Posts Tagged With: Equinox

Calendar of the Sun for March 22nd

Posted on March 22, 2013 by mistressofthemyst

Calendar of the Sun

22 Hrethemonath

Quinquatria Day IV
Ostara

Colors: Pale blue, yellow, spring green
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a cloth of Ostara colors, place a rainstick, a bowl of eggs, a great bowl of water filled with stones, a yellow candle, incense of violets, and a fan made in the shape of a bird’s wing. Add also flats of earth and a bowl of seeds. Set up a vase of branches cut from a tree and allowed to sprout green in warm water. Hang hollowed eggs marked with appropriate symbols from the tree. Some should be half golden and half black.
Offerings: Plant something. Introduce the joy of planting and working with gardens to the underprivileged.
Daily Meal: Eggs. Poultry. Rabbit.

Ritual Note: Like all the eight high holidays, this day should ideally be spent not enclosed and isolated, but in common with the larger pagan community. This can be done a number of ways, including spending the day elsewhere, at the Brigid’s Day ritual of another group or tradition, or by inviting in those pagans who would otherwise not be able to attend a ritual. Either way, the eight holidays should be a time of remembering the place of the house in the greater community. If the choice is made to go elsewhere, then no liturgy is needed for the day. If the choice is made to bring the greater community into the lesser one, the following ritual can be used:

(First four who have been chosen to do the work of the ritual cast circle with fan, candle, rainstick, and green branch.)

East:
O Mercury, rider of the wind,
Lithe of body and supple of tongue,
Blow a breath of freedom
Into our weary minds!
Spirits of the Air,
Caress us clean!

South:
O Bast, cat dancer in the fire,
Curious one with the flashing eyes,
Quick to pounce and quick to laugh,
Renew us with your fire!
Spirits of the Flame,
Awaken us!

West:
O Lorelei of the Sea
Mermaid singing with your siren song
Send us playful salt spray
And the rain of your laughter!
Spirits of the West,
Wash away the winter sorrows!

North:
Kore, earth Maiden,
Springtime’s goddess,
Returning yet again
From darkness into light,
May green arise in your footsteps
And flowers blossom from your touch!
Spirits of the North,
Welcome to Spring!

Ostara Invocation (Call And Response):

Call: Hail the coming of Spring!
Response: Hail the day of the eastern wind!
C: Tonight Day is equal to Night.
R: Today Night is equal to Day.
C: Today all things are in balance.
R: Balanced on the blade of a knife!
C: Balanced on the blade of Thought.
R: Balanced on the blade of Wind.
C: As the winds rise in the east,
R: As the sun rises in the east,
C: As dawn gives new beginnings,
R: At the dawning of the year,
C: We lift our arms to the eastern sky,
R: We lift our spirits to the coming of Spring,
C: And may the rain wash us clean!
R: May all things be cleansed!
C: May all things begin anew!
R: May we rise in hope and be transformed!
C: May we rise like the grass springing forth from the soil!
R: May we unfurl like every new leaf!
C: Arise, and sing for joy!

Ostara Chant

Bass descant:

Breath warms thee
Hands prepare thee
Hope sows thee
Sun awaken thee

May the seeds we plant spring forth and grow
May we reap our dreams from what we sow,
And our transformation has begun,
We are rising upwards toward the sun
We are rising upwards toward the sun
We are rising upwards toward the sun
We are rising upwards toward the sun
We are rising upwards toward the sun.

Soprano melody:

(We will) Break the surface of the Earth,
Like the Mother’s flesh gives maiden’s birth,
Like the heaving mountains rise and fall,
Like the buried hope within us all,
Like the greening tendril skyward springs,
Like the birds return on joyous wings,
Like our every breath of eastern wind,
We will see the dawning year begin,
And the seed of sorrow planted deep
Shall awaken from its bitter sleep,
And our transformation has begun,
We are rising upwards toward the sun….

Breath warms thee
Hands prepare thee
Hope sows thee
Sun awaken thee

All together:

We are rising upwards toward the sun
We are rising upwards toward the sun
Alive
Alive
Alive…..

[Pagan Book of Hours]

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Categories: Articles, Daily Posts | Tags: Earth, Equinox, Ostara, Pagan, Religion and Spirituality, Ritual, Spring green, Wicca | Leave a comment

How To Hold an Ostara Ritual for Solitaries

Posted on March 20, 2013 by ladyoftheabyss

How To Hold an Ostara Ritual for Solitaries

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

Ostara is a time of balance. It is a time of equal parts light and dark. At Mabon, we have this same balance, but the light is leaving us. Today, six months later, it is returning. Spring has arrived, and with it comes hope and warmth. Deep within the cold earth, seeds are beginning to sprout. In the damp fields, the livestock are preparing to give birth. In the forest, under a canopy of newly sprouted leaves, the animals of the wild ready their dens for the arrival of their young. Spring is here.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here’s How:

For this ritual, you’ll want to decorate your altar with symbols of the season. Think about all the colors you see in nature at this time of year — bright daffodils, crocuses, plump tulips, green shoots — and incorporate them into your altar. This is also a time of fertility in the natural world — the egg is the perfect representation of this aspect of the season. Symbols of young animals such as lambs, chicks, and calves are also great altar adornments for Ostara.
In addition, you’ll need the following:
- Three candles — one yellow, one green, and one purple
- A bowl of milk
- A small bowl of honey or sugar
Perform this ritual outside if at all possible, in the early morning as the sun rises. It’s spring, so it may be a bit chilly, but it’s a good time to reconnect with the earth. If your tradition normally requires you to cast a circle, do so now.
Begin by taking a moment to focus on the air around you. Inhale deeply, and see if you can smell the change in the seasons. Depending on where you live, the air may have an earthy aroma, or a rainy one, or even smell like green grass. Sense the shift in energy as the Wheel of the Year has turned. Light the green candle, to symbolize the blossoming earth. As you light it, say:
The Wheel of the Year turns once more, and the vernal equinox arrives. Light and dark are equal, and the soil begins to change. The earth awakes from its slumber, and new life springs forth once more.
Next, light the yellow candle, representing the sun. As you do so, say:
The sun draws ever closer to us, greeting the earth with its welcoming rays. Light and dark are equal, and the sky fills with light and warmth. The sun warms the land beneath our feet, and gives life to all in its path.
Finally, light the purple candle. This one represents the Divine in our lives — whether you call it a god or a goddess, whether you identify it by name or simply as a universal life force, this is the candle which stands for all the things we do not know, all those things we cannot understand, but that are the sacred in our daily lives. As you light this candle, focus on the Divine around and within you. Say:
Spring has come! For this, we are thankful! The Divine is present all around, in the cool fall of a rain storm, in the tiny buds of a flower, in the down of a newborn chick, in the fertile fields waiting to be planted, in the sky above us, and in the earth below us. We thank the universe* for all it has to offer us, and are so blessed to be alive on this day. Welcome, life! Welcome, light! Welcome, spring!
Take a moment and meditate on the three flames before you and what they symbolize. Consider your own place within these three things — the earth, the sun, and the Divine. How do you fit into the grand scheme of things? How do you find balance between light and dark in your own life?
Finally, blend the milk and honey together, mixing gently. Pour it onto the ground around your altar space as an offering to the earth**. As you do, you may wish to say something like:

I make this offering to the earth, As thanks for the many blessings I have received, And those I shall some day receive.
Once you have made your offering, stand for a minute facing your altar. Feel the cool earth beneath your feet, and the sun on your face. Take in every sensation of this moment, and know that you are in a perfect place of balance between light and dark, winter and summer, warmth and cold — a time of polarity and harmony.
When you are ready, end the ritual.

Tips:

* Instead of “the Universe”, feel free to insert the name of your patron deity or the gods of your tradition here.
** If you’re doing this rite indoors, take your bowl of milk and honey and pour it in your garden, or around your yard.

What You Need

Three candles – yellow, green and purple
A bowl of milk
A small bowl of honey or sugar
Seasonal decorations for your altar

Categories: Articles, The Sabbats | Tags: Altar, Equinox, Nature, Ostara, Ostara Ritual, Spring, Wheel of the Year, Ēostre | Leave a comment

Setting Up Your Ostara Altar

Posted on March 20, 2013 by ladyoftheabyss

Setting Up Your Ostara Altar

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

It’s Ostara, and it’s a time of year in which many Wiccans and Pagans choose celebrate the balance of light and dark that heralds the beginning of spring. It’s a time to celebrate new life and rebirth — not only the physical embodiment of renewal, but the spiritual as well. Try some — or all — of these ideas to ready your altar for Ostara.

Colors

To get an idea of what colors are appropriate for spring, all you really have to do is look outside. Notice the yellows of the forsythia blooming behind your house, the pale purples of lilacs, the green of new leaves appearing in the melting snow. Pastels are often considered spring colors as well, so feel free to add some pinks and blues into the mix if the idea strikes you. Decorate your altar in any of these colors — try a pale green altar cloth with some purples and blues draped across it, and add some yellow or pink candles to carry the color up.

The Balance of the Equinox

Altar decor should reflect the theme of the Sabbat. Ostara is a time of balance between light and dark, so symbols of this polarity can be used. Use a god and goddess statue, a white candle and a black one, a sun and moon, even a yin/yang symbol.

New Life

Ostara is also a time of new growth and life — add potted plants such as new crocuses, daffodils, lilies, and other magical spring flowers. This is the time of year when animals are bringing forth new life too — put a basket of eggs on your altar, or figures of new lambs, rabbits, calves, etc. Add a chalice of milk or honey — milk represents the lactating animals who have just given birth, and honey is long known as a symbol of abundance.

Other Symbols of the Season

Seeds and bulbs
Caterpillars, ladybugs, bumblebees
Symbols of nature deities — Herne, Flora, Gaia, Attis, etc.
Gemstones and crystals such as aquamarine, rose quartz, and moonstone
Ritual fires in a cauldron or brazier

Categories: Articles, The Sabbats | Tags: Attis, Equinox, Ostara, Religion Spirituality, Sabbat, Wheel of the Year, Wicca, Ēostre | Leave a comment

Happy New Year!

Posted on March 20, 2013 by ladyoftheabyss

Astrological New Year

A bright new cycle begins with Spring Equinox

Maria DeSimone on the topics of sun, spring, astrology, aries

Happy New Year! Oh wait, wasn’t that in January? Well, sort of. According to the Gregorian calendar, the beginning of an actual new year does fall on January 1. Astrologically, however, the New Year is a rather different concept, and it does not begin until the Spring Equinox on March 20. Those astrologers — they just love to complicate things!

But wait. Before you resign yourself to confusion about when to pop the champagne, why not consider the rich symbolism behind Astrological New Year and what it means.

First of all, think about the word “Equinox.” It literally translates as “Equal Night.” There are two periods each year when the length of daylight hours is equal to the length of time with no sunlight. This will happen at the Autumnal Equinox (or first day of autumn) and again at the Vernal or Spring Equinox (first day of spring).

At the Spring Equinox the day and night are equal in length, but the daylight hours are beginning to soar. From the moment of the Spring Equinox until the Autumnal Equinox there will be more and more time for us to spend basking in the rays of the Sun. That can only mean one thing: New life.

Everything on our planet and in our hearts is once again encouraged to sprout. Something almost sacred is resurrected in our collective spirits and we tend to feel a dynamic urge to begin again with a fresh, perspective.

New beginnings with the Sun in Aries

How appropriate that we feel this way, because the first day of spring also happens to coincide with the ingress of the Sun into Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. Aries is all about beginnings. This is the sign of the pioneer, the entrepreneur, the self-starter. In many ways this is the baby of the zodiac because Aries is classic tabula rasa (Latin for clean slate).

The traditional New Year celebrated on January 1 might be the start of our new calendar year, and it does tend to have that same feel of new beginnings. Still, have you ever noticed how fleeting it is? Within a week or so we’re all back to our daily grind. January is, after all, the month of hardworking Capricorn.

However, if you pay attention to the energy around the Astrological New Year each spring, you may notice something different. There’s a pungent smell of possibility in the air and it lingers. Everything old has been washed away and we’re busy planting seeds of new beginnings everywhere (along with our flower and vegetable gardens).

This is what “spring fever” is all about! The restless energy we feel that haunts students everywhere is because now that the Sun is out the LAST place they want to be is cooped up inside a classroom. These psychological and physical urges have been documented at this time of year and often bring an increase in vitality — and even your sex drive! Not surprising when you consider that Aries is the sign ruled by passionate, assertive Mars.

What’s special about 2013

Every Astrological New Year will have this common vibe, thanks to the infusion of Aries energy. In 2013, however, we’ll have an added twist that will give you a dose of physical and mental verve that’s off the charts! At the Spring Equinox we’ll have the Sun, Mars and Uranus all closely connected in Aries and offering plenty of active electricity to the start of spring. There might be a buzz all around you (and even within you) that’s impossible to ignore. The urge to get out there and experience all that life has to offer will be incredible.

What makes this trio of Aries planets even more excitable is the fact that Jupiter in Gemini will be at a friendly angle to them, expanding their “one-two punch” in the most intellectually stimulating way.

The “main event” to this spring will begin to build in full force at the Spring Equinox, and it will gradually reach exact aspect on May 20. This, of course, will be our next precise square between innovative and rebellious Uranus and transformative Pluto. This will most certainly be an Astrological New Year to break down walls and create your own personal fresh start in the most blazing way. Va va voom!

Categories: Articles, Daily Posts, Horoscopes | Tags: Aries, Astrology, Equinox, Gregorian Calendar, New Year, New Year's Day, Spring Equinox, Sun | Leave a comment

Sun in Aries – March 20th

Posted on March 20, 2013 by ladyoftheabyss

Sun in Aries

Charge into spring with the bold Aries Ram

Tarotcom Staff on the topics of sun, astrology, aries

Get ready to make a bold move! The Sun charges into fiery Aries on March 20, marking the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of a brand new Astrological year.

As the days grow longer, it’s time to celebrate the renewal of life and take action again after the slower pace of winter. This is why we will all feel the urge to get moving when the Sun is in Aries from March 20 to April 19.

Ruled by action planet Mars and symbolized by the fearless Ram, there’s never a dull moment during Aries season. That’s because Aries lives life head-first, and they don’t let fear hold them back from doing anything.

Those born from about March 17-23 were born on the Pisces-Aries cusp, and those born from about April 16-22 were born on the Aries-Taurus cusp. Being born on the cusp simply means that you were born during the transition time between two zodiac signs, so you retain some qualities from each sign.

It’s time to make like an Aries now: Take charge of your life and blaze ahead fearlessly!

Here’s how to make the most of life during Sun in Aries:

What to do: Take the lead on something new! Fearless Aries is a natural born leader, so adopt this courageous energy for yourself now and use it to go after something you want.

What to say: “I’m right and you’re wrong.” Yes, Aries can be bossy, but this is just because they don’t have time to be wrong. They’re trying to get somewhere fast and they can’t let anything stand in their way! The point is to enjoy the confidence you’ll feel while the Sun is in Aries, without being too pushy.

Where to go: Aries loves action, so head to the stadium or the ballpark to catch a game. Better yet, take a sporty lesson, such as tennis, or a join a local kickball team so you can become a part of the game!

What to wear: Sneakers and a flame-retardant jumpsuit! Ok, that may be going to far, but you’d better be dressed to go anywhere and do anything at a moment’s notice while the Sun is in Aries. Make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes and that you have a lot of Band-Aids in your wallet, because you never know where life will take you now!

What to eat: Red hot Aries loves all things spicy, so dish it up with lots of extra fire-sauce now. Munch on Hot Tamales at the movies, and think about keeping a few extra bottles of Sriracha on hand during Aries season.

What to watch out for: Impulsive Aries is in such a hurry to get ahead that they don’t always think about what they are doing or saying. Spontaneity is great, but if you rush too quickly you could hurt yourself or others — both mentally and physically. Take a moment to look where you’re going and think before you speak while the Sun is in Aries!

What to look forward to: Excitement! Whatever happens while the Sun is in Aries, you’re likely to be seeking out things that are new and fun and bold and different. It’s time to shake off your same-old dull routine and seize life with the renewed energy of the bold, bright Aries Sun!

Categories: Articles, Daily Posts | Tags: Aries, Astrological sign, Band-Aid, Equinox, Mars, Northern Hemisphere, Sneakers, Sun | 1 Comment

Life As The Witch – Making a Guardian Altar

Posted on March 20, 2013 by ladyoftheabyss

Making a Guardian Altar

On March 21 or thereabouts (the astronomical date changes yearly), the Vernal Equinox is celebrated. In days past, eggs-symbols of life-were colored yellow and gold, then exchanged as gifts or used in ritual in honor of the Sun and fecundity deities, such as Eostra.

Fortunately, the custom of coloring eggs has survived. If you decide to do this, you might wish to use natural dyes. Beet juice, onion skins, grape juice and other plant materials produce beautiful dyes and are far more magical than the store-bought dye tablets.

To celebrate the Equinox, half fill a large bowl with water and place a selection of flowers in it. These can be annuals or perennials from your garden, wildflowers collected on a walk or fresh blooms from the florist shop. Set the bowl in a position of prominence in your home.

If you wish to improve your health throughout the coming year, drink cold water on the Vernal Equinox and eat a leaf of sage.

Also on March 21, sort through your personal possessions and weed out any clothing or other items that no longer suit you. Don’t throw them away, though; donate them to charity.

Excerpt from:

The Magical Household: Spells & Rituals for the Home by Scott Cunningham

A Household Guardian for Your Altar or Home

A “household guardian” is an ideal addition to the altar. In essence, this is a magically produced thought-form or concentration of energies, created through ritual, which guards and protects the house and those who live in it.

Such a guardian usually “resides” in a physical object-a rock, statue, jar or other item-that will be put to no other use and that can be moved with you if you ever leave the house.

A household guardian can be created in several ways. Let’s say you own a statue of a Viking, for example. Place it on the altar between shining white candles. In your mind, create a picture of this guardian: a sword-slashing barbarian, loyal only to you and your friends; a goddess of such intense power that a wave of her wand dissuades all who would harm or injure the house; or a soldier of fortune with a shell-spitting machine gun. Gaze at the object while visualizing this guardian. Now infuse it with a personality-stern, commanding, loving, gentle but firm.

You must see this guardian you’re creating and know that it will protect your home. Now address it in words, images or gestures. Coax it into the object. Give it explicit instructions. For example: “Protect this house and all who live within it. Allow no one with envious, destructive or dangerous motives to enter. Grow in power.”

Once the object is fully charged with the guardian, keep it in a prominent place in the house. A permanent altar is ideal, if you have one, or nearthe front entrance, the dining room or the bedroom.

Give the guardian additional power by daily reminding it of its duties, and it should serve you well. If you move from the house, take the guardian with you to your new place and shift its attention toward its new home.

The Magical Household: Spells & Rituals for the Home by Scott Cunningham

Categories: Articles, Daily Posts | Tags: Equinox, Home and Garden, Northern Hemisphere, Scott Cunningham, Shopping, Sun, Vernal Equinox, Ēostre | Leave a comment

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, March 20th

Posted on March 20, 2013 by ladyoftheabyss

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, March 20th

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination and wisdom

Ostara ~ Spring Equinox ~ International Astrology Day

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Cancer

Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.

Moon enters Aries 7:40 am

Aries: Good for starting things, but lacks staying power. Things occur rapidly, but quickly pass. People tend to be argumentative and assertive.

Incense: Lilac

Color: White

On this day when dark and light are equal or balanced, we ask the Goddess Ostara to help us find balance in our lives. We celebrate the return of longer days and prepare for the year ahead. This is also the time to cleanse and protect ourselves and our surroundings by removing negative energy and replacing it with positive vibrations.

March 20th is Best for…..

Bake, cut firewood, cut hair to increase growth, mow to increase growth, dig holes, wax floors, get married, start diet to gain weight

Gardening Calendar

March 20 – March 22

Best planting days for above ground crops, especially peas, beans, cucumbers and squash where climate is suitable.Plant seedbeds and flower gardens.

Fishing Calendar

March 20th Fishing is forecasted Best in the Morning

The Moon’s Astrological Place & Its Association with the Body

March 20th Cancer “Crab” Sign is in the Breast