Well, Easter is in a couple of days and that means RABBITS! But it's not only their incredible fertility which makes rabbits such a potent symbol of Spring and Renewal. They are also a symbol of the Divine Feminine and you never know if a rabbit or hare might be the Great Goddess in disguise. Traditional Celtic lore holds that witches often shapeshift into the form of rabbits and hares as well.
Rabbits are often believed to be drawn to, and enchanted by, the moon (another symbol of the Divine Feminine). In pagan tradition, witnessing a hare gazing at the moon is believed to bring good fortune and abundance. There are three Moon-Gazing Hares on my altar -- the two large ones are bookends given to me by my sister some years ago, and the small clay one in front of them is a sculpture by a Winnipeg artist which I bought around 1995. Moon-Gazing Hares always have that characteristic skyward-looking pose and huge round eyes mirroring the full moon.
On the other side of the altar is another charming rabbit bookend given to me by my sister as well, and another clay sculpture of a Moon Hare where the rabbit itself is shaped like the full moon. I bought it in Glastonbury, England when I was there in 2009.
This small original painting comes from Glastonbury as well. In the background, you can see Glastonbury Tor surmounted by St. Michael's Tower, all that remains of a medieval monastery. An ancient chapel honouring the Goddess/Saint Brigid is portrayed on the riverbank, a site known today as "Bride's Mound." This is where the Blue Bowl of Glastonbury, reputed to be the Holy Grail, was discovered. And in the foreground -- the Sacred Hare herself.
The final item at the front of the altar was also a gift from my sister. Isn't it delightful! Bunny buddies forever!
[Photos © Debra She Who Seeks, April 2022]
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