Goddess of the Day: ALA

Ghanaian New Year

Themes: Luck; Harvest; Joy; Cleansing; Death; Cycles

Symbols: Yams; Crescent Moon

About Ala: This West African Earth-Goddess represents the full cycle of
earth's seasons from birth to death, gently reminding us that spring is
transitory--<WBR>so enjoy it now! Serious crimes are an abhorrence to Ala, and
the spirits of the dead go to her womb to find rest. Votive candles are a
suitable offering for this Goddess figure.

To Do Today: When you get up this morning, light any candle to welcome Ala
and spring. If possible, include yams in your dinner meal to internalize the
joy and good fortune Ala brings with the warmer weather. Bless your yams by
putting your hands (palms down) over them, focusing on your goals, and
saying:

Ala, be welcome. In this your sacred food, place

the energy of happiness, luck, and protection

for the months ahead. So be it.

The people of Ghana believe in celebrating the new year over thirteen days
instead of one. During this time they dance to banish evil, honor their dead
ancestors, encourage serendipity, and petition Ala for a good harvest
season. Ala's shrines and other sacred places are bathed on the last day of
festivities to wash away the old, along with bad memories. For us this
equates to dusting off our altars, bathing any God or Goddess images we
have, and generally cleansing away old energies so Ala can refresh us.

)0(

By Patricia Telesco From "
<http://www.amazon.<WBR>com/exec/<WBR>obidos/ASIN/<WBR>0062515683/<WBR>o/qid=967872373/<WBR>sr=8-1/re
f=aps_sr_b_1_<WBR>3/102-7095949-<WBR>1804962> 365 Goddess" and GrannyMoon's Morning