Spiritual Leanings ... From all faiths.

[citybutch]

"The Easter Bunny is not actually a ‘bunny’ or rabbit at all, but is actually a hare. The hare was the sacred animal of Eostre (or Oestra or Ostera), the ancient Teutonic Goddess of the Spring Moon. At the time of the vernal equinox (March or April) the hares are famed for going ‘mad’ and it was at this time of the year that out of character for its species, one of Eostre’s hares laid an egg. Not just any old egg, but the Egg of New Life - the Easter Egg. But surely Easter is a Christian festival marking Jesus Christ’s resurrection after dying on the cross, and not ceremonial to a Pagan hare-headed goddess? Well, actually it’s both. Following debate at the Synod of Whitby in the 5th Century, the ‘Christian Easter’ is destined to fall roughly around the same time as the ‘Pagan Easter’ due to its association to the Judaic Passover which is also fixed by the lunar cycle. Both festivals could also be said to reflect new life, either Christ’s return from the dead or the blossom and birth of Spring. So it was not much of a stretch for the ascending Christian Church to merge both festivals. This is known as ‘assimilation’ and was a habit frequently employed in those times and these isles to ease and encourage rather than force the conversion of heathens. Perhaps it is a little surprising, however, that the pagan name was retained."

http://beautiful-grotesque.posterous...ra-oh-just-pas

[citybutch]

Christ Is Risen

Christ is Risen! Life is renewed and I am grateful.

Jesus, our Way Shower, lived a life of overcoming. Through awareness of his eternal nature and oneness with God, Jesus demonstrated mastery even over death. His followers were amazed and overjoyed as they recognized the risen Christ Jesus.

Easter is a celebration of the resurrection. With joy, I acknowledge the rising of my own Christ nature. Following the teachings of Jesus, I overcome trials of doubt and fear that may have darkened my mind. One with the overcoming power of Christ, I rise and shake off the past. Any stone of despair lying heavy on my heart rolls away in the bright morning light. Guided by my inner Christ Presence, I joyfully walk in the newness of life.

Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.--Romans 6:4

http://www.dailyword.com/

[Andrew, Jr.]

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

Alleluia!

[storyofmylife]

I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise....

I hope everyone has a Blessed day!

[citybutch]

"So long as we are infatuated with the promise of technology and power, we remain largely deaf to the realm of Spirit. We are entranced, instead, by the narrow realm of ego, a fragment thinking it stands alone and seeking endlessly to be a whole while simutaneously turning its back on that from which it manifests and which sustains it."-Gus DiZerega, Pagan writer/blogger

[citybutch]

Gratitude

I am grateful for everyone and everything.

As I awake, I take a deep, body-filling breath in and out. With each breath, I express love and gratitude for the new day and the many opportunities that await me. Gratitude and praise open the way for greater joy and richer life experiences.

Appreciation fills me with vitality and enthusiasm. I feel renewed and filled with life's energy. My heart is open and receptive to new experiences, knowing that whatever comes my way, I will see and feel the good in it.

As I go about the activities of my day, I feel myself swaying with the rhythm of love and gratitude. I audibly say, "Thank you!" as if the whole world could hear it, and I imagine it responding back to me, "You are welcome!"

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me. --Psalm 103:1

http://www.dailyword.com/dailyword/51915

[citybutch]

Doors

I confidently open the door to my good.

A door can be a symbol either of freedom or of bondage, depending upon my viewpoint. Some closed doors are opened with the turn of a doorknob, others must be opened with a key, while others require only a push.

When a door appears closed, some action on my part may be necessary. Faith may be needed to turn the knob; prayer may be the key to unlock the door; willingness and persistence may supply the push to open it.

A door is a meaningful symbol, for it represents both leaving and entering. Some doors lead away from a phase of my life that is complete. Through others I enter a new phase or untried path. Today I confidently open the door to my good.

Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.--Revelation 3:8

http://www.dailyword.com/