important aspect of YHVH's
"Plan of Salvation."

Genesis 3:4-5
4 And the serpent said to the woman, you shall not surely die:
5 For YHVH does know that in the day you eat there, then your
eyes shall be opened, and you shall be likened to immortals,
knowing good (Light) and evil (Darkness).

Yes, to choose between Light and Darkness is of such prime importance, that
every living thing (plant and animal) ever established on Earth has had to adapt
to this environment. But the Light and Darkness in our lives has been such a
major part of our environment that we tend to ignore it, sort of blank it out. Too
bad, as YHVH uses "The Nature of Things" to teach Truth and to reveal
Himself to us.

Romans 1:20
20 For the invisible things of Him from the foundation (creation)
of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that
are made (Created), even His eternal power and Divinity; so
that they are without excuse:

Having said all of that, it is now time to draw the parallels between the phases
of the 24 hour day and the phases of the Moon.

Note: The phases of a 24 hour day and the phases

of the Moon, are both the resultant of the position of
the Sunlight on the Earth and the Moon, and are so
interrelated, as to be completely inseparable.
 The Parallel Phases

The 24 Hour Day The Moon

Sunset (The Evening) Last Quarter Moon

When darkness and light on the surface of

the moon are equal (or even), but the
The point when Sunlight and Darkness darkness is waxing (growing) and light is
start to be equal or even on the surface of waning (declining). When we see this
a specific area of the Earth, but the Sun is phase we know that we are approaching
no longer directly visible. This is when the the beginning of a new month.
Passover meal is served, but the next day
does not fully occur until dark.
Between Sunset and Twilight Waning Crescent Moon

Waning Sunlight Waning Sunlight

When Sunlight is disappearing from the When Sunlight is disappearing from the
surface of the Earth. surface of the Moon.

Twilight Thin Last Visible Crescent

 When the last faint rays of Sunlight can be
seen on the surface of the Moon and a thin
When the last faint rays of Sunlight fall "Sliver of Light" is present. All New
upon the surface of the Earth. A New Day Months are fully in force after the surface
is about to begin. All Sabbaths are fully in of the moon becomes fully dark.
force after Twilight.
Darkness Dark New Moon
No direct Sunlight visible No direct or reflected Sunlight visible

When Sunlight no longer falls upon a When Sunlight no longer falls upon the
specific surface of the Earth. The New visible surface of the Moon. The New
Day is fully in force. Month is fully in force.

So there you have it, the undeniable evidence of the YHVH created relationship
between the Sun, Earth and Moon. Does anybody believe that this relationship
is by mere coincidence? And Yes, the parallel relationship does continue for the
approximately 24 hour day and the approximately 29 days, 12 hours, 44
minutes, and 28 seconds month; only now the Light is growing (waxing) during
the other half of the cycle, and appears on the opposite side of both the Moon
and the Earth.

To the left is the approximate current phase of the Moon

in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. This is according to Eastern
Daylight Savings time, and is not based on a Jerusalem,
Israel Observation. However, in lieu of a Jerusalem
observation, local observations are still an acceptable
method. Note: the IDL (International Dateline) cannot
affect this observation.
New Moon
0% of Full Remember: It is not how we view the Sun, but it is how
Wed 22 Jul, 2009 lunar phases
we view the LIGHT of the Sun on the surface of the
Moon and the surface of the Earth that is important.
 The 24 Hour Day The Moon

Dawn Waxing Crescent Moon

Waxing Sunlight Waxing Sunlight

When darkness is beginning to wane or

When darkness is beginning to wane or disappear from the surface of the Moon,
disappear from the surface of a specific and Light is appearing or waxing on the
area of the Earth, and Light is appearing. surface of the Moon.

Sunrise Waxing Quarter Moon

Sunrise to Mid Morning First Quarter Moon

When darkness is almost gone from the When darkness is disappearing from the
surface of the Earth. surface of the Moon.

Noon or Midday Full Moon

When darkness has been removed

(vanquished) from off the face of the When darkness has been removed from
Earth. the face of the Moon.

Does anybody think that the symbolism between Light and darkness is merely
by chance? Does anybody think that this same "Light & Dark" relationship
between Weekly Sabbaths, The Beginning of Days, Annual Sabbaths, and The
Beginning of Months is merely coincidence? YHVH Forbid ! It was YHVH
alone that set the Sun, Moon, and Stars in the heavens, and No One Else; And
YHVH never does anything in a haphazard manner; Everything that can be
"Planned in Advance" or "Predestined to Exist" was established from "The
Foundations of The Earth" (including Messiah). Absolutely nothing was left to
chance.

Philippians 2:15
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of YHVH,
without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation,
among whom ye shine as lights in the world (of darkness);

Romans 13:12
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off
the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Ephesians 5:8
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now you are light in the
Lord: walk as children of light:

1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face (in
Light): now I know in part (shadows); but then shall I know even
as also I am known (in Light).

Do I actually need to continue? People, YHVH is sending us

messages through His Creation (The Things He has made), and we need to open
our Spiritual eyes and ears to receive them. There is no other way out of the
darkness, and for this reason YHVH based His Sacred Calendar and His Holy
Sabbaths on the symbolism of LIGHT and DARK. Additionally, YHVH wants
us all to realize that we are not presently in His "Coming Kingdom on
Earth," but from "The Beginning" We were immersed into a world of
darkness. Therefore the symbolism of DARK before LIGHT, Evening before
Morning (Genesis 1), the Seventh Day Sabbath is at the end of the week, the
6000 years of Satan's Rule is followed by "The Sabbath Millennium" and
Messiah's Rule, and dark moons are used to determine the "Beginning of
Months," which Culminate in Spiritual Light (on the 15th day of each month
of The Sacred Calendar) in the exact same way that darkness gives way to
Light in the phases of the Moon and in a 24 hour day. Is YHVH trying to send
US mixed messages (Chaos)? I THINK NOT !

Note: The number 15 is most significant, as it has

always Scripturally represented "Deliverance." Now
I ask you, how can anything other than a bright
"Full Moon" be symbolic of "Deliverance" from
evil or the darkness of sin? IT SIMPLY CANNOT !
See Deliverance.

However, I am sure HaSatan is responsible for mankind's chaos! Additionally,

there is not one instance in all of YHVH's symbolism where Light is to begin
before Dark! It is always darkness that must give way to "The Light."
Therefore, I can tell you (ALL) without any reservation that YHVH's Months
begin with the DARK MOON. There is simply no other correlation that can be
drawn that is perfectly in keeping with YHVH symbolism for the instruction of
His Children.
Having said all of that, this method is, also, the easiest and most observable
method that there is, and it is consistently observable by even the most
untrained eye. It is simply Spiritually accurate to watch the waning
(disappearing crescent) light of the coming DARK MOON until that crescent of
light is no longer observable, and then on that first night (with no crescent light
on the moon) declare (by Shofar or Trumpet) that the New Month has begun (in
darkness). No guessing or Math required ! . . . . . EVEN SO . . . . . I still
contend that YHVH's first priority is to His "Chosen," and for this reason He
uses the symbolism of LIGHT and DARK to teach us Truth and Prophecy.
However, I do not believe, that even if it were overcast for days and we could
not easily observe the beginning of the DARK MOON (no crescent), that
YHVH would be a legalist any more than He expects His "Chosen" to be
legalists. The "Intent of YHVH's Heart" is to teach His "Chosen," and the
"Intent of Our Hearts" should be to learn from our Eternal Father according to
the method that he has chosen for us (Romans 1:20), which is physical to
Spiritual symbolism (Parables, Prophecy, Anthropomorphisms, etc.), and
Commandments (which teach Love and Marriage).
The correlation between Light and Dark, and Days and Months is simply too
strong to be coincidence or deniable.

So what about Aviv Barley?

Using barley (or any crop), whether it is wild, hybrid, standard or indigenous to
Israel or Egypt is not consistent with Genesis Chapter One nor is it seasonally
consistent at all. There are more than 3500 chromosomal variations of barley,
and barley has a ripening time that is dependent on planting time, variety,
weather, and the farmer. Earliest varieties have been known to ripen six to eight
weeks prior to later ripening varieties.

So why the aviv barley question at all?

Well, it seems that a few Karaite priests thought it was a good idea to introduce
this as a method for determining "The Annual Beginning of Months (first day)."
One must wonder at their motive for doing so, as they have been in competition
with the Pharisees for a very long time. In reality neither The Pharisees, The
Saducees, The Karaites Nor any other Levitical Styled Priesthood qualify for
inclusion into The Coming Kingdom of YHVH on Earth, as they are all
legalists, and do not comprehend "The Intent of The Heart" nor do they accept
that there has ever been a Messiah to make Spiritual understanding available to
"The First Fruits" (The Chosen).

Moreover, there is no longer a Standing Temple or a Levitical High priest to

wave the Omer (Wave Sheaf) on the day after the Shabbat that occurs during the
Feast of Unleavened Bread during the First Month of Abib (Aviv). The
"Chosen" on the other hand have Messiah Yahshua as their (our) High Priest;
For it is "The Chosen" (symbolically represented by wheat) that are being
Spiritually waved (presented) to YHVH by Messiah. The physical barley is
specifically symbolic of "The First of The First Fruits." Even so, we should
teach the history and understanding imparted by this symbolic physical to
Spiritual parallel or anthropomorphism.

Note: Let this be a lesson well learned, as this

lesson has not always been known or understood.
Just as "The Chosen" (The Elect or Children of GOD)
 those who will take part in "The First
Resurrection" are referred to in Scripture as "The
First Fruits." Let it be known that Messiah is, also,
one of "The First Fruits," but Messiah was / is
"The First" of "The First Fruits."
Messiah (Y'Shua) is our elder brother and purely a
human being (as we all are), and we (The First
Fruits) have all been "Chosen" by YHVH to perform
a specific task in YHVH's "Plan of Salvation." All
the inspired "Words of YHVH" (whether included in
The Bible or not) were only written for "The Chosen
Few" by "The Chosen Few" (who existed at different
times on Earth). However, because Messiah is "The
First" of "The First Fruits" (begotten chosen
humans) Messiah is, also, symbolically represented
by "The First" of "The Grain First Fruits"
(Barley), while the rest of "The Chosen Few" are
symbolically represented by Wheat (and other first
fruits) during "The Feast of First Fruits" (aka "The
Feast of Weeks").

Does anyone recall barley being grown by the ancient Israelites while they
wandered in the wilderness for 40 years? If they had bread, then why did they
need manna? And yet, Passover and Unleavened Bread were still celebrated
without the understanding of the barley symbolism then, as it was during the 70
years of captivity in Babylon, and as it has, also, been for the last 2,000 years.
This was because barley was reserved by YHVH to only represent Messiah to
those with Spiritual Ears to Hear and Eyes to See. Perhaps they were able to
gather enough wild barley in those days for ceremonial purposes, but there is
no mention for the priests to wait on the barley to ripen nor is the variety of
barley now known.

So what about The Vernal Equinox ?

Were the Ancient Israelite capable of understanding the Equinoxes (when the
length in time of the Light of day equals the length in time of the darkness of
night) ? Absolutely, and Moses did too. Only modern science has discovered
that the Egyptian pyramids were perfectly aligned East to West and North to
South, and thus capable of being used to determine when the Spring Equinox
has occurred.

Acts 7:22
22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians,
and was mighty in words and in deeds.

But for me, it just makes Spiritual sense that YHVH would not begin His
Sacred Calendar Year as long as darkness ruled the day. "The Beginning of
Months" (Sacred Year) should not take place as long as darkness rules (greater
than or equal to 50% of ) the 24 hour daytime anymore than YHVH's
"Appointed Feast Days" (symbolizing Deliverance) should take place during
the darkness of a New Moon. The symbolism would be totally wrong, and
make YHVH's Instructions inconsistent and of no avail. YHVH is totally
without variance in matters of Light and Dark. Therefore, The Vernal or
Spring Equinox (as measured by the light reaching the Earth versus other
methods) should always be used to mark the point when darkness no longer
rules the day. The Vernal Equinox does not however directly determine "The
Beginning of Months," only that point in time after which we can choose the
first 24 hour day that begins (prior to Twilight) with a completely Dark New
Moon; It is not enough that a fully Dark New Moon occurs after the New Day
begins (after Sunset & Twilight), the fully Dark New Moon must be fully Dark
for the entire 24 hour period from evening to evening. This then will be the
First Day of The Sacred New Year or "The Beginning of Months."

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes
down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning.

It is the "Intent of the Heart" that pleases or displeases

YHVH.

(Hebrews 4:12)