Spring Equinox, Ostara, Eostre, Easter, Vernal Equinox
21st March
Spring Equinox marks the mid-point of the Waxing Year, the nights and
days are balanced once again; the time when Kore, (Persephone) was
believed to have returned from the Underworld where she had ruled
throughout the Winter. The spark of light, born at Winter Solstice has
reached maturity, and from here onwards, the days progressively grow
longer than the nights. Western culture proclaims this the first day of
Spring.
Older traditions called the Spring Equinox, Ostara; the time of the
festivals of the Grecian Goddess, Eostre, and the Germanic Ostara, both
fertility Goddesses of Dawn. These influenced the naming of the
modern-day Easter Holiday. New greenery bursts forth from sleeping
seeds in the countryside, as metaphorically, pagans also plant their
own seeds for future goals, future projects and growth at this time.
Decorated eggs, being symbols of fertility are symbolic of Ostara. In
days gone, Europeans gave gifts of decorated eggs to new brides, in the
hope that they would bear many children. Similarly, bowls filled with
eggs were given to farm workers by the farmer’s wife, to ensure a rich
harvest. Most all cultures see the egg as a symbol of Life; the actual
home of the Soul. In Russia, decorated eggs are still given as gifts to
loved ones and buried in graves to ensure rebirth.
The women gathered the eggs only from hens which were around a rooster
and decorated them, allowing no one to watch them work as they
transferred the goodness of the household to the designs on the eggs,
thus keeping evil away. Dyes were mixed to secret family recipes and
special blessings placed on each egg.
The Spring Equinox defines the season where Spring reaches it's peak,
with the powers of light increasing. The God of Light, (Llew), now
gains victory over his twin, the God of Darkness. Llew was reborn at
the Winter Solstice and is now old and strong enough to vanquish his
rival twin and mate with his Mother Goddess. The great Mother Goddess,
who returned to her Virgin aspect at Imbolc, welcomes the young Sun
God's attentions and conceives a child. The child will be born nine
months from now, at the next Winter Solstice, when the cycle closes,
only to begin anew.
Here are some of the colours used on Ostara Eggs, and their meanings:
White:
Purity
Yellow:
Wisdom, a successful Harvest, or Spirituality
Red:
Happiness, hope, passion, nobility, bravery, enthusiasm, love
Brown:
Enrichment, good harvest, happiness
Purple:
Faith, trust, power
Pink:
Success, friendship, love
Black:
Remembrance
The custom of eating Hot Cross Buns also has pagan origins. The Saxons
ate buns that were marked with a cross in honour of Eostre; ancient
Greeks consumed these types of buns in their celebrations of Artemis,
Goddess of the hunt, and the Egyptians ate a similar cake in their
worship of the Goddess Isis.
There are conflicting ideas as to what the cross symbol represents. One
suggestion is that it is a Christianisation of horn symbols that were
stamped on cakes to represent an ox, which used to be sacrificed at the
time of the Spring Equinox. Another theory relates to Moon worship; the
bun representing the full Moon, and the cross, its four quarters.
Christianity gave new meanings to the symbolism of the buns, saying the
cross represented the Crucifixion Cross. Thus, superstitions arose
crediting these buns as being charms against evil, so after Good
Friday, people would save one or two of them to hang in their homes as
amulets. During the festival season and indeed, for a long time
afterwards, fishermen would carry these Easter buns in their boats, for
protection.
The Easter Bunny is another symbol which has obvious links to
fertility, rebirth, and the abundance of life which is evident in
Spring.
According to myth, Eostre was a playful Goddess whose reign over the
earth began in Sring when the Sun King journeyed across the sky in his
chariot, bringing the end of Wnter. Eostre came down to Earth then,
appearing as a beautiful maiden with a basket of bright colorful eggs.
Eostre's magical companion was a rabbit who accompanied her as she
brought new life to dying plants and flowers by hiding the eggs in the
fields.
Traditional Foods
Leafy green vegetables, Dairy foods, Nuts such as Pumpkin, Sunflower and Pine. Flower Dishes and Sprouts.
Herbs and Flowers
Daffodil, Jonquils, Woodruff, Violet, Gorse, Olive, Peony, Iris, Narcissus and all spring flowers.
Incense
Jasmine, Rose, Strawberry, Floral of any type.
Sacred Gemstone
Jasper
IMBOLC
by Tara Sutphen
Imbolc "IM-bulk" is a pagan holiday with many names. One
of the Sabbats, it is an ancient festival generally celebrated on January 31,
February 1, or February 2. It is also known as Candlemas, Brighid
("breed/bride"), and Oimelc ("EE-mulk") which means ewe's milk. It is the
time of year halfway between December 21, the winter Solstice (Yule) and March
21, the spring Equinox (Ostara). Imbolc is in the middle of winter, but is
the optimism of spring.The Egyptians and the Romans also celebrated this time,
as it was the earth goddess giving birth to the Sun God. The time to ready
seeds for the planting of food. A time of planning weddings, love, and romance.
Days are getting longer and hope is renewed. The celebration is to light
candles. Night of white candles turns the darkness into light.
Lughnasadh: Known in Modern Irish as Lá Lúnasa, in Welsh as Gwyl Awst (August Feast), in Manx as Lla Lluanys, as Laa'n Ouyr (Day of the Harvest Season) or as Lammas, and to the English as Apple Day and Harvest Home. Essentially it is a harvest festival that signals the beginning of the harvest season and the ripening of the apples (as well as other fruits and vegetables). Drinking: Apple juice or cider, and sometimes mead.
The harvest is a symbol of reaping the rewards of our
bountiful planet. It's about casting aside doubt and expecting that if
you strive for goals and wisdom, you can have a rich and prosperous
life. "To have" is your earthly birthright. We can not only take, we
must use a balance system of give and take. The steps or keys of
success are clarity of a reachable idea and then movement toward the
idea as a goal, taking small steps and creating movement and energy.
This is how you expand your personal power. Your energy can be
channeled into accomplishment. The next key is to draw in the energy
to you. This I call sorcing.
I think it's wonderful to sorce for prosperity, love, great health,
wisdom, beauty, knowledge, success, great career, romance, happiness,
vitality, friendship, creativity etc... but as an example I would not
sorce for a specific person I might like to know in my life...I rather
sorce generally for love, connection, friendship or romance. This way
you are sorcing for the highest element of love, true love, true
connection, not condition. It is very important to be grounded yet to
allow the possibilities of a boundless energy to enter our lives in the
highest regard. Another example would be prosperity, to gain you must
either work or attain your career label. We all came here to experience
life...What are you experiencing? Are you achieving your purpose? Your
greatest potential? Great love?
Happy
Mabon, the Autumn Equinox. Celebratration of the harvest. I only know
one sungazer, they gain sustenence from the sun. For the rest of us
nourishment is essential for all life. And as Thanksgiving gives thanks
for America and her gifts, Mabon is a time of giving thanks for the
World. Gratitude of food for all people.
Our Mabon plans will
be to sit around a nicely laid out table with some family and friends.
We will say what our best and happiest summer memories were and what we
wish to happen this fall. Cheyenne will lead a blessing, lighting of
the candles and a toasting ritual. We will toast our appreciation for
the farmers, markets, cooks and nurturers.Gratitude, the first of many
steps to living a well to do existense. A celebration of life.
What are your warm and cherished memories from your summer? What are your plans for this fall? Are you setting goals?
I wish you a blessed Autumn. Love & Light, Tara Sutphen
Mabon Autumn Equinox, 2nd Harvest, September 21st
Mabon, (pronounced MAY-bun, MAY-bone, MAH-boon, or MAH-bawn) is the
Autumn Equinox. The Autumn Equinox divides the day and night equally,
and we all take a moment to pay our respects to the impending dark. We
also give thanks to the waning sunlight, as we store our harvest of
this year's crops. The Druids call this celebration, Mea'n Fo'mhair,
and honor the The Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering
libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer
are appropriate at this time. Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess as
she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort the God as he prepares
for death and re-birth.
Various other names for this Lesser
Wiccan Sabbat are The Second Harvest Festival, Wine Harvest, Feast of
Avalon, Equinozio di Autunno (Strega), Alben Elfed (Caledonii), or
Cornucopia. The Teutonic name, Winter Finding, spans a period of time
from the Sabbat to Oct. 15th, Winter's Night, which is the Norse New
Year.
At this festival it is appropriate to wear all of your
finery and dine and celebrate in a lavish setting. It is the drawing to
and of family as we prepare for the winding down of the year at
Samhain. It is a time to finish old business as we ready for a period
of rest, relaxation, and reflection.
Symbolism of Mabon:
- Second Harvest, the Mysteries, Equality and Balance.
Symbols of Mabon:
- Wine, gourds, pine cones, acorns, grains, corn, apples, pomegranates, vines such as ivy, dried seeds, and horns of plenty.
- Breads, nuts, apples, pomegranates, and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Incense of Mabon:
- Autumn Blend-benzoin, myrrh, and sage.
Colors of Mabon:
- Red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, and gold.
Stones of Mabon:
- Sapphire, lapis lazuli, and yellow agates.
Activities of Mabon:
- Making wine, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods,
walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields,
offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns,
and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.
Spellworkings of Mabon:
- Protection, prosperity, security, and self-confidence. Also those of harmony and balance.
Deities of Mabon:
- Goddesses-Modron, Morgan, Epona, Persephone, Pamona and the Muses. Gods-Mabon, Thoth, Thor, Hermes, and The Green Man.
Mabon is considered a time of the Mysteries. It is a time to honor
Aging Deities and the Spirit World. Considered a time of balance, it is
when we stop and relax and enjoy the fruits of our personal harvests,
whether they be from toiling in our gardens, working at our jobs,
raising our families, or just coping with the hussle-bussle of everyday
life. May your Mabon be memorable, and your hearts and spirits be
filled to overflowing!
Beltaine
Beltaine is the "Celebration of the
Light",the light time of the year. The dark time being remembered
by Samhain. May 1 is the day in the middle of the spring and the summer equinox'
(15*Taurus). May Day is the time for love and the happiness of summer on it's
way.
Beltane is a celebration of the union of souls, The union of minds, and the
union of bodies. The earth mother calls her progeny to replenish the earth.
Flowers decorate hair and everywhere. Maypole ribbon dances, with two circles
interweaving around a decorated tree or pole, clockwise dance circles. Bonfires
or candles to spark the sacred fire of union and fertility.
Druids
and Pagans raised the Beltaine fires on hilltops on May Eve, the fires were lit
in order to bring the sun's light down to earth. Earth awakening from it's long
winter nap and the flowers are in bloom and frolicking abounds. Joy alights your
body, mind, and spirit, the colors become brighter, you see the best in
everyone, casting away all worries and doubts you collected over the winter
time.All nightmares become daydreams of love, hope and
harmony.
Beltaine or
Beltane is an anglicization of the Irish "Bealtaine" or the Scottish
"Bealtuinn." -- "bel,"brilliant", "tene" "fire"
Things to
do on Beltaine alone or with a group
Create a Beltaine circle or
group
Buy or Pick flowers
potluck
maywine (alcoholic or non
alcoholic)
Candles, Fireplace, Bonfire --
Lighting a fire with a blessing
May pole (you can use a tree if you
don't have a pole) garnish w. greenery and flowers - tie long
ribbon
If you create a May pole, make lots
of wishes while you walk clockwise into your future, and at the end of wrapping
the ribbon say a blessing for yourself and end with "to love and be loved, So it
is". If the tree/pole ribbons pretty and sturdy enough you could leave until
Samhain.
Some of the questions that you can
ask your friends or family are:
What were the highlights in your
winter? Everyone must come up with at least one if not several highlights. What
are the dreams to enliven your spring and summer? Every one should convey their
intentions for the summer.
Making
Maywine
Ingredients
2 bottles of dry white
wine
2 cups strawberry liqueor
5 thin orange slices
and/or
1 cup sliced strawberries
12 sprigs of woodruff
1 teaspoon sugar (more or less, as
preferred)
Edible flowers (to be added after
all ingredients have been mixed
together)
Directions
Soak the dried woodruff overnight in
the wine.
Add the rest of the ingredients, stir
with a wooden spoon, and let it steep for an hour or so.
Serve very cold, with edible flowers
floating atop in the punch bowl.
The taste is both sweet and
fruity.
Non-Alcoholic version: Substitute
sparkling water and grape juice, sparkling water and apple juice
A fragrant perennial herb (Galium
odoratum) native to Eurasia and North Africa and widely cultivated as a
shade ground cover, having small white flowers and narrow leaves used for
flavoring wine and in sachets. Also called sweet woodruff.
Any of various plants of the genus
Asperula, having whorled leaves and small funnel-shaped
flowers.
Woodruff is sold in the herb section
at markets and nurserys..
Edible Flowers
Alliums...chive flowers
Borage
Basil Flower Blossoms
Broccoli Florets. those little yellow
flowers
Citrus Blossoms
Nasturtiums
Rose Pedals
Johnny Jump Up... Pansy
Mint flowers...
Summer Solstice
JUHANNUS - Summer Solstice in Finland By Sanna Vesterberg-Veikkari In
the latter half of June when the days are long and nights are white, it
is time for Juhannus, the Midsummer festival. Most people desert cities
and head for the country to celebrate this great Finnish festival.
The
origins of Juhannus go back to pagan times. One of the high points of
the celebrations is the burning of the bonfire by the sea or a lake on
Midsummer Eve.
Juhannus is also a
time for love: there are many magic tricks to secure your lover. For
example, a young woman collects seven different kinds of flowers, puts
them under her pillow, and sees her future husband in her dreams.
But,
unfortunately, Juhannus is also another great Finnish drinking
festival. Every Juhannus around 20 people die; most of them are men who
fall out of boats drunk and drown.
During
Juhannus, Helsinki is like a small town from the past: people and cars
have disappeared; even most shops and restaurants are closed. For
traditional Midsummer Eve festivities in the city visit the Seurasaari
Open-Air Museum for bonfires, folk music and dancing, and a traditional
Midsummer wedding open to the public.
The
most important modern day pagan celebration is juhannus (midsummer
day), which is celebrated on the Saturday between 20th of June and 26th
of June. A pagan based bonfire or midsummer pyre is burned and
juhannus-magic is performed.
Juhannus,
as the summer solstice is called in Finnish, is the initiation of all
Finnish summer ambitions. It is a holiday that is a quasi holy day,
vehemently kept apart for special occasions such as family reunions,
weddings and christenings, and is by far the best time to visit Finland
to view her in her verdant summer dress.
Days
before the holiday, preparations begin. On the home front, it means
cleaning the entire house inside and out, and cutting—or
purchasing—tender green-leafed, fragrant branches of birch trees that
will be tied in bunches to adorn doorways and porches to bring the
summer’s glories even closer home. The Finnish flag is also cleaned and
pressed, so that it can fly gloriously bright against the azure skies
all through the nightless night. National costumes are brought out of
the attic to air out and are readied for the year’s most important
national outing.
In the towns and
villages, the building of the kokko, a huge bonfire, commences. Old
boats and cast lumber are used to fashion the distinct conical shape of
the kokko. Excitement builds as the silhouette rises on a prominent
location near water—there is always water nearby in any town in
Finland, a lake, a pond, a river, a stream. Children especially rejoice
in the prospects of watching the kokko burn late into the night at the
appointed hour.
That special
incineration of the bonfire happens on the eve of Juhannus, but not
before lengthy entertainment and feasting have taken place. Folk songs,
accompanied by the national Finnish instrument kantele— a lute-like
musical implement first mentioned in Kalevala, the Finnish national
epic—dances known as tanhut, brought to life with the call of
accordions and fiddles and rendered by skillful performers dressed in
their colorful regional national costumes, both men, women and children
alike, and audience participation in some raucous polkas and waltzes
precede the hour of burning.
Close
to midnight, the darkest hour of the night, which in most places is not
dark at all, the kokko is ceremoniously set on fire. The spectators
express their admiration as the flames roar up to the sky, ferociously
licking the dry wood of the boats while black smoke towers up from the
tar and oil used to render the boats waterproof in their earlier role.
But this role is the most glorious one: assuredly not fireproof, the
burning vessels brighten up the already light midnight sky to the
endless delight of the observers who linger far into the early morning
hours, enjoying the warmth and magic that burning fire somehow conjures
up.
Another summer solstice is
over, but in Finland it only wakes up the sleeping winter-worn spirits,
and summer comes to life in the land of the midnight sun.
grateful
