The First 2014 Equinox – March 20th | Springwolf Reflections

A Day Of Balance To Honor The Light and Darkness

Merry Ostara and Mabon

Despite the snow outside our window here in the eastern U.S., this weeks sees the return of astronomical spring. Down south however, our friends in the Southern Hemisphere are welcoming the end of Summer and beginning of Fall.

From everyone here at
Springwolf Reflections and Spring’s Haven

We extend our most joyous wishes
and happiest blessings
to you and yours for a
wonderful and bright
Holiday Celebration!

Are you new to Equinox celebrations?
An equinox occurs twice a year (around 20 March and 22 September), when the plane of Earth’s equator passes the center of the Sun. At this time the tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun. The term equinox can also be used in a broader sense, meaning the date when such a passage happens. The name “equinox” is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night), because around the equinox, night and day are about equal length. ~ Wikipedia.com – Equinox.

People of Earth have long recognized these equinox events. In the Northern Hemisphere we’re preparing for the Vernal Equinox.

Ever wonder what Vernal means? According to the dictionary, Vernal is:
1. of or pertaining to spring: vernal sunshine.
2. appearing or occurring in spring: vernal migratory movements.

Technically the Equinox occurs this year on Mar 20th – 12:57am Eastern U.S. time. That’s right after midnight on the morning of the 20th. And yes that applies to the North and the South. But remember events like this are set worldwide to the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). UTC is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is one of several closely related successors to Greenwich Mean Time. Wikipedia – UTC. So check your local time against UTC time to find the right time for you.

“Hideaway” by Inga Nielsen

Now our ancestors didn’t have UTC time, so they weren’t as concerned with the “exact” moment of the Equinox for their celebrations. Typically these events were marked with festivals lasting several days and mixed reverent rituals to honor the Gods/Goddesses with feasting that included dancing and singing.

Learn a little about the holiday for your part of the world and use some of the history and evolution of these festivals to inspire your activities designed to mark the event with your family and friends.

Consider the season that is being honored. Decorate with appropriate colors that link your energy to that coming energy of nature. Both spring and autumn have some wonderful bright colors that can inspire crafts, flavorful dishes for your table and even the ritual garments you choose to wear.

One easy thing to remember is that these Equinox holiday’s are about balance. The balance of day and night; the Sun and Moon; the spirit and the physical worlds. Let your own inner ideas and inspirations lead the way to being creative and expressing the Divine within you.

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