SageWoman Blogs
Raven (yes, really), a pagan, homeschooling mother of two -- one teen, one tot -- shares her adventures in parenting from a pagan perspective. Watch her juggle work, education, parenting, cooking, gardening, and . . . how many balls are in the air now? Sometimes they fall, and sometimes she learns from her mistakes. You can, too.
Welcoming Spring
In all my years, I've never wanted spring to come as much as this spring. In a month, my son will turn a year old, but that's not the only thing driving my excitement.
It started in January; I purchased seeds, then more seeds, a raised bed, and different types of containers I intended to modify. I hopped from one foot to the other awaiting news at the Molbak's information desk when they'd have certain plants in; two weeks ago, I chafed at not finding terra cotta pots at the local hardware store
Just as I engage in fall cleaning in anticipation of winter, my spring cleaning takes place mostly outside now. And this year I've learned how to strap the baby to my back so I can get in five to ten minutes of gardening before one of us is tired. Disability or no, I have major ambitions for our home, and it centers around the desire to work for the benefit of all around me, which includes the neighbors who live in our backyard
We've been watching the chickadees, robins, and house wrens take turns nabbing seeds from the suet feeder, and see our craft scraps dwindling from the nest-making pile. We're planning a butterfly and bee garden in the front yard. We've made our own bird bath. A friend has suggested a slug garden as well, to keep our slimy neighbors from nibbling all the best vegetables
With Ostara almost upon us, I've been tidying up the inside of the house, smudging to clear the air and energy, planning our dinner of lamb pie, spring greens, and tea eggs. In the midst of all of this, I must remind myself to pause and take note of the little joys -- sprouts edging from the soil, my son's first exploration of the grass, my daughter's personal spring of self-discovery -- for within the preparations, it's too easy to become lost and disregard the whole reason for celebrating.
AN EXCERCISE:
At this time, as blossoms emerge from slumber, as leaves shoot out, birds play, and the earth awakes from a long winter, go out and let the cool breeze blow around you. Dig your toes into the dirt. Let the sun peeking behind clouds kiss your face with its light. Draw in the moist air with slow, deep breaths. Hold each breath for a moment and release them with gratitude.
Once more, we seek renewal; for the year, the earth, the garden, and for ourselves. May we all take steps toward renewing our bonds with the natural world, its spirit and wonders. May we all grow a little further toward a healthier way of living within nature
A SIMPLE GROWTH SPELL:
Till the soil, whether you have a yard or a small pot on a windowsill. Think about what you most wish to grow or regrow in your life. Hold a seed that matches your intention in your palm, cupped, and imagine it growing from seed to sprout to its full form, and with it, your wish for growth.
Plant the seed according to its needs, water it, and lovingly tend it. Each time you give it your complete, focused attention, reaffirm your intention for your wish to bloom within you. If you feel so compelled, make up a little song to sing to your seed as it grows.
Or if you just want to see your seeds grow, do as my partner does: throw the seeds at the ground and shout, "Grow! Grow!"
BOOK RECOMMENDATION:
If you have little ones or simply enjoy picture books, consider the following:
The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
The Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall
Weslandia by Paul Fleischman
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