easter then & now

It's Easter once again and here at wonder | wander | world we wish to set the record straight. We celebrate the occasion paying homage to the Queen of Heaven and not the much later trumped up church declared resurrection of Jesus the Christ. 

Pagans believed in a god that was resurrected each spring on Easter - a day dedicated to Ishtar, the mother goddess. She was also called the queen of heaven and supposedly interceded with the gods on behalf of humankind. 

Ishtar - The Burney Relief  (c. 19th or 18th century BCE)

A belief has been applied to Mary by the Roman Catholic Church though it is pagan in origin and has no basis in the Bible.

a tragic tale of injustice

wonder | wander | world wishes us all a joyous Easter Sunday! This time we have at least 28 substantial eggs in our Easter basket that we are very grateful for. Halleluiah! 

According to some scholars, such as Dr. Tony Nugent, teacher of Theology and Religious Studies at Seattle University, and Presbyterian minister, the Easter story comes from the Sumerian legend of Damuzi (Tammuz) and his wife Inanna (Ishtar), an epic myth called “The Descent of Inanna” found inscribed on cuneiform clay tablets dating back to 2100 BC. 

The Descent of Innana

When Tammuz dies, Ishtar is grief–stricken and follows him to the underworld. In the underworld, she enters through seven gates, and her worldly attire is removed. "Naked and bowed low" she is judged, killed, and then hung on display. In her absence, the earth loses its fertility, crops cease to grow and animals stop reproducing. Unless something is done, all life on earth will end. 

rise & shine!

Happy Easter from all of us here at wonder | wander | world!

This year we are all isolating and under quarantine in different parts of the world.

We are ever grateful for these gorgeous batch of Easter eggs.

Generously brought to us from our happy brood of creative and industrious little elves back home.

Filling our Easter celebrations with their bubbly giggles and sunshine smiles.

May we all be so blessed with life, love and laughter!

pink blue moon

This year, April’s full Moon is also connected to Easter. It’s what’s known as the Paschal Full Moon - the full Moon that determines Easter’s date. Read more about this in the Farmers Almanac. 

A whole lot of loving going on! 

First, we have the hormone-laden spring tide and the approach of Beltane.

Next, we have Love Goddess Venus exalted in No Time No Space Pisces getting ready to transition into the intense fires of Randy Ram Aries.

And, Nebulous Neptune, the higher vibration of Venus and the Divine Feminine, helps bring focus and balance in a sweet trine to the Destiny Path North Node in My Emotions Are Flowing Cancer.

So Are You Happy To See Me Or Not? Lilith is casting a knowing glance, a little smirk, as she witnesses the rebirth of the love cycle we are entering between each other and within ourselves.

Easter reflection

Blessed Holy Week & Happy Easter to all!

Easter + eclipse + enlightenment

Now is the time when the Light is rising. This return of the Light is celebrated all over the world. 

Persephony Awakening

Christians look forward to the glory of resurrection, Jews have hopes for freedom, Hindus call forth love, colors and fun. Pagans know that the Earth awakens again to the Sun’s warmth, ready to take into her womb the seeds of Life, just as each person is once again called to a new life, a new story. ~ Cathy Pagano