Post by KittyLane on Apr 25, 2007 22:07:39 GMT -5
A Simple Path: Journey of a Hedgewitch
The Hedgewitch lives in the space between the Village and the Forest. Between the mundane and the magical. S/He lives with a foot in both worlds.
This column is dedicated to the Hedgewitches of the planet earth.
Spring Cleaning
‘Tis the season to throw open windows and doors and smell the scent of Spring on the air! To remove the old and prepare for a new season of abundance.
But how can we prepare for an abundant growth season if we are still encumbered by the “fallout” of the past year?!
Ostara reminds us that there is balance in the Wheel. The time of Light and Darkness are even at this time, and as the days roll on, the Light ultimately overpowers the Darkness and daylight prevails over a long night.
In the days following Ostara, it is customary to begin the process of preparing ourselves, our homes and our fields (so to speak) to receive the blessings of the new Season.
We can begin in the home.
Spring Cleaning is, of course, about actually cleaning, but it is also about a symbolic cleansing that our homes need after being shut up all Winter long. We have all been trapped inside as the cold keeps its grip on the world. But when the sun begins to shine, and the world warms and greens, we long to go outside and to be renewed by the immense energy awaiting us.
Before going out to play in the garden, why not ready the home for the new season?
Tradition tells of many ancient ways to welcome the coming of Spring! Open every door and window, and allow the air to flow freely through the house. Bang pots and pans and sing at the top of your lungs to chase away the darkness of pent up emotions. Sprinkling salt around the perimeter of the home can cleanse and bless the whole family. Making that first batch of herbal sun tea can capture the first rays of the sun, and empower all who quench their thirst after a hard day of cleaning!
Smudging the home before airing it out answers both sides of the issue of cleansing and blessing.
I always like to clean out the refrigerator at this time of year, too. In the winter, the fridge is a home for leftovers, but once the sun begins to shine, fresh food takes over and it seems that all the food needs to live in there! Once the old items have been removed, and the surfaces wiped down, I bless it, that it might never be empty!
Using specially made and empowered products also lends extra power to our Traditional cleaning. Steep lemongrass in plain white vinegar for 2 weeks, then strain and use the vinegar in your floor rinse (cheap thrills tip #1 for this month). A blend of patchouli, basil and lavender brings wealth, love and prosperity, while removing negative vibrations. This “tea” can be used to wipe down all manner of household surfaces, and brings the most earthy, delightful scent to the home. I also use this as a floor wash, to cleanse, and bless my kitchen and bathroom.
The simplest tools can be empowered to bring about amazing results. I am guessing we all have a broom (wild guess…)! Empower your ordinary broom to sweep negativity from any floor or room. The mop can be empowered in the same way.
Cleanse the home with your old, holey dust rags and then toss them into the dustbin, symbolically throwing away all the negativity and dirt you removed, never to return.
New ones are really cheap, and give the whole house a feeling of renewal. (cheap thrills tip #2)
We can also use these same principles to cleanse and bless ourselves. A ritual bath drawn with a rosemary or lavender infusion can make us feel brand new. Follow the bath by anointing with your favorite lotion, and by dressing in fresh clean clothes. This is a simple and powerful way to begin anew.
As for our “fields”, this is the time of year when we plan and stake out our gardens. As we walk off the land and consecrate it to the gods, we empower the very earth to bring forth her bounty. Planting herb and flower seeds at this time can bring a sense of hope to the home.
Maybe you are a city-witch, and don’t manage any land. This is the perfect time for you to begin to look at your career or hobby in a new way. Clean out your studio and rearrange the furniture.
Rearranging the furniture can make a space seem brand new, and bring about renewed creativity.
Give away all those magazines you will never read again to someone who can’t afford a subscription. Or, to a local medical office waiting room.
Clean out your desk. Or your email files. Or your closet.
Even for those dorm room witches, or folks who live with many others who may not share our affection for the organized chaos that is Spring, there are many steps you can take to renew yourself and your space, without anyone being the wiser.
But, let’s face it, even non-pagans we share our spaces with can get behind a proper Spring cleaning! Especially if we are doing all the work. They don’t need to know that after you swept the kitchen, you sprinkled a pinch of salt in every corner, that your hearth may always be lit and food plentiful. The tiniest steps make such a big difference.
Embrace this glorious time of rebirth and all the abundant energy of renewal that comes with it. In whatever way your tradition, or intuition leads, make the most of this wonderful time. It’s finally Spring!!!!
author: Willow Winterborne
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