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Happy Spring to all my friends!
I’m sorry this is a little late but my daughter returned from six months in Brazil March 20th, the day of the Spring Equinox. In the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone, this equinox was the time when the beloved daughter was returned to the mother and all of nature rejoiced, stimulating growth once again. And so it is for my family. Watch what occurred to you on this major solar event because you may notice some metaphorical significance as well. This is a time of new beginnings (the first day of spring is also the astrological new year) and balance (day and night are equal in length). So notice what shows up that requires balancing? Or what is stirring in you, ready to burst forth and blossom? It is also a time to new plant seeds (projects) and clean out old patterns in your life.
In the Earth Honoring traditions, it is known as the time of Green Fire. I urge you to pay attention to the green fire energy surging in all vegetation. Meditate in your garden or sit with a favorite plant because there is an entirely different feel right now. As Barbara Kingsolver pointed out in her wonderful book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, plants are programmed to respond to the arc of the sun. That is, when the daylight lengthens, they wake up and burst into new life. I always thought it was the temperature that created the timing of their growth until Barbara’s book enlightened me.
Virtually all the customs we now celebrate for Easter came from older traditions. Eggs, symbolizing new beginnings, rebirth, continuity and growth are the most enduring and pervasive symbol for spring in all cultures. They are the universal archetype for new life. The tale of the Easter Bunny who delivers eggs to children comes from a legend of Eostre, the Teutonic Goddess of Spring whose name is the linguistic root for the direction east and the word Easter. The animal most sacred to Eostre was the hare. As the story goes, Eostre found a bird wounded in the snow and she transformed the bird into a hare to ensure the animal’s survival over the winter. The transformation was not complete, however, as the hare retained the ability to lay eggs. This newly transformed rabbit wished to please Eostre, so she laid sacred eggs in her honor, decorated them in bright beautiful designs, and then humbly presented them to the Goddess. She was so pleased that she wished all humankind to share in her joy. To honor Eostre’s wishes, the rabbit went throughout the world and distributed these little decorated gifts of life. And there you have it!
I would like to invite all of you who live in southern California to come to my newly minted retreat, Calling in the Beloved on Sunday, April 11th. Whether you are in relationship and wanting to take it deeper, longing to bring in a spiritual partner, or intending to heal your limiting beliefs about relationships, this is for you
I am extending the early registration fee to April 5th and it is easy to pay on-line at my website. So please take a look at the flyer.
Blessings,
Linda
lindasavagephd@goddesstherapy.com
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