Sitting in the Ashes of Love….
We know Lent opens with the rite of ashes, right? Actually no, or
at least that is not the origins of the season. Lent used to begin with a wild expression of love and how each of us is love and how together we make up the body of love (the Christ). The centuries later — a rite of ashes was developed — but even then I believe the use of ashes had more connection with love than generally expressed today.
Why are we touched, anointed or smeared with ash? Some would have us believe because we are far away from Spirit and need to make an arduous journey of forgiveness. Ash is a funny element to choose for such a dire rite. In nature, ash is one of the most potent of all fertilizers — for it replensihes essentail minerals in the soil and greatly speeds the growing cycle. Or we can remember other ash rituals like those of the Hinu where ash is placed on the body as a prayer that anything that separates me from the Spirit might be burned like ash.
Whatever — whether at a church, with friends and family or just yourself — on Ash Wednesday or whatever day you enter Lent — make your ashes by burning something that is filled with love. This could be as simple as a card with the names of all your loved ones on it. Set the fire and make the ashes. Place them in a bowl and hold the bowl in your prayer space or on your personal altar until we reach Easter.
Then make your intentions that over this Lenten time — you will pray for a deeper oneness with those you love and with those you do not. Ask Spirit’s blessing on the ashes so that they may be true to their nature — and may hold the grace of aiding and supporting your intentions.
Finally, ask someone to anoint you or anoint yourself with the ash. And keep the ash present throughout Lent — perhaps for repeated anointings as you may wish or sense a need.
Alexander Shaia