|
Ostara - Spring Equinox Blessings As both sun and moon reach down in harmony. Bee hives start to stir, the earthworm stretches and pulsates through the soil, and tiny seeds start their journey into flowers tall. Reach deep within and open up, to touch the joy of simply being, every breath is beautiful. Spring is full of hope and change. Remember it is the simplest of thoughts that can change a world. Be compassionate, not just to others but to oneself also. If we do not give ourselves the respect we deserve, how then can we offer that to others.. This is a time of perfect balance, day and night in harmony with each other as the wheel turns and we wave good bye to winter, Yes really, even after the resent cold spells. It is time to look ahead at what we wish to grow and nurture. Sow the seeds of inspiration, be it physically of from a more spiritual basis. know that what we visualise will manifest into being if we work hard enough at it. Just as when we plant our seed in the fresh spring soil, we do not see just a seed, but visualise it growing into something beautiful. Personally I think this is a particularly powerful equinox as it is only a few days after the new moon, also a perfect time for new beginnings. It does have to come from the heart though, for if we allow ego to take over it will loose the essence of its simplicity and purity. Let us celebrate this time with thoughts of the Goddess Ostara and her representation of Spring and new life, and with the Hare, so closely associated with the moon, and immortality. In modern times the hare has been replaced by the Easter Bunny, and the Christian date for Easter interestingly is chosen in alignment with the moon, as it is alway the first Sunday after the first full moon falling after the Spring Equinox.
1 Comment
A few people have requested that I re post the Writing of Max Ehrmann which I included in a seasonal post last year so here it is.
There has been many a time when I have found myself referring back to this, brought to my attention by a friend, May you enjoy and share too... Desiderata - Words for Life By Max EhrmannGo placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. Imbolc Blessings As we reach February, the earth starts to stir, Life returning slowly but surely. The first proud snowdrop’s rise up, braving the last of winters frosts to meet the sun’s slowly strengthening heat, as it reaches down to kiss the earth. The wheel turns once more, the cycles continuing to throb and rotate. It is like a curtain lifting on the stage, behind subtle changes tease our senses as life is breathed back into the land. The tree’s seem to stand taller and the wildlife appear more playful… Perhaps even for just a moment, simply stand and take in the beauty of it all, arms outstretched, embracing not only what we see around us, but also what lies within us too..  New Moon Blessings
Wednesday January 17th 2018 (2.17am) Throughout the waning phase of the moon we have been given time for contemplation to assess and remove all those things we no longer wish to carry, so leaving us free to progress forward with all that excites and inspires us, as she again turns her face in our skies and we reach the New Moon. I love this phase, it is so refreshing and liberating. We can now turn our attentions from reflections to action, start those projects that we have been preparing for. This is a time of beauty in the depths of Winter where hope is never lost, for even on the coldest of days the earth is preparing for the onset of spring and new life, in the same way the New Moon brings to us the chance of new beginnings, adventure’s and exploration...... 2018 is a great opportunity for reaching deep within and really analysing what and were Gaia, Mother Earth, the universe, or simply our own individual free spirit is guiding us to explore. This may take many different paths, but their is a great emphasis on creativity and healing, a shifting of old in to new, and a greater awareness of who we are and were we fit in.
January opened into a Full Moon, a super moon at that, for many this was the end of festivities and partying, a beautiful spectacle to grace the skies and remind us of the simple beauty that surrounds us. Following this is a time for removal and contemplation, as the waning moon slowly decreases, we can take this moment in time and space to search deep within and let go of all the things that have held us back from truly trusting our inner wisdom, “ Release and let go ” as a beautiful friend is always reminding me, it is wise advise. On the 17th of January the New Moon arrives with clear fresh energies, perfect for us to now look to what journey lies ahead. It is however so important to remember that this path we choose to walk is one which if we are true to it, will evolve and grow in a way that is both in harmony with ourselves and all that surrounds us. If by chance we do meet any resistance along the way, this is something that we will work through, and become stronger for having met the challenges of, and never forgetting friends are there for us too. At the end of January we have our second Full Moon of the month, a Blue Moon, an exciting and rare occurrence, hence the phrase “ Once in a Blue Moon ”. This is the last of the three supper moons. For those of us that like to sit beneath her silvery light, the energies are profound, her vibrations are heightened and need respect, but are also there to be enjoyed and celebrated. It is too easy sometimes to forget that, yes we respect and note the passing of the Luna cycles, but the moon in any of her beautiful aspects, is also something to be celebrated with laughter and love.. meditate, and visualise harmony and balance, in whatever you feel guided to do, and allow freedom of spirit and creativity to help your own personal journey to evolve in a natural way...... Oh Silver Lady shining so bright, a glimmer of hope in the darkest of nights..  Wishing Winter Solstice Blessings love and light
So the circle of life moves on and now we reach the winter solstice, Yule a time when the nights are at their longest and the days short. The earth takes a silent breath and is still, Winter has truly arrived. It is that moment of contemplation knowing that the the sun is starting to return slowly but surely. It always amazes me that at the start of winter their truly is that light at the end of the tunnel, even though the winter is just begun.. That does not mean I do not love the moments of quiet and solitude it brings, or the wild winds and storms, as this can be a great time for transformation. Celebrations, family, friends and gathering together. Yule brings with it the promise of a full table, and tokens of love and kindness. Ignoring the commercial drive to get us to purchase all those things we really do not need, let us instead remember that for those less fortunate, a simple action can make a world of difference, for every small action multiplied over and over becomes something that will make those desperately needed changes. In the same way as the earth slumbers let us take a step back, make a mental note of what we can do to aid her in her barren time so as when she awakens agin in spring, we can offer her a chance to grow fresh roots that are free from the contaminants of over indulgence and selfish neglect. May this season bring you Yuletide Blessing full of Love and the returning Light, to fill your days with balance and harmony, Let it touch your heart and lift your soul. This is such a strong Moon, perhaps we should simply enjoy the Moonlight in her perfect symmetry. Focusing on self love, (something we often neglect) and healing, letting it touch our inner self. Let us ask for all that is not wanted to gently melt away and wish for a lighter, brighter future for the world. Brightest Blessings, Love and Light  Pagan Portals Gwyn Ap Nudd Wild God of Faery, Guardian of Annwfn by Danu Forest I have recently finished reading this fascinating book. It is informative, well researched and beautifully written. A must for anyone interested in this Faery King and God of the Brythonic underworld Annwfn. It takes us across unchartered lands and wild welsh countryside, leads us though beautiful meditations, and touches the heart with tales deep rooted in Natural wild magic, helping us to glimpse at what lies beyond the mists of space and time. There is so much to take in throughout this book I know I will be returning to re read it.  |
Author - Susie
Archives
March 2018
Categories |
RSS Feed