Esbats: Chaste Moon - March

March’s Moon is called the Chaste Moon. March is a time of purity. The Earth has thawed and has loosened itself from the cold hands of winter. New life will soon emerge and the land will grow green
with fertility. In March, however, the Earth is but a child. What will develop into the ripened fruits of summer is yet young and innocent. It is the newborn babe; the youthful maiden yet untouched by love. 

As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.

In early spring, we celebrate the fleeting virtue of innocence. We see the certain potential of fruitfulness, yet give honor to the innocence of childhood as it is apparent in this time upon the Earth. This Moon and it’s legend are the reflection of the Earth and it’s season. At this time of the year we prepare for planting the fields and gardens, blessing the seeds for the crops in the hope that the year’s harvest will be plentiful.This new journey began with the Storm Moon in February by firming our foundations to prepare for change, and now is the time to discover our potential. On the Esbat of the Chaste Moon, we look deep within ourselves to strengthen our foundations ready to plant the seeds of our new lives, and discover what lies there waiting to be fulfilled. 

Chaste Moon Ritual:

On the night of the full Chaste Moon, select the symbolic seeds for your personal spiritual growth that you would like to sow. They could be seeds of understanding, seeds of courage, or seeds of tolerance for example.  You can plant these seeds simply with your will, by meditation or, for a family ritual, you could choose to plant some spring bulbs, or seeds to produce the seedlings for your vegetable garden. 

Thus in the months ahead you can nurture your seedlings which is a fabulous learning exercise for young children, to watch first-hand the power of nature. This is also beneficial for older children, as by planting their wishes they are personally responsible for their seedlings.

Whichever method you choose therefore, you make a firm commitment that your seedlings will be nurtured and cultivated in the months that lay ahead, so that they will grow, flower and bear fruit. 

Remember... You reap what you sow!!!