OMNE VIVUM EX OVO
All life springs forth from the egg.
The origin of the cosmos has been symbolized by the egg among many cultures - like the Orphic Egg of ancient Greek mysteries (shown here) and the Akasha of Hinduism.
To be a witch is to bend and to shape. Hence the nature religion Wicca, like the processes of nature herself, is all about change. [1]
The first half of the Sabbat wheel have passed. In Samhain, Yule, and Imbolc we have learned about death, birth and purification which are all in fact different modes of transformation.
The season of Ostara is a time for awakening. The name Ostara itself refers to the breaking of the dawn in the east. It is aptly celebrated in the time of Spring Equinox or, in astrological terms, when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries - the sign of action. The change that Ostara brings is radical and forceful change; such as to the point of breaking one's own limits. No other symbol represents this idea as perfectly as the ancient emblem of life itself - the egg.
To us it is a soft and fragile thing, but for the delicate chick inside it its shell is a sturdy barrier that stands between life and death. It must have been a huge challenge for the weak and blind creature to break free from its prison with such a tiny beak. It is worthy to observe that the mother hen offers no aid to her offspring; the chick has to break the shell all by himself.
I find it fascinating that such a short and simple drama in nature offers so many useful life lessons:
The first half of the Sabbat wheel have passed. In Samhain, Yule, and Imbolc we have learned about death, birth and purification which are all in fact different modes of transformation.
The season of Ostara is a time for awakening. The name Ostara itself refers to the breaking of the dawn in the east. It is aptly celebrated in the time of Spring Equinox or, in astrological terms, when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries - the sign of action. The change that Ostara brings is radical and forceful change; such as to the point of breaking one's own limits. No other symbol represents this idea as perfectly as the ancient emblem of life itself - the egg.
To us it is a soft and fragile thing, but for the delicate chick inside it its shell is a sturdy barrier that stands between life and death. It must have been a huge challenge for the weak and blind creature to break free from its prison with such a tiny beak. It is worthy to observe that the mother hen offers no aid to her offspring; the chick has to break the shell all by himself.
I find it fascinating that such a short and simple drama in nature offers so many useful life lessons:
- Real change happens when we break free from our comfort zone.
- Our limitations are based on our belief in our own abilities.
- Enlightenment begins when we become aware that we are in the dark.
- A strong will can break a strong wall.
- If you want something done, you've got to do it yourself.
- Evolution is essential to survive.
- Think outside the box. A huge world is out there.
Raising the cone of power - the Philippine Wiccan Society held an Ostara ritual during the wee hours of the morning to meet the rising sun, symbolic of freshness and renewal.
Eggs were painted in honor of the gods who have died and resurrected, namely Dionysus, Jesus, Osiris, Shango, Adonis, Mithras, et al.
Basbasan Nawa!
[1] The word Wicca comes from the Old English root wic, meaning "to bend" or "to shape".
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