Sunday, March 20, 2016

Joyous Spring Equinox



The Vernal Equinox takes place each year between March 19 and March 22, while Easter always occurs between late march and early April. In the past, beginning with the pagans, this time of year was celebrated as one of renewal and rebirth. Christians adopted the symbolism to represent the resurrection of Christ rather than the earth itself. 

According to one myth, pagan children would present eggs as a gift to the goddess in return for the coming of the spring and to symbolize birth and new life.  Christian traditions incorporating eggs have not strayed very far from this practice. The popular depiction of the rabbit associated with the Christian celebration has its roots in the pagan tradition as well. Ostara was said to have been so touched by the gifts, she recruited her minions to return the eggs to the children in baskets.
No, not those guys. 
              
                                                    Her minions were rabbits.

March is also known for the saying "Mad as a March Hare", so be careful driving. Those bunnies are only thinking about one thing, and it isn't whether or not it's safe to cross the street. 
The equinox is a time of balance, the sun rises due east and sets due west, and there are twelve hours of darkness and twelve hours of daylight. 


Take a moment to catch your balance, 
look around at all the things for which you are thankful. 
Take heart as we head into Spring and new beginnings. 

Prayer to honor the goddesses of Spring.
                    Hail, and welcome!
                    Green life returns to the earth
                    blooming and blossoming
                    once more from the soil.
                    We welcome you,
                    goddesses of spring,
                    Eostre, Persephone, Flora, Cybele,
                    in the trees,
                    in the soil,
                    in the flowers,
                    in the rains,
                    and we are grateful
                    for your presence.


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