Speaking of Spirit

March is a busy time for Interfaith Observances and Celebrations .  Beginning with the Welsh feast, St. David's Day on the 1st and ending with the most important feast for the Jain, Mahavir Jayanti on the 30th, many of the feasts remembered during March center around sacrifice, renewal/rebirth and growth , which are full of symbolism. Symbols are an important part of many traditions. Rabbits, pussy-willows, baby animals, spring flowers, and eggs are just some of the spring images that have traveled through time and across cultures , reminding us of the cycles of life. If you're Irish and American, you might be celebrating St. Patrick's Day on M ar ch 17th by wearing green, eating corned beef, cabbage and potatoes and singing the songs your mother taught you long ago. Green is symbolic of life as well as one of the colors associated with the Irish flag. For most folks in Ireland, however, the day is a religious observance of St. Patrick one of the three pa...

One thing I have learned over the years, is that when it comes to blessings, the Irish are eloquently articulate. On this St. Patrick's Day weekend, I offer some of my favorites. An Old Irish Blessing  May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.  An Irish Prayer  May God give you... For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer.  An Old Celtic Blessing  May the blessing of light be on you— light without and light within. May the blessed sunlight shine on you and warm your heart till it glows like a great peat fire.  An Old Irish Blessing  May love and laughter light your days, and warm your...