Christian Wheel of the Year: Spring Ember Days

Spring Ember Days

The Ember Days of Spring fall on March 9th, 11th, and 12th this year.

If you aren't familiar with her Days or don't remember the details, refer back to my post on the topic back during the Winter Embertide.

Spring Ember Days: The Element of Air

In Esoteric thought-- and in the ordinary way of thinking, for people on earlier eras-- the Springtime is linked to the element of Air. Air is understood as heat and moisture. Air also has the following associations:

Among times, the Dawn; infancy in a lifetime; the mind in man; atmosphere, weather and wind in nature; the flower in plants, and seeds born on the wind, and also all such plants as dwell in the air; among herbs, all those hot and moist by temperament; among animals, birds and all flying creatures; among professions, those related to the Air, including pilots, astronomers, meteorologists, and all those who work with their minds, or who make their living by communication; in society, it is the economy and all means of transportation, production, and exchange; among planets, it is Jupiter and Mercury, though others say the Sun; among numbers, the number 2 and all its permutations; among solids, the octahedron.

Every element is ruled by an archangel. It's worth taking a moment to consider the meaning of the word "angel." The word means "messenger." Augustine tells us that "angels" is their title; their nature is spirit. In the Christian tradition, mainstream as well as esoteric, they are given the government of the physical world and human society. At the same times, they are called "messengers." This is a bit of a paradox-- you wouldn't give the president of a country the title of "chief mailman." So what is going on here?

The resolution of the paradox is this: The angels govern the elements of the material world and the universe as a whole as an expression of the divine will. In earlier times, it was said that the whole of Nature was one of two books written by the Holy Ghost; as such, all of creation is a kind of message from God. And the angels that govern creation are the message-bearers.

The Ember Fast

This week, extend whatever fasting commitment you've made to Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. In addition, make at least one additional effort towards lightening your impact on the Earth. You might make an effort to reduce your own contribution to air pollution. As Air rules the system of economic exchange in society, you might keep a closer watch on your spending this week, and try to support local businesses and those which follow sound environmental practices. On at least one of these days, spend some additional time in Nature. Allow yourself to be aware of the Air element as it manifests in the wind and the atmosphere and in everything that is in motion, as well as those creatures that are specifically governed by it. You might also consider donating to an Air-oriented charity, such as an organization dedicated to helping children learn to read or speak, or any organization dedicated to bird conservation.

Prayer and Meditation

At least once, and preferably during all three days, practice a meditation like the following:

1. Make the Sign of the Cross

2. Say the Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, and Glory Be.

2. Perform the asperges with holy water and the censing with incense, using the prayers previously given. In a pinch, you can use ordinary water into which a little bit of salt has been added. Before using it, make the sign of the cross over it and ask God for his blessing.

3. Pray the prayer of the Holy Spirit:

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created, and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, Who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation,
through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

4. Kneeling or seated, take a few moments to relax your body and clear your mind with rhythmic breathing. Then call to mind the Air element and the Spring season, and everything pertaining to them. Offer a prayer, such as the following:

Oh God, I thank thee for all the gifts of the element of Air. For movement and change, the lengthening days and the Spring rains, and all the gifts of the air and the mental world world. And I pray that thou wilt send thy holy archangel Raphael, who governs the element of Air, to be with us at this time. Holy Saint Raphael, archangel who governs the element of Air, grant that the gifts and virtues of Air, willingness and wisdom, honesty and lightness of spirit may be manifest in our lives. And grant, too, that the unbalanced manifestations of Air, including concupiscence, dishonesty and unreliability, may be kept far from us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

5. Take a moment to visualize the gifts and virtues of Air manifesting in your life. Then close your meditation with more rhythmic breathing.

6. If you like, you can repeat the asperges and the censing.

7. Close with a suitable prayer or prayers, followed by the sign of the cross. The Fatima Prayer is a good option:

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.

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