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 March 2006 The Esbat for this month is the Chaste Moon. This month's Sabbat is Ostara.  The
Chaste Moon (14th March).Chaste is the old-fashioned word for pure and innocent, so this full moon is the Moon of the Maiden. Like Diana, chaste Goddess of the Moon, all of nature at this moment is pure potential waiting to be fulfilled. This full moon is a marvellous time for scrying, looking deep into yourself and discovering all the hidden magic’s that are just waiting to show you the way over the next 12 months. If you can manage to face the weather and perform your scrying ritual outdoors, then a puddle on the ground is just the thing. If you’re unable to scry outdoors, then a bowl of water will be sufficient. The bowl must be black, or painted black. If you don’t have a black bowl you can use any colour - but add black India ink to the water to turn it black. With your puddle or bowl in front of you, ask a question in your mind and see if you can get an answer. (If nothing comes to you, don’t worry you may be on the right track and perhaps not immediately need an answer). Look at the surface of the water and let your eyes relax, but try not to blink. As you continue to concentrate, you will begin to see images. You may see animals or other shapes, and sometimes family and friends. Images that appear close to the surface will come to pass sooner and images that appear deeper will take longer to come about. Here are a few examples of some of the images you may see and their meanings: • Spider and web: You seem to be doing the same old thing over and over; perhaps you need to re-assess something that continues to bother you. • Horse: This could mean a journey, or that you need to break free and feel like running away. • Planes, boats and cars: these all signify journeys so try and keep an eye on how far away these images appear from the surface to ascertain how far in the future the actual journey is. • Babies: a child is always a sign of joy and hope, so depending on the question you asked; take this as a good sign. • Cats: can be very clever, though devious animals - so if you have asked a question for yourself, perhaps you need to think about what you want and maybe sit and wait for the right time and situation. If you‘ve asked about another, be aware that they are probably looking out for their own interests first.  Ostara (21st
March).Pronounced [o-star’-a], this is a time to rejoice the spring and nature’s beauty, to just get out and walk with the earth. We celebrate being alive at this time and that the days and nights are now equal. The God has returned as a young man to meet the Maiden Goddess and they now prepare to dance the dance of love. It’s time to start whipping up some real magic to get the year kick started and to many, this month is very important as it signifies fertility. Eggs have always been synonymous as a strong symbol of fertility, and were exchanged as far back as 5000 years ago. There are records of the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks and Romans giving painted eggs as a sign of new life. So, let’s get painting! This is an excellent way to bring the craft and the whole family together. Think about what it is you truly want or need, then find the appropriate corresponding colour. Here’s a guide to help you: • Red: passion, love, commitment. • Yellow: health, concentration, wisdom and action. • Pink: love, friendship, and reconciliation. • Green: prosperity, fertility, wealth, communication, employment and good luck. • Orange: legal matters, confidence, pride and empathy. • Purple: power, success, commitment and psychic matters. • Blue: work, health happiness, guidance and truth. • Silver: represents the Goddess moon and intuition. • Gold: represents the God Sun and longevity. First, boil your eggs until they’re hard boiled, then leave them to cool. Once they’ve cooled, you can start to paint them. You can mix the colours that you paint on your egg. For example: if you’re looking for a new job and you lack confidence, paint your egg green and orange. If you need to sort out personal and emotion issues, paint your egg red and yellow. If you want to keep things simple, you can stick to just one colour. Paint as many eggs as you feel necessary. When they‘ve dried, write your wishes on your eggs (use a felt-tip or marker pen), for example: “I would like a new job” or “help trying for a baby”, then take them out into your garden, or to on open area where you won’t be disturbed. (Please remember to always stay safe, don’t go wandering into the woods alone)! These are your offerings to the Goddess/God that you’re going to present to them. You can either bury, or place the eggs in a secluded area under a tree - but ensure your eggs are out of sight so that no-one will disturb them. Spend a few minutes reflecting upon what you’ve asked for, and then move on. This is great fun for children, as they can really get involved and will enjoy getting themselves and you, very dirty! Coming next month... don't miss the Beltaine Sabbat and the ritual for the Seed Moon. |