Now we all know St. Patrick’s Day as a day of celebration, commending “St. Patrick” for bringing Christianity to Ireland and as legend tells it, ushering all of the serpents out of the country. Sounds well-intended, right? But what if there were a darker side to the tale that no one really speaks of? For those of us who enjoy their magical practices, and feel safe enough in the modern age to identify as herbalists, magic practitioners and witches, this time can send a chill through your bones, as this “celebration” didn’t fare so well for us or many sacred sites. I mean the first St. Patrick's Day parade was actually held in America, not Ireland! This should be enough to make one question the origins of this celebratory day.
Without going into the depths of hell, I’ll leave you with the notion to do some research on the topic if I’ve piqued your interest. Please note that I am not insinuating that we eliminate this holiday altogether, but rather, change the meaning of it and the reason why we choose to celebrate. Let others know that you're celebrating in remembrance of those who lost their lives and the fallen ancient sites that still leave their energetic imprint upon this earth. We're celebrating rebirth, growth and fertility, sunshine, rain and the bounty of the season! This is the year that commences all of the hidden secrets coming to light and I don’t want my Sparkling Ones to be left in the dark about anything! However, for the sake of “lightness” let’s get back to the glitter, rainbows and fun stuff that makes us all smile in the month of March! If you’d like to go deeper, I’ll leave some links for the inquiring minds.
What are we celebrating this month!?
Fairies 🧚🏼 shamrocks ☘️ clovers 🍀 rainbows 🌈 LOVE 🩷 and glimmering gold ✨! Now that’s a fantasy I'm happy to indulge!
It's a month to celebrate Ostara and the star 🌟 in all of us (including the ones who lost their lives for being magical) as well as the abundance and good fortune that comes with the changing of the seasons from the dead quiet of winter to the blooming rebirth of spring with Ostara, the Spring Equinox on the 20th.
That’s why this month we celebrate “Cottagecore Dreams” with the support of “Rainbow 🌈 Tribe“. Here we can indulge in the whimsy of fairies and "folklore" (I DO believe in fairies!), highlighting the reason to Kiss 💋 anyone at all because although everyone of us may not be Irish technically, we are all one loving Collective who celebrates the wins of one another regardless of how we identify! And here at Twilight Kisses, any reason to get dressed up in vibrant colors and celebrate all inclusive love is a good one! Take 20% off of our Ostara Holladaze Collection and Rainbow Tribe all month long! Let's see what treasures you find!
Don't forget to send in your most sparkling photo reviews! Happy hunting!
Read on to learn about OSTARA and it's magical associations...
Source links:
1. "The Disturbing Truth About St. Patrick's Day and Its Brutal History" - https://www.theodysseyonline.com/disturbing-truth-st-patricks-day-its-brutal-history
2. "Shadows and Shamrocks: The Untold Dark History of St. Patrick's Day" - https://www.wickedmystics.com/blogs/wicked-spirit/shadows-and-shamrocks-the-untold-dark-history-of-st-patricks-day
3. "The Dark Side of St. Patrick's Day There Are Parts of Irish History That..." - https://caba.ms/articles/features/the-dark-side-of-st-patricks-day-there-are-parts-darker-than-a-pint-of-guinness
4. "The Insanely Violent History of St. Patrick's Day" - https://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/
Spring Equinox, Ostara
At its core, Ostara embodies the triumph of light over darkness, symbolised by the increasing daylight and the rebirth of the natural world. The vernal equinox marks a moment of perfect balance, where day and night are equal in length. This balance is a powerful symbol of harmony and unity, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world. It is a time to reflect on the importance of finding balance in our own lives, both internally and externally.
Symbols: spring flowers, 💐 fairies, 🧚🏼 butterflies, 🦋 rabbits 🐇 and eggs🥚 🪺
Colors: pastels, yellow, orange, lavender and green
Crystals: Clear quartz; tumbled stones, ocean jasper, natural agate, citrine or a crystal or decorated egg to symbolize fertility in all of its forms!
Altar: adorn your space with spring flowers like daffodils,💐tulips🌷, lilies, primroses, violets, hyacinths🪻 and crocuses, symbolizing renewal and the awakening of the earth.
Candles: Ostara is a time of balance between light and dark, so symbols of this polarity can be used. Use a god and goddess statue, a white candle 🕯️ and a black one, a sun 🌞 and moon🌙 , or you can use a yin and yang symbol ☯️.
Goddess: the hare 🐇
What's the story behind the hare and Ostara?
The hare has long been associated with the goddess Ostara, a symbol of fertility and new beginnings. But did you know that the hare's connection to Ostara goes even deeper? In ancient beliefs, the hare was thought to die and be reborn each day, just like the moon. This cycle of death and resurrection made the hare a powerful symbol of immortality in Wiccan traditions.
How did the hare become the older cousin of the Easter bunny?
Now, you may be wondering how the humble hare became the older cousin of the Easter bunny. Well, it all goes back to the symbolism of rebirth and new life. As Christianity spread, it adopted many pagan symbols and traditions, including the hare. Over time, the hare transformed into the Easter bunny we know today, bringing eggs and joy to children around the world.
Why is the hare considered a symbol of immortality?
So, why is the hare seen as a symbol of immortality? The idea of the hare's daily death and resurrection represents the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. In Wiccan beliefs, the hare's ability to transcend death makes it a powerful symbol of immortality and the eternal nature of the soul.
What can we learn from the hare's symbolism?
As we reflect on the symbolism of the hare and its connection to Ostara, we can learn valuable lessons about the cyclical nature of life and the power of transformation. Just like the hare, we have the ability to overcome challenges, embrace change, and experience our own rebirths. So, let the hare inspire you to embrace the magic of new beginnings and the promise of immortality!
Ritual: Spend at least thirty minutes outdoors communing with nature. Leave food offerings of thanksgiving for Ostara; the animals near you will be grateful! take a moment to appreciate the symbolism of light over darkness and the beauty of balance in the world around you. Embrace the energy of renewal and growth that this season brings, and allow yourself to be inspired by the magic of the vernal equinox.
Shine ✨ like the star you are!
Til next month,
Your TK Family 💋 🌙 ✨
