**~** SpRinG EquiNoX **~** & a gift-away !

...."a certain softness and warming of the air currents, even though it is still early morning, a tint of colour in the sky, a sky that no longer looks like a Winter Steel Grey, a slight difference in the shades of green of the plants and tree buds, a sharper more acid green. Birds that try just that little bit more joyously when singing the dawn chorus and in the distance the baaing of ewes waiting to lamb." ~ Daisy

~Knight

The Wheel turns again and with this turn comes the Spring Equinox or Eostara. Spring reaches its midpoint; night and day stand in perfect balance, with light on the increase, growing stronger everyday. A joyful time, when life bursts forth from the earth. A time of new life, of balance and harmony. A time of manifestation. We see shoots of new growth and swelling buds, energy builds as the days become warmer. Spring unfolds her golden daffodils, and the tufts of pussy willow fur the branches in the hedges

The actual Moment of the Spring Equinox this year here in Woodford, is at 7.51pm EST on the 23rd September. The first TRUE day of Springtide
a look into my garden ~ the ancient apple tree is once again promising a bumper crop, still fighting the borer. The lilac buds are starting to swell and the persimmon tree bursting forth in leaf! The little birds are having a joyful time with nature's bounty of seed & blossom - a true smorgasbord supplied by Mother Earth. The sparrows, the little finches, the bul-buls...all enjoying Spring today! The magpies, carolling: SPRING IS HERE!! A time when I know that I can plant my seeds and put in my vegetable seedlings with good faith - that Mother Earth will nurture them for me, with her warm sunshine and gentle spring showers.

The Goddess of the Spring Equinox is Ostara, who is accompanied by the Hare. Persephone the Goddess of Spring and the Green Man are also very predominate at this time of the year.

STONES - aquamarine, rose quartz, amethyst, jasper and moonstone
INCENSE - jasmine, frankincense, myrrh, dragon's blood, cinnamon, nutmeg, sage, lotus, violet flowers, orange peel, or rose petals.
COLOURS - Green, Yellow, Gold
HERBS AND FLOWERS - acorn, celandine, cinquefoil, crocus, daffodil, dogwood, Easter lily, honeysuckle, iris, jasmine, rose, strawberry, tansy and violets.
FOODS - include those made of seeds, such as sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds, as well as pine nuts. Sprouts are equally appropriate, as are leafy, green vegetables. Flower dishes such as stuffed nasturtiums or carnation cupcakes (Fake carnation cupcakes: make spice cupcakes. Frost with pink frosting and place a fresh carnation petal on top of each cupcake)eggs, honey cakes, first fruits of the season, fish, cakes, biscuits, cheeses, honey and ham. Spring Lamb with rosemary and red wine gravy. Drinks: wines, dandelion tea, hyssop cordial

*A traditional spring Equinox pastime is to go for a walk and randomly collect flowers. Rather than picking them, note what type of flowers they are. When you get home, divine their magical meaning by use of books, your own intuition, a pendulum or any other means. The flowers you have chosen reveal your inner thoughts and emotions. It is important at this time of renewed life to plan a walk through gardens, a park, woodlands, forest and other green places. This is not simply an exercise, and you should be on no other mission. It isn't even an appreciation of nature. Make your walk celebratory, a ritual for nature itself.

~ lucie lundberg

FOR THE FAERIES - At Ostara, it is customary to leave something sweet (honey, mead or candy) Perhaps a gift of sweets corresponds to the sweet nectar gathering in new spring flowers.
*it is believed that if the fairies are not honoured with gifts at these times, they will work mischief in our lives*.
Toss crushed eggshells into the garden and say:
’For fairy, for flowers, for herbs in the bowers, the shells pass fertility with springtime flowers’

This is the perfect time for spring-cleaning, literally and figuratively. This also allows the positive energies to flow, unblocked, throughout your home.
A house blessing should follow. Be creative as you think of ways to spiritually cleanse, protect and bless your home. Sage smudges and incense are great ways to purify and cleanse your house. After all the cleaning, you can hang Witch Balls or amulets and talismans in the windows, for good luck, protection or abundance for the coming year.

I usually do my spring-cleaning in October, after our spring school-break. I am going to make some amulet bags in readiness and also make my springtime bath salts...here is a link to the recipe on the Croning of Miss*R: Springtime Bath soak . Tomorrow afternoon, I am going to my Springtime ritual walk

for dinner tonight I am going to cook a roast lamb with red wine & lots of spring vegetables.. and a nice cup of dandelion root tea. Just Joe & I....

Our little grandbaby-to-come, is growing well - Louisa is now into her second trimester and truly glowing! The due date is mid March, so we could have a little Pisces/Aries cusp. I had a wonderful experience yesterday in my Dreamtime Treatment- once I digest it all, I will share it...a very spriritual experience.
There is a little Spring Equinox gift~away - just put your name down here and I will draw it mid week....

*~* May you be blessed with fertility, abundance, success, and all things new! ~*~