Spring Eqinox Meditation

On March 20, 2007, at precisely 8:07 P.M. EDT (March 21, 00:07 Universal Time), the Sun will cross directly over the Earth's equator. This moment is known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. For the Southern Hemisphere, this is the moment of the autumnal equinox.Equinox Means Equal NightTranslated literally, equinox means "equal night." Because the sun is positioned above the equator, day and night are about equal in length all over the world during the equinoxes. A second equinox occurs each year on September 22 or 23; in 2007, it will be on September 23 at 5:51 A.M. EDT (09:51 UT). This date will mark the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Southern (vernal denotes "spring").Reasons for the SeasonsThese brief but monumental moments owe their significance to the 23.4 degree tilt of the Earth's axis. Because of the tilt, we receive the Sun's rays most directly in the summer. In the winter, when we are tilted away from the Sun, the rays pass through the atmosphere at a greater slant, bringing lower temperatures. If the Earth rotated on an axis perpendicular to the plane of the Earth's orbit around the Sun, there would be no variation in day lengths or temperatures throughout the year, and we would not have seasons.Traditions and CeremoniesPeople have recognized the vernal equinox for thousands of years with ceremonies and traditions surrounding the coming of spring. Many early peoples celebrated for the basic reason that their food supplies would soon be restored. The date is significant in Christianity because Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Egyptians built the Great Sphinx so that it points directly toward the rising Sun on the day of the vernal equinox.The first day of spring also marks the beginning of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The celebration lasts 13 days and is rooted in the 3,000-year-old tradition of Zorastrianism.SPRING OR VERNAL EQUINOX TODAYSpring is a time of resurrection and new life just as you see the plants blooming with new buds this is our time to rise anew. The seeds that we planted in the fall of last year are now springing forth with beautiful life.Take some time to feel the new life inside of you and the anticipation and excitement that comes with that. This is what you will bring forth into your 'new life'. Honoring this new creation that is springing forth we spend a few minutes in celebration and thanksgiving in the following ways.STANDING MEDITATION HONORING ALL LIFE (CREATION)In the morning go outside and greet the rising sun. Here are some powerful steps that will recharge your batteries and can be done everyday. (You can do this exercise just about anytime and anywhere through visualization).Standing outside feel your feet planted firmly in Mother Earth's center core. At the same time, see yourself with you head among the starts and connected to all things in the universe.Next, raise your hands above your head and visualize the sun's energy dropping to your open hands. Feel the beautiful energies that come from the Great Central Sun directly to you and into your opened hands. Feel this in your heart with great gratitude. Now, bring your hands down to your solar plexus (3rd chakra) and place your palms against your solar plexus visualizing the sun's energy move from your hands and into you.Feel and visualize the Sun's Energy moving up to your heart - stop to feel the energy.Visualize the Sun's Energy moving up to your throat - stop to feel the energy.Visualize the Sun's Energy moving up to your third eye (6th chakra) - stop to feel the energy. Visualize the Sun's Energy moving up to the top of your head, your crown chakra - stop to feel the energy.Last, visualize the sun's energy moving out the top of your head and into the universe connecting you with all things - stop to feel the energy. Take a moment to receive and feel the return of the energies that you have just sent out. These are the answering energies from the universe back to you.With a thankful heart go about your day.