Sap begins to flow after a winter of near stillness, new buds emerge from the earth and the tips of trees, and lumbering bears begin to wake in their dens, ravenous after a season spent hibernating. Welcome in enlightenment, inspiration and new beginnings.Spring brings a quickening. As we are stepping further into the light, this is also a time of clarity after confusion, reflection and stillness. This is an excellent period to also focus on moderation and balance, with the day and night in total alignment. As the dark months pass behind us, we can expand, grow and focus on the warmth and light in our lives. No matter your tradition or spiritual practices, this is an excellent time to celebrate joy and rebirth.Īs the Earth is coming alive again, we can focus on renewal and awakening. Neopagans also celebrate with fertility rituals at this time, too.
#Equinox meaning full
In more modern times, other holidays include Easter (which always takes place the first Sunday after the first Full Moon after the Spring Equinox), as well as Passover, Nowruz (also known as the Persian New Year), Holi and Ostara. Some examples include the ancient Mayans, who gathered to celebrate the dance of light and shadow upon their pyramids at this time, as well as the Pagan religions in the Mediterranean region that honored the goddess Cybele and the arrival of a fertility goddess who had been conceived through a virgin birth. Often times, these festivals and celebrations were linked to a story or myth about the forces of light triumphing over the powers of darkness. Throughout the history of mankind, cultures, religions and spiritual traditions have stood in reverence to the Spring Equinox. Zodiac signs elements explained: What each one means How does the Spring Equinox affect us spiritually? At this point in time, the Sun crosses the celestial equator and moves north. The Spring Equinox always takes place around March 20 or 21. This transition continues until we reach the Summer Solstice.
In the Northern Hemisphere, this reveals that the days will be getting longer as the nights become shorter. The Spring Equinox officially announces the arrival of the spring season.
Another name for an equinox is a “vernal equinox.” Spring is a time of renewal. Originating from Latin, equinox essentially means “equal night.”Īstronomers note that an equinox takes place at the moment the Earth’s equator is on the same plane of the Sun’s equator. Equinoxes, however, are important because they reveal when day and night are equal. Solstices always signal the longest or shortest days of the year. Spring and autumn arrive upon an equinox, whereas summer and winter begin upon a solstice. These moments are called equinoxes and solstices. The transitions between seasons are especially notable for us as they signal a turning point in our year. Whether it’s the frigid cold of winter or the vibrant heat of summer, we as human beings are at the mercy of the Earth’s elements. Seasons of the year affect our lives significantly.
Learn what it means for you! What is an equinox? However, a new season has arrived, bringing longer days and the bloom of spring. In the Northern Hemisphere, we have experienced quite a frigid winter. After many months of long nights, a new day is upon us.