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Flowers should be laid on the altar, placed around the circle and strewn on the ground. The cauldron can be filled with spring water and flowers, and buds and blossoms may be worn as well. A small potted plant should be placed on the altar. Arrange the altar, light the candles and incense, and cast the Circle of Stones. Stand before the altar and gaze upon the plant as you say:
Touch the plant. Connect with its energies and, through it, all nature. Travel inside its leaves and stems through your visualisation - fingers and into the plant itself. Explore its inner nature, sense the miraculous processes of life at work within it. After a time ,still touching the plant, say:
Meditate upon the changing of the seasons. Fell the rousing of energies around you in the Earth. Works of magic if necessary, may follow. Ostara LoreA traditional Vernal equinox pastime: go to a field and randomly collect wildflowers. Or, buy some from a florist, taking one or two of those that appeal to you. Then bring them home and diving their magical meanings by the use of books, your own intuition, a pendulum or by other means. The flowers youve chosen reveal your inner thoughts and emotions. It is important at this time of renewed life to plan a walk (or a ride) through gardens, a park, woodlands, forest and other green places. This is not simply exercise, and you should be on no other mission. It isnt even just an appreciation of nature. Make your walk celebratory, a ritual for nature itself. Other traditional activities include planting seeds, working on magical gardens and practising all forms of herb work - magical, medicinal, cosmetic, culinary and artistic. Foods in tune with this day (linking your meals with the seasons is a fine method of attuning with nature) include those made of seeds, such as sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds, as well as pin nuts. Sprouts are equally appropriate, as are leafy, green vegetables. Flower dishes such as stuffed naturtiums or carnations cupcakes also find heir place here. |
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