Ash Wed.

For some reason Ash Wednesday spawns irrational fears of markings denoting religion and exclusionary policies which can accompany such outward displays. Not that I think the reality is a reflection of anything other than holiness, I just worry.

On a more positive note, I do like how Easter is tied into the lunar calendar. It's like a tip of the hat to the Jewish roots of the holiday. Also with a little bit of pagan transposition and etymology Ash Wednesday really is Ash Odin's Day. Interesting, as Ash was considered the Adam of Norse mythology (Elm being the woman). Oh, well.