The Spring Equinox, also known as Ostara or Eostre, is a significant event that marks the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This pagan holiday has been celebrated for centuries and is associated with fertility, rebirth, and new beginnings. In 2023, the Spring Equinox will occur on March 20th. During this time, daylight and darkness are approximately equal in length, symbolizing the balance and harmony found in nature. Pagans and Wiccans celebrate this occasion by honoring the goddess Eostre, from whom the holiday derives its name. Eostre is often associated with the fertility of the land and the returning abundance of spring.
It seems that while humanity now boasts modern calendars to keep track of our seasons in the sun, where our planet spins in relation to that big, bright star in the sky remains a method worth recalling.
And don t let the name fool you just because those above the equator call it the spring equinox, that doesn t mean it jibes with the meteorological start of the season. Even without the spring aspect, it s a peculiar hilltop fort dating back to 1700 BC and was built by invaders of Ireland who built an array of these forts on top of strategic hills.
Eostre is often associated with the fertility of the land and the returning abundance of spring. One common tradition during the Spring Equinox is the decorating of eggs, which represents new life and fertility. These beautifully decorated eggs can be found in various colors and patterns, symbolizing the vibrant colors of spring.
What Exactly Is the Spring Equinox 2023?
It happens every March 20 or 21, signaling the return of sunshine, warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and birds, bees, and butterflies in the Northern Hemisphere. Or, for those Down Under, it heralds autumn’s arrival. But what exactly is the spring equinox?
Is it an astronomical event? A holiday once marked by the ancients? Actually, it's both. And don't let the name fool you—just because those above the equator call it the spring equinox, that doesn’t mean it jibes with the meteorological start of the season. The latter is not based on celestial occurrences, but instead the annual temperature cycle and the 12-month calendar. This year, it fell on March 1.
SiberianArt // Getty ImagesBecause our planet is tilted on an axis, as it orbits the sun the hemispheres essentially swap periods when they receive solar light and heat most directly. The spring equinox, which takes place this year on March 20 at 5:24 P.M. EDT, marks the point in time when the sun sits directly over the Earth’s equator as it heads northward. Both hemispheres share the sun’s rays equally at the equinox, and night and day are roughly the same length. In fact, the term equinox evolved from aequus, the Latin word meaning equal, and nox, the word for night.
Along with the September equinox, known to those in the Northern Hemisphere as the autumnal equinox, the solstices also designate the start of new seasons. Occurring around the 21st in June and December, they mark the longest and shortest days of the year based on sunlight, and are reversed above and below the equator, like the equinoxes. Early civilizations found the spring equinox and these other heavenly happenings a reliable way to keep track of the seasons, and many of today’s cultures continue to pay tribute to them just as their ancestors did.
Chris Clor // Getty ImagesAt the famed British site Stonehenge, as many as 1,000 druids and pagans still gather annually on the spring equinox to watch dawn break over the prehistoric monument. At Mexico’s El Castillo, among the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, even more assemble on the same date to see the sun make shadows that look like a snake slithering down the pyramid steps. And the Persian New Year, known as Nowruz, is still observed by millions on the spring equinox.
It seems that while humanity now boasts modern calendars to keep track of our seasons in the sun, where our planet spins in relation to that big, bright star in the sky remains a method worth recalling.
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.
We guess a lot of alcohol was consumed on these days.
Additionally, many people engage in planting seeds or participating in nature walks to connect with the earth's renewal. The Spring Equinox is also a time for pagans to reflect on balance in their own lives. It is a time to let go of the darkness of winter and embrace the light and warmth of spring. Many pagans use this time to set intentions and goals for the coming months, focusing on personal growth, creativity, and gratitude. In 2023, pagans worldwide will come together to celebrate the Spring Equinox and honor the cycles of nature. Whether through ritual and ceremony or simply spending time in nature, this pagan holiday provides an opportunity for connection, renewal, and celebration..
Reviews for "The Importance of Balance: Pagan Perspectives on the Spring Equinox in 2023"
- Karen - 2/5 stars - I attended the Spring Equinox Pagan 2023 event with high hopes, but unfortunately, I left feeling disappointed. While the premise of the event sounded intriguing, the execution fell flat. The organization and communication were lacking, causing confusion and frustration among attendees. Additionally, the activities and workshops lacked depth and substance, leaving me feeling underwhelmed. Overall, I believe there is room for improvement, as the potential for a great event was there, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations.
- John - 3/5 stars - As someone who has attended previous Pagan events, I was excited to experience the Spring Equinox Pagan 2023 gathering. However, I found the event to be average at best. The workshops and presentations lacked originality and seemed to cover topics that had already been extensively discussed in previous events. The energy and enthusiasm from the organizers and participants were also not as vibrant as I had hoped. While I appreciate the effort put into organizing the event, I believe it fell short in terms of delivering a memorable and immersive Pagan experience.
- Sarah - 2/5 stars - Spring Equinox Pagan 2023 was not what I had expected or hoped for. The event lacked a sense of authenticity and genuine connection to pagan traditions. The workshops felt rushed and lacked depth, making it difficult to truly engage and learn. Additionally, the event space was overcrowded, which made it challenging to fully immerse oneself in the experience. Overall, I left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with the event. I hope that future pagan gatherings will pay more attention to the quality of workshops and provide a more authentic and connected experience.