This month’s Community Altar features Persephone, in honor of the Vernal Equinox here in the Northern Hemisphere.
[Image description: An altar with several lit candles, a bunch of white flowers, and two images of the Goddess Persephone.]
The image on the left is by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince, the Liberation card from her Dark Goddess Tarot.
[Image description: A drawing of the Goddess Persephone, holding a poppy in her right hand. The left side of the drawing is dark and grey, representing the Land of the Dead, which She is walking out of, and towards the right side of the card, which is filled with sunlight, and represents life.]
The image on the right is by Rachel Pollack, the Star card from her Shining Tribe Tarot (out of print).
[Image description: A drawing of the Goddess Persephone standing under an eight-pointed star, holding two pitchers of water, pouring them onto the Earth.]
As Persephone returns from the Land of the Dead, she brings Spring, hope, and renewal, which are needed after the cold and dark of Winter, which is a difficult time, emotionally and mentally, for many people. Even if you love the Winter weather, the past several months have been extremely stressful globally and politically, and we could all use some encouragement as we move into the new season.
Prayer to Persephone
~Anastasia Haysler
Hail, Persephone!
Kore, Daughter of Demeter,
Your sojourn to the Underworld
Brought darkness to our world.
Reigning brightly, Hades’ bride,
Powerful Queen in Your own stead,
Bringing light to the Land of Shades,
Embodying Life in the Land of the Dead.
The sunlight dazzles when You return.
You shade Your eyes, and blink,
Once, twice, then lower Your hand,
Look around, survey the land.
As You tread the path
To Your Mother’s home,
Flowers rise from Your footprints.
A carpet of color shows Your progress.
Guide me, Persephone,
Teach me reverence for Your mysteries
And gratitude for Your gifts,
That I, too, leave only flowers
To mark my path as I walk.
