WELCOME SPRING!
March 15, 2011Spring mirrors the mystery of resurrection and fertility, when Mother Earth is bursting forth once again in growing splendor, when buds and blossoms are opening to the warming energy of the sun. The Vernal Equinox marks the first day of Spring, when dark and light, day and night, hang in perfect balance. Babies appear everywhere in creation and the hum of birds and bees vibrate though the budding trees with increasing sounds of waking life. The Goddess is alive and magic is afoot in the land once more. All are reborn.
The fragile light of the spirit born at the Winter Solstice and the sacred flame of divine recognition at Candlemas now pushes forward in full force, bringing new life. Daughters and sons of the Earth emerge playful and inquisitive, running together in fields of green as rainbows grace the skies. Sprinkles of rain and rushing streams of melting snow wash away winter's decay. Children of the Goddess are resurrected and play together now. The maiden returns to her mother. Young lads frolic in the lap of the Goddess. All rise from the tomb of the earth with new life, growth and wonder. It is a perfect time to sing, dance, feast, make merry and welcome brighter days ahead.
Many ancient traditions are celebrated at this time, like the easter bunny, a creature of fertility, and the easter egg which once symbolized the great cosmic egg of the Goddess opened by her sacred serpent. Since Spring brings resurrection, growth and sprouting, it also brings enchantment, when the world begins waking up and the power of life is evident, when her promise of return is fulfilled!
In the Circle, we honor the Earth's Holy Days and the changing seasons because when nature changes, we change. We are one with her. On the Spring Equinox, we honor ourselves as her children wild and free, for Spring invokes the child within and mirrors a time of youthful folly, innocence, playfulness and joy... when life was simple and less complicated. Spring reflects a time when our young hearts were light, when we felt our oneness with Nature in every cell, when we became intoxicated by her sweet fragrances. It brings back a time when we laid in soft grasses under the sun, played on the beach, waded in the creeks with the fairies and elemental beings... a time when we heard the voice of ancestral spirits in quiet groves and gardens... when life was a healthy adventure and the world seemed a friendly place... when we were enraptured by the beauty of our own flesh and befriended every living creature around us!
Yes... spring is the perfect time to connect with the child within, to evoke our magical essence once again... to unlease our powerful imagination and open the door to realms of fantasy that once held our fascination as children... to connect with our youthful spirit... to heal old wounds.. to reconnect with the spirit of the maiden, she who is whole unto herself, she who let's no one else define her... she who is wild and free... she who runs through the woods and dances under the moon and stars, without fear.... or he who finds his greatest treasures in the forest or comfort in her caves and caverns.... he who hears her voice in the winds and her laughter in a babbling brook....
Some women in recovery avoid spring rituals because they don't have pleasant memories of childhood and have fear of re-opening that door. I understand. It took me a long time to dance freely around the circle with my fairy wings and magic wand, to unleash the innocent child locked away inside of me. She was buried for years under layers of protection that I created, shields that kept everyone and everything away from this fragile soul that was fearful of being exploited or hurt, but my wild amazon finally took charge and came to her rescue. She assured her that she was safe, that she would be taken care of if she was willing to take the chance. She did, and she's never been sorry.
Yes, spring rituals and celebrations are important, not only for our young children but for ourselves, because they allow deeper healing to take place. Spring rituals replace sad memories with happy ones, drudgery with fun, seriousness with laughter, deep sadness with the joy that many of us lost along the way. So whether we celebrate the Equinox in our circles, alone, or with family; whether we light a prayer candle on the altar or bask in the fellowship, let the returning Spirit of the Earth Goddess wrap you in her magical essence this spring, and embrace you as her loving child once again.
Let's remember: When the Women Heal, the Earth Heals! Blessed Be.
A MAIDEN'S SONG
Give me the freedom of a maiden's song
Running wild in a forest all day long
With flowing hair, without a care,
Blessing the Earth with beauty rare...
Give me the rapture on a maiden's face
When she offers her love in a wild embrace
As she opens her arms with no fear of harm
And fills the space with her innocent grace...
Give me the depth of a maiden's soul
Who remembers the ancient ways of old
Who sings to the tides of ebb and flow
On warming sands near a fire's glow...
Give me the trust in a maiden's eyes
When she dances under sunny skies,
Or lifts her prayers on a starry night
To a crescent moon of silver light!
Give me the magic of a maiden's song
Let it live in my heart all season long
Let it keep me safe and free and strong
Give me the magic of a maiden's song!
Many Blessings... Lady J
Posted by JoAnna Silverwitch.
