Monday, March 20, 2017

For the Vernal Equinox (Ostara)

Today marks the Vernal Equinox or Ostara, one of two times in the calendar year (the other being the Autumn Equinox or Mabon) when the Earth and her unruly children hover in perfect balance for a brief shining interval. Humanity had nothing to do with this day - it's a pivotal astronomic point ordained by the heavens, by the natural order of things in this magnificent cosmos where we live out our allotted days, spinning like tops in the Great Round of space and time.

If I lived further south, this might be a time of greening and enchantment, a day when Eostre, the old Teutonic goddess of greening and fertility, wanders wild places with her arms full of spring blooms, bestowing blessings on everything she sees. Flowers would spring up in her footsteps as she passed - the air would be filled with birdsong, the heady fragrance of earth and wild springtime herbs.

Alas, the only snowdrops blooming here at the moment are those in a glass amphora on a shelf in my study. It will be several weeks until Lady Spring makes a real appearance in the northern landscape, but rumors of her imminent presence and the arrival of the greening season persist. Every bird who visits our sleeping garden seems to be declaring its lofty status as a messenger from the sacred, a harbinger of abundance and new life.

Last night I went outside into the garden for a few minutes, and a cold going it was. As I shivered in the star spangled darkness and looked up, it seemed to me that this month's full moon bears bore more than a passing resemblance to a great cosmic egg, a perfect expression of this turning of the wheel with its verdant motifs of warmth, light and new life coming into being.

There is blooming in our thoughts, but it is too cold for outdoor celebrations. I will spend a few minutes outside this evening, perhaps light a celebratory candle on the deck, but our festivities are indoors for the most part.  There will be grilled salmon, risotto, a salad of tangy spring greens and a bottle of Chablis on the old oak table this evening. All are welcome.

Happy Ostara, Happy Spring, Happy Equinox! Bright blessings to one and all!

3 comments:

Kiki said...

You know that I often think of you, dear unbekonown poet & friend?! This last offering is once more such a beautiful and tender gift, to be treasured and admired.
It's not only the beginning of spring but also our wedding anniversary.... March 20 the 'civil marriage' and on March 21 we've received the blessings of our church - nineteen years ago. It will always be a special day!!!

Riognach said...

Blessed Ostara! Here's a wish for a real renewal for you this year - everything green, healing and refreshing!

christinalfrutiger said...

Happy Spring to you too!