Full Snow Moon and Vernal Equinox Oracles

I wrote this last weekend but forgot to post it until now.

It makes me happy that the full moon and the first day of spring are so close together this year.  It seems like maybe this is a better time for celebrating the new year, when the air is full of light, the leaves are unfurling, and tiny blossoms are everywhere. 

This moon's Goddess is Kuan Yin, the Compassionate Rebel.  Kuan Yin, the Chinese version of a male Hindu God, embodies the concept of karuna, the ability to identify so instensely with the plight of another that we are as affected as if it were our own.  Her name means "one who hears the cries of the world".  Contemplating the ideals that she represents means trying to deepen my response to others in a way that is truly empathetic, and giving myself that same kind of tender care.

The spring moons are overshadowed by Mary Magdalene, the oracle for the vernal equinox.  While many think of Mary Magdalene as a negative figure, it is important to remember that she was chosen to witness the crucifixion and was the first recorded witness to the resurrection of Jesus.  Her significance is paramount.  She respresents the divine partnership between deity and humanity, an ideal of caring for others, and the potential for goodness that each of us possess.  Keeping St. Mary Magdalene foremost in my thoughts throughout the spring season of renewal and rebirth encourages me to explore my spirituality and to expand the ways that I can be of service to others in my daily life.

Quote of the Day

We've been in cleaning mode for several weeks around here, an effort that will eventually lead to reorganized kids' rooms, new flooring downstairs, and a clean(er) garage...or at least we hope!  Over the weekend, I discovered a forgotten treasure: a collection of children's books that I inherited from my aunt.  They are called "The Young Folks' Shelf of Books".  They used to live on the top shelf of the bookcase in the front entry at my Granma's house, for years and years. 

I got them out tonight for the kids to look at.  They are story books ("chapter books", as our kids call them) on different topics, nine in all.  Bitty asked to look at them and I pointed out that they don't have many pictures.  He said, "I don't mind if they are chapter books, I have a big flat screen tv in my head and I can see my own pictures!"  Yea for imagination!