“And I am awaiting perpetually and forever a renaissance of wonder.” – poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, who died at 101 last year, said, and as we honor National Poetry Month.

Maundy Thursday.  Good Friday.  Passover begins at sundown Friday.  Full Moon in Libra on Friday/Saturday (depending on where you are on the planet.)  Easter Sunday.  Earth Day Friday, April 22.  The commemoration of the death of Granny Jean the Palm Reader on April 23.  The recent celebration of the Vernal Equinox and the pagan holiday of Ostara, and the honoring of the changing seasons in so many traditions and world beliefs.

A time of connection.  A time of honoring beliefs.  A time of respect.  A time to pause.  A time of commitment.  A time to find the light within and without us.  A time for hope.

A time of deep prayer for peace. This is, as my friend Joel said, a time to:
– push pause
– be present
– see the spirit

I have always loved the coming together of spiritual beliefs.

I am closest to the Divine as I, too, stand in balance for just a moment as Mother Earth spins in perfect balance as Father Sun crosses the Equator at the Equinox.

I am closest to the Divine when I stand on Mother Ocean’s shore and watch the Full Moon rise from the sea, a sparkling diamond-studded moment that takes my breath away.

I am closest to the Divine when I place my hand on a tree, feeling the living energy of Mother Earth pulse beneath my fingers.

I am closest to the Divine when I breathe in the fragrance of incense as it billows from my conch shell in circle with friends who invoke the Goddess and God to cleanse us of negativity and bless us with the gift of love.

I am closest to the Divine when I light candles on my altar to honor the fire that burns brightly within every being on this planet and beyond.

I am closest to the Divine when I break matzah and drink wine with my Jewish friends at Seder, praying that this year, not next, we will celebrate the feast of the Passover in Jerusalem (both real and metaphorically) and peace will prevail on Earth.

I am closest to the Divine as I listen, as I have for many, many years, to the soundtrack to “Jesus Christ Superstar” on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, in awe at Jesus’s bravery and commitment to his promise.  What courage it must have taken for him to break with tradition during that Seder!  What must Mary Magdalene and the disciples have felt?

I am closest to the Divine as I listen, as I have for many, many years, to the soundtrack to “Godspell” with my Christian friends on Easter Sunday morning, believing that all life is renewed again and again and again, and that every day is a resurrection of sorts for us all.

So many more cultures and beliefs honor the changing of seasons during this time of the year. This is a holy time, a time that reminds us to pay attention.  Pay attention to every passing moment, every flitting bird, every bud bursting forth, every leaf unfurling.  It is a time of quickening in the Northern Hemisphere, and a time of resting in the Southern.  Ever and ever the Wheel spins, and the cycles begin again, and life is reborn.  And so am I.  And so are you.

Blessings,
Deb

Copyright 2022 Deb Bowen.  All rights reserved.