March 19 is the Full Moon. The Moon and Sun are opposite each other in the sky. The Moon reflects all of the Sun's light. This is the time to perform rituals for protection, clarity of vision and consecration.

On March 20th the Sun enters the sign Aries. This is the Spring Equinox, Ostara and International Astrology Day.

The equinoxes are the two times during the year when the dark of night and the light of day are in balance or equal. The vernal equinox is Ostara, from the name of a German Goddess of fertility, Oestarae. She is the deific equivalent of Aurora, the personification of the sunrise. Her name is where East and Easter both come from. This is logical considering that the sun rises in the East.

A creature associate of hers is Ostara's hare or the Easter bunny. She transformed a pet bird into a rabbit in order to amuse the children who follow her everywhere. Even though the bird is now a hare- she still lays eggs, only now they are brightly colored eggs. Another version has Ostara herself becoming a hare in order to distribute colored eggs in the Goddess' honor. That one doesn't work as well for me, but either way, this is the pagan explanation of Easter eggs.

Click here for some clever ritual ideas for kids on the Pagan Parenting Page at www.geocities.com/RainForest/Andes/8990/

International Astrology Day - Though officially it coincides with the March Equinox, astrologers celebrate throughout the month of March with lectures, discussion panels, astrology fairs, and get-togethers. March 2000 will be the eighth IAD and each year the number of events and participants has grown. IAD has gone from a few events mostly in the U.S. to a truly international celebration of astrology with events in Canada, Croatia, Russia, and elsewhere. There are even special events on the 'Net for those of you who are unable to attend events in your local area.

For more information, click here to visit the Association for Astrological Networking webpage at www.afan.org/iad.htm

March 21st is Purim. Purim is a holiday that takes place in Spring, beginning on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar (usually March). Jews go to the synagogue at this time to hear the story of Purim read from the Old Testament Book of Esther.

The Purim story took place in Persia around 500 BCE (BC) Purim is derived from the Hebrew word pur, which means "lots," and the holiday is also known as the Feast of Lots. This is because Haman, who was chief advisor to King Ahasuerus, cast lots made from small stones to determine the date on which all the Jews of Persia would be destroyed. The date chosen was the 13th day of Adar.

Haman was an enemy of all Jews, but especially of Esther's uncle, Mordechai, who refused to bow down to Haman whenever Haman passed. Mordechai explained that Jews do not bow down to men as if to worship them. Haman was also angry because the king had honored Mordechai, who had foiled a plot to kill Ahasuerus. When he learned of Haman's plan to kill the Jews, Mordechai told Queen Esther and asked for her help.

Esther knew that only the king could save her people. But it took great courage for her to approach him. Under law, no one, not even the queen, could approach the king without being summoned. The penalty could be death. Esther fasted for 3 days and nights and then went before the king. He received her kindly and granted her request to hold a banquet.

At the banquet, Esther told the king of Haman's plan to kill the Jews and revealed that she herself was Jewish. She asked the king to save the Jews. The king was furious at Haman and ordered that he be hanged. He then granted Esther's request by allowing the Jews to take up arms and defend themselves against soldiers whom Haman had already sent out. On the 13th day of Adar, the Jews rose up and defeated Haman's soldiers.

Today, Jews remember this day as the Fast of Esther. At sundown (which marks the start of the 14th day of Adar), the festival and merrymaking of Purim begin with the reading of the Book of Esther in the synagogue. When Haman's name is mentioned in the Purim story, the usually quiet synagogue fills with noise. People twirl graggers (a type of rattle that makes a grinding sound), shout, stomp their feet. This is done to fulfill the command in the Book of Esther; "May his name be blotted out!"

At synagogues and Jewish schools and community centers, there are plays that tell the story of Esther, carnivals, and parades. At home, Jews often take a feast, or Purim seudah, where triangular-shaped cookies called hamantaschen are served. Shalach manot (gifts of food and clothing) are also distributed to that all Jews can enjoy this holiday that all Jews can enjoy this holiday that celebrates Esther's courage and the rescue of the Jewish people from destruction -- Written by Melissa, IEM's staff consultant on Jewish affairs.

April 1st is April Fool's Day. "The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year." -- Mark Twain

Here is how the American Embassy explains this holiday: In sixteenth-century France, the start of the new year was observed on April first. It was celebrated in much the same way as it is today with parties and dancing into the late hours of the night. Then in 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian world, and the new year fell on January first. There were some people, however, who hadn't heard or didn't believe the change in the date, so they continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April first. Others played tricks on them and called them "April fools."

Click here to visit the Embassy of the United States of America website at www.usis.usemb.se/Holidays/celebrate/april.htm

April 2nd is when Daylight Saving's Time begins. Remember to Spring Ahead!

April 4th is a new moon. The Moon and Sun are conjunct in the sky. The moon is dark and gradually increases to a crescent. This is the time to begin a ritual involving a new project, to ask for new vision.

April 6th is the Islamic New Year. The Islamic calendar year coincides with the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. Muslims use a Lunar calendar and so a year is 354 days. The first month is called Muharram. 1996 AD was Islamic year 1416 AH.

Click here for an Introduction to Islam at www.introductiontoislam.com

April 7th (the first Friday of the month) is The Monthly IEM Get Together. Come, share an evening with us. You may meet some new people, review the progress on the construction project, check out Inga's new jewelry designs and pet some cats. Click here for more information.

April 15th is Tax Day - "The income tax created more criminals than any other single act of government." Senator Goldwater, 1989

Prior to 1913, taxes were most commonly levied against consumption of various goods and services. Remember the Stamp Tax, the Tea Tax, and others during the Colonial era. It was taxes such as these that helped give birth to the American Revolution.

IMPORTANT DATES IN U.S. TAX HISTORY

• 1862 - Abraham Lincoln enacts an emergency measure to pay for the Civil War; minimum tax rate is 3%.
• 1872 - Lincoln's income tax law lapses.
• 1894 - A 2% federal income tax is enacted.
• 1895 - The U.S. Supreme Court rules the Income Tax "unconstitutional" in Pollack vs. Farmers Loan & Trust.
• 1909 - The 16th Amendment, authorizing Congress to collect taxes on income, is proposed.
• 1913 - Wyoming casts the 37th vote, ratifying the 16th Amendment. Only one in 271 people pays an income tax at a rate of 1%.
• 1926 - The Revenue Act of 1926 reduces income taxes because "too much money is being collected."
• 1939 - The Revenue statutes are codified; One in 32 citizens now pay an income tax; the rate is 4%.
• From the M.E. Hansen Tax Consultants website at www.networkone.net/~oth/history.html

Click here for the IRS' e-zine for understanding taxes at www.irs.gov/taxi

Click here for a debate on the morality of paying the Federal income tax at www.nonviolence.org/issues/taxes.htm

April 16th is Palm Sunday - Palm branches have been used by many cultures as an emblem of joy and victory. Historically, palms are also associated with martyrs and pilgrims. In Christianity, palms are a sign of victory over the flesh and the world. Palm Sunday is the celebration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

The palms blessed on Palm Sunday are used in the procession on that day, then taken home by the faithful. They were displayed in prominent places in the house, in the barns, and in the fields, or thrown into the fire for protection from storms. Graves were decorated with blessed palms. The blessed palms are burned for their ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Click for more information from the Catholic Encyclopedia at www.newadvent.org/cathen/11432b.htm

Click here to learn how to braid blessed palms into decorations for the home at www.chem.umb.edu/Palms/index.html

This is essentially a yoga kit containing a book and a set of color-coded cards. Each card front pictures a different asana (yoga pose) with an appropriate affirmation or mantra. The card reverse describes the starting position, the asana itself, variations and some of the benefits of the asana. You can lay out one card of each color, mix in a couple of the balance cards and make yourself a complete Yoga routine. I usually use Yoga Zone videos at home but I like this system for travel.

The book included in this set has some great breathing techniques and exercises. The author stresses the importance of thought during yoga practice and provides affirmations for the postures she mentions. The book also teaches the bandha or locks so important to traditional yoga, but which I have seldom seen mentioned in a beginner text. Likewise mudras, or hand positions, are explained and pictured. I have found the various mudras useful for ritual as well as for yoga. It is a really nicely packaged set and would make an impressive gift for anyone on your list. If they aren't already into yoga, this might be the perfect motivation for them to try it. -- Inga Duncan Thornell

The Element: Fire

(For the introduction to the elements, please refer to Pisces 2000.) Fire is representative of life force. It is the driving, competitive, aggressive energy within us all. The mythic Prometheus stole fire from the Gods in order to make man God's equal. Fire, here, symbolizes the spiritual wisdom that differentiates man from God. Prometheus, in this story, symbolizes the courage needed to challenge materiality. He was punished by the other Gods by being chained to a rock where every day an eagle (sacred to Zeus, Jupiter) came to eat his liver (because he was immortal, it grew back every night) He was freed from this horror when Chiron offered to change places with him.

Fire is a Yang or Masculine element. It is represented by the color red: symbolizing flame, passion and blood. It denotes enthusiasm, dynamism, spontaneity, and a lack of introspection. Lanterns represent fire, as does incense, and the Phoenix, who rising from his ashes symbolizes resurrection of the indestructible spirit. In Scandinavia the bodies of Viking Chiefs were cremated in their ships, the rising smoke representing the return of the spirit to the Sun. The Sun gods of all cultures represent fire, celebrated as the life giving light. In Native American culture smoke symbolizes the spiritual peace which frees itself of the fire (strife) to rise to heaven.

Fire Elementals: These are the sparks, fire elves or fire fairies. Their colors are the violet, orange and red of flame. They are recognized in fires of all types, especially bonfires, the hot days of summer, heat mirages, incense and candle rituals. Sparks or fire sprites are the little dancing lights that you see in the woods sometimes. Ritual items relating to Fire elementals are charcoal or ash from a ritual fire, pitch pine, lava rock, obsidian, and moldavite.

Torun is my guide among the elementals. Last summer he took me to a meeting room used by the gnomes and elves. I asked them, "Who will tell me about fire fairies?" A little guy, who looks just like a leprechaun dressed in a red coat, jumps onto the table and as he whirls, his form changes and he is a living flame dancing on the table. When he stops he tells me people used to know his name way back when we made our own fire with tinder. Now we don't even realize that fire is a living thing that should be coaxed out of wood and treated well.

"People used to tend their embers all night and keep fires burning constantly in their homes. They used to space out in the evening by gazing into their fires not watching TV. The fairies used to be able to teach man a lot of information and answer many of man's questions in this way. This is why the hearth of a home was a sacred place."

"You have forgotten how to talk to fire. Man has learned to make heat without using fire and this isn't good because it takes us away from this friend." I ask if electricity isn't just another form of fire? And he says, "Electricity can be seen in its fire fairy form if we look. It is the blue spark and crackle of lightning. But with your light switches and light bulbs it is easy for you not to think about it."

We think of this newsletter as a community forum. You, our friends and clients, can participate by letting us know what topics you would like us to cover. We would love to see reader ideas reflected throughout the newsletter. We celebrate diversity and we'll print whatever you send in whether it be Wiccan, Christian, Pagan, New Age, etc. as long as it reflects Love. Send in your own book reviews, ideas for rituals, ideas about stones, tell us your experiences with stones or ritual and ask us questions. We love answering questions!

Received from one of our readers, Erika:

The Great Astrological Light Bulb Joke (or how many members of your sign does it take to change a light bulb?)

• ARIES: Just one. You want to make something of it?
• TAURUS: One, but just try to convince them that the burned-out bulb is useless and should be thrown away.
• GEMINI: Two, but the job never gets done-they just keep discussing who is supposed to do it and how it's supposed to be done!
• CANCER: Just one. But it takes a therapist three years to help them through the grieving process.
• LEO: Leos don't change light bulbs, although sometimes their agent will get a Virgo in to do the job for them while they're out.
• VIRGO: Approximately 1.000000 with an error of +/- 1 millionth.
• LIBRA: Er, two. Or maybe one. No, on second thought, make that two. Is that OK with you?
• SCORPIO: That information is strictly secret and shared only with the Enlightened Ones in the Star Chamber of the Ancient Hierarchical Order.
• SAGITTARIUS: The sun is shining, the day is young, and we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned-out light bulb?
• CAPRICORN: I don't waste my time with these childish jokes.
• AQUARIUS: Well, you have to remember that everything is energy, so....
• PISCES: Light bulb? What light bulb?

Received from one of our readers, Charanjit Singh:

A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said, "I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat." "Is the man of the house home?" they asked. "No", she said. "He's out." "Then we cannot come in," they replied.

In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened. "Go tell them I am home and invite them in!" The woman went out and invited the men in. "We do not go into a House together," they replied. "Why is that?" she wanted to know. One of the old men explained, "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends and said pointing to the other one, "He is Success. I am Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home."

The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How nice!" he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth!" His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"

Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion. "Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love!"

We've always wondered what would happen if we got the friends we've made through Inga's Earth Magic (IEM) into a room together. Why? Because every one of us has a unique gift to offer to the world. And if we get enough of us in one place at the same time, something magical is bound to occur.

• When: The 1st Friday of every month. We start eating at 6 PM so please join us but feel free to drop in later, too!
• Where: Our place (click on LIBRARY in the navigation bar at the top of the screen and then MAP ROOM for directions)
• What to bring: Just your enthusiasm and love! There's a big pot of pasta on the stove and plenty of microbrews and red wine. If you have specific preferences, please bring whatever you'd like.
• How long: Until the witching hour, midnight, at which time Scott turns into a pumpkin. It's quite a sight! If you'd like, you can spend the night on one of the couches with the kitties or bring your sleeping bag and mat and you can sleep on the floor of Inga's office.
• RSVP: Just let us know in advance via e-mail or phone if you are coming and if you are bringing guests so we don't run out of food or beer!

Can you feel it? That Aries energy is in the air and my normal fire energy approach to life burns even hotter! I'm volunteering for monumental projects at work and I can barely maintain the day to day stuff. At home, I'm planning all kinds of activities like motorcycle rides and backpacking trips months in advance and working on projects to the detriment of my maintenance activities like yoga, sleep and having fun. Unfortunately, planning fun activities does not constitute actually doing something fun. Rats!

As Inga states in her Aries Celebration Calendar, we may find ourselves feeling impetuous as the Sun passes through Aries. Well, that's putting it mildly for me! All that fire energy makes me crave action and behave like a stress junkie. Ultimately, I become very frustrated because I can't act due to my fear that I'll figuratively burn everyone and everything in my path. So my first instinct is to control that fire energy, to build an earth energy fire pit and stand by with a water energy fire hose.

I asked Inga about countering that fire energy with earth energy. She said while it sounded logical, it didn't feel right to her because this is Aries' time, the twelfth of the year that it owns. She suggested that I take advantage of this time and explore it. She handed me a red jasper stone wand that represents this Mars energy. I immediately felt its fire, its call to action. I held it in my hand while Inga guided me in an astral travel session. As she relaxed me, my consciousness expanded into the astral realm and she directed me to a meadow. It was high in the mountains with a stream running through it. Across the stream and to my left was the same red stone I held in my hand except that it was standing upright like a tower and was several stories tall. Inga directed me to it. A door at the base of the stone tower appeared. I entered and became one with the stone. Now I felt that same Mars energy throughout my body and consciousness. I acknowledged all the aspects of fire energy that I have explored in this lifetime and previous ones: impatience, impulsiveness, competitiveness, aggressiveness, passion, enthusiasm and violence. I then emerged into the consciousness of a powerful spiritual warrior, at peace and filled with responsibility and wisdom in service of mankind. I recognized the transformation as resulting from being grounded to Earth and the outcome of what White Elk, my spiritual guide, has been teaching me.

He's been having me experience the grounding of my fire energy and he achieves this by immersing my astral body in water. As stubborn as I am, it's taken a lot of dunkings in various astral lakes and rivers to get this stress junkie to sober up. I used to protest as he'd push me in time and time again but I've come to relish it. As I soak, all that nervous energy washes away and what emerges is a calm yet powerful strength, rooted in unconditional Love. I feel my consciousness expand until I become a living bridge between the physical, astral and etheric realms.