Easter

 According to Jacob Grimm of Brothers Grimm, Easter has long been a holiday of spring, rejuvenation that the Christians then perverted with tales of the son of God turning into a zombie.


"Ostara, Eástre seems therefore to have been the divinity of the radiant dawn, of upspringing light, a spectacle that brings joy and blessing, whose meaning could be easily adapted by the resurrection-day of the christian's God. Bonfires were lighted at Easter and according to popular belief of long standing, the moment the sun rises on Easter Sunday morning, he gives three joyful leaps, he dances for joy [...]. Water drawn on the Easter morning is, like that at Christmas, holy and healing [...]; here also heathen notions seems to have grafted themselves on great christian festivals. Maidens clothed in white, who at Easter, at the season of returning spring, show themselves in clefts of the rock and on mountains, are suggestive of the ancient goddess [...]."

Source: Wikipedia


Rebecca Kneen of Crannog Ales and Left Fields has really sparked my flame of ceremonies and rituals. Upon her recommendation, almost everyone on the farm has read The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk. I suggest anyone interested in spirituality of any kind and "end of the world" scenarios read the book.


So on this easter, perhaps we could integrate back a bit of tradition. I say to you:

Women wear white, suggest of the ancient goddess!

Build a bonfire and give three joyful leaps!

Draw and drink the healing water of this day!

Feast!

Really, all I need is an excuse to feast.