Mean Earraigh - Vernal Equinox

And frosts are slain and flowers begotten, 

And in green underworld and cover 
blossom by blossom the spring begins. 

~Algernon Charles Swinburne

Méan Earraigh marks the spring (or vernal) equinox, when night and day are of equal length and spring officially begins. Birds begin their nesting and egg-laying, and eggs--symbolic of rebirth, fertility, and immortality--are tossed into fresh furrows or eaten by ploughmen. They are also carried by those engaged in spring planting....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here:  Méan Earraigh - Vernal Equinox

Furze Tree Lore

Furze (also known as Gorse) is a druid Sacred tree, whose flowers are associated with the Vernal Equinox (Aprox. March 20).

• Latin name: ulex europaeus
• Celtic name: 'O' - Onn
• Folk or Common names: Broom, Frey, Furze, Fyrs, Gorst, Goss, Prickly Broom, Ruffet, and Whin.
• Parts Used: Flowers

Magical History and Associations:

Furze is a thorny shrub with bright yellow flowers that is associated with the Spring Equinox. This herb is a symbol of the young sun at the spring equinox and royalty....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Magickal Ingredients, and can be found in its entirety here: Furze Tree Magick and Lore

An Altar To Ostara

Here are some ideas for what you might want to include in an Altar to Ostara.

Ostara, the ancient German Virgin Goddess of Spring, loves bright colors. The light pastels of spring are perfect offerings for Ostara. To represent earth on your altar, choose bright or pastel colored stones like Rose Quartz, Amethyst, or any of the Calcites (blue, red, yellow, or green). If you have some Citrine, be sure to include it. Citrine has long been an aid for mental clarity....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with another, and can be found at my new website, The Pagan Calendar, here: Méan Earraigh - Vernal Equinox

Celebrate Spring With Flowers

Celebrate the arrival of spring with flowers. Bring them into your own home and give them to others. You do not have to spend a lot of money - one or two blooms given for no other reason than 'spring is here' can often bring a smile to even the most gloomy face.

Note: This post has been combined with another one, and moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, and can be found here: Méan Earraigh - Vernal Equinox

It's the Vernal Equinox

A traditional Vernal Equinox pastime is to go to a field and randomly collect wildflowers (thank the flowers for their sacrifice before picking them). Or, buy some from a florist, taking one or two of those that appeal to you. Then bring them home and divine their Magickal meanings. The flowers you've chosen reveal your inner thoughts and emotions....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with another, and can be found on my new website, The Pagan Calendar, here: Méan Earraigh - Vernal Equinox

Magickal Properties of Flowers

As spring arrives, our gardens begin to bud and eventually bloom. For hundreds of years, the plants that we grow have been used in magic. Flowers in particular are often connected with a variety of magical uses. Now that spring is here, keep an eye out for some of these flowers around you, and consider the different magical applications they might have.

• Crocus: This flower is one of the first you'll see in the spring, and it's often associated with newly blooming love. The crocus is also known to enhance visions and bring about intuitive dreams.


• Daffodil: The bright petals of the daffodil are typically found in shades of white, yellow or even pale orange....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Magickal Ingredients, and can be found in its entirety here: Magickal Properties of Flowers