Archive for March, 2013
Vernal
Like the ancients before us, we rely on the Sun to mark the beginning of the seasons; Equinoxes for Spring and Fall; Solstices for Winter and Summer. The Vernal or Spring Equinox occurred on March 20.
Spring celebration and sacred ritual abound as Mother Earth awakens from winter’s slumber. In China, New Year is the most important festival; so, too, for Christians, Jews, Pagans and Wiccans celebrating Spring is sacred ritual; Iran celebrates No Kuz or New Day, and Russia embraces ‘the return of the light’ in Maslenitsa.
This Spring, as we begin to emerge from the plagues that have beset us all, I invite you to celebrate the Vernal Season by giving thanks for regeneration, the beauty of Spring, and the renewing of hope.
Peeps
No, not your close family and friends. I am talking about marshmallow Peeps.
For several years now, my partner and I have engaged in Peep ritual. I don’t know how or why it began, but every year we each buy Peeps. There is a certain achievement status in being the first to score Peeps…and then it begins.
Peep placement and Peep integration: Integration involves separating colored sets and re-joining them. For example, the sill above the kitchen sink has two of each color (hot pink, bright sky blue, soft lavender and baby chick yellow) lined up smartly like the front row of a marching platoon.
Peep placement is where the fun really begins. Acting independently over the next several days we each place our Peeps. Some placement is standard, like the above mentioned kitchen window sill. Other placement is furtively creative. There are surprise Peeps, they show up in places one least expects. The bathroom and bedroom are favorite haunts of the peeping Peeps. And last, but not least, the artful, aesthetic Peep placement.
I have always felt a uniqueness around our annual Peep ritual, and then I read an article in the newspaper. I learned more than I ever needed (or wanted) to know from The Power of Peeps. Just Born Inc. will churn out 1 billion Peeps this year. There is Peeps pop art, Peeps topiary and Peeps diorama; apparently no end to creative, decorative displays inspired by Peeps. (We are definitely amateurs!).
And then, the last shock…people actually eat them! Right out of the box, smashed, micro-waved, roasted and deep-fried, Peeps are an epicurean delight!
I never thought that my relationship with little marshmallow chicks was anything more than a simple bit of fun. Even though it feels a bit odd to be part of a such a grand movement, I’m sure we will continue our annual amateur Peep show.
Time
In my part of the world this weekend marked the ‘spring forward’ ritual of Pacific Daylight Savings Time. I, like many others, have mixed feelings about this time saving artifice.
I am a morning person. I don’t like the time shift coming at the moment when the earth begins to wake from winter’s slumber; however, I get used to it after a couple of weeks.
Yet, I have never been able to get past the time-saving aspect. How do we save time? The hours in a day do not change.
I am reminded of demonstration promos from the late Fifties touting the time–saving properties of technology. Modernized kitchens, heating systems, communications, farming and methods of travel promised to free us from labor intensive living. We all would now have more time to pursue a leisurely lifestyle. How is that working out for you?
We are adaptable and resilient creatures, but just when we are totally settled into the spring-forward rhythm, it is time to fall-back! And our time-saving ability disappears with a slight of hand adjustment.
Retrograde
In astrological terms retrograde refers to a planet that appears to reverse its course. The planet Mercury retrogrades three or four times a year. Mercury is the mentor and muse of communication and mental activity. We are in the first of this year’s Mercury retrogrades, occurring February 23 to March 17.
Although these periods are generally viewed as difficult and challenging in the aforementioned areas, they also provide opportunity to pause and reflect; to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.
The current retrograde is happening in the water sign, Pisces. Pisces is by nature sensitive, versatile and reflective; further spot lighting the wisdom of honoring the energetic slow down of plans and projects.
I have but a cursory knowledge of Astrology. If you are interested in a deeper understanding of this phenomena and its effects, I invite you to consult a professional Astrologer.
For the moment, welcome the opportunity to pause and reflect on projects and personal communication.