Spring Equinox, otherwise known as Ostara in the Celtic calendar, is when:
· Days and nights are of equal length.
· The Sun’s annual path and the celestial equator intersect.
· The halfway point between Winter & Summer Solstices is reached.
Until more recently, Ostara and all its associations were given to Beltane (Beltaine) or May Day.
The Anglo-Saxon Goddess of Spring, Eostre, is mentioned in early Christian works. Holidays that often fall during this period include Palm Sunday, Passover, Good Friday, and Easter.
The German word “ostern” denotes an eastern orientation. Thus, Eostre can be seen as a goddess of the east, dawn, and the Maiden aspect of Triformis, the threefold Goddess.
Traditionally, offerings of cake and eggs were made to honor Eostre at the Vernal Equinox. Both eggs and rabbits were fertility symbols. The rabbit, or Easter Bunny, and colored eggs are still a focal point today.
The date for Easter is calculated as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Vernal Equinox, and includes ceremonies such as the “sunrise ceremony,” symbolic of resurrection from death by dawn’s rising sun. Just as the ancient legend of the phoenix rising from the ashes tells the story of passion and rebirth, so too does the Christian story of Christ’s resurrection signify rebirth, renewal, and the hope of eternal life. Many cultures tell stories of those emerging from the underworld.
Psychologically, the shift from winter to spring suggests the need to forgive, to release all that no longer serves us, and to let our self-importance die (Pisces), while reminding us that we can be resilient and have the courage to rise above pain, pettiness, loss, or separation and begin anew (Aries).
Physically, the alignment of the Earth’s equator with the Sun at the equinox causes a natural reduction in the Earth's magnetic field, helping us to “switch gears” and increase our access to higher dimensions and new information. These cosmic gateways were recognized by many ancient cultures, including those who built Stonehenge (U.K.), Chichén Itzá (Mexico), and Chaco Canyon (U.S.).
Spring Equinox, when the Sun reaches 0° Aries, is the official start of the New Year for the astrological calendar. A new cycle is upon us so this is a natural time to plant your personal “seeds” of intention. Imagine!
Contributed by Wendolyn Sky Otter.
Images from Wix and Unsplash.
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