Step into the Light
The spring equinox in 2023 refers to the astronomical event that marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
It occurs when the tilt of the Earth's axis is neither inclined away from nor towards the Sun, resulting in roughly equal lengths of day and night. This can be a peaceful and relaxing time for many.
The Spring Equinox can be a time to connect with nature and allow its relaxation to enter your space. It’s a time to start fresh and experience the peaceful feeling it brings into your life.
Let’s dive in and discover why this day is so special for many.
What is An “Equinox”?
The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”: aequus (equal) and nox (night). On the equinox, the length of day and night is nearly equal in all parts of the world.
Fun fact: Equinoxes are the only two times yearly that the Sun rises due east and sets due west for all of us on Earth.
While the Sun passes overhead, the tilt of the Earth is zero relative to the Sun, which means that Earth’s axis neither points toward nor away from the Sun.
What Happens During Spring Equinox?
Since the winter solstice in December 2022, you’ve probably noticed that our days have been getting longer in the Northern Hemisphere and the nights shorter. And now, we are here at the spring equinox.
Several astronomical and natural phenomena occur during the Spring Equinox, which typically occurs around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere.
Here's what happens during the Spring Equinox:
Astronomical Significance: It is one of two points in the year (the other being the Autumn Equinox) when the tilt of the Earth's axis is perpendicular to the Sun, resulting in equal daylight and darkness.
Increasing Daylight: After the Spring Equinox, the days gradually become longer in the Northern Hemisphere as the Sun appears higher in the sky daily. This increase in daylight continues until the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year.
Natural Phenomena: The Spring Equinox has an impact on nature. It marks the awakening of plants and animals from winter dormancy, as the increased daylight triggers growth and reproduction.
Archaeological Significance: The alignment of certain ancient structures demonstrates the significance of the Spring Equinox to ancient civilizations. These structures were often built to align with the rising or setting Sun during this astronomical event.
When is the Spring Equinox?
Astronomically, the first day of spring is marked by the spring equinox, which falls on March 19, 20, or 21 every year.
The equinox happens at the same moment worldwide, although our clock times reflect a different time zone. This date signals spring’s beginning in the Northern Hemisphere and announces fall’s arrival in the Southern Hemisphere.
What Are the Traditions Around the Spring Equinox?
Cultures around the world celebrate the equinox in various ways.
The Spring Equinox celebrates new beginnings and welcomes the future while shedding away the past. It’s the perfect time to walk in nature and be grateful for all that has happened over the past year.
That’s why families use this time to clean their homes and closets deep and buy fresh clothing.
In England, the mysterious stone structure of Stonehenge has been a popular gathering place for solstices and equinoxes.
In Mexico, the Mayan site Chichén Itzá has special equinox ties. At the site, the impressive pyramid known as El Castillo was aligned so that a shadow outlining the form of a snake of light (Kukulcán) descends the steps on the equinoxes.
The Spring Equinox is a time to embrace life and allow the new beginnings and the fresh start of the year to enter your life.
In the sacred realm of Hestia, we tune our ears to the secrets of Mother Earth, unveiling the celestial map to guide us on our path ahead.
But we are not passive observers but active participants in our evolution. We embark on a profound inner exploration, delving into the depths of our authentic selves.
Find solace in the embrace of kindred spirits, discover the transformative power of the land, and ignite the spark of collective creation.