Pronouncement: Beloved John Paul II!

Pope Benedict XVI beatified Pope John Paul II before an estimated 2 million faithful in St. Peter's Square and surrounding streets this morning, moving the beloved former pontiff one step closer to probable sainthood in one of the largest turnouts ever for a Vatican Mass.

I am a devout Pagan, a faith-filled Solitary Practitioner of Wicca and have been for many years. Why then am I blogging about this "Catholic/Christian" event? Because I loved this man — enough to have gotten up at 4 a.m., E.S.T., to watch the Mass live.

Today's Mass occurred on Divine Mercy Sunday, the first Sunday after Easter. Pope Benedict wore the chasuble and mitre frequently worn by Pope John Paul II during his 26-year pontificate, which spanned from Oct. 22 1978, to April 2 2005.

I am a former Catholic, converting I realized later largely because of Pope John Paul II's magnetic, amazingly angelic-like personality. Had he not been Pope, I am sure that I would never have traveled down that faith path. Nonetheless, he remains my Pope, my beloved "Papa," and will until I am also dust.

The first-ever Polish Pope, traveled to 109 nations during his papacy. Each time he disembarked, he knelt and kissed the tarmac as a moving sign of respect for each country/nation that he visited, and also in humility. Later, when his health was ravaged by Parkinson's Disease and he was unable to kneel, his aides would bring a dish of native soil up to him to kiss.

It is interesting to note that a French nun, Sister Marie Simone-Pierre, who also suffered from Parkinson's Disease, prayed to the pontiff a week after his death, and received a complete cure. It was her experience that the Vatican investigated and confirmed as a "miracle," a necessary step toward Beatification.

When he died in 2005, the faithful had gathered exactly where today's ceremony was held. Then, the overflow crowd spontaneously erupted, chanting: "Santo Subito!" — meaning "Sainthood Now!" or "Sainthood Immediately!" They chanted it over and over again, unexpectedly stopping the Resurrection Mass for several moments. Their voices rang out through the square, filling it and echoing off the ancient Basilica with an indescribable intensity and yes, love. I truly felt chills watching it on TV thousands of miles away.

During today joyous Mass, an enormous tapestry of John Paul II based on a 1995 photograph by his then official photographer, Arturo Mari, was unveiled from the balcony of Saint Peter’s. It showed the pontiff with a twinkle in his eye, and a slightly wry smile.

[Note: The tapestry is depicted at the top of this post.]

To begin today's Beatification rite, Cardinal Agostino Vallini, vicar general of the Rome Diocese, and Mgr Slawomir Oder, the postulator of the Cause, approached Pope Benedict. In Latin, Cardinal Vallini formally requested, "the Beatification of the Servant of God Pope John Paul II."

In a short biography of the late Pontiff, who was born born Karol Józef Wojtyła on May 18 1920, the cardinal said the characteristic of John Paul II’s Faith and Pontificate were a devotion to God, and his complete, almost childlike trust in "Our Lady," the Virgin Mary. It was also mentioned that today was appropriate for the Beatification because it is the first of May, or to the faithful, first Sunday of "the Month of Mary." To me, it is appropriate because it is Wicca's Beltane — a celebration of life's renewal and wonder.

He went on to talk about John Paul’s missionary zeal and his love of young people for whom he established World Youth Day, which raised a loud cheer from young pilgrims in Rome for the Beatification.

Pope Benedict, of whom I am not fond, then declared that John Paul II's "name will forever be Blessed." It now remains for one more miracle to be reported and confirmed for him to be Canonized as a Saint.

"He restored to Christianity its true face as a religion of hope," Benedict said in his homily.

In John Paul's native country, tens of thousands of people gathered in rain in a major sanctuary in Krakow and in Wadowice, where the pontiff was born. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his wife Malgorzata watched the ceremony together with Wadowice residents.

"I wonder what we would have been like and what would not have happened if we had not had our pope," Minister Tusk was quoted as saying. "All that good that we all have received is still working."

Blessed John Paul II, or John Paul the Great, was also given a formal "Feast Day," upon which he will be celebrated annually. His day is Oct. 22, which was the date of his first public Mass in 1978 as Pope, during which he repeated what was to become his mantra: "Do Not Be Afraid."

I am still shocked at how strongly I respond to him. I am liberal and disagreed with almost every stance he ever took on church policy. For some reason, none of that matters. What matters is how I felt when I saw him, and still feel when I remember him, or even look at a photograph.

John Paul’s was a papacy of milestones. In 1978, as Cardinal Wojtyla of Krakow, he became the first non-Italian to become pope in four centuries. Under him, the church issued its first new catechism in nearly 500 years. In 2000, he asked pardon for the church’s sins against Jews, women, heretics (like me) and minorities. He was also the first pope to visit a Muslim mosque, and a Jewish synagogue.

He survived an assassination attempt by a Turkish gunman in 1981, a still-hazy chapter in Cold War history. He later visited the gunman in prison and forgave him. The man later said the Pontiff's visit changed his life.

When he was shot, I was not a Catholic at the time. Nonetheless, I sent my first and only Western Union telegram directly to the Vatican, telling him that he was in the prayers of those other than his own faith.

Blessed John Paul's closed coffin was exhumed from a crypt beneath the Basilica, and was placed at the center aisle during the ceremony. Pope Benedict kissed it reverently. He was followed by scores of cardinals who did the same. The simple wooden casket will be placed in a side chapel next to Michelangelo’s “Pietà,” allowing it to be viewed for the first time since his funeral.
 
During the Mass, Benedict received a silver reliquary holding a vial of blood taken from John Paul during his final hospitalization. The relic, a key feature of beatification ceremonies, will be available for the faithful to venerate.

It was presented to him by Sister Tobiana, the Polish nun who tended to John Paul throughout his pontificate, and Sister Marie Simone-Pierre.

Thousands of pilgrims, many of them from John Paul's native Poland, spent the night in sleeping bags on bridges and in piazzas around town, and then packed St. Peter's as soon as the barricades opened over an hour in advance because the crowds were too great.

They stood shoulder-to-shoulder on the main boulevard leading to the Vatican, Via della Conciliazione, as well as on side streets around it and the bridges crossing the Tiber leading to St. Peter's waving flags from Argentina, Germany, Great Britain and Lebanon.

It's the fastest beatification on record, coming just six years after John Paul died and beating out the beatification of Mother Teresa by a few days. It was also the first time a sitting Pope beatified his predecessor.

[Note above photo: The reliquary containing the blood of Pope John Paul II was placed on a pedestal during the beatification ceremony by Sister Marie Simon Pierre, right, who says she was cured of Parkinson's Disease after praying to John Paul II; and Sister Tobiana, who is also a nurse who cared for the late Pope.]

 — Danu's Daughter

April's Showers Lead to May's Beltane, Part II

May Day is Beltane and a sacred time for Wiccans and Pagans throughout the world.

It is a time to celebrate the Earth's renewal, to glory in life's power and its wonders. If you are an adult, it is a time to delight in sensual pleasures, and to dance with abandon and sing in the moonlight.

As a Solitary Practitioner of Wicca, I observe the holidays (Sabbats in honor of the gods, and Esbats in honor of the goddesses) as the Wheel of the Year turns. I follow these basic religious laws, which can be consolidated as:

"Bide the Wiccan laws ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust...Mind the Threefold Law ye should — three times bad and three times good...Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill — an it harm none, do what ye will."

May's Eve

The Sacred Sabbat Beltane officially begins at sunset on April 30. Although most celebrations don't get into full swing until May 1, most Wiccans and Pagans acknowledge May's Eve in some fashion.

A nice tradition to start is to take equal lengths of white and silver ribbons, then tie them in a bow around one of the lower branches of a tree, preferrably a Hawthorn, one of the original Sacred Trees. Do this at sunset, and focus on the beautiful tree, then ask the Goddess for Her blessings.

Beltane

As a significant Sabbat, I am presenting some additional Beltane rituals in this Part II of the post.

The word "Beltane" literally means "bright" or "brilliant fire," and refers to the bonfire lit by a presiding Druid in honor of the proto-Celtic god variously known as Bel, Beli, Balar, Balor or Belenus. It has been suggested that Bel is the Brythonic Celt equivalent to the Goidelic Celt god Kernunnos.

The third of the two Celtic fire festivals, Beltane was a celebration of the return of life and fertility to the world, and was celebrated on or around April 30, athough in these later years has become more commonly celebrated on May 1 ("May Day").

Beltane is sometimes referred to as Cetsamhain which means "opposite Samhain." Beltane was the last of the three spring fertility festivals, and the second major Celtic festival. Beltane, and its counterpart Samhain, divide the year into its two primary seasons, Winter and Summer.

On the eve of Beltane the Celts build two large fires, created from the nine sacred woods, in honor of Summer. The tribal herds were ritually driven between them, so as to purify and protect them in the upcoming year. The fires celebrate the return of life and fruitfulness to the earth. Celebration included frolicking throughout the countryside, dancing the Maypole, leaping over fires, and "going a maying". It was customary for young lovers to spend the night in the forest.

Beltane was the time of sensuality revitalized the reawakening of the earth and all of her children. It was the time when tribal people celebrated with joy the vivid colors and vibrant scents of the season, tingling summer breezes, and the rapture of summer after a long dormant winter.

It was customary that Handfastings (weddings,) for a year and a day, take place at this time. On May Eve, people would tear branches from a Hawthorn tree and decorate the outside of their homes. The Hawthorn, or Whitethorn, is the tree of hope, pleasure, and protection. The strong taboo on breaking Hawthorne branches or bringing them into the home was traditionally lifted on May Eve.

Another custom was to leap over the Beltane bonfire. Young people jumped the fire for luck in finding a spouse, travelers jumped the fire to ensure a safe journey, and pregnant women jumped the fire to assure an easy delivery.

Traditional Beltane Activities

— Arise at dawn and wash in the morning dew, for the woman who washes her face in it will be beautiful, the man who washes his hands will be skilled with knots and nets.
— If you live near water, make a garland or posy of spring flowers and cast it into stream, lake or river to bless the water spirits.
— Prepare a May basket by filling it with flowers and goodwill, then give it to one in need of caring, such as a shut-in or elderly friend.
— Beltane is one of the three "spirit-nights" of the year when the faeries can be seen. At dusk, twist a rowan sprig into a ring and look through it, and you may see them.
— Make a wish as you jump a bonfire or candle flame for good luck—but make sure you tie up long skirts first!
— Make a May Bowl —wine or punch in which the flowers of sweet woodruff or other fragrant blossoms are soaked—and drink with the one you love.
— Celebrants sometimes jump over broomsticks, especially at Handfastings (weddings) that are very common during this season, or dance around May Poles, as both of these are symbols of fertility.
— Traditional activities include blowing horns, and gathering flowers. Solitary Practitioners might consider the weaving together of ribbons as an alternative to creating and dancing around the May Pole.
— Many like to celebrate Beltaine by decorating their homes and themselves with fresh flower garlands, or by stringing up greenery around their homes and places of work.
— Sending flowers to loved ones, planting new gardens, cleaning out the cupboards and general spring cleaning are all traditional Beltaine gestures.
— Plaiting and weaving straw, creating things with wicker, making baskets and fabrics are traditional arts for this turn in the Wheel of the Year.

Outdoor Beltane Ritual for the Solitary Practitioner

Preparation

— Prior to this rite you should have made ready a wooden wand. This should be from a fallen branch of an Oak or Hazel tree. Remember, never take the wood from a living tree, as it disrespects the life force of the tree, and the Goddess!

The wood can be cut into the rough shape of a phallus, if so it should be of the appropriate size and shape. On the other hand, a simple branch, peeled of its bark, and about 13 inches long and half an inch thick is also acceptable. Place the wand upon your altar, within the the area you will be casting for a Sacred Circle.

— Prepare a dish containing earth you have gathered and place it upon the altar beside the wand. [The dirt will symbolize the entire Earth in the ceremony.]

The Rite

Cast the Circle and invoke the Lady and her Consort. After the invocation, dance and chant to raise power for magickal activities, and then send that power from the earth and into an unlit candle, which has been placed inside the cauldron and is at the center of the circle.

Chant the following (or make up your own):

"Beltane! I dance with delight on Beltane's night. All senses freeing, I dance for being. The flower and the flame of love's own rite shall blossom. Sun embrace Earth, bright."

Light the candle to the represent the reborn Sun God. This is the Beltane fire, our modern substitute for the hilltop bonfires of our ancestors. The Bel fire is an invocation to the Sun God to bring blessing and protection for the coming year. This is sacred fire with healing and purifying properties.

As you light the candle, the cauldron a symbol of the Goddess, be aware of its wonderful power and significance. Say:

"I light this candle to honor the Sun."

Now, raise the dish containing the dirt. Bless it in the name of the Goddess by saying:

"I bless, consecrate, and set apart this earth, in the name of the Triple Goddess. May this be sacred earth, set apart for magick. For earth is of the Goddess, being her sacred body."

Remember that the Goddess is not only of the Moon, but of the Earth and of the farthest stars. She is the Triple Goddess of the Circle of Rebirth, the Mother of All Life. [You might wish to decorate the dish of earth with flowers prior to the ceremony.]

Now, take the wooden wand and oil it with vegetable or some other natural oil. Bless it in the name of the Lord of the Day, the youthful, ardent one, the Lord of Life, the God of the Greenwood Glen. Pass it swiftly through the candle's flame, the Bel fire, so that it becomes magickally imbued, 'charged,' with power. Place the wand upon the dish of earth, gather your magickal intent and focus.

As you hold the wand on the dish, say:

"As the wand is to the earth, so the male is to the female, and the Sun to our blossoming world. Joined, they bring happiness. May the God of Life give ___ [state a request, for example, an end to the wars in the Middle East.] May the Goddess bring it forth!"

Feel the energy spread from the ground, through your body, into your arm and by extension, into the consecrated wand. Close your eyes as your magickal intent increases, sending the power into the dish of earth, which represents our Sacred Mother, the Planet Earth.

Now, sit quietly for a while, picturing the literal blossoming of your magickal intent. The spells and invocations of each of us, all working with similar themes like this throughout the world, must eventually bear fruit because life is, by its very nature, dedicated to survival and peace. Leave the earth and wand upon the altar.

Walk deosil three times around the circle, then spiral into its center. Go evenly, with grace, meditatively. Sit beside the candle flame, allowing yourself to feel peaceful. Gaze into the flame.

The next part will be different depending on whether you are a woman or a man.

For Women: Visualize a red rosebud in your womb. Always your womb is the source of your creative power, whether you are pregnant, or brimming with an idea, a work of art, or a magickal intention. It is the source of all life, the energy-affirming center of joyous sex and desire.

Close your eyes and picture the light from the candle streaming into your womb so that the rosebud blooms, unfolds. Hold the image for a while, feel the warmth spread within you, the sensual silkiness of the flower, its scent, the freshness, the vibrant color of the fully open rose at the center of your being. Feel the strength and power of your own fully blossomed capabilities. Say:

"I am a woman, strong to conceive and to create, to give birth, to tend and to receive tending. As I am a daughter of the Goddess, and blessed by the God, I intend to ___ [state what you wish to achieve at this time in life. For example, to bring healing to others, to write a book, gain a promotion, whatever matters to you.]"

Feel the strength and creative force within your body. See the power being channeled, flowing into the desire you have just voiced. Open your eyes. Always, the rose will remain within you.

For a Man: Visualize a bright flame. This burns within your sexual center, a point at the base of the stomach, just above the pubic hairline. It is your own male strength and energy that will rise through your body to be released as fertilizing power, in any form, or it may be the potency that impregnates, creating a physical child. It is the force that blesses and bestows, a healing and creative energy, like the shining Sun. Visualize that you are sitting in a garden and that a rose tree is in front of you, the roses closed in buds. Say:

"I am a man, and in my passion is beauty, in my warmth is life. As I am a son of the Goddess, and blessed by the God, I offer my strength and vitality to ____ [Name the area of life, the place, activity, or commitment of your choice.]

Visualize the light streaming from you to a rose bud upon the tree causing it to unfold, to blossom. Your flame is lowered by this effort. Much has gone out of you, the flame retreats. Wait and watch, until a pink light streams from the rose toward your body. At its touch, just above the pubic hairline the flame resurges. It burns higher and stronger than ever before. Open your eyes. The flame is always within you.

[Source: Adapted from "The Wiccan Path," by Rae Beth]

Beltane Circle Ceremony for a Group or Coven

Place two white candles are on the altar with a wreath of spring flowers. The candles representing the Quarters should be green.

The spiritual leader should "ride" a May Pole like a child's wooden stick horse if possible, moving about the Sacred Space in quick, trotting steps, chanting:

"O do not tell the priests of our Art,
For they would call it sin;
But we will be in the woods all night,
A-conjuring summer in.

And we bring you good news by word of mouth,
For woman, cattle and corn,
For the sun is coming up from the south,
With oak and ash and thorn."

A ring dance follows after which leader casts the Sacred Circle. You may choose to have a man draws down the Moon upon the female leader. All attending are purified in sacrifice before her, who represents the Goddess.

She purifies the man who represents the God at her own hands.

All partake of Cakes and Wine (Ale) followed by feasting, dancing and singing and the Great Rite [a symbolic or actual sexual union between the two], if at all possible, in token or truly.

Note: For many groups and covens, the actual sexual union between the female and male remains controversial. For those who still do this, the couple is concealed behind some sort of screen so their activities cannot be viewed by those in attendance.

As a bisexual and modest woman, the symbolic representation of the sexual union for the purpose of underscoring the act of literal creation is the only way to go.

— Danu's Daughter

April Showers Lead to May's Beltane: Part I

Apparently, I decided to play an April Fool's Day joke on myself — I am posting this on April 3!

The name "April" is derived from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love who was known to the Romans as Venus.

The "Kalends" of April are sacred to Venus, as is the entire month. [Note: Kalends is the name the Romans gave to the first day of the month. The Kalends was the day of the new moon. While the Kalends were always the first day of the month, the other two named days, the Ides and the Nones, were not always on the same day of the month. The Kalends was on the new moon, the Ides on the full moon, and the Nones between the two. The longest period of the month fell between the full moon and the Kalends.]

The month would begin with the Veneralia, public games, called ludi, which would be held in honour of Venus. This day was also known as All Fools Day to the Romans, and they would spend the entire day celebrating with comic hillarity, doing things backwards, wearing women's clothes, dancing in the streets, and generally carrying on in the most good-natured but absurd way possible. This is one of the few Roman holidays that has preserved some of its original character, under the modern name April Fool's Day.

As a Solitary Practitioner of Wicca, I observe the holidays (Sabbats in honor of the gods, and Esbats in honor of the goddesses) as the Wheel of the Year turns. I follow these basic laws, which can be consolidated as:

"Bide the Wiccan laws ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust...Mind the Threefold Law ye should — three times bad and three times good...Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill — an it harm none, do what ye will."

May's Eve

The Sacred Sabbat Beltane officially begins at sunset on April 30. Although most celebrations don't get into full swing until May 1, most Wiccans and Pagans acknowledge May's Eve in some fashion.

On the eve of Beltane the Celts build two large fires, created from the nine sacred woods, in honor of Summer. The tribal herds were ritually driven between them, so as to purify and protect them in the upcoming year. The fires celebrate the return of life and fruitfulness to the earth. Celebration included frolicking throughout the countryside, dancing the Maypole, leaping over fires, and "going a maying". It was customary for young lovers to spend the night in the forest.

On May's Eve people would tear branches from a Hawthorn tree and decorate the outside of their homes. The Hawthorn, or Whitethorn, is the tree of hope, pleasure, and protection. The strong taboo for breaking Hawthorne branches, or bringing them into the home was traditionally lifted on May Eve.

A nice tradition to start is a modernization of that ancient one. Take equal lengths of white and silver ribbons, then tie them in a bow around one of the lower branches of a tree, preferrably a Hawthorn. Do this at sunset, and focus on the beautiful tree, then ask the Goddess for Her blessings.

Beltane

As a fun and meaningful Sabbat, I am going to present the Beltane rituals in Part II of this post. In this post, I am presenting the basics of the holiday.

The word "Beltane" literally means "bright" or "brilliant fire," and refers to the bonfire lit by a presiding Druid in honor of the proto-Celtic god variously known as Bel, Beli, Balar, Balor or Belenus. It has been suggested that Bel is the Brythonic Celt equivalent to the Goidelic Celt god Kernunnos.

The third of the two Celtic fire festivals, Beltane was a celebration of the return of life and fertility to the world, and was celebrated on or around April 30, athough in these later years has become more commonly celebrated on May 1 ("May Day").

Beltane is sometimes referred to as Cetsamhain which means "opposite Samhain." Beltane was the last of the three spring fertility festivals, and the second major Celtic festival. Beltane, and its counterpart Samhain (Halloween), divide the year into its two primary seasons, Winter and Summer.

Beltane was the time of sensuality revitalized the reawakening of the earth and all of her children. It was the time when tribal people celebrated with joy the vivid colors and vibrant scents of the season, tingling summer breezes, and the rapture of summer after a long dormant winter. It was customary that Handfastings (Marriages), for a year and a day, take place at this time.

Another custom was to leap over the Beltane bonfire. Young people jumped the fire for luck in finding a spouse, travelers jumped the fire to ensure a safe journey, and pregnant women jumped the fire to assure an easy delivery.

Beltane Love Potion

This is the only magickal ritual that I'm presenting in this post because this Potion should be made under the full moon before Beltane. This April's Full Moon falls on the 18th.

What you will need:

A single white candle
A bowl or chalice
A crystal (preferably rose or clear quartz)
A red or pink rose bud and petals
Spring water
Rose or jasmine water (optional)
Vodka
Decanter with top or seal
 If possible, cast your circle in a place outdoors (or if indoors, hopefully next to a window with a view of the Full Moon.) If bad weather/cloudy skies present an obstacle, use a candle flame instead.

Holding the bowl or chalice full of pure spring water, catch the reflection of the Moon (or candle flame) within. Call to the Goddess Aphrodite, or any other diety that represents love to you, to send Her Divine Essence flowing into the water along with the moonlight. Concentrate on what perfect love means to you and instill your own essence into the water by blowing gently upon it.

Next, add rose petals and buds to the water. Add the crystal that you´ve held up to the moonlight to consecrate to a Goddess of Love. A touch of rose or jasmine water would be nice, but is not necessary.

Pour your water into a beautiful decanter and add an equal portion of Vodka to seal the Potion. Keep this Potion in a dark space out of the sunlight - for the magickal properties of the Night are required for it to remain potent.

Use this potion to annoint candles and magickal writings — Love Spells. Use it like a perfume to attract a perfect love to you. Add a few drops to your own drink for the same effect, and naturally, it is important NOT to use this Potion in any manipulative manner, as it would be a violation of the basic Wiccan laws.

— Danu's Daughter

Tonight's 'Supermoon'

As a practicing Wiccan, all New and Full Moons are sacred because they represent Goddess wisdom and power, and are generally honored by every Pagan each month with an Esbat rite.

Tonight, we in the Northern Hemisphere have the opportunity to celebrate a so-called "Supermoon," meaning that the Earth's satellite is closer to us than it has ever been.

Full Moon energy is generally used for banishing unwanted influences, protection and divination. A Full Moon is also a good time for planning, releasing and working backwards through your life. Full Moon magick can be done for seven days, three days before, the day of, and three days after the full moon.

The New Moon is used for personal growth, healing, the blessing of a new project, etc. Between the New and Full Moons is the phase called the "Waxing Moon." Magick for this phase includes attraction magick, increasing, growth, and gain.

Between the Full and New Moons is the phase called the, "Waning Moon." Magick for this phase includes banishing magick, such a loosing negative emotions, bad habits, etc.

Three days before the New Moon is known as the Dark Moon, because it is not visible in the sky. Traditionally, no magick is performed at this time. It is a time for rest.

Due to the rotation of the earth there are thirteen Full Moons, each carrying a traditional name, which can vary depending on the Pagan faith path that is followed. Here are the names that are often used:

January — Storm Moon
February — Chaste Moon
March — Seed/Stonehenge Moon
April — Hare Moon
May — Dyad Moon
June — Mead Moon
July — Wyrt (Green Plant) Moon
August — Barley Moon
September — Blood Moon
October — Snow Moon
November — Oak Moon
December — Wolf Moon

March 19: 1:10 p.m. — Full Moon

Seed/Stonehenge Moon

As a disabled Solitary Practitioner, I am often unable to celebrate outdoors. But, because of tonight's rare lunar event, I would suggest that everyone interested in celebrating try to do so under the Supermoon.

Casting a circle creates sacred space to worship, meditate, heal, create and commune with the spiritual realms. The Full Moon in Virgo occurs just before the Sacred Sabbat of Ostara, the time of the Spring Equinox. Ancient henges, temples and ziggurats feature archways that frame the light from the rising sun on Spring Equinox.

Although modern Pagans haven't built the next Stonehenge, gatherings begin with a circle-casting ritual to create sacred space that is oriented to and defined by the cardinal directions — just like the ancient henges.

The Solitary Practitioner, of which I am, may wish to obtain a floor mat and paint a cross on it. Orient the cross to the points of the compass and meditate on each quadrant's elemental association and symbols.

You might consider dedicating Spring gifts to each directional element as the circle is cast. In particular, honor the East and the equinoctial rising Sun. Emphasize that the circle is a sacred space where you have gone to encounter the divine, to rise above your daily self and connect with the seasons, the pulse of the turning Earth, the light of the revolving Moon. This bond is at the heart of Pagan and Earth spirituality.

The following is an example of an Esbat Ritual. Feel free to adapt it to your personal spiritual practice and path.

What you need:

— Altar
— Pentacle
— Athame or Wand
— Illuminator Candles
— Salt
— Cauldron with a Candle Inside
— Bowl of Water
— Incense
— Quarter Candles
— Chalice
— Bread

The Esbat

[Note: The following is an alternate example than what has been be presented in this blog before:]

— Establish the perimeter of the Sacred Circle
— Cleanse the ritual space by carrying a representation of the four elements around the area in a clockwise movement, working with one element at a time
— Open altar energies by blessing with those four elements
— Light the Illuminator Candles
— Cast the magick circle in the fashion that is routine to you
— Take the candle in the cauldron, light it and say, “I bring light and warmth to the sacred circle."
— Take the salt and place it on the pentacle using the Athame, place it in the salt and, invoking the spirit pentagram say, “I charge and bless this salt to purify and bless our sacred circle."
— Take the water and place it on the pentacle, invoking the spirit of the pentacle saying, “ I bless this water to protect and wash clean our sacred circle."
— Taking the salt put some in the water and place the Athame into the salted water. Do an additional invoking saying, "With water and salt to create Holy Water to make Holy our sacred circle."
— Now sprinkle the Sacred Water around the circle saying, “Here do I bring in earth and water into our sacred circle." Begin in the East and move around the whole circle.
— Next take the incense and place it on the pentacle, using the Athame to draw a spirit pentagram over the incense saying, “I bless this sacred smoke to purify this sacred circle."
— Ignite the incense
[Note: Remember that everything should be lighted from magick working candle within the cauldron.]
— Now take the incense and start in the East saying, "I bring fire and air to consecrate this sacred circle." Complete your progression around the circle.
— Take the candle and start in the East saying,” I bring light of Spirit into our sacred circle." Complete walking the circle.
—Now take the Athame/Wand, feeling the energy of the earth, draw it up inside you and direct it out your hand through the Athame/Wand to finish the final turn around the circle. This brings in the element of your own humanity to complete the circle cast.
— Light the quarter candles and call the quarters:

"In the East, is the beginning of all things, the first breath of life, the first thought of creation."

"In the South, holds the flame of idea the fire of inspiration and creation."

"In the West is the birth of that idea; the water of life in the womb of us all, there rests all birth and beginnings."

"In the North is solidity; it is the earth that grounds us to reality and brings us to form."

"Spirit is above us, below us and within us; it is the will and knowledge; it is our determination to see things through our inspiration; as it is also our guide and our protector."

— Invoke Deities
— State intent of ritual aloud
— Draw Down the Moon
— Perform the magickal work, which may include drawing and raising energy, then sealing the spellwork.
— Cakes and Ale:
Hold up a Chalice of wine (or some other liquid) between your hands to the sky, and say:

"Gracious Goddess of Abundance, Bless this wine and infuse it with your love. In your names, Mother Goddess and Father God, I bless this (beverage.)"

Hold up a plate of cakes (bread, biscuits) with both hands to the sky and say:

"Powerful God of the Harvest, Bless these cakes and infuse them with your love. In your names, Mother Goddess and Father God, I bless these cakes (or this bread)."

"Bright Blessings upon this Sacred World and your sister/brother (Insert your name). May you never hunger and never thirst."

— Thank the Deities, Qarters, release them humbly, and extinquish the quarter candles.
— Release magickal circle; seal altar energies, extinguish Illuminator Candles.
— Clean up, and offer the libation bowl out of doors to give back to Mother Earth.

I have included the following news story that defines and describes the "Supermoon." May all who follow a Pagan path have a Sacred and Memorable celebration!

The Supermoon

"Much ado has been made about the so-called "supermoon" that will take place tonight. Tonight's full moon will nearly coincide with the moon's arrival at the perigee point in its orbit around the Earth, resulting in the closest and biggest full moon in our sky since March 1993.

Or will it?

On Saturday night, the moon will arrive at perigee at 19:09 UT (3:09 p.m. Eastern Time). Its distance from the Earth at that moment will be 221,565 miles. But just over three years ago, on Dec. 12, 2008, which was also the night of a full moon, the moon reached perigee at 21:39 UT (4:39 p.m. Eastern Time) at a distance of 221,559 miles, about 6 miles closer than Saturday night's perigee distance.

So it seems Saturday night's supermoon will actually be just a little less super than the full moon of Dec. 2008.

Despite this fact, Geoff Chester of the United States Naval Observatory says tonight's full moon is still the winner for closeness of a full moon. How is that possible?

A lunar loophole

Chester points out that on Dec. 12, 2008, the moon reached fullness at 16:37 UT, while perigee was at 21:39. That's a difference of just over five hours. So when the moon turned full that night, it was still five hours away from reaching its closest point to Earth; its distance at the moment it turned full was 221,587 miles.

In contrast, today's full moon occurs at 18:10 UT, while perigee occurs at 19:09; the difference being less than an hour. So today, when the moon officially turns full, its distance from Earth will be 221,566 miles.

So even though the moon actually came a little closer to Earth in December 2008, if we compare distances when the moon officially turns full, today's full moon wins out by a scant 21 miles.

But for North Americans ... second place!

In all fairness, we should also point out that on Dec.12, 2008, the moment that the moon officially turned full was not visible in North America because it occurred during the daytime, when the moon was below the horizon.

And that very same circumstance will also occur at the moment today's moon turns full (2:10 p.m. Eastern Time; 11:10 a.m. Pacific Time); the moon will again be out of sight for North Americans.

So back on Dec. 12, 2008 — as will be the case tonight — when millions of people cast their gaze toward the moon, it really wasn’t a "full" moon, but rather a waning gibbous moon. The same case will hold true tonight.

Certainly, to all of us who look up at it tonight's moon, it will appear "full," but keep in mind that the actual moment when the moon's disk became 100 percent illuminated will have already passed many hours earlier. Although not readily perceptible to most eyes, tonight’s moon will be waning or diminishing in illumination. Rather than seeing it fully illuminated, tonight we will see it at about 99.8 percent illumination).

Who's first?

In addition, the moon that North Americans will see with their own eyes tonight will actually run a very close second to that of Dec. 12, 2008, in terms of distance.

From Boston, for instance, when the moon comes over the eastern horizon this evening, it will be 221,580 miles away.

But on Dec. 12, 2008, at moonrise, Bostonians saw the moon ever-so-slightly closer, at 221,559 miles; again, just a scant 21 mile difference. That's because in 2008, the moon took more than five hours to reach its perigee point after it turned full. The moon was arriving at the closest point in its orbit just as darkness had begun to fall and the moon was beginning to appear over North America.

As Geoff Chester has already pointed out above, today's full moon and moment of perigee occur within less than an hour of each other, during the late morning/early afternoon hours for North America.

By the time darkness is falling and the moon begins appearing over the eastern horizon for North Americans, it will have already been slowly receding from Earth and so it will be a little farther away than it was in 2008.

But don't let all this stop you from going out tonight and enjoying the sight of this, the "biggest moon of 2011." The moon is, after all, our nearest neighbor in space, Earth's eternal companion and friend.

And let's face it ... what's 21 miles among friends?"

— Danu's Daughter

Light a Healing Candle Today for Japan!

As a Solitary Practitioner of Wicca, I have been directing healing energy to everyone, including all animals, as well as the Earth, that have affected by the horrendous disasters that continue in Japan.

There are many similar healing efforts going on globally involving all faith paths. Today, Sacred Mists has organized a collective effort, asking everyone of any faith to light a candle today to focus and direct healing and comfort directly to those affected. I have included the information below, because I believe that all prayers are significantly amplified by each added intention.

I have also repeated my own healing candle ritual that I have been using. Feel free to modify it in any way to adapt it to your own faith path.

Let's focus on what's actually happened: According to NASA, the Japanese earthquake, now estimated to have been 9.0, was so strong that it sped up the Earth's rotation by 1.6 microseconds! It was 700 TIMES stronger than the earthquake that leveled Haiti. In addition, many of the country's nuclear power plants have been threatened with partial or total meltdowns, and now radiation has been released into the atmosphere from one of the damaged reactors. Nearby residents have been told to stay inside and seal their homes!

That means that survivors need immediate physical and spiritual support. As a Wiccan, I believe in being religiously pro-active. That means that I have — and will continue — to offer a spiritual ritual in support of Japan's relief.

I believe people of any and all spiritual paths have a duty to help this stricken country in any way that is within our means. The religious laws I follow are simple:

"Bide the Wiccan laws ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust...Mind the Threefold Law ye should – three times bad and three times good...Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill – an it harm none, do what ye will."

Here is the information from Sacred Mists [Note: Above image is the Official Facebook Icon of Sacred Mists]:

Healing for Japan - A Sacred Mists "Window of Time" Global Event

"In an effort to organize a healing event that involves Sacred Mists members as well as inspire others around the world to participate, we have set aside a window of time that will provide us all the ability to take part in the event wherever we are in the world and at any time that is most convenient for us to do so. During this window of time, we ask that you take as much time as you are able to send healing, ...strength, and focus of will to those in Japan affected by this tragedy.

Our Window of Time Healing For Japan will be Tuesday, March 15th from 6am — 6pm Pacific (please adjust for your time locally). We will have candles lit and music streaming through our shared time together, and I invite each of you to participate in this much needed work for the people of Japan.

Please share this event with everyone you know, every group you belong to, every connection you may have anywhere in the world, no matter their spiritual affiliation. Together we can make a powerful difference!

Should you have any questions, please email japanhealing@sacredmists.com or visit our Sacred Mists College Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SacredMists where we are listing the event!"

My Ritual

I am repeating a candle healing ritual that I have been using. Take your candle, I suggest a red one to represent Japan, and wait to light it until you have raised the energy. (If you don't have a red candle, don't worry about it, simply use any that you feel like using.)

Repeat the following prayer as many times as you feel is needed to feel the energy has been raised. As you repeat the prayer, envision as clearly as possible colorful images of a beautiful country, a Japan once again with healthy people and happy, laughing children. Truly "see" Japan as a whole, at peace and gloriously safe. See it very clearly — its people healed.

Repeat:

Great Mother Goddess, You who cares for ALL souls;
Our brothers and sisters in Japan are suffering untold misery and despair!

Their loved ones around the world also suffer with worry for them.
Friends and family continue to be consumed with fear for their fate.

As I, and others, gather around the world to light candles and pray,
I express my love and concern for all those who suffer.

I call upon You and pray:

Send all of Japan Your Love.
Send all of Japan Your Comfort.
Send all of Japan Your Healing.
Send all of Japan Your Strength.
Send all of the Earth Your Sacred Calm, Safety and Peace.
Welcome all Souls who have passed over to Gentle Rebirth.

Repeat this prayer and feel the Love of the Goddess until you can sense the literal tingle of energy around you, encompassing you. When you have raised the desired energy, firmly "gather and hold" onto the Love, Healing, and Comfort for Japan in your mind. Then release and direct that spiritual energy out from your body saying a resounding, "This is my intent," and send it forcefully into the unlit red candle.

As soon as you have infused the red candle with this sacred power, light it and watch its flame burn down as long as it seem appropriate. When you again feel the power rise and fill the candle, gently snuff it out, saying, "Thank you for granting my prayer — Blessed Be," while envisioning all of that contained energy flowing outward toward its goal, just as its smoke disperses.

To provide financial relief assistance to the people of Japan, there are numerous organizations to contact. I have included a link, just be sure to select one that has a proven track record and doesn't use a large percentage of the collected donations for administrative operating costs. Also, be very careful that you are not taken by scammers who have set up bogus donation sites.

— Danu's Daughter

God DID NOT Cause the Earthquake!

In the aftermath of Japan's worst crisis since World War II, some have suggested the horrific earthquake and accompanying tsunami were God's wrath.

Let me be clear, as a Wiccan, I reject that and other similar assertions in the strongest terms. To even suggest it was an act of Divine retribution for the attack on Pearl Harbor reflects not only bogus theology, but is really offensive and overtly racist.

The 8.9-9.0 earthquake that struck Japan was a function of the Earth releasing built up energy through a well-known and active trench. We often forget that the Earth is alive, and it takes care of its physical needs just as any other being, by acting to ensure its survival.

There was no angry deity that sent destruction to the Land of the Rising Sun, and its peoples for any reason; political or religious.

It would be just as ridiculous to assign a similar religious personification and motivation to gravity: It simply is; Earthquakes simply occur.

I can honestly feel the Goddess weeping for her people's suffering, eager to draw them into her arms and comfort them with her Love and tenderness. It doesn't matter what faith anyone or any culture follows, the Love of the Cosmic Creator is real!

The other incorrect assertion sweeping the Internet is that the earthquake was caused by a so-called, "supermoon," and the Earth remains in danger.

On March 19, Earth’s satellite will be at its closest point to our planet in 18 years, a mere 356,577 kilometers away. The event — also called a lunar perigee — was dubbed a "supermoon" by astrologer Richard Nolle back in the 1970s. The term is used to describe a new or full moon at 90 percent or more of its closest orbit to Earth. Next week, it will be at 100 percent.

“There have been a lot of studies on whether earthquakes on our planet were triggered when the moon was closest to Earth, and no conclusive evidence has ever been found for that,” said Peter Goldreich, an emeritus professor for the Astronomy and Planetary Science Department at Caltech University. “The idea is that the strain builds up in the Earth until only a small little bit of extra gravitational force could tip it over and cause an earthquake, and this could come from the moon. But there’s been no absolutely no correlation for that.”

In fact, Goldreich said Earth isn’t the one in danger of experiencing some severe shaking.

“There is on the moon seismic activity connected with a lunar perigee,” Goldreich said. “These were detected by seismological instruments left on the moon by the Apollo astronauts. There was an effect, but it wasn’t enormous. But the moon did quake near perigee.”

Let's focus on what's actually happened: According to NASA, the Japanese earthquake was so strong that it sped up the Earth's rotation by 1.6 microseconds! It was also 700 TIMES stronger than the earthquake that leveled Haiti; one nuclear power plant has suffered a partial meltdown, two others are threatened, and adults and children living in those areas may have been exposed to unhealthy levels of radiation. Thousands have died, thousands are missing, and MILLIONS are without food, water, electricity or shelter.

That means that survivors need immediate physical, emotional and spiritual support. As a Wiccan, who is also a Solitary Practitioner, I believe in being religiously pro-active. That means that I have — and will continue — to offer a spiritual ritual in support of Japan's relief.

I have outlined my ritual below, but first, here's a little bit about the Earth as a spiritual element that Wiccans and others who follow a Pagan path generally adhere to, when conducting a magickal ritual. The Earth is connected to the Northern Quarters, and is considered the ultimate feminine element. The Earth is fertile and amazingly stable, associated with the Goddess. The planet itself is a literal sphere of life, and as the Wheel of the Year turns, we watch all of its aspects occur: Birth, life, death, and finally rebirth.

The Earth is nurturing and the foundation of all life, solid and firm, full of endurance and strength. In color correspondences, both green and brown connect to the Earth, for fairly obvious reasons. In Tarot readings, the Earth is related to the suit of Pentacles or Coins.

To perform the following ritual, set up your altar in the tradition way, with two Illuminator candles, but add a red candle to represent Japan. You also might want to place a Tarot Card as described above on the altar, or some other avatar to represent the Earth. You would use this to send respect and healing energy into the avatar.

The actual working is relatively simple. It is a single prayer to be repeated as many times as the practitioner feels is necessary to raise the energy. The energy will be directed and released to join the growing tsunami of Love, Comfort, and Healing that is being sent from practitioners from all faith paths around the world to support Japan.

If you do not have a red candle, simply use a third white candle and visualize Japan when you use it. The equipment is not nearly as important as is the Intent and Love expressed.

The Ritual

Cast a Sacred Circle as you normally would for any rite. Light the Illuminator candles when the Goddess and God are called, but do not light the red candle.

Calling the Eastern Quarters: Spirits of the East; Creatures of Air; I call upon you and invite you to join me tonight. I ask you to share your love and your energy. I pray you will strengthen my inspiration, and bring all of Japan fresh beginnings. I bid you Hail and Welcome.

Calling the Southern Quarters: Spirits of the South; Creatures of Fire; I call upon you and invite you to join me tonight. I ask you to share your love and your energy.I pray you will strengthen my passion and bring all of Japan sacred transformation. I bid you Hail and Welcome.

Calling the Western Quarters: Spirits of the West; Creatures of Water; I call upon you and invite you to join me tonight. I ask you to share your love and your energy. I pray you will strengthen my intuition and bring all of Japan deeper Love. I bid you Hail and Welcome.

Calling the Northern Quarters: Spirits of the North; Creatures of Earth; I call upon you and invite you to join me tonight. I ask you to share your love and your energy. I pray you will strengthen Japan's foundation and bring them your bounty. I bid you Hail and Welcome.

Invoking the Goddess: Holy Goddess, Spinner of the Web of Creation, Mother of all Souls, You who comes to each of us in the way that is best. Through You all of creation is spiritually connected. Through You, all life is sustained. I call upon and beseech You to join me tonight. I pray, bring all of Japan Your Love, Healing, Comfort, Spirituality, and Sustenance now and in the coming times. Strengthen them in Your Love and share Your Comfort and Blessings with all of Japan. With Love and Honor, I bid You Hail and Welcome.

Invoking the God: Holy God, Consort of the Goddess, Lord of the Dance, and Father of Manifestation, You who comes to each of us in the way that is best. Through You all manifestation is connected. I call upon and ask You to join me tonight. I pray, bring all of Japan's peoples Your Vitality, Strength and Experience. Strengthen them with Your Action, Manifestation, and Sacred Transformation. With Love and Honor, I bid You Hail and Welcome.

Invoking the Ancestors: O Mighty Ancestors, Beloved Ones who have gone before. I invoke and call upon you to join me and bring your blessings! Ancestors of the every faith and faithful, Priestesses and Priests, mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons of each lineage of the Spiritual Family that supports and strengthens; I ask you to lend Japan your Inspiration and your Love, Guidance and your Aid this night and in the coming days. Beloved Ancestors, I bid you Hail and Welcome.

The key to this working is to use the power of repetition to raise spiritual energy. Repeat the following prayer as many times as you feel is needed to raise this energy. As you repeat the prayer, envision as clearly as possible colorful images of a beautiful country, a Japan once again with healthy people and happy, laughing children. Truly "see" Japan as a whole, healthy and glorious place. See it very clearly — its people healed.

Great Mother Goddess, You who cares for ALL souls;
Our brothers and sisters in Japan are suffering untold misery and despair!

Their loved ones around the world also suffer with worry for them.
Friends and family are afraid because they cannot contact them, or learn their fate.

As I, and others, gather around the world to pray,
I express my love and concern for all those who suffer.

I call upon You and pray:

Send all of Japan Your Love.
Send all of Japan Your Comfort.
Send all of Japan Your Healing.
Send all of Japan Your Strength.
Send all of the Earth Your Sacred Calm.
Welcome all Souls who have passed over to Gentle Rebirth.

Repeat this prayer and feel the Love of the Goddess until you can sense the literal tingle of energy around you, encompassing your entire magick circle. When you have raised the desired energy, firmly "gather and hold" onto the Love, Healing, and Comfort for Japan in your mind. Then release and direct that spiritual energy out from your body saying a resounding, "This is my intent," sending it into the unlit red candle.

As soon as you have infused the red candle with this sacred power, light it and watch its flame burn for awhile. When you again feel the power rise and fill the candle, gently snuff it out, saying, "Thank you for granting my prayer — Blessed Be," while envisioning all of that contained energy to be directed outward toward its goal, as its smoke disperses.

Take a moment to silently commune with the Goddess and God. When you feel it is time to end the ritual, say the following to release and thank the entities you had called in the opposite order:

Thanking the Ancestors: Beloved Ancestors, You who have gone before, Your wisdom and Your example guide us all. I pray that You will be with Japan and them as they go forward, that they may call upon the strength and knowledge of the past, even as they re-build the future. I thank You for Your presence and Your aid this night, and at all times. May You be Blessed in all things. I offer you my love and respect, and bid You Hail and Farewell.

Thanking the God: Father of Manifestation, Lord of the Dance, Your example inspires us all. I pray that You will be with Japan and aid them as they go forward, that even as the Sun rises at dawn, they too may rise and feel Your light and love. I thank You for Your presence, and Your aid this night, and at all times. I offer you my love and respect, and bid You Hail and Farewell.

Thanking the Goddess: Mother of Souls, Goddess of Love, Comfort, and Healing, Your joy and Your healing enliven us all. I pray that You will be with Japan and them as they go forward, that even as the Moon’s light grows, they too may grow and shine forth as perfect expressions of Your Divine Love. I thank You for Your presence, and Your aid this night, and at all times. I offer you my love and respect, and bid You Hail and Farewell.

Thanking the Northern Quarters: Hail to you, O Spirits of the North, Creatures of the Earth, and our Foundation. I thank you for your presence this night. May there be peace between us, now and always. Stay if you will, go if you must. I bid you Hail and Farewell.

Thanking the Western Quarters: Hail to you, O Spirits of the West, Creatures of the Water, and Love. I thank you for your presence this night. May there be peace between us, now and always. Stay if you will, go if you must. I bid you Hail and Farewell.

Thanking the Southern Quarters: Hail to you, O Spirits of the South, Creatures of the Fire and Spiritual Manifestation. I thank you for your presence this night. May there be peace between us, now and always. Stay if you will, go if you must. I bid you Hail and Farewell.

Thanking the Eastern Quarters: Hail to you, O Spirits of the East, Creatures of the Air and of New Beginnings. I thank you for your presence this night. May there be peace between us, now and always. Stay if you will, go if you must. I bid you Hail and Farewell.

The ritual has ended, so it is time to open the Sacred Circle, by saying:

The circle is now open, but never broken.
Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet again.
Mother, Father and Cosmic Other,
Now and Forevermore,
Tod Estu.

To provide financial relief/humanitarian assistance to the people of Japan or to search for missing relatives, there are numerous organizations to contact. I have included this link. If you plan to donate, just be sure to select one that has a proven track record and doesn't use a large percentage of the collected donations for administrative operating costs.

— Danu's Daughter

Religious Tolerance in an Intolerant Age

When I began this blog it was my intention to discuss all-things Wiccan and Pagan, and in so doing provide information to those unfamiliar with the beliefs, but also to promote religious tolerance.

Wiccans and Pagans have suffered from religious persecution for literally millennia, since the days of the original Druids. While attitudes have certainly improved (we are no longer murdered by governmental decree!), we still suffer from the intolerance of others.

As I was reflecting on this, I realized that in this modern age, religious intolerance abounds against so many faiths that I wanted to remind Wiccans and Pagans to contemplate the prejudices they might hold within their hearts. Do you merely tolerate other faiths, or truly accept and welcome them as your brothers and sisters?

It is so common in today's world to condemn, judge, to hate and jeer. Just because we are Wiccan, does not mean we do not remain so very human. In fact, it our humanity that we most often rejoice in during our personal rituals.

As a Wiccan, I follow several religious "laws" that can be combined as:

"Bide the Wiccan laws ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust...Mind the Threefold Law ye should – three times bad and three times good...Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill – an it harm none, do what ye will."

This means that I choose my actions, that I am not merely a bit player in my own life waiting for the ultimate Cosmic Director to act. Having said that, it also means that I take responsibility for each and every one of those choices, whether yay or nay, I cannot avoid the consequences.

It is March, when my spirit soars with the expectation of Spring, and the joyous celebrations ahead to honor the God and the Goddess. It is a time of the Earth's renewal, a season so powerful that anyone regardless of their beliefs who takes time to try, can feel it surging through their own human limbs. Where do you think the expression, "Spring Fever," comes from, for it is a fever — a fever of being alive. A time when Spring Cleaning overtakes even the messiest, and tulips struggle to push their beautiful petals from the winter-hardened ground to burst forth in amazing colors.

Is it any wonder then that this time has been celebrated throughout the world's religions, including the Abrahamic faiths, which all have sacred holidays and rites during this glorious time?

I am deliberately writing this on Ash Wednesday, the traditional beginning of Lent for Catholics and Christians, which culminates in that faith's most holy celebration: Easter. Soon, those who follow Judaism will prepare Passover Seders, and Muslims the world over will begin fasting for Ramadan.

These faiths promote inner reflection, personal sacrifice, and purification to honor their deities — much as we do prior to our celebration of the Sabbat of Ostara, which coincides with the Spring Equinox on March 20.

For us, it signals the re-awakening of the Earth after the long slumber of late Fall and the deepening coldness of Winter. It is the core knowledge — faith — of Wiccans and Pagans that the Earth was not dead, but merely asleep and gathering its strength to burst forth with beauty and fertility.

As Wiccans, we embrace Ostara as a point of balance in our lives, a moment in time where both dark and light and night and day are in perfect harmony before the light is victorious, and carries us on to the bounty of summer pleasures. Ostara is packed with rituals, spells, recipes, crafts, and customs to celebrate the joyous awakening of the newly fertile earth.

It is also a time to reflect on our inner spiritual life. Thus, we share many of the actions of those who follow the Abrahamic paths.

During this time of joy, as you soar to amazing pleasures, I urge you also to reject hatred. Instead, work to embrace those who are "other," whether they follow a different faith path, are of a different race, sexual orientation, or political party. Let us celebrate and honor the Goddess by turning toward each other in compassion and love, instead of away.

— Danu's Daughter