The name of the second month of summer in the Hebrew calendar honors the Mesopotamian deity Abu, associated with vegetation and snakes. Av is considered a joyless month because it’s the month when Nebuchadnezzar broke the walls of Jerusalem down and when Solomon’s temple was destroyed, but it also contains the happiest day, Tu B'Av, a day that celebrates love. Av corresponds in Jewish astrology to אריה (arieh, meaning “lion”) and to Leo, whose nature is fire. In 2026, 15 July is 1 Av 5786.
Book of Months