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Spring Equinox 2000 - Sarolta DeFaltay-Bell
<Editors Note: The following article is an excerpt from
the book: "The Magical Astrology Guide for the Year 2000" by Sarolta
DeFaltay-Bell.)>
+ + PLANETARY RITUAL for SPRING EQUINOX: March 20th, 2000 + +
©1999 Sarolta DeFaltay-Bell
"Every planetary alignment holds an opportunity for growth and expanded awareness, and contains
symbolism that can be universally shared and understood. By meditating on current planetary themes, we
can tune in to the archetypal energy inherent therein, gaining a deeper understanding of our own personal
myth , integrating the planetary energies experientially through personalized ritual."
Welcome Spring! This Equinox is a sacred holiday that signals the blossoming of spring’s return; today
the hours of daylight and nightfall are equal, bringing the opportunity to balance the solar (projecting)
and lunar (receptive) natures within us, harmonizing our inner and outer realities as well. This is
when you can bless the seeds you’ll be planting in your
garden, performing rites of fertility and abundance for the upcoming season of growth and renewal.
Named for the ancient Anglo-Saxon goddess who presided over fertility, Eostre, this holiday symbolizes
balance, and the birth of all nature. The egg was used as a symbol for Ostara, as it represents the
birth of the Goddess as Persephone, returning from the Underworld to join her mother Demeter once
again, playing in the fields together as they bring fertility and growth to the land once more. This
holiday honors the playful child within, and is a good timne to honor the body and its ability to
regenerate itself as well.
We are now in the “First Quarter” phase of the year, when the projects initiated around the Winter
Solstice are taking form. This is when new patterns are established into their environment, and action
must be taken to make sure the patterns are fully integrated. The soil is prepared, and the planting
season will soon be in full bloom!
The astrological charts of the Solstices and Equinoxes have been read by astrologers since ancient times
for news of the upcoming season, especially as it pertains to the well-being of nations, their leaders,
and the condition of the people. Ingress charts (as they are called) are drawn for the exact moment the
Sun enters one of the four cardinal signs: Capricorn, Aries, Cancer and Libra (Winter, Spring, Summer,
Autumn). Cardinal energy is initiating, and an excellent time for magickal workings, as practitioners
of earth spirituality have known for a long, long time.
Spring Equinox 2000;
This year’s ingress is exact on Mar. 20, 2000, at 02.35 AM EST Washington, D.C.
Planetary Themes;
The Sun enters Aries, the sign ruled by Mars, the warrior, and is symbolic of new beginnings. Red is the
color of Mars, and a pinch
of pepper or dragon'sblood resonate with the vibration of Mars as well. Light a red candle as you focus
on the plans you have for the growing year.
The Moon/Neptune trine adds an ethereal, imaginative energy, when you can allow your mind to open up to
the many possibilities the Universe can bring. Neptune is the planet of dissolution, illusion and
compassion, where boundaries dissolve; allow the Universe to expand your vision of what may be, and get
out of your own way. This is a highly spiritual aspect, and combined with the fiery energy of Sun in
Aries, one can make significant strides in creating a vision of a future and then taking practical steps
to make it so.
Spring Equinox Herbal Lore;
Celandine: Good spirits, joy.
Cinquefoil: Ritual bath; eloquence,
protection and purification .
Dandelion: Divination, wishes, psychic ability.
Dogwood: 4 petals symbolize the 4 sacred directions.
Iris: Purity, wisdom, faith; baby blessing; symbol of life and resurrection.
Honeysuckle: Rebirth, renewal, spiritual sight; agile or versatile mind.
Jasmine: Lunar, for psychic opening; spiritual love; use oil to annoint
candles; ritual cup.
Lily: strong associations with fertility godesses; white: purity, rebirth.
Rose: Represents true love and joy; use yellow roses on the altar for Ostara.
Tansy: Women’s mysteries, immortality, health, longevity, love.
These herbs can be utilized in ritual by making an incense, or annointing candles with essential oil.
They can be sewn into a charm bag and consecrated (dedicated to a single purpose), and worn or carried
when needed.
Ritual Bath: Cinquefoil, Jasmine flowers, Honeysuckle and Rose petals.
Place any or all herbs in cheesecloth and tie well; run under tap. You can also make a strong tea from
the herbs, strain and pour into the bath.
Light silver candles annointed with jasmine oil to represent the Maiden aspect of the Goddess. Imagine
yourself reborn anew, as dewey and fresh as Persephone, flowers blooming wherever she steps. Bathe
yourself in the herbs and the springtime energy, clearing away anything that no longer needs to go with
you. After your bath, bring your candles with you to the circle, and place them on or around your
altar.
The Altar: Place the altar in the East, the quarter of springtime and the dawn. Decorate your altar and
home with an abundance of spring flowers, especially yellow ones: crocuses, daffodils, violets, lilac,
lilies, yellow roses, iris.
Use the silver altar candles, and green candles to represent the growing flora. The altar cloth can be
yellow, white or spring green. Flower seeds can be placed upon the altar as well, to be charged with
magical intent before planting.
You will need three candles: red, aqua and green, and several small pieces of paper to write your ritual
intention; flower or herb seeds.
Ritual: Cast the circle, call in the quarters, and call upon a Maiden Goddess, if you choose, or just
imagine your circle infused with the freshness of springtime. Prepare incense.
Incense: Sandalwood, rose petals, jasmine flowers, powdered orris root, cinquefoil, tansy; oils: lilac,
sandalwood or rose.
Bring any or all of the above ingredients into your ritual circle and add each ingredient one at a time,
while grinding by hand with a mortar and pestle and focusing on the properties of each herb as it is
added. Consecrate your incense by dedicating it to the maiden aspect of the triple goddess, and once the
incense is prepared, burn some on a charcoal as you focus in on your goal.
Candles: The red candle represents the Sun entering Aries, the beginning of spring, and the element of
fire. Write down what new projects you will initiate now, and place the slip of paper under the candle.
Light your candle as you say your goal aloud, or meditate on its meaning.
Repeat with the following:
The aqua candle represents the Moon/Neptune trine. Write down your spiritual intentions for the coming
growing season, and meditate on your highest purpose; focus intently as you light your candle.
The green candle represents fresh, generative energy of spring. Meditate on the abundance of the earth,
and write down your wishes for growth for all people and sentient beings. Light your candle as you say
your goal aloud, or meditate on its meaning.
When you feel the ritual is complete, thank the Maiden Goddess, and burn each paper as you focus once
again on the intention of the goal, releasing the energy to the wind and elemental helpers. Thank the
nature spirits, deities or elementals, and close your circle, allowing the candles to burn all the way
down, or instead, burn them for a little while for the next several days, symbolizing the waxing
energies. Blessed Be.
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The Moonspells Network: FREE info on Magical Astrology
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Astrology News by Sarolta © 2000
http://www.i.am/deepskies
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