MORRIGAN:

MERRY MEET AND WELCOME TO WICCA 101! TONIGHT WE WILL HAVE AN OPEN DISCUSSION OF OSTARA. I HAVE SOME OPENING REMARKS, AND THEN THE FLOOR WILL BE FREE FOR DISCUSSION. PLEASE KEEP ALL MM, BB, AND MP AND SIDE CONVERSATIONS IN IM DURING CLASS.

In case of disaster {g} could one or two of you who plan on attending the entire class please log as back up?

Burningwolf:

logging on

MORRIGAN:

SHALL WE ALL TAKE OUR SEATS NOW?

Taeeshka:

b there

Marfixubus:

where too?

MORRIGAN:

Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox, Vernal Equinox, Rite of Eostre, and Easter. It is a celebration of fertility, of new beginnings. The Goddess in Maiden form is warmed by the touch of the Lord of the Sun and awakens from Her winter slumber. She adorns herself in joyful greenery as the love of Their courtship creates new life within Her. We too feel the joy of Their union as we burst from our doors armed with shovels and seedlings, and breath in the energy of this season.

This is the time for planting seeds, working on magickal gardens, or any form of herbal work. It can also be thought of as a time to tend our inner garden. To plant the seeds of dreams or desires in our hearts and minds. As we watch them grow, we choose which ones to thin out, or nurture.

Symbols for Ostara are the hare and the egg for fertility and reproduction. Eggs are dyed and often inscribed with Pagan or Magickal symbols and either given to loved ones as talismans for prosperity, fertility and protection, or buried in the Earth as an offering to the Goddess. Symbolic herbs for this season include Narcissus, Woodruff, Violet, and Peony. Incense used for the Ostara celebration can include Sandalwood, Isis, Mint and Cinquefoil, which will charge your magickal space with prosperity and protection. Jasmine oil can be used for anointing candles to bring your goals to fruition. Foods in tune with this day include hard boiled eggs, first fruits of the season, anything made from seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds. Sprouts are also appropriate as are leafy greens.

ok, this is my contribution {g} can anyone add to this?

Herne1734:

now I'm hungry

Marfixubus:

well, it is the time to plant seeds but its kind of hard under 2 feet of snow!

MORRIGAN:

I could find no information on what color of candles to burn at this time. Anyone know?

SongSpring:

Ok, how about the great rite used to celebrate Ostara.. and the significance of this rite.. also the "awakening" of the Earth Mother

RebbelleRose:

It's part of the power of Ostara that leads so many of us ::glances at Song & Seann:: find love.. The overflow of the Goddess & Gods finding of each other..

Shouldn't they be green- colors of fertility and growth..

Typo Demon:

don't forget me and mom Reb {G}

RebbelleRose:

Oops, sorry Dad! :)

Potatoetoe:

love is pervasive gentle penetrating wind

Marfixubus:

i am satisfied...

MORRIGAN:

green sounds about right but I didn't know for sure.

cypriani:

for the change of seasons wouldn't it be the air symbol

RebbelleRose:

Neither am I = but the color coordinates are right..

MORRIGAN:

well, i've always thought of green as healing myself

cypriani:

i vote the blue

Catspawn:

Taeeshka is here with me and he is having trouble understanding some things . . .

RebbelleRose:

hmm.. white was always healing.. :;shrug:: guess it depends on who you ask.. :)

Catspawn:

he'd like to know more

MORRIGAN:

blue for what cypriani?

cypriani:

candle

RebbelleRose:

why Cypriani?

cypriani:

for air, or did i get them mixed up again? i forget water and air

Catspawn:

how about rainbow candles?

SongSpring:

Everyone, SeannochMhor's system has locked up and he sends his Love and Regrets to all for the inability to attend

Catspawn:

all colors to celebrate all flowers and all spirits/feelings

SongSpring:

He sends Merry Partings to all.. and Blessed Be

Sweetie Bear:

Nature spirits: plant faeries.....

MORRIGAN:

well...seems like you can't go wrong with rainbows...covers it all.

cypriani:

douche'

Sweetie Bear:

Herbs: basil, Chives, dragon's blood, geranium, thistle

Catspawn:

covers all and respects all?

Sweetie Bear:

Colors: crimson red, gold

flowers: daisy, swept

SongSpring:

Ok, what about the awakening of the Earth Mother... before the Viking invasion of the Celtic lands this was celebrated at different times.. the awakening at Imbolc (Brides Night) and Fertility at Beltane...

Catspawn:

CH is there a correct color?

Sweetie Bear:

Power Flow: energy into creating and producing: return to balance of nerves. Change, self confidence, take

advantage of opportunities. WORK ON TEMPER AND EMOTIONAL FLARE-UPS AND SELFISHNESS

stareyed:

sweetie bear what's all that about?

SongSpring:

Ok, so any comment on when the celebration of the Vernal Equinox originated.. and how does one keep the celebration separate from those of Imbolc and Beltane? It is rather a blending of the two.....

MORRIGAN:

I have no idea...anyone?

Catspawn:

when is it this year??

Red Deer:

Song - don't see the equinox as a blending at all. It's the moment when the sun is poised between the darker and lighter halves of the year

RebbelleRose:

It's something of the in between- where Imbolc is the return of the God- and Beltaine is where they join- Ostara is sort of the "courting": if you will..

Catspawn:

date wise

stareyed:

if they're different why would they be the same?

Sweetie Bear:

I have notes back to 204 BC

SongSpring:

The celebration of the Equinoxes weren't in the Celtic mythos until the Viking invasion.. at that point, the equinoxes were added.. but even then took on less significance than we give it today

MORRIGAN:

When the Goddess is impregnated , right?

Red Deer:

agreed Reb - but initiation might be a better idea

MoonWillow:

March 20, Catspawn

Boudica:

I have the same notes as SS

Sweetie Bear:

Song, the notes I have are of Roman origin

Catspawn:

thank you

RebbelleRose:

It was always the major 4 w/ the Celts until then..

RebbelleRose:

She's impregnated at Beltaine I thought Chatty

Boudica:

No equinoxes till after the Vikings

stareyed:

then has the importance come up in the world SS?

RebbelleRose:

I'm just puttin' out my thoughts Red- I'm hardly the great one.. :) Just tryin' my best!

SongSpring:

Reb, it is rather a courting.. yet it is the young stag king courting the maiden....

Catspawn:

how exactly does one celebrate Ostara??

SongSpring:

and joining.. yet she is not yet impregnated... that is at Beltane.. when the relationship is sealed....

Red Deer:

not all are Celts

Herne1734:

not for lack of trying though

SongSpring:

Catspawn, depends on your tradition

Catspawn:

what do u mean?

Potatoetoe:

equinox was a discovery of measurement

RebbelleRose:

that's what I said up there somewhere else Song!! :) The joining is at Beltaine..

Catspawn:

i'm trying to learn . . .

Sweetie Bear:

I have a ritual for Ostara

Catspawn:

but i don't really know about the major ceremonies - for a Solitaire

Potatoetoe:

like fire

Catspawn:

could u give it to me . . . later maybe

SongSpring:

no, Reb.. joining occurs at Ostara.. but the fertility is brought.. the impregnation is brought at Beltane... are you familiar w/ tarot?

Catspawn:

since i figure no one else needs it

Sweetie Bear:

sure Cat

stareyed:

not l aph

RebbelleRose:

Really? Hmm.. yet again I prove my ignorance.. :) hehe.. Yeah a little Song- why?

SongSpring:

It is like Ostara is premarital and Beltane is the true solidification.....

Herne1734:

Ceremonies you can get out of a book, or construct yourself, they are reflections on the meanings of the occasion

cypriani:

sweetie, can you E-mail me your Ostara ritual, we are having a major one this year and I am supposed to be priestess and not impressed with what the priest is working on HELP

SongSpring:

Ok, think of the two of cups as Ostara and the three of cups as Beltane

stareyed:

but Herne wouldn't the celebrations also be a reflection of ones own ideals?

RebbelleRose:

::nods:: gotcha Song..

Herne1734:

cypriani, if you or anyone else needs a rite, I have several loaded

Sweetie Bear:

Cyp.....sure I will

Catspawn:

Herne, could u give some to me too, i want to find out as much as i can

Herne1734:

Stareyed, I am sure that your understanding is correct

cypriani:

cypriani@smartnet.net, i'll take all new suggestions I can get from anyone and everyone

Herne1734:

ok, IM your e mail address

SongSpring:

Actually, there are several common threads to rites... but there are parts where they are individual according to tradition....

Catspawn:

thanks

SongSpring:

Where all rites are not alike, there are commonalties....

SongSpring:

Understand? Kind of?

stareyed:

commonalties? is that a real word?

RebbelleRose:

The circle, calling the quarters as the most obvious!

SongSpring:

yes, that is a real word star

Yes and No Reb... there are many ways to call the quarters.. for example, where I call the elements, Cu calls the 4 winds and the three elements

You see?

Sweetie Bear:

if anyone else wants the rite that I have, just IM me and I'll send it along! :}

RebbelleRose:

:;sighs::

SongSpring:

so, more questions?

stareyed:

who keeps track of all those holidays? sounds really confusing to me...

SongSpring:

What about the significance of the Easter / Ostara similarities... Easter is pagan in origin..... the main traditions are that of the "easter egg" the casceronies are a big one....

stareyed:

haven't read yet, just signed on and came home here

SongSpring:

and the "hare" or rabbit passing out all the candies....("casceronies" - confetti Eggs)

Xori:

thanks song {G}

Potatoetoe:

holy day, renewal of the land

SongSpring:

is anyone familiar w/ the origin of the "confetti" egg?

MORRIGAN:

not I Song, do tell!

Xori:

I'm not - do tell song

Boudica:

Do tell, song

SongSpring:

Ok... well, it was originate in the pagan traditions as a gift of love and blessings...

stareyed:

xori.. get last installment?

Boudica:

Excuse me, chatty, but could you repeat the rules so EVERYONE understands them during class........

MORRIGAN:

OK

PLEASE KEEP ALL MM, BB, AND MP AND SIDE CONVERSATIONS IN IM DURING CLASS.

SongSpring:

you filled the egg with lavender, bright colored flowers, sweets, confetti, etc... and then you surprise the people you love with it to shower them w/ blessings for the year ahead....

Boudica:

Thank you

MORRIGAN:

DISRUPTERS WILL BE WARNED, THEN EXCLUDED

Boudica:

Please continue Song

SongSpring:

{-I am filling my eggs w/ dried and scented rose petals this year

Catspawn:

sorry chat . . . i wasn't here for that, but thanks how do u fill the eggs?

SongSpring:

the tradition has continued to become only confetti.. it is mainly a "pure" tradition that hasn't really changed over time

Catspawn:

i mean, a hole or do u crack them all the way?

cypriani:

have yoh never heard of a blown egg

MORRIGAN:

I've done that cypriani it's fun

Catspawn:

yes, but i never had a hole big enough to put things in . . .

cypriani:

gives you a head rush

SongSpring:

well, you crack them.. how you make confetti eggs is you make a small hole in one end and break the top off the other part....

Catspawn:

ah

SongSpring:

then you re seal the egg w/ some paper and glue....

Potatoetoe:

ritual draws the people together, sharing of the egg, goddess

Xori:

I suppose, in this day, one could go contemporary, and buy one of the plastic or glass eggs, already with separation, and decorate it accordingly - of course, the traditional is better

SongSpring:

then you fill it w/ the filling of your choice.... and crack it! yes..... shower blessings about the loved ones!

Celtic wind:

How long does this particular celebration last?

MORRIGAN:

I've never thought of doing this Song! Great idea

Catspawn:

oh, i've never heard of that, but it's a great idea

aphreal:

{{would make a huge mess trying it the real way

Xori:

I'm definitely going to do this year!

MORRIGAN:

aaah but the mess is half the fun!

Catspawn:

yes, how long does Ostara last?

SongSpring:

well, it lasts from the Vernal equinox to Beltane.. the celebration of Spring.. but Ostara itself is only the Vernal Equinox

aphreal:

{{would end up with broken egg shells everywhere in tears cause I wouldn't know what to do

SongSpring:

Red Deer... help me out.. I feel like I'm teaching... Aphie.. called trial and error

aphreal:

LOL...I don't think my family would appreciate that method, Song

Potatoetoe:

sometimes the teacher is chosen to be voice

Xori:

doesn't a typical ritual of this sort usually last from sunset the previous evening until sunrise the next morn?

SongSpring:

aphie.... they wouldn't mind....

Potatoetoe:

the threshold times are the times of the rainbow when the sun is low

SongSpring:

yes Xori... that is the case...the old days started at sunset to sunset

Xori:

of course, one can extend as they see fit, but potatoetoe has a good point/wording as to threshold times Catspawn:

what r threshold times??

SongSpring:

Sunset...to sunset...

Catspawn:

oh

SongSpring:

the exact time depends on the time zone, etc....best thing is to check your local newspaper

Liam:

is Ostara similar to the Jewish festival of Purim?

Catspawn:

so the sunset of the night b4 to that night's sunset?

Xori:

sunset to sunset - that's right, thanks {G}

SongSpring:

explain Purim?

PAniteowl:

Liam ... Easter has it's roots in Purim ... Ostara is something older

Liam:

Purim is the Jewish festival celebrating spring I think it is a happy festival celebrated by children dressing in costume

Tyr:

don't the colored eggs originate with Ostara though?

SongSpring:

PA, what do you know of Purim?

Yes, they do Tyr....the egg stays on the alter from Ostara to Beltane....

PAniteowl:

The egg is a symbol of new life, that you can hold in your hand and visualize the womb

Liam:

Easter + rebirth (coming back from the dead) Purim = rebirth

SongSpring:

what she said!

Liam:

Ostara =?

Tyr:

I love that part...helps my kids adjust to the craft.

Red Deer:

PA - IMO Purim has it's roots in the same thing

Potatoetoe:

the great melt

PAniteowl:

Yes RD ... you're right

Red Deer:

The egg is also the egg of the Dragon

Potatoetoe:

the flowing of the streams

SongSpring:

Liam, actually the celebration of Ostara/Spring/Vernal Equinox predates Purim....

MORRIGAN:

the egg of the dragon?

Tyr:

I've never heard anything about dragons and Ostara

SongSpring:

the dragon is associated w/ the earth in some traditions

MORRIGAN:

me either, but I'm still new to this

aaaah. I see

Liam:

But is it basically the same thing just by a different name and culture?

Potatoetoe:

dragon, the Ourobourus the primal mater, the primal mother

Red Deer:

Dragons may be viewed as one of the primal forces of fertility - therefore their eggs are potent symbols of renewal

Potatoetoe:

hermetic magic

PAniteowl:

Liam ... Ostara symbolizes a quickening, not a rebirth ... the Gods and Goddesses of old were not really known for "Dying", but evolving, following the wheel of life

Red Deer:

yes potatoetoe

MORRIGAN:

ok, breath of the dragon...I'm remembering now

SongSpring:

Yes.. the Earth Mother.. the spine of the world.. etc....

Potatoetoe:

the unfolding

PAniteowl:

yes Potatoe ... that is more like it

Red Deer:

anyone ever seen Salvador Dali's "The Apotheosis"?

Potatoetoe:

the moving outwards of the rainbow as white light is split

MORRIGAN:

no

Red Deer:

The "new" man emerges from the egg - and there's a little dragon there

PAniteowl:

no RD .... can't bring it to mind, but it seems to ring a bell

Potatoetoe:

who is the manifestation of all matter, can change into all things

Red Deer:

{--- firmly believes Dally was a Pagan who 'knew' himself to be the God

Tyr:

I just looked up a ritual in one of my books that refers to

Ostara as the Festival of Trees...anyone else ever heard of it?

PAniteowl:

The Oak was a symbol of Ostara Tyr ...

Potatoetoe:

life moves, origin of the garden of pardes, the trees of the mountains of Sumeria were oak

Tyr:

I see...I didn't know that part of it.

PAniteowl:

In The Celtic Isles, many of the trees were endowed with personalities that reflected the stages of the cycles

Tyr:

Does anyone have the book Urban Pagan? It has a neat little passage on how the Easter parade originated.

Red Deer:

Did I just miss it, or has anyone discussed the halves of the year?

Boudica:

please read it Tyr

PAniteowl:

The times of Balance RD???

Tyr:

Okay.. it has the magical elements too...want that read too?

Boudica:

if you want

Red Deer:

well, the two ways the year may be split - by solstices which give you the halves of increase and decline

PAniteowl:

oh ... nope, haven't seen that discussed Deer

Red Deer:

or by equinoxes which give you the halves of the great light and of the little light. We come upon the beginning of the time of the great light

WiseWitch:

or by Samhain and Beltain, as the Celts did it.

Tyr:

The Easter parade dates back to Constantine, who ordered the people to bedeck themselves in lavish colors and clothes to commemorate the resurrection. Hot cross buns come to us

Red Deer:

technically, that doesn't make a little/big split though WW i thought that was more death / conception

WiseWitch:

No, it's just more agricultural a split than a solar split, RD. More associated with where you pasture your flocks.

Tyr:

from the Anglo-Saxon tradition of Eostre, named after that fruitful goddess, and the symbol of the egg for fertility is almost universally a part of this festival.

Potatoetoe:

sacrifice for conception, breaking of the egg

WillowStar:

speaking of Easter?

Red Deer:

ok

WiseWitch:

Discussing Ostara, not Easter.

Tyr:

Magical elements: On the magickal calendar today (Ostara) marks the first day of spring, when life returns to the planet giving an opportunity to begin anew.

Red Deer:

lol

kat34:

how does one get a magical calendar?

MORRIGAN:

I can't wait to read the logs...I've missed the whole class!

WillowStar:

llewyllen puts one out

SongSpring:

......

MORRIGAN:

are we all talked out now?

WolfofWinter:

looks that way.....

Taeeshka:

no,no.no.no never

Tyr:

This is a joyous celebration which can include colored eggs lush candies, good meals and time with family and friends to enjoy the warm weather.

Typo Demon:

{{{ breaking out cakes and ale for all :]

Potatoetoe:

its amazing, all my cats are in season, manifestations

WillowStar:

when do pussy willows come out in the east? my children want those for the altar this Ostara

MORRIGAN:

mmmm ale!

lol Potatoe...so is my dog!

Taeeshka:

cakes?

Boudica:

{-----wishes to thank Chatty, Songspring and Tyr for the class

Taeeshka:

ohhh yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Red Deer:

{--- cats here in hear to

WolfofWinter:

:::::graciously accepts her share of cake and ale:::Tankya!

Wildswan:

They are in the stores now Willow

Boudica:

And all others who added to it

Tyr:

The sun has now broken free from winters clutches and is preparing to shine brightly on all your efforts.

MORRIGAN:

well, thank you Boudica! I didn't do much participating...but I tried to keep the room clear {g}

WillowStar:

(_)? (_)? hot cocoa? it's cold here....

MoonWillow:

Willow, I just checked mine today--with warm weather, maybe 2 weeks (I'm in Ohio)

Potatoetoe:

how about the rest of you, spring fever?

Tyr:

There...that is what Urban Pagan says about Ostara.

MORRIGAN:

yes potatoe! heheheh

Xori:

thank you tyr

Boudica:

Am sick of shoveling snow.......

WillowStar:

I'm in VA we're going hunting for them this weekend

Wildswan:

Ditto Snow!

Tyr:

Am sick of typing Boudica...{g}

WillowStar:

LOL

Boudica:

Thank you Tyr....

Taeeshka:

snow? what's snow

MoonWillow:

Willow, you should find some blooming then--in any case, they're easy to force...

Xori:

As boudica said, thank you Chat and all for the class

Wildswan:

Don't ask

MORRIGAN:

I want to thank you all for participating in this class!

Boudica:

Want some Taee? I can ship down cases of the stuff if you want....

WillowStar:

Thanks willow....

Tyr:

It was no problem...I actually learn things by doing that.

MORRIGAN:

I was worried that no one would!

Potatoetoe:

primal mother is manifest now, circadian rhythm

Celtic wind:

Yes, that was my first class to sit in, and I found it very interesting.