Spring Equinox

How fitting that our first Sabbat since North of Annwn launching is the Spring Equinox? A time for renewal, rebirth and new beginnings. Some parts of the country are already in bloom. As for Colorado, we had a mild winter and we're already having tiny spring flowers like the prairie crocus, the heralds of spring, pop up.

What's an Equinox?

Since Earth-Centric Spirituality is based on our Earth, it makes sense that we would celebrate significant solar events as our planet continues its yearly dance around its star. Equinoxes mark when the Earth's tilt is perpendicular to the Sun. During this day in Spring and Fall, we have one day when our planet experiences equal hours of daylight and darkness. This carries significant symbolism of balance and equality. (More information on this year's Spring Equinox)

Pagan cultures throughout history around the world saw the Equinox as the time passed the final frost when the growing season could begin. Since our world is very dependent on agriculture, this means the promise of consistent food availability, new additions to the herds, and a season of prosperity and revelry. As such the Spring Equinox festivals were a huge celebration and a big deal.

Christian Easter or Spring Equinox?

The only part of modern Easter that is inherently Christian is the significance of the celebration of Jesus's death and resurrection in the Christian Religion. However, that isn't to say that Christians shouldn't also enjoy the beauty and celebration of the Spring Equinox! Just as Jesus's resurrection represents hope and rebirth to all Christians, so do the symbols of the Spring Equinox. Although they're rarely celebrated on the same day, it's easy to see why Christians can adopt these symbols to also celebrate the resurrection of Christ. They can be used in tandem, without a contradiction occurring.

There are hundreds of different traditions around the world that celebrate the day of equal light and darkness in their own unique ways to herald the beginning of Spring and Summer. Not all traditions are the same, but they centralize on the jubilation of Springtime!

What is the significance today?

While we are still dependent on agriculture, the average person isn't usually directly involved with growing food and raising herds for the next winter, so what is the significance in the life of the modern pagan?

Pagan perspectives often focus on the ability to find a balance between the light and dark. Having equal hours of daylight and night is symbolic of the internal battle between the darker aspects of an individual, called the Shadow, and the lighter aspects which are the face we show the world. Finding a balance between the two is considered by many to be necessary for spiritual health. It's common for modern pagans to do self-reflective activities that focus on how to bring about a better balance in their life, as well as to focus on what areas of their life is exhibiting growth and expansion. I'll focus more on ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox in my next post. In the meantime...

Have some baby goats!

Elisa

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