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Reflections on the Wheel of the Year
SPRING CELEBRATIONS
by Ananaia O'Leary |
Ostara,
Spring Equinox
approx. March 20-21
Sun grows, Earth
blushes
From cold snap to rising sap
Winter’s memory melts.
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Spring Equinox, the first day of Spring, surely a day worth celebrating! Earth awakens,
shoots life up through the soil … green spreading lawn to lawn, tree to tree. The
blush of life returning … soft & flexible. A shy maiden unfolding her charms.
In olden times the
Anglo-Saxons named the festival of Spring Equinox, Ostara, in honor of Eostre, maiden
Goddess of Spring fertility. (The Christian holiday Easter derives its name from Eostre as
well). Eostre is the spirit of the dawning year, new growth, fresh beginnings, renewal,
rebirth. She dances on the cusp of shyness and exuberance.
She calls you to enter her dance, to tune your
living to the rhythm of the Earth. To awaken, to embrace fresh growth, to connect to your
inner exuberance. Break out! Feel alive!
When is the last time you paused to appreciate the awesome adventure of breathing? Have
you thanked your heartbeat lately? How long has it been since the light of morning came as
a kiss on your cheek? Did you hear the birdsong as you left your house today?
We are alive on this green Earth and we have cause
to celebrate!
The Spring is within us, not merely around us. Tune to the outward signs of Spring then
seek their answering echoes within. |
Hum birdsong
Blossom with laughter
Hatch a new direction
Plant soul seeds
Irrigate with teardrops
Spread warmth
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CELEBRATE! |
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Beltane, May Day
April 30
Thump! Thump! heartbeats pound ...
Earth rhythm, Drum rhythm, Blood rhythm – dance! Leap the Beltane fire!
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Passion. That’s what rides the night on Beltane Eve. On this ancient celebration of
Spring’s potent power, we come in full contact with our primal nature. Full blooded,
deep-in-the-body humanity — raw, sweaty, fierce, joyful, wholesome, natural, and
alive. Traditionally this holiday is conceived of as a fertility festival, and mentions of
Beltane bring many a “nudge, nudge, wink, wink” sexual innuendo. But at the
pulsing heart of the matter, Beltane isn’t about sex, it’s about the ecstasy of
living.
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At this time in
the Wheel of the Year, the Earth is surging with vital energy, plants and animals creating
in tempo with this planetary impulse. We are called to join the dance of creation …
called to celebrate the mystery of body merged with spirit. Open to ecstasy. It comes in
infinite forms …
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…
a cut-loose night on the town
... a spontaneous dance in the privacy of your own living room
... a sweaty hike through the woods
... the intimate touch of your lover
... driving with the top down jammin’ to Metallica
... a dance around a maypole
... digging deep in the dirt
... a long sensuous soak in the tub
... jumping the Beltane fires for growth & blessings |
What will you do this Beltane?
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