Ostara

• Ostara
• Vernal Equinox
• First Day of Spring

7:70 PM (EST) 20 March 2007

Astronomically:

Today, Day and Night are equal – sort of. (Because the Sun becomes visible before it is actually above the horizon, this day is not an equilux.  Darn refraction of the atmosphere!)

The Earth’s equatorial plane and the plane of the ecliptic (the plane of our orbit around the sun) are aligned. (The Earth is upright!) Today the sun rises exactly in the East and sets in the West. From now until the Solstice, the equatorial plane tilts further and further South, causing the Sun to appear to head North – it will seem to rise in the ENE instead of the East. The Northern Hemisphere gets warmer as we receive an increasing % of the Sun’s thermal energy.

Wicca/Neopagan:

Well, it’s Spring, right?  Today, the young God and the Goddess in her Maiden aspect make like horny teenagers in the woods.  This may sound like a crass description, but sexuality is viewed with a frankness and joy that makes such a reference appropriate.  Besides, where do you think the eggs and bunnies come from?

Equinoxes are points of equilibrium; they are tipping points. Both chemistry and thermodynamics teach us that equilibrium does not mean a system is at rest, no does it mean an inactive state. Equilibrium is the state in which all possible processes are occurring at once in equal measure. The net effect is that no change occurs, while much churning happens within the system. It’s because of this that many people feel uneasy or out of sorts during an equinox. All paths are equally possible now, with a certain predisposition toward increase or growth.  In all ways, this is a wonderful time for new beginnings.  Plant seeds and seedlings.  Start a new business venture, execute plans you’ve made over the winter.