ostara

Today, Christians celebrate their well-worn myth of a savior risen from the dead. Some neo-pagans might esteem the relatively obscure female deity, Ēostre. Satanists note that traditions for this day stem from aspects of the Spring season and thus tend to enjoy the rising of dormant vegetation. There is much beauty in the early flowers now abounding. Since we are free of any holiday obligations, we might choose to ignore this date altogether. Yet, we diabolists may enjoy whatever we find to be pleasing from festivities associated with this time of year. Why not indulge in things that might bring us delight? While candy is often a part of this day—and there are some yummy jelly beans available—shunning those wax-like effigies of hares and eggs in favor of more delectable and well-wrought chocolates could be in order. Tasty, hot, freshly-baked buns topped with icing crosses wouldn’t drive a peckish Satanist away as we are certainly not nosferatu. And if decorating eggs and playing hide and seek with them intrigues you, especially if it might amuse the young at heart in your life, then have at it. On a personal note, my favorite bunny is named Bugs—quite an entertainingly diabolical trickster avatar. And the eggs I tend to find most archetypal have appeared in both the ALIEN saga of films and in the Godzilla world of movies, wherein Mothra and Rodan have delivered whoppers. And there’s plenty of fine music inspired by Christian mythology—while the myth of the dying norse Baldr is served well by composer Jon Leifs. A growing number of Satanists enjoy rebranding this day, exchanging greetings of "Happy Beaster!" for they use this occasion as a reminder of the love, respect, and awe we have for non-human animals with whom we are so evidently kin. It is always delightful to have yet another way to celebrate the glories of Nature's fauna, especially our "bestie beasties," who share our homes and environments. If you find the various Christian carryings-on to be vexing, as an antidote you might screen the horror classic THE WICKER MAN, wherein a Christian copper goes toe-to-toe with an island dwelling group of neo-pagans resulting in the martyrdom of that uptight devotee of the zombie being celebrated today. We’ve linked to the splendidly restored blu-ray print which is the most vivid, if not most complete, home video presentation we’ve yet seen of this excellent film. Spring is slowly making headway here in the Hudson Valley. The blossoms now arising in our garden give us a sense of vigor and renewal, which is crucial during this time of sequestering, which may at last be seeing an ending soon to come. We are fortunate to have planted some intriguing plants and their “resurrection” is always a delight to behold. Whatever pleases you to do this day—even if it be amused observations of those around you—may your vital lives be filled with an abundance of joy and a plethora of delights! —Magus Peter H. Gilmore

ostara

Eggscellent Day!

TO EACH HIS OWN

TO EACH HIS OWN