Spring Equinox

small practices for honoring the return of light

This week marks the Spring Equinox. It is when the daylight hours are equal to the hours of darkness once again, now tipping the scales toward longer days and the growing season. We are coming out of the time of deep listening, rest, reflection, and beginning to emerge; much like the tender shoots that are beginning to press through the thawing soil.

As Wisconsin will never be go into spring gently, we began this week with a blizzard and will end it at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. I can’t wait to see what growth will be inspired by the warming temperatures later this week!

A Light exists in Spring
by
Emily Dickinson

A Light exists in Spring
Not present on the Year
At any other period —-
When March is scarcely here

A Color stands abroad
On Solitary Fields
That Science cannot overtake
But Human Nature feels.

It waits upon the Lawn,
It shows the furthest Tree
Upon the furthest Slope you know
It almost speaks to me.

Then as Horizons step
Or Noons report away
Without the Formula of sound
It passes and we stay —-

A quality of loss
Affecting our Content
As Trade had suddenly encroached
Upon a Sacrament.

Marking, important seasonal days by elaborate rituals or celebrations is not a requirement, and an overwhelming thought for many. Feel free to go all out, and know that a simple recognition of these seasonal markers without adding to our already overly long to-do lists, is just fine too! We can take a cue from the listening and stirring we did in the last two months, and simply add a moment of acknowledgement or reflection.

Simple Seasonal Activities

• Plant some seeds: *tip: if planting wild flowers or a bee/butterfly garden, consider broadcast planting. This is the process of just sprinkling these tiny seeds over the area and gently raking them in, then watering. Easy, Peasy! You can also start some seeds indoors if the weather is still too cold.

• Open windows: now is the time to air out your house, even on a cool day open your windows for 30 minutes, it’s a huge boost to mood to move fresh air through your space.

• Build a bonfire….or heck just turn on your fireplace and set intentions for the new season.

• Take a walk: even if you just stroll around your yard, take a few minutes to listen to the birdsong, see new buds bulging or watch squirrels scurry around.

Whether you celebrate with a party, or just take a moment to acknowledge the day, Happy Spring!

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Until next time,