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Rituals
for Springtime Soul Cleansing
by Barbara
Biziou |
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Spring is the time for each of us to usher in new
growth and possibilities. It is a time to be more open
to love and joy. In ancient times, the New Year started
at the Spring Equinox. In fact, astrologically it still
does. In many traditions, this is the start of the New
Year. The Roman year began on the ides of March (15th).
The astrological year begins on the equinox when the
moon moves into the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, the
ram. The Greek god Ares is equivalent to the Roman Mars
for whom the month of March is named. This is also the
festival of Nawruz, Persian New Year, which falls on the
spring equinox.
Now is the time that we are able to renew our hopes,
aspirations and dreams. Yet, we cannot do this if we are
weighed down by old beliefs that create barriers for
opportunities and fulfillment. Loving yourself and
appreciating others is a key to achieving your goals in
life. The Spring Equinox ushers in a time of new
balance. The season invites you to become aware of
whatever is out of balance in your life and to put in
the corrections.
Take some time to contemplate the following:
- Could you change your diet so your body can safely
eliminate toxins and regain its natural rhythms?
- How much of your time is spent working?
- How much of your time is spent worrying?
- How much of your time is spent with friends?
Family?
- How much of your time is spent enjoying yourself?
- Are you getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night?
- When is the last time you took time for yourself?
- How can you grow in a healthy way and become more
open, compassionate and accepting?
- Can you simplify your life?
When we expend too much energy analyzing,
planning and attempting to control the course of our
lives, then we need to redress the balance by becoming
more spontaneous. It is important to spend time just having
fun. This will energize us and bring more creativity and
joy into our lives.
If you are finding that you are exhausted and
apathetic that usually means that energy is trapped in
your heart. Look to where you are still holding on to
old resentments and disappointments. Even if you have
spent years working on these issues, deeper layers of
the same issue can pop up over time. This does not mean
that you haven’t done your work; it simply means that
you are ready to release at a deeper level.
I am always surprised to find that people spend
endless hours cleaning the physical (home, body,
clothes) but rarely spend the time to purify themselves spiritually.
Would you think of showing up at a special event in
dirty clothes without taking a shower and washing your
hair? Are you comfortable inviting people to a fancy
dinner party at your house when your house is a mess?
Probably not.
Safe and gentle purification will bring you countless
benefits. I like to purify myself by taking baths in sea
salt. Depending on my mood I will add the essential oils
of rose (love), jasmine (sensuality) or lavender
(relaxation. And occasionally I will add fresh flowers.
Don’t forget to use your morning shower as a time to
release all unwanted thoughts and feelings. As the water
runs over you say, I now release all thoughts and
feelings of limitation, anger and upset. Be as
specific as you like. I release my anger against
Susan, I release all fear about making this presentation
today, I release all financial worries. When you
have finished, imagine the negative energy going down
the drain. Notice how much lighter you feel.
Release guilt
You should be guilty if you are not taking care of
yourself. All other guilt is useless and a burden. If
you have made a mistake do the following:
- Take a few deep breaths and allow your body to
move into a state of relaxation.
- Call in and connect to the Universal Law of
Forgiveness and asked to be forgiven for anyone
you have hurt in words, deeds or actions. Then ask
that the cause of this mistake be released and
consumed. This will free you to be in your life
completely.
- Spend a few minutes sending yourself love and
light.
- Send energy to anyone you have harmed consciously
or unconsciously.
- See if there are any concrete steps you need to
take to heal or reconcile a relationship.
Take Care of Yourself
Slow down the pace of life as you care for yourself
and discover the things that stabilize you. I know that
I need quiet time in the morning to meditate and do my
spiritual practice. Without this, I tend to go too fast,
eat food that does not nourish me and eventually I will
crash and burn. What stabilizes you? Meditation, taking
long walks, being surrounded by art, calming music,
having massages, writing in your journal? Think of
yourself as a plant that needs nourishing soil to grow.
The trees that have the strongest roots are able to bend
with the winds of change. Become aware of what needs to
be weeded out in order for your dreams to manifest.
As we move into this sensual spring season, it is a
good idea to prepare our bodies and minds for the
uninhibited pleasure that awaits us. Remember to
celebrate being alive and know that this is an
opportunity to give thanks for the blessings of being
alive. Make sure you laugh, love and learn. Let the new
lover in your life be you.
© Copyright
2005
Barbara Biziou. All Rights Reserved.
| Upcoming Holidays:
April 1st: Veneralia- Roman- the
holiday of Venus,
April 22: Earth Day- honor and celebrate the
Earth
April 23: Passover- commemorating the
freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish
slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh
Ramses II.
April 27: Floralia- Central and Eastern
European- goddess of blossoming flowers
April 30th- Beltane-Celtic-
celebration of sexuality and power
May 1: May Day- celebration of fertility and
sexuality
May 5: Boy’s Day (Kodomono-hi)-Japan-boys fly
long streamers to represent (freedom) and carp
kites (strength to overcome obstacles)
May 8th: Mother’s Day (USA) an
opportunity to express our love, respect and
gratitude to our mothers
May 18: Feast of Pan (Greek) celebration of men
May30: Memorial Day- USA- pay respect to the
men and women who have died in wars |
Barbara Biziou, author
of The Joys of Everyday Ritual and The
Joy of Family Rituals, is an interfaith
minister, a life coach, and a leading expert on ritual
and meditation. She teaches us how to restore ritual to its
rightful place as food for the soul through practical,
easy to use ritual recipes that are inspiring and fun.
Barbara shows people how to incorporate spirituality
into their existing lifestyles and hectic schedules –
without creating extra work or stress! For private
sessions, weddings and ceremonies contact her at barbara@joyofritual.com
or www.joyofritual.com.
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