The Vernal Equinox and the Rite of Spring

Sat here on the balcony of the apartment overlooking the park, I am struck by the sheer beauty of Spring in London. The birds are singing, the sky is blue(ish) and the trees are coming back to life. Life spreads across the land and the greening begins to happen.

We are coming to the Vernal Equinox – Alban Eilir – the time of balance between the light and dark, and the brief repose before the action that the returning light brings. The days get longer and the sun gets higher.  Spring hits full pace at Beltane on May 1st.

The time of balance

This is a time of balance. We are not yet at the time of action and enthusiasm that the summer brings. Instead, pause & consider the past six months of dark, the insights gained, the seeds you have planted (from the Winter Solstice). The seeds in nature are just beginning to poke through the soil and, likewise, our insights and seed thoughts begin to come into manifestation ready for us to attend to and care for. So, this time of year also asks us to look forward to the next six months of light before the Autumnal Equinox to see what actions to take in the outer world to manifest what we want to reap at harvest time.

The coming of Air and the time of movement

The coming of Air signifies the coming of movement after the stasis of Earth over winter. The insight of the Equinox is also that balance is not static…for me balance is about rhythm and flow. Finding the right rhythm for your own being and coming into flow with the rhythms of our environment. Air reminds us to breath deeply now that the breeze begins to warm and to allow space for Spirit to move. The coming of Spring is also a celebration and the new energy rising is all about dancing with life!

The time of clarity and insight
Air is also the element of the mind and balance, lightness and breath bring us a clear and nimble mind. Air blows away the cobwebs and clears a space in the muzzy mind waking from Winter. Certainly the new light in the morning makes it easier for me to jump out of bed! Take action by all means but take the time to check in with yourself as to whether it is the right action for you at this time. Does it make you feel lighter or heavier? Air is light and loves to dance. Bear this in mind and take action that raises your spirit, lifts your heart and clears your mind!

Enjoy this time. From here on in we are all about the quickening into the fire season of Summer. Reflect, clear out the clutter of house and mind, open the window and let Air blow through. Celebrate by dancing, singing and keeping it light. You can put your head down and plow into action later. For right now, breathe .

Related posts:

1. The Autumn Equinox and the Harvest Time of Life
2. The Winter Solstice and the Turning of the Year
3. Spring fever – time to clear the clutter!