Day of Renewal- March 1
March 1 is a special day. In ancient Rome, it was the first day of the new year, and the sacred flame that the Vestal Virgins tended to in the Temple of Vesta in the Forum of Rome, was renewed in a pre-dawn ceremony. Vesta is the Roman name of the Greek goddess Hestia. She is the tender of the eternal flame, both of the hearth as home and sanctuary, and also of the eternal flame that lives within each of us. The Vestal Virgins were the only fully female lineage in Rome to have reputation, power and respect. If a condemned person glimpsed a Vestal Virgin on the day of punishment, they were granted pardon.
Hestia-Vesta is a way into sacred fire. The fire that makes us who we are and ignites us into our passions and strength. She is also a way into Home. Home as body, home as Self, home as house, home as earth, home as cosmos.... She helps us feel at home where we stand. She also tends the hearth and makes a home feel homey and safe. Sanctuary. If one could make it to hearth, one was safe. It is a place of nourishment and source. She came in for me years ago, made her importance to my life clear. I am so thankful to have her as a guide and ally.
Today is also the birthday of my dear co-madre Rosie Campos and my soul sister Liz Dreher. I think it no accident these two amazing women were born on such a day.
https://erenow.net/ancient/the-great-fire-of-rome-the-fall-of-the-emperor-nero-and-his-city/6.php