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| Color of the day: Black
Incense of the day: Juniper Generally occurring on the Full Moon in March, Purim may have descended from the same origins as Ostara. On this day, Jews are required to read the story of Queen Esther, the Persian name given to a woman named Hadassah. "Esther" may be etymologically related to the goddess names Isthar, Astarte, and Ostare, after which Ostara and Easter are named. Some scholars also believe that Purim may have evolved from a Full Moon spring festival held during the Babylonian New Year, the land of the Jews' exile when the story of Purim begins. The story: A Babylonian ruler, Haman, was an arrogant man who required everyone to bow before him. Esther's uncle, Mordecai, refused because his beliefs forbade him to bow before anyone but God. In his rage, Haman convinced King Ahasuerus to issue an edict to destroy the Jews as a "strange" people with different customs. Esther, the king's new wife and secretly a Jew, invited him to a banquet. After preparing herself spiritually, she revealed herself to him there. The king refused to revoke the edict, but allowed the Jews to fight back so that they easily won. On this day, Jews celebrate because Esther was able to save her people by revealing the truth of her own heritage, even though it might have meant her own death. This is an important lesson for Witches of all faiths, as she also took the time to prepare herself while planning the right moment to speak, thereby choosing her battle rather than letting it choose her. |
