Spring Equinox 2011

Blessings for this Equinox Season and Welcome Spring!

We welcome the warmth of spring and the increasing light. The days and nights are now equal. We should use this energy to bring balance into our lives. As we adjust to the new time change, look within yourself to see what you can adjust to bring about change.

At this time of year there are many goddesses to be honored. We have selected several for this issue. In particular for Ostara I selected Anna Perenna. She is an ancient mother goddess of Rome. The origin and original legend of this Roman goddess is a subject of conjecture, for she seems to be so ancient that even in early historical times her beginnings were unclear.

In one story she is the sister of Dido. After Dido dies, she went to Rome and was met by Dido’s unfaithful lover and his wife. When she found out that his wife was jealous of her, Anna Perenna fled and then turned herself into a river. A second story states she was an Etruscan goddess of fertility and reproduction. She was honored at a festival held on March 15^th. I wonder if the word perennial originated from her name.

Blessings to you on this special day,

Dawn

Ritual for Ostara:

Preparation:

Pastel altar cloth

Live plant

Cup of water

White candle

Green candle

Light both candles and say:

Anna Perenna, Great Mother, you are the goddess of reproduction. Please join me today. This is the start of spring. It is a time of new life. We see the results of your work. Over the winter months when it was dark, new life was forming. I bless this plant with water in your honor. Thank you for your gifts

Blessings to you Great Mother!

After the ritual, think about new life in your life. Is there a new baby in the family? Or maybe a new pet? Do you have any bulbs or plants that are blooming? Give thanks to the goddess and bless this new life.