SAY IT OH-STA-RUH WHEN IS IT? I always observe it on March 21st, just cause that’s the way I was taught. I’ve read that other dates (like the 20th) are equally legit, since the Spring Equinox tends to move around a little.  Hey, why not? Wiccans are rarely hobbled by consistency, right? WHAT PRECISELY IS IT? A Sabbat that observes the Spring or Vernal Equinox, when day and evening are equal in time, representing balance and duality–masculine/feminine, yin/yang, above and below. It’s celebrated with, among other activities, rituals, feasting and painting eggs and/or planting seeds. HOW TO OBSERVE IT? I’m taking it kind of easy on the nonstop partying this…

The Moon Turns Red Total lunar eclipse in Virgo on the evening of Thursday March 13th into early morning Friday the 14th. My Astrology Handbook tells me this is a potent full moon since it will show which life arrangements are working and which aren’t. This gives opportunities for new pathways, but be advised–they may appear unexpectedly. (Think Surprise Party Department.) And just so you know, Mercury turns retrograde on the 15th. Yeah, the party just never stops, does it? The March full moon was called the Chaste Moon in medieval England, in deference to the ground thawing out after winter. All was thought to be clean and fresh, ready…

Full Moon in Leo Upcoming Wednesday February 12th is the Storm Moon, so called by North American Algonquian tribes due to the heavy snows and violent weather that often accompany it.  This full moon will be in Leo, which signals possible surprises and the unexpected.  (I’m spending a lot of time hiding under the couch so far this year. Sheesh!)  I’ll tell you how everything works out next month! For Your Deliberation When is a new pet too young to start training as her owner’s familiar?  In our latest Roundtable discussion, Townies Hershey and Crystal weigh in. Wey: Okay, the only way this conversation is going to make any sense is…

Imbolc   A Sabbat, Imbolc observes the halfway mark between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. It happens while the sun is in Aquarius, which is linked to humanitarianism, innovation and forward thinking (and can we sure use a lot more of that right around now!). So Imbolc’s ideal for dreaming, planning and setting long term goals. And this year, Neptune will start moving into Aries–which hasn’t happened since the 1870s. This heralds a shift from introspection to courage, initiation and the origination of spiritual ideals. Shifts in ideologies and social movements may occur, as well as more self expression and consideration of personal relationships. (That’s my cue to hide under the couch…

Look, Up in the Sky! January 13th of this month marks the Quiet moon, so called among the Celts because it rose above silent, snowy vistas.  This full moon’s in Cancer, so expect the unexpected, along with possible relationship changes and challenges.  (Sounds like a typical day to me!)  I’ll tell you how things worked out next month!   Name That Kitty Contest! Our newest family member is a rescue kitten who was found in a Jersey drainpipe!  She’s a polydactyl (six toes on both front paws, in her case) tabby, between four to six weeks old at the time we got her.  We still have to give her a…