Maslenitsa (Spring Equinox)

Maslenitsa is one of the Slavic pagan festivals that occurs around the spring equinox.  It’s purpose is two fold, to welcome in the beginning of spring and to say farewell to winter.  We gathered together to welcome in the new season and honor the gods and goddesses responsible for this change.

We welcomed in spring by honoring the slavic sun god, Dažbog, who will be spending longer days in the sky, warming the earn and uplifting our spirits.  To the winter goddess, Morana, we made offerings to support her on her journey to the underworld to rest until next winter.  We made a straw effigy of Morana, who was placed on pine boughs.  Beside her we laid bread, salt and honey.  She was then placed in the fire; a gentle nudge to tell her that winter has passed and her place is no longer in our world.

Our oracle read the cards for both individuals and the protogrove.  The blessings on the protogrove were particularly auspicious as they affirmed our mission.  We are The Rebel, the new kid on the block, both as a protogrove, but also since ADF has a formal history shorter than both Wicca and OBOD, which each have representatives our local community.  Being new, we have a large number of Possibilities open to us, the ability to attract those who are looking for change, and to learn from those who have been through this before.  We have the opportunity to help enact positive Change in our community.

 

With the coming of spring and the blossoming of the earth, may our members, and our community at large, also blossom.

Blessings,

Dale