The Vernal Equinox is here not that you'd notice it is the first day of spring here at Talking Trees Books 'headquarters'. We have been dug out yet again (fourth time this year) of a 'daffodil' or 'onion' snowfall (so named because its the time of year to have planted onion sets). Its been magickal having our own wonderland - although it has felt a bit like Narnia though in that its always winter and never summer.
At this time of the year the Saxon goddess Eostre had her festival and her influence appears to have stayed with us as her name and festivities became a part of Easter. The Hare was associated with her as was garlands and visiting holy wells and springs.
'All things that love the sun are out doors,
The sky rejoices at the mornings birth,
The grass is bright and rain- drops on the moors,
The hare is running races in her mirth.
And with her feet she from the plashy earth,
Raises a mist, that, glittering in the sun,
Runs with her all the way wherever she doth run'
extract from
Resolution and Independence
According to Celtic Tree Lore now is the time of The Alder which gives us three colour dyes - red from the bark, green from the flowers and brown from the twigs. It grows near water and has a waxy waterproofing that makes it the chosen wood for bridges and other structures near or in water. (Much of Venice was supported by Alder wood)It is known for its protective qualities and Oracular power.
The Alder is associated with Bran Fendigaid (the Blessed) and was the son of the Celtic Sea God, Llyr, and, maternally, the grandson of Belenos, the Sun God. His name means Raven, which was his symbol. One of the stories about him tells of Bran using his body to form a bridge. It is said his head is buried beneath the White Tower in the Tower of London and that the Ravens protect him and Britain. They must never leave the site of the tower otherwise a great tragedy will occur to all of the British Isles. The current ravens that reside there have their wings clipped to ensure they stay and we are kept safe.
The Vernal equinox is the only day where the sun rises true east and sets true west. It is an important astronomical event as it determines when Easter will be celebrated. The Sunday after the full moon that follows the equinox. It is a time to begin planting literally in the garden but also spiritually and in your life. We bid the darkness farewell and welcome the light. Spring time is here, the earth is quickening and there is an energy within mother nature. traditionally faeries awaken at this time of the year so be prepared for some mischief. (or avoid it by putting out offerings by faery mounds and rings) So celebrate the day, be energised and visit mother nature by taking a stroll and looking at the first signs of spring time.
