Spring and The Vernal Equinox
Spring! The Vernal Equinox
March 22, 2002
Spring is here!! Can you feel it in the air? Spring arrives when the earth is tilted and the Sun is positioned directly over the equator. Wednesday, March 20th, was the official arrival of Spring called the Vernal Equinox. Vernal means Spring, and equinox mean equal night. Thus, day and night are the same lengths, each lasting precisely twelve hours on this day. The vernal equinox marks the first day of Spring and the movement of the Sun into the astrological sign Aries. So, where did Spring emerge?
In ancient times people held mythic beliefs about seasonal changes. For example, the Goddess of Spring was called Eostre.
She symbolized the passage of time, Spring, fertility, new growth, and rebirth. Once, when the Goddess was late coming to the season, a little girl found a bird close to death from the cold of winter and turned to Eostre for help. Because the little bird was wounded beyond repair, Eostre changed it into a snow hare. But this was no ordinary cottontail; this long-eared rabbit could also lay eggs! So, as a sign of Spring, Eostre instructed the little girl to always watch for the snow hare. Eostre’s name was believed to have come from the word “east,” which is used to describe the direction of the sunrise. Some think the word Easter also came from the same source.
What is the Wisdom of Spring?
The main symbols for Spring are the egg, for a new life or new beginnings, and the rabbit or hare, for fertility. The changing of any season provides us with a time to reflect. Nature provides us with the key to understanding what we should do at any particular time. The Wisdom of Spring is Change. Dramatic change always occurs during this season. We are coming out of the cold of winter into the warmth of Spring. This is a significant change. The Wisdom of Spring indicates that this is the season to “DO SOMETHING!” Change! Clear out the old and embrace the new. Have you been wanting to start something all winter but have felt stuck? Do you have a project or idea you would like to initiate? This is the best time to do this. Do it now! Embrace the season! Spring into Spring!
“Quote For The Week”
To change one’s life;
Start immediately
Do it flamboyantly
No exceptions
~ William James
