What is a sacrifice? This word combines sacra, “sacred things”, and facere, “to do or perform”. A ritual sacrifice provides the opportunity to connect with the divine and requires giving up something to gain something. Mardi Gras of course means Fat Tuesday and derives from the custom of using all the fats in one’s home before Lent. The Carnival Season modulates from simple rituals like emptying the home into full, decadent ecstasies. Mardi Gras offers the chance to convene with the divine and empty oneself.
Since we live in a consumptive culture that creates and grants an unprecedented largesse of materiality, cleaning out the fat of the house becomes unimportant as we are less bound by the cycles of nature. This is true except for the characters on the show Hoarders. We’ve largely abandoned the spiritual ritual as it relates to Mardi Gras. If this desertion of sacrifice is not understand, we fall prey to it. In other words, if you don’t understand what is spiritually occurring when you empty yourself through decadence and celebration, you will be a victim to your own vices.
New Orleans is the American City who most triumphantly convenes with the Gods. But its people have largely forgotten them. To remedy this, take a moment to ponder the characters of the myths. Take for example Endymion, the shepherd and astronomer who loved the moon and observed her movements. Argus, the giant with a hundred eyes whom Hermes evaded and slayed, and so on…Consider these Gods, if only for a moment, and have these primal stories surface through your soul. Then, you will have made your sacrifice.
Aries: March 21 - April 19
For the week of Mardi Gras, you find yourself fighting to achieve harmony within. This internal struggle is a mismatch of energy, harmony and discord. But order and chaos are always cyclical, and your do best to accept this dance of tension and resolution. If you don’t, you will surely be left with disharmony.
Taurus: April 20 - May 20
You’re experiencing tension with what you believe. These are beliefs of a spiritual nature. This will require some juggling and irritability to work these things out. Some of the structures you’ve held onto are crumbling, but others are holding strong. Understand that these losses reward you in the coming months with spiritual gains.
Gemini: May 21- June 20
The thinking around your career is very hazy right now. There are some people who are deceiving you. In the coming months, you do best to shield yourself from these attacks. Through this process, you begin making substantial karmic gains personally when the summer hits.
Cancer: June 21 - July 22
You’ve been focusing on yourself for the past year. That will change come the summer. At that point the emphasis will be much more on spirituality. Spirituality is a process of letting things go so you can dissolve and begin anew. Letting things go and opening up to the universe is almost always the preferred path.
Leo: July 23 - August 22
The next several weeks see subconscious, psychological issues coming to the fore. These emotions are confusing but must be dealt with. You do best to keep your response to these emotions structured within your daily practice. In other words allow time for these feelings to emerge while having the discipline to allow the space for them to be honored.
Virgo: August 23 - September 22
Now is a good time to clarify all things related to relationships and partnerships. If this is a romantic partnership, past issues are reviewed. There are some losses here, but the structures that are strong will hold. Structures need to be challenged and transformed or they will crumble.
Libra: September 23 - October 22
Now is the time to act on matters relating to the home. You have a window through the end of February through March. A physical drive to act on these issues emerges. Put this energy to good use, and make the necessary changes.
Scorpio: October 23 - November 21
You are in a powerful position to deal with your siblings through March. You are so powerful that you may turn to unnecessary force. There is a real window here to make some structural change with your kin. However, use force only when necessary.
Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21
This is a great time to act on a matter related to finance. This relates to your money that is tied up institutionally. What is working, what is not, and what needs to change? This will require some juggling, but when you use your visceral drive relating to these issues, you make powerful change.
Capricorn: December 22 - January 19
The material and even physical losses that have been occurring over the last year and a couple of months come to an end by the summer. This has given you spiritual gains, though. Through the beginning of April, act on what you have learned. The lessons you have been given should not be abstract, philosophical musings but made into concrete plans.
Aquarius: January 20 - February 18
You have good fortune over the next couple of weeks. This happens in the area of your spirit and health. Enjoy this because by the beginning of spring, you get a glimpse into the future that will herald a new era for you in the years to come. Enjoy it.
Pisces: February 19 - March 20
Known for being a spiritual sign, you have good fortune when you go on your own individual, unique path. This requires finding your own way and even bringing the insights of your journey to the groups. Finding your way is truly about finding your and not letting the drumbeat of the collective tell you otherwise.
