Ostara, St. Paddy’s and Spring

Last updated on: March 16, 2011 at 10:09 am by Star Foster

Ostara, St. Paddy’s and Spring 2011-03-16T10:09:53-04:00 Star Foster

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I have never looked forward to Ostara so much before in my entire life. I find Circle to be purifying, cleansing and healing. As the gunk and stress of daily life accumulates I come to crave Circle. I need it. I need that safe, supportive space to let down my burdens and connect directly to my Gods, the spirits of the Earth and my coven family.

Add on top of my usual longing the riotous outburst of Spring and I feel ready to bust out of these winter doldrums. Spring doesn’t ease into being. You wake up one morning to discover the world has burst into bloom, the snows have melted and rivers are rushing. Birds are singing loud and obnoxiously their joy over the change in seasons. Spring charges in bearing banners and blowing jubilant trumpets.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrtFjE2NjqU

I think for some folks St. Paddy’s is representative of this force. In the midst of the drizzly cold of March folks throw off their inhibitions and indulge in drink and song. It’s gone beyond an Irish celebration of ancestry and nationality, or a Catholic feast day. Even Pagans celebrate it, although they often transform it into a more Pagan-positive celebration by honoring ancestors and wearing snake symbols.

You can feel the pent up energy of Spring in the people and plants around you. Our skins have grown so tight over the winter that we’re irritable and on edge until we have the chance to bust out, to bloom, to send forth a joyful noise! I crave chanting and singing, yet with all my roommates working odd hours this isn’t possible right now. I crave sunlight, yet I have work indoors to do. Like a bud swelling, I’m ready to explode into color and open my arms to warm breezes and blue skies. Yet I must wait. Ostara is my time to bloom. Maybe yours is tomorrow on St. Paddy’s Day/All Snakes Day. Or maybe your tradition has another day in which to cut loose and enjoy the riotous parade of Spring.

May your life blossom and you be open to all the good that life has to offer!

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March 15, 2011

Book Review: A Pagan Ritual Prayer Book by Ceisiwr Serith

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March 17, 2011 Irish Snakes Survive and Thrive: All Snakes Day

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