|
Book of Shadows -
Tradition
|
|
Written by Madame Aradia
|
|
Saturday, 21 March 2009 20:50 |
The vernal equinox...you can breath a sigh of relief for winter is over (at least for most states now). Oh, you might suffer a few chilly days and frosts until May, but at long last spring is really here. The promise of spring has been everywhere for weeks now. Robins spotted in February. Snowdrops, crocuses, anemones, and other early flowers have come. The trees have red in their young branches....a sign of the sap rising.
The name “vernal equinox” is Latin meaning “equal night”, for now the days and nights are the same length. Light and darkness are equal. The first of spring happens on or around March 21st.
Through the years, many cultures (particularly the Germans, Anglo-Saxons, and Romans) have celebrated the vernal equinox as a holiday known as Ostara, or Eostre (this is where the Christians derived their name for the holiday, Easter). Ostara is the name for an Anglo-Saxon/Norse goddess of life, fertility, and rebirth. Her symbols are, of course, the bunny, eggs, and spring flowers.
To celebrate the holiday, go for a long walk (reflecting on the young, budding nature around you) or plant seeds for your garden (indoors, of course! A frost could kill all your young plants before May). Decorate your home with fresh cut flowers, statues of rabbits or hand-woven bird’s nests, and candles (suggested: green, white, purple, or yellow). Color eggs to decorate your home or garden with....of course, if you want long lasting eggs, you must use "blown" eggs. Hard-boiled will become smelly fast!
|
Add Comment
|
What is a "Book of Shadows"?
Originally, the "Book of Shadows" was a term that referred to a coven's collection of spells and secrets. In modern culture, the term is used to refer to a witch's personal diary and/or journal. The purpose is to keep a record of everything the witch learns and discovers. While usually kept private, I have decided to make mine public in the form of a blog. I have done this in the hopes of helping other find magic in everyday life, and especially in the practice of gardening.
My Latest Art
-
Scared to Death
madamearadia posted a photo:
Well, this painting turned out way different than the original sketch, but I am still pleased with the results....
9/2/2010
-
Join Me Here
madamearadia posted a photo:
The hour comes and now is near
When you the living so shall hear
The voice of Death and those that fear
Shall so be buried and join me here...
-Epitaph
8/20/2010
-
Once Upon Lammas Evening
-
Summer Musings
madamearadia posted a photo:
I know a little garden-close
Set thick with lily and red rose
Where I would wander, if I might
From dewy dawn to dewy night
-William Morris
7/30/2010
-
Never Forget
madamearadia posted a photo:
Leap Castle is known for being the most haunted castle in Ireland. The history is long and bloody. The small chapel in the castle has long been one of the most haunted rooms...it even became nicknamed the "Bloody Chapel". Years of rebuilding revealed an oubliette filled with bones of countless victims. Many owners would endure strange accidents and injuries during their stay. Though there are many ghosts, this particular ghost seems to have been seen the most. Stinking of corpses and described as being sheep-like and yet human, this spirit would touch your shoulder or hand and stare at you with eyes that weren't really eyes.....peering and staring, freezing you in its gaze....
7/15/2010
|
The Latest From My Garden
|
|
|
|
0 Comments