Spring Gratitude

 

With the  passing of March 20, the Northern Hemisphere melts, quite literally, into the spring season. From what once was frozen and dead, "springs" forth with life. Waters that were frozen run full tilt to the sea. Fields that were black with death, resurrect in shades of green. Skeletal trees and bushes suddenly burgeon with green buds. 

The spring observances, rites, and rituals around the world all celebrate this return from the brink of darkness and death to new life. The Vernal Equinox, or First Day of Spring, was for our ancient ancestors a time when the gods and goddesses of fertility and rebirth brought the world back to life. 

Many know of Eostre or Ostara, the goddess of spring and of Brigid, Celtic goddess of Fire, Hearth and Home, but few know, unless you happen to come from these parts of the world, of the Slavic god, Jarylo  or Eiar, the goddess of spring from the four seasons' horae of ancient Greece. 

Regardless, even those who have no connection to religion or spirituality can't help but notice the wondrous changes of this season. The days lengthen, the sunshine warms the earth, greens suddenly, it seems, appear where there had only been mud. Then, by May everything in nature is in bloom with colors and scents that overwhelm the senses. 

Here is a challenge for young and old. No matter if you are about to celebrate Holi or Easter, you have just joined with your family for Passover, Nooruz, Naw-Ruz or Magha Puja Day, or you have no celebrations for this time of year, go outside and open up your senses. Feel the warmth of the sun or the wetness of the spring's life-giving rain, smell the earth warming and waking, hear the birds rejoicing in song, see the myriad shades of green, and even taste the foods of spring - eggs, radish, asparagus, strawberries, mint or peas. 

Finally, take a moment to be grateful, for there is much to be grateful for this year. The world is slowly waking to a new reality born of a horrific pandemic. Our spring involves being vaccinated, staying masked in public, observing physical distance, and nurturing the verdant buds of hope that soon, if we are careful, we will rise stronger and wiser from the muck and mire of COVID.

May we all find reasons to invite spring into our hearts and minds. May the coming days rejuvenate us after the long, cold winter. And, may the sprouts of prosperity, gratitude and generosity bloom fully within us.

Blessings!