EQUINOX DAWNS.

Winters silent rest has nourished the earth and renewed its creative power, and, although it seems somewhat reluctant to release the Spring from its dominance this year, new life is stirring.
While the snowdrops and daffodils are already bravely shining out through the cold, the primroses are peeking with rather more caution for fear of another blizzard, and the bluebells are sensibly still tucked up in their winter beds!
But the wheel of the year is turning and the light is beginning to defeat the darkness.
The equinox is here. Spring has begun.
Nature is poised on the brink ready to erupt into abundant new life and renewal.

The word equinox is taken from the Latin for 'aequus' meaning equal and 'nox' meaning night, signifying the equal hours of day and night as the earth cycles around the sun.
This has traditionally been a time of feasting and festivals.
Before Christianity the Anglo Saxons had a mythological Spring goddess of fertility and rebirth known as Ostara or Eostra.
It is believed that the word Easter with its Christian celebration of the rebirth of Jesus, and the word oestrogen, essential to a woman's fertility, are both are derived from the name of the goddess Ostara.
The nocturnal 'mad March' hare was revered as sacred to Ostara, and is also a symbol for the moon, immortality, fertility and abundance.

Another lap of life and renewal has begun.The confrontation between the forces of darkness and light is well underway. Eventually the light will win, and the sun will return to warm the earth with its magical rays.
The apple blossoms will burst from their teasing buds frilled with pink blush.
The willows will show off their catkins in all their dread-locked glory.
Spring green leaves will gently unfurl.
Sleepy hedgehogs will snuffle from the undergrowth, and fat languid bumblebees will busy around again in pursuit of pollen.
Everyday will now bring noticeable changes as the eternal battle of nature rages.

And finally, March 20th is also the first annual International Day of Happiness as organised by the United Nations.
So turn that frown upside down and smile, my lovelies, and do more of whatever it is that makes you happy. After all its free, it may actually be contagious and Summer is now finally on its way!!