From The East March 2023

“March” is named for the Roman god of war, Mars. However, we think of it as the beginning of spring, as March brings the vernal equinox, the Full Worm Moon and the return of Daylight Saving Time! In the early Roman calendar, March (or Martius) was the first month of the calendar year. As March brought the first day of spring with the vernal equinox, it was the start of new beginnings.

For those into astrology, you will appreciate that "March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb” as we enter the month under the sign of Leo and exit the month under Aries. March equinox occurs on Monday, March 20, 2023 when the amount of daylight hours overtake the evening hours, first observed thousands of years ago by our ancient brethren.

We look forward to this month for it’s planned activities which you will find in the calendar contained within, but also as an opportunity to do some spring cleaning - in our homes, in the lodge, and in our lives. If we desire clean hearts, we must start by asking for them. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me,” (Psalm 51:10).

As we throw away old junk found in the back of the closet, we should also let go of unwanted baggage in our spiritual lives. Let us take time this month to divest our hearts of some of the stress, contentions, vices and superfluities in our lives.

When we clean the cobwebs and dust around the corners of the house, let us sweep away resentments and grudges to make room for new light, peace and happiness in our souls.And while we take our well loved used clothes to the thrift shops to bless others, let us take our masonic tenants with us wherever we go to pass them along to others to inspire them.

Brian Viehland
Worshipful Master
Pentalpha Lodge No. 194