Hares and rabbits have long-standing associations with spring, especially the month of March. Both hares and rabbits are lagomorphs (not rodents) and are usually interchangeable for magical purposes.. . . Many spells and charms draw on the power of these magical creatures. A lucky rabbit’s foot is merely the most famous example. In China, one might carry a green jade rabbit for luck. The fur of a live hare can empower spells for invisibility or speed. Rabbit or hare emblems often appear in rituals for fertility or virility.
Some believe eating hare or rabbit meat makes them become beautiful or romantically desirable. Though taboo in some cultures, hunting rabbits and hares was often allowed for spring holidays, such as Ostara and Beltane. This is undoubtedly related to the near-coinciding fertility festivals.
Altogether, hares and rabbits represent the burgeoning life force of spring, with its boundless exuberance and fruitfulness. Bringing them into your life helps attract these qualities.
- Elizabeth Barrette
(Excerpted from Llewellyn’s Witches’ Calendar 2009)
Image: Detail of “I’m for the Hare that Runs by Night” (digital paint, 2003), part of Martin Herbert’s Totem Animal Series.
No comments:
Post a Comment