Larger and more athletic than his counterpart (European Rabbit), Brown Hare lives a solitary life. Scraping out a shallow depression (called a form), Brown Hare sleeps and rests during the day. At dusk, He comes out to feed. Because Brown Hare is usually seen at dawn and dusk, He is associated with the moon.
Since He did not arrive in the British Isles until after the Romans did, traditions about Brown Hare came from the Anglo-Saxons, who called Him “hara”. Ostara, their Goddess of Spring, was a woman with a Brown Hare’s head and ears. Her name became the name for the Christian feast of Easter. The Easter Bunny legend came from Ostara leaving eggs wherever She went. Besides Ostara, Brown Hare has been associated with other Germanic Goddesses. Holda, protector of Mothers and Housewives, and Freya, Goddess of Fertility, had Hare attendants as well.
With his long legs and sleek body, Brown Hare can outrun most pursuers by jumping and running zigzag across the country side. The saying, “Mad as a March Hare”, originated when Brown Hare dashed about in a demented fashion in spring. During their mating season, fields of Brown Hares can be seen leaping in the air, chasing and boxing each other. Finally, Everyone settles down and selects Their Mate.
“As Mad as a March Hare” can have many meanings. As the Friend of Goddesses, Brown Hare’s madness is divinely inspired. He receives joy from the heavens and leaps in excitement. Be open to divine madness yourself, and leap high with bliss. But just don’t be so eccentric that people think that you are crazy.
Brown Hare’s Teachings Also Include:
“Hare brings wild inspiration which rushes through the body like rising sap, demanding expression in any way possible.” – Copyright: “Beasts of Albion” by Miranda Gray.
Note: Hares are larger than Rabbits. Baby Hares are born with open eyes and with fur, while Baby Rabbits are naked and dependent on their Mothers.
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Va. Carper
November 27, 2007