Spring Equinox.

March 20 marks the Spring Equinox of 2011. If that even makes sense. Does it "mark" it? Or it just happens? What is it?

Obviously, don't be fooled into thinking that I know anything about Equionoxs - though I am just savvy enough to realize that today is the first day of spring.

According to my very brief internet searching, spring equinox has to do with the position of the sun to the equator. While this scientific explaination seems rather boring to me and insignificant, the spiritual side is much more intersting. I haven't really looked into what other cultures think about the first day of spring, but I know for myself, when I stepped outside this morning, there was something special in the air.

For me, there is no denying the resonance of life in all it's forms on this beautiful March day.

I would also like to say Happy New Year! to everyone celebrating the Persian new year, or "No Rouz" today! I dare not pretend that I know much about the traditional or modern or cultural significance of "No Rouz", but don't take this to mean that I don't deeply repect and honour it! Because I do, especially as I have a Persian husband and in-laws.

Hmm. Now that I think about it, though it might not be connected in any way, it seems to make perfect sense that Persians would have the begining of spring mark their new year. A couple of years ago I went to the big museum in Toronto and they had a pretty impressive exhibit of ancient Persian culture. One of the things that stood out for me most was that so much of the artwork, from carpets to poetry, reflected a love of gardens. One specific piece of information has stuck in my head and you'll have to humour me because I'm just going by memory but it was that, admiring the beauty of gardens was a very spirtual experience because in essence you were admiring God.

While I'm not a religious person, I feel that I am quite spiritual and that idea made perfect sense to me. Maybe that's why I like working in the garden so much. If there is a God, he certainly knows I'm not doing him any favours by mucking around in the dirt and trying to make things grow. But for my own well-being, there is something that works about being connected to the earth.

I hope that everyone enjoys the day and I appreciate the chance to share my thoughts!