Today's Goddess: Saoquing Niang
Bun Bang Fai (Laos)
Themes: Weather; Harvest; Hope
Symbols: Rain; Clouds; Stars (or Light); Brooms
About Saoquing Niang: Known as the Broom Lady in the Far East, Saoquing Niang lives
among the stars, sweeping away or bringing rain clouds, depending on the land's needs.
From a spiritual perspective, Saoquing Niang's moisture fills us with refreshing
hope when our soul is thirsty.
To Do Today: A traditional rain ceremony in Laos, this festival is very ancient and
ensures a good harvest. It includes all manner of festivities, such as fireworks that carry
people's prayers into the sky. In keeping with this, if sparklers are legal in your area, light
one or two and scribe your wishes with light for Saoquing Niang to see.
For weather magic, tradition says that if you need Saoquing Niang's literal or figurative rains,
simply hang a piece of paper near your home with her name written on it (ideally in
blue pen, crayon, or marker). Take this paper down to banish a tempest or an emotional storm.
To draw Saoquing Niang's hope into your life, take a broom and sweep your living space
from the outside in toward the center. You don't actually have to gather up dirt
(although symbolically getting rid of "dirt" can improve your outlook). If you like, sing
"Rain, rain, go away" as you go. Keep the broom in a special place afterward to
represent the goddess.