Sabbats Almanac: Samhain to Mabon - Kristoffer Hughes 2018
Cosmic Sway by Charlie Rainbow Wolf
Ostara
ONE OF THE MOST interesting aspects I see in the heavens for the spring equinox is what astrologers call a “yod,” sometimes referred to as “the finger of God.” This month it involves the Moon’s North Node in Cancer, Jupiter in Sagittarius, and Venus in Aquarius. It all points to karma, to family and traditions and home life.
To get all astrological on you, a yod is an aspect where two planets or other power points working fairly harmoniously with each other are being pulled by a third planet (or point) with which either of them have nothing in common. In this instance, Jupiter in Sagittarius and Venus in Aquarius are playing reasonably nicely together. This sextile is creating a very impulsive and rather eccentric vibe, but then the inconjunct of the Moon’s north nodes in Cancer is tugging at them. The individualistic and humanitarian energies are being weighed down by karma, tradition, and maybe some good old-fashioned feelings.
The yod creates frustration. It brings intense challenges, but also the chance for increased awareness leading to growth and improvement. The yod intensifies all of the angles—the sextiles and both inconjuncts—and points them like a laser. This month, that point is focused on the Moon’s north node. Be ever vigilant when it comes to karma, because it’s a key factor in how the next season unfolds.
The yod brings a period of adjustment. In this case—once again—it’s karmic. There’s little or no common ground when it comes to the influence of the Moon’s north node on Jupiter and Venus, which could give rise to a critical point, or a call to action. In this case, it’s karma that’s demanding that the needs be met, disrupting the influence of Jupiter and Venus, and throwing consequences and repercussions at them. Whatever happens now is going to create residual energy to be dealt with at a later date, both on a personal and a larger scale.
As well as being caught up in that yod, Venus is a bit testy this month, making a square to Mars. They’re both in fixed signs, Venus in the water bearer and Mars in the bull. Venus transits aren’t long lived, so this is only really going to influence Ostara and either day around it. Temptations will be strong, and remember that Jupiter is in Sagittarius, where it rules, making a positive aspect to Venus and encouraging some spontaneous behavior. Venus in Aquarius is pushing boundaries and breaking rules, and Mars is adding fuel—and perhaps a bit of rebellion or sense of adventure—to all of that erratic energy.
At the same time, Jupiter is making a hard aspect to Mars. Mars in Taurus is frustrated anyway, because Mars likes to get ahead and Taurus is the king of routine. The very last thing Mars needs is Jupiter trying to push it into what it already knows it wants but just can’t seem to attain, yet that’s exactly what’s happening. The overall energy of the first week of spring is likely to be frustrating and short-tempered, to say the least!
If the yod didn’t bring us enough karma, once again Chiron is at a critical degree, this time at 0° Aries. Chiron felt rather at home in Pisces, but Aries? That’s a whole new energy, and one that this planetoid hasn’t seen since the 1960s! If you want a bit of insight as to what to expect, look back to the period from 1968 to 1970. While history may not repeat itself, you’ll certainly see the influence. A lot of dreams—and perhaps even nightmares—are about to come through the void from the intangible to reality.
Remember that Saturn—Pluto thing we talked about for Imbolc? It’s getting even stronger, now with only 3 degrees separating them. This brings a little bit of harmony to this aspect, provided that neither planet’s energy gets too pushy. Less is more with this aspect, and when put to the test, it often flies out of the gate with a resolve and a tenacity to either find a way forward or create a new path. The potential to work with both innovation and discipline is strong, and that has the capacity to bring about very radical changes.
Saturn’s also involved in a conjunction with the Sun as our solar system’s star enters into Aries. It’s vital to only focus on what’s important. This aspect brings a deep awareness of challenges and difficulties but also an opportunity to find the resolve and discipline to deal with them. Every problem has a solution; this aspect, coupled with Pluto’s influence, makes it easier to see.
Uranus has changed signs this month, too, moving out of Aries for the final time and starting its seven-year trip through Taurus. Yes, it dallied here for a bit last year, but now it’s finished dancing across the cusp. The last time Uranus was in Taurus was around 1934—1941. Look back at events from that time period to see what potential this transit holds.
Taurus and Uranus are both stubborn, and there’s more than a little opposing energy here. Taurus is fixed, down to earth, and practical. Uranus is wild, unpredictable, and often outrageous. The two don’t make particularly good bedfellows. It may create a bit of a bumpy ride, so fasten your seat belts—this is a seven year voyage!
Ostara Celebration: Let the Laughter Echo
Ostara is one of the two times of year when night and day are of equal length. It’s a time of balance, of recognizing harmony and equality. It’s also a time of creating a bit of light-hearted fun, a time for play and celebrating life in all its many forms. This ritual is meant to be frivolous, and it’s one where even the youngest members of the family or community can join in. If you work solitary, you can still do it—just remember to keep a smile on your face!
You will need:
Colored jelly beans or other colored candy pieces (we’re rather fond of the malted or chocolate mini-eggs)
Gummy bears or jelly babies
A large chocolate rabbit
A glass of milk, cordial, soda pop, or something stronger.
Arrange everything on an altar or table, and decorate it with bright colors and other seasonal items. This ritual is best done at midday if possible, but any time will work. However, do bear in mind the sugar content, and don’t let the high keep you awake all night! Also, please be responsible with this. If you know that you’re sensitive to sugary foods, don’t overindulge—and do remember to brush your teeth after the ritual!
At the start of the ritual, make sure that everyone has a good handful of the colored candies. We do it one candy of each color per person, so that usually means that everyone has four or five mini eggs. Cast whatever circle you wish, and invoke your customary deities, remembering to include Ēostre—it is her Sabbat, after all. I’ve given the instructions for doing this with a group; please adapt them if you’re going to be working solo (it won’t be hard).
Once your circle is cast, have each person in turn choose a colored egg, and shout out what it means to them. For example, you might say something like this for a yellow candy:
All hail the great yellow egg, the color of the Sun, which brings light and life on this day when the skies are equally bright and dark! All hail the great chocolate egg, with the dark and velvety sweetness that melts in the warm Sun. Get thee into my belly; you are most gratefully received!
Remember, this is supposed to be fun! Go through each color, and maybe make it a bit of a contest to see who can outdo the other, or who can create the most giggles. If you’re doing this solitary, use your imagination. You might want to write down your words in a poem or a jingle before you start.
Now treat the gummy bears or the jelly babies in the same manner. We’ve had great fun doing mock screams if someone didn’t bite the heads off first (always eat gummy bears and jelly babies head first, so you can’t hear them scream), treating them as sacrifices to the great gastric gods. Create some hilarity around this. Laugh and play. There’s no better cure for the doldrums than some good old-fashioned buffoonery, especially when there’s candy involved!
Finally, bring out the sacrificial chocolate rabbit! You might want to dress it up on a platter or something. If you’ve got a ritual leader or a spokesperson, give them the task of proclaiming the rabbit honorable and worthy. If you’re doing this by yourself, create your own words to verbally anoint the rabbit before it is consumed. You might want to say something like this:
Very well met, rabbit of delight, succulent sweetness of velvety brown. We honor your presence at our table. Symbol of fertility and growth, we ask that you allow our awareness, rather than our waistlines, to grow and expand as we indulge in your chocolaty goodness. Let my ears hear clearly!
Break off the rabbit’s ears and eat them, then pass the rabbit to the next person. They might want to say something like “Let my eyes see distinctly,” as they break off the rabbit’s eyes and eat them; or “Let my legs run swiftly,” or “May my back always be strong,” or “May my belly always be full,” as those body parts are eaten.
When the rabbit is consumed, pass around the drink. Toast each other, toast the sweet feast you’ve just shared, and toast the deities you’ve invoked for sharing in your merriment. Close your circle in your customary way, and keep the positive energies flowing!