 |
 |
|
|
| Departments |
Home
Columns, Special
Topics & Features:
The Columns:
Angel Blessings:
with Dr. Doreen Virtue
Ask Valerie Morrison,
Internationally
Acclaimed Psychic
Astrologer's Notes:
Ask Carrin Martin,
Astrologer
Basil Fearrington,
Astrology
Diana Stone,
Astrologer &
Huna Shaman
Jeff Jawer,
Astrology
Alan Oken,
Astrology
Glenn Perry,
Astrologer
Ray Merriman,
Financial Astrology:
MMA Market Week
Erin Sullivan,
Astrologer
Noel Tyl,
Astrologer
Daily Aspect Calendar
by Care
Monthly Horoscope:
Stellar Scopes
by Daija De Mornay
Creating Bridges:
The Spiritual &
Philosophical
Awakening to the
Miracle of Ordinary Life
by Dennis Lewis
Avant-Gardening:
Insights by Frank &
Vicky Giannangelo
Bodymind Integration:
A Psychology of Potential
by Kevin Roberts
Breaking Free:
Anne Brewer
Dowsing: A Path to Enlightenment:
Joey Korn
Teachings from the Western Mystery Traditions:
The Esoteric "Paths of Return"
by Jacquelyn Small, Eupsychia
Pathways to the Self:
Dr. Connie Rodriguez
Understanding
Kabbalah
by Aeon
Understanding
Wicca: Ask Fyre
Understanding Kashmir
Shaivism with
Swami Devi Nostrum
Mythology & Legends
Pearls of Wisdom:
with Care
The Practical
Practitioner
Feng Shui
Wind & Water:
Carole J. Hyder
Tarot:
Soulforest:
Tarot and Spirituality
Rachel Pollack,
Tarot Grand Master
Ask Teresa Michelsen:
Tarot Reader
Unexplained Phenomena:
Humor:
Wake Up Laughing.Com:
Swami Beyondananda
Features:
Blessings & Messages
Crystals, Gemstones
& Minerals
Event Calendar
Historical
Notes & Data
The MetaPersonals
Predictions
Reviews
Symbols, Seals,
Amulets & Talismans
The What in the
World Department
Trivia & Other
Novel Moments
Your Views
Interviews:
Ray Merriman!
Jacquelyn Small!
Healing & Alternative
Health:
Flower Essences
by Donna Cunningham
Empower Yourself
to Heal
by Gerri Shapiro
The Holistic Pet:
Dr. Shawn Messonnier
Living in Harmony-Astrology, Yoga & Ayurveda: Venkat & Christine Machiraju
"Spirit and Practice
of the Wise Woman
Tradition"
By Susun Weed
Tai Chi & Qigong
by Bill Douglas
The Holistic Mystic,
by Lonny Brown
The Eclectic
Metaphysicist:
by Jim Hansen
The Directory
Archives:
Past Issues
General Information:
Synopsis of Contents
Editorial Submission
Information:
Articles
Columns
Editorial Opinions
"Your Views"
General Content
Event Calendars
Graphics & Photos
Editorial Deadlines
Advertising
Information &
Opportunities
About
The Meta Arts
Magazine
Department
Contacts:
Publishers
Editorial
Advertising Sales
Graphic Design
Promotion Dept.
Employment
Contact Us
Legal Notices
|
|
|
Understanding Wicca: Ask Fyre
|
|
|
Spring Equinox
(Ostara) March 19-22
|
|
|
by Fyre |
|
|
|
|
|
Ostara marks the period between the longest day and longest night, not winter and not yet spring, balance has been created. It's the moment when nature herself and the God force are together once again to bring forth a new life. The new life of new seasons. Ostara is the second of the three fertility festivals. There is twelve hours of each light and dark. So from this moment we gain more light and less dark.
For pagans, this is a day of preparation. Consecrating one's magikal tools, restoring balance, cleansing ones sacred work space. This is the time for blessing seeds for the spring planting, or making the area for your garden. Cleaning the area and tilling the soil.
It's also a good time for the lady to acquire a new broom and for the gentleman to craft a new staff.
During this time. One might reflect on healing, meditation and evaluation of the current events and attitudes in your life is in order. Examine where you might be unbalanced and where you might need to let go of the past and prepare for a fertile future. If you've been working extra hard during the winter months, then now you should turn some attention to home. If you've secluded yourself from the world other than school and work, then now turn some attention to family and friends.
The tradition of coloring eggs and hiding them comes directly from our pagan rituals celebrating fertile times. If you have children, or if you're a kid at heart, this is a good time to boil eggs and decorate them with beautiful colors and symbols.
On the day of Ostara, plan to be outside if weather permits. Hide the eggs you decorated, and help your children play games to find them. Work in your garden or flower beds and prepare them for the growing season.
As night falls, spend some time decorating your alter with simple symbols and conduct a simple ritual honoring the rebirth of the God and the coming of spring.
Colors--spring greens, yellows, and other pastels.
Food– eggs, milk, berries
Herbs–scents and oils, Roses, lilac, mint
Tools–baskets, flowers petals
Invite the God and Goddess to your ritual as they will be presiding over your workings. There are many ways to invoke or invite the goddess to watch over you. I have included "the charge of the goddess" this is often used during rituals.
The Charge of the Goddess
Written by Doreen Valiente
Now listen to the words of the Great Mother, who was of old also called among men Artemis, Astarte, Athene, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Dana, Arianrhod, Isis, Bride, and by many other names. At her altars, the youth of Lacedaemon in Sparta made due sacrifice. Whenever ye have need of any thing, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, then shall ye assemble in some secret place, and adore the spirit of me, who am Queen of all witches. There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets; to these will I teach things that are as yet unknown. And ye shall be free from slavery; and as a sign that ye be really free, ye shall be naked in your rites; and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love, all in my praise.
For mine is the ecstasy of the spirit, and mine also is joy on earth; for my law is love unto all beings. Keep pure your highest ideal; strive ever towards it, let naught stop you or turn you aside; for mine is the secret door which opens upon the land of youth, and mine is the cup of wine of life, and the cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of immortality. I am the gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man. Upon earth, I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal; and beyond death, I give peace, and freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor do I demand sacrifice; for behold, I am the Mother of all living, and my love is poured out upon the earth. Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess; she in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, whose body encircles the universe.
I who am the beauty of the green earth and the white moon upon the mysteries of the waters, I call upon your soul to arise and come unto me. For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe. From me all things proceed and unto me they must return. Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you.
And you who seek to know me, know that the seeking and yearning
will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery: for if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without. For behold, I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.
On a magickal level, Spring Equinox is the time for beginning (in some cultures it is the new year.) Start any long-term growth spells or any spells that have to do with beginnings. Take the time to "clean" your house of any malicious spirits. Think about any long-term goals that you need to set. Research the myths surrounding the Sun God and the Spring Fertility Goddess.
Once your honoring has been completed, spend the rest of your evening on introspection. While the world is quiet and at peace, review your life and take stock of your emotions toward yourself. Examine those close to you. Try not to justify anger or sadness by placing the responsibility upon someone else. Rather step back without blame and take a look at how you and your actions have contributed to the events, good or bad, in your life. For those things that are working well, commend yourself. Give yourself some credit and think of something you can do as a celebration. For those things that have not been going well, take responsibility for your part in the event and forgive yourself of the actions, words or even thoughts that may have contributed to the event. Then think of way to turn things around.
This is truly a time of renewal and should be considered a feast of celebration. Although the menu is up to you and your personal taste. Traditionally a ham, vegetables, and potatoes are always a good sampling for the spring holiday.
End your evening in private reflection. It is important for anyone practicing a spiritual life to reflect on his or her actions. Record your thoughts, your emotions and your experiences. This is the true value of your book of shadows. And there is no better time to take stock of yourself and your life than during a High Holy Day.
~Fyre
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fyre,
Wiccan Practitioner
|
 |
Practitioner of Wicca
Psychic,
Tarot Reader
Readings by Fyre
A Wiccan, a loving mother and perpetual student of life, Fyre's background is a rich mixture of the Metaphysics, Sociology and Psychology.
The Directory, or by visiting her website:
www.astrofyre.com
|
Click to Send your questions:
|
|
You'll find it in
The
Directory!
|
|
|
|
|
