Observing the Vernal Equinox, also known as the first day of spring, is a way to express our gratitude for Earth’s renewal. Because it is a day so full of hope for the coming season, it’s nice to set aside some time to take in the day and all it has to offer. Here are just some of the reasons to note the day.
The Spring Equinox marks the first of four cardinal points of our zodiac.
The four cardinal points of the zodiac are found at 0°Aries, 0°Cancer, 0°Libra, and 0°Capricorn. These degrees mark the first days of the seasons. No matter the date, when the Sun reaches 0°Aries, it is the first day of Spring. It can happen as early as March 19th and as late as March 22nd, though those two dates are quite rare. It’s usually the 20th or the 21st that marks the Vernal Equinox and the first day of Spring.
The comfort of cycles and the circle of life.
Observing the Spring Equinox reinforces our faith in cycles and the circle of life. Just as we know that the heatwaves of summer will eventually cool into crisp Autumn days, we are assured that the cold, barren days of winter will blossom into Spring. Before we know it, we are cursing the heat of the summer again and looking forward to nights by the fireside.
The Spring Equinox symbolizes fertility and new beginnings.
The Spring Equinox is similar to the New Moon, when we set our intentions for the coming month. With this Equinox, also celebrated as Ostara, we can set our intentions for the coming year. This is the fertile phase, when new life springs forth. We can even imagine the last week of Pisces as the dark of the year, similar to the dark Moon when we start forming our intentions for the next lunation. We have a fresh start, a do-over of sorts, so that we can release the past and look forward to the future.
Temperature and Light
Who isn’t anxious to throw off coats and sweaters, open the windows wide , and breathe the fresh air? We finally feel the warmth of the Sun as we move toward April, as well as the freedom of no longer being weighed down with heavy wool coats, scarves, gloves, and caps. In the warmer regions, we can get outside without a thought to a cold wind whipping up. Being outside exposes us to more sunlight and we get a natural dose of Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin. Gray day depression lifts for those with SAD and our eyes find more plays of light and shadow to enjoy.
The Healing Power of Green
Each season has its special colors, but Spring has a palette like no other. Every color imaginable is there as a feast for the eyes. We still have the rich jewel tones of winter flowers, but we also get the delicious yellows and pinks of Spring daffodils and hyacinths. Pink roses, yellow roses, red roses!! Every shade of green appears before our eyes. Green is the only color that doesn’t clash with itself. What a remarkable feat of Mother Nature to make a gift of such a prominent and healing color.
Lighter Food
We move from heavy meals to lighter fare. As the temperatures warm region by region, we begin seeing the first harvests of Spring. This is the time of year to get out to the farmers markets. Grocery stores offer a huge variety of spring vegetables to tempt us with color and flavor. Take a basket of your own to carry these delectable treats home.
Happy Spring!
Happy Equinox!
Auntie Moon 
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