RCG-I Seasonal Salon Spring Equinox 2008

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Awakening Earth

Spring! Spring! Spring! Begin!!!!

I just adore this transitional time in the wheel of the year.

During last years cycle, I kept a journal of what happened with the weather. How quickly or slowly the season moved from one to the next. I documented which Plants that did well, and which ones didn't fair well over the year. I take the journal out during the long winter months and evaluate what my friends in the Plant Nation will need from me during the coming year. While reviewing my journal several things are always brought to my attention. This could mean some may need help moving, if they haven't done so on their own. It may mean amending the soil with different minerals, because the Plants aren't getting the nutrients they need. This is also the time when I decide if I'm going to plant something new and where it would fit best with the current Plant Sisters in my yard. If I hadn't payed attention to what my garden needed from me well enough during the planting cycle, it whispers to me during the Winter slumber. On my porch that looks out over the yard, I sit and pay attention to my daydreams. It's a humbling and en-lighting experience.

I can hardly wait for my chance to pounce on the earth and claw my way into it. Renewing myself and getting really stained fingernails at the same time! My fingernails usually stay that way till November! I love to feel the earth in my hands, and usually wear gloves only for pulling that weeds, that have escaped from the neighbors yards as they spray, spray and spray. They have to go somewhere! Unfortunately, I am moving ahead of myself here, and need to get back to the Great Awakening.

So back to the beginning. The Awakening has begun long before it is visible to our eyes. As the earth begins to tilt just a bit further and send more warmth our way. The sap in the trees begins to flow. The buds starts to form it's intention and as it receives this precious life blood it presents it's green face to the outside world. If you look closely the buds are there by Imbolc, and are becoming fat with new sap by Spring Equinox. My senses are beginning to crave the smells of fresh earth, the sight of flowers, and hear the returning of the birds to our Northern Hemisphere.

As part of our celebration and in claiming this special time of year. I pull out all the brightly colored linens. We color eggs for the Equinox to honor Eostre. The bunny that hides the eggs are represented, as well as stuffed animals of the newly born creatures that come to us each Spring for the children. We gather with friends and family to rejoice in the longer days, and warming earth. A celebration of the gifts we are looking forward to in the months ahead.

One of my favorite desserts to serve during this bright time of the year is Key Lime Pie. The pale green color reminds me of the new growth ahead. The tart taste awakens the senses, much as the newness of Spring Awakens us to new possibilities. The citrus in limes is actually very soothing to the nerves in your body, and with all the excitement of Spring it is important not to over stimulate yourself to soon! Enjoy the taste of my favorite recipe below by Bette Hagman, and experience the Awakening in yourself and in the world around you. Spring Blessings to each of you.

Any graham cracker crust will do, you will need a 9 inch crust. If you need a Gluten-Free crust, use 1 cup of your favorite GF cereal and crush. Mix with 3 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and for an extra special crust add ¼ chopped nuts. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes. Should be slightly brown. Set aside to cool.

Key Lime Pie Filling

1 envelope gelatin, ¼-ounce
1 ¾ cups milk (if using soy milk, my advice is to use 1 ½ cups)
1 8-ounce cream cheese, soy works as well, softened
½ cup sugar
½ cup key lime

In a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin over ½ cup of the milk. Let stand a few minutes before placing over low heat. Heat until the gelatin is dissolved stirring constantly.

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and the sugar until fluffy. Add the remaining milk and the gelatin mixture. Blend in the lime juice. Pour into the prepared pie shell and refrigerate until set. About 2 hours.