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Solar Cycles"We are beginning to understand that the universe is not about us, we are not the centerpiece, in either space or time. Nor do we live in isolation from its infinite wonders; rather, we are intimate and integral participants within it."* The orbit of the Earth around the Sun provides the standard reference timeframe for all our lives, the year. Because of the tilt of the Earth, years are divided into seasons. The midpoint of each of these seasons is silently marked by a significant astronomical moment on the Earth's annual journey around the Sun: • The Winter Solstice (around 21 June) The four corner (or cross-quarter) days half way between these points are also significant as they mark the beginning of each season: • The Spring Corner Day (around 7 August) These eight thresholds are shared all over the globe (although the dates must be advanced by six months for the northern hemisphere) and are characterised by noticeable changes in the length and quality of natural daylight, in weather patterns and in the activity of plants, birds and animals within the Earth's ecosystem. Each season of the year is special, with its own sights, sounds and atmosphere. As the wheel of the year cycles round, humans also respond to the seasonal changes and experience different feelings and motivations. Reconnecting with Nature involves becoming conscious of this process and using it to inform one's life. Living in synch with the seasons in this way is to live in harmony with the Earth herself.  The Spring Equinox Around the equinox itself, day and night are of equal length. From then onwards, light outstrips dark and the days are longer than the nights. This is the turning point, the transition from the dark of winter to the new growth of spring. The longer days make plants wake up and their fragrances carry on the humid air. Buds on trees break. The warmer ground brings worms and amphibians to the surface. Birds breed and nest. Green shoots and spring flowers reflect the excitement of this season, the dawn of a bright new world, the resurrection of new life in nature. The spring equinox is, therefore, a time of new beginnings, of fresh dawns, of new ideas and projects, a highly fertile and creative point on the journey. This is a time to be young and playful, to be energetic, to be bold, to try something new, to explore the outdoors, to work in the garden, to be active in caring for the planet we all share. This page will be updated in November. If you live in the northern hemisphere, click HERE. * Antenna/Pomegranate (2004). See the resources page for full details of all sources.
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© David Hand 2005 All rights reserved |
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