Why I Mark the Spring Equinox.

I didn’t grew up knowing about the Celtic Wheel of the Year and Pagan festivals. When I joined a Christian church at 19, I learnt anything pagan was to be feared. My journey of questioning, re-thinking and re-imagining my Christian faith allowed me to explore why my ancestors marked and celebrated these festivals. They now give me a structure and rhythm to the year and opportunity for life affirming ritual. Marking these moments in the year offer me deeper connection to the Season and the earth, to myself and my Soul, to others on the journey and to the Source of life I draw on/Divine/Great Spirit/Divine Mystery/Loving presence/God.

The Science

The March equinox (aka Vernal Equinox) occurs when the Sun crosses the equator line, heading north. This event marks the start of the spring as the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt toward the Sun, increasing daylight hours and giving us warmer temperatures. (It’s the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, March equinox marks the start of autumn).

 The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”—aequus (equal) and nox (night). All around the globe we experience a similar amount of night and day light, roughly 12 hours.

Why celebrate?

No wonder our ancestors celebrated Spring Equinox, when there were signs of new life everywhere. In winter, times were hard, days were cold and short. Since Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year in December), the light has been slowly increasing and the Equinox marks the moment of transition to longer, warmer days.

I was walking amongst flowering magnolias trees and camellias this week and felt such deep delight. How is it a bud, a new green leaf, a beautiful bloom, can bring such joy? For our hunter gathering ancestors the return of Spring and the sun would have meant fresh food, sustenance and health, no wonder it was a time of feasting, thanks giving and hope. To celebrate this moment feels intrinsic the more I have connected to nature, as if something in my body knows it’s significance and a deeper appreciation of new beginnings and new life.

Mark Spring Equinox with LiveLight|DwellDeep

Christianity and the Spring Equinox

It makes sense to me that the Christian calendar chose to mark Easter around the March Equinox in the West, a season of rebirth and new beginnings already celebrated by the local people.  Another name the Druids use for the Spring Equinox festival is Alban Eilir, meaning 'The Light of the Earth'. Jesus’ death and resurrection was new chapter, full of love and possibility, Jesus said to the people who gathered round him “ you are the light of the world”.

The Celtic Wheel of the Year is now part of my evolving Christian faith and deepening spirituality. These ancestral traditions connect to the wisdom the Earth offers, the Celtic Saints called the natural world the “first bible” or the “big book” of God and by marking the seasons, I feel closer to Divine Love.

A Short Spring Reflection

Pause…

Focus on your breathing…allow this focus to bring you into this time and space.

Notice…

Signs of new life and growth in nature, what is standing out, capturing your attention?

Reflect…

Are there signs of new life and growth are happening in your life?

Respond…

Set some simple, achievable intentions for this coming season.. eg. To enjoy the sunlight each morning…To give more attention to something that is bringing me life…

Join my Online Spring and Easter Retreats. All our welcome, of any faith or none, an inclusive and safely held space for compassionate and curious sojourners.

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