8 Earth Holidays: Happy Vernal Equinox

We 3 C's try to stay connected to the 8 Earth Holidays. For some, these Holidays are termed the "turning of the Wheel". So what's that about?

Many Indigenous Peoples believe there is an intimate bond between Humans and the Earth. Both Earth and Humans have a consciousness. Thoughts of Humans can support the continued smooth flowing of the Earth in Her support of Life. Or, when not in sync, Humans' thoughts and actions can disrupt that Life Support of the Earth. As a result, many Peoples Indigenous to this Earth mark special days of the seasonal transitions through Feast, Story Telling, Song, Prayer and Celebration.

The 8 Earth Holidays are generally listed on or about the following:

• March 20
• May 1
• June 21
• August 2
• September 23
• October 31
• December 21
• February 2

Please note that the Holidays come by many names across many traditions. I find that amazing that so many Peoples of the Earth, in our Differences, would celebrate similar Seasonal shifts of our Shared Home. Interestingly, even though many more self described "modern cultures" do not follow Earth Holidays, those Holidays are often embedded in their practice and may be called by other names. Perhaps even more importantly, typically Humans will note significant changes during that time as well, through their observations of Nature, change in Seasons, and changes in how they feel.

Tomorrow is the Vernal Equinox, which is often described in the West as the "beginning of Spring". For us, the migratory Birds are returning. We saw Pelicans today. I saw Vultures flying in migration today (our former Neighbor here told us that meant Spring was here). Bluebirds are checking out Nest Boxes. Male Cardinals are taking up positions on territory. Nature is full of Spring Sound.The Sun now sets almost due West, although it is a little hard for us to tell because our house doesn't quite sit square with the directions. We are beginning to plant Garden. We planted Peas recently on a "Fruit Day". Potatoes and Onion Sets are patiently waiting on the back porch. Assuming all goes well, we will plant them on Monday, which is a Root Day. We are supposed to get Rain.

We are having a gathering here at the Farm tomorrow as a marker and special celebration of this Day. It is exciting to think that the Cycles of the Earth which support Life are continuing. We are deeply grateful. While such markers of Earth Holidays are relatively new to us, we stand in a place where we wish to be a part of that Prayer for Creation to continue in the way that the Creator intended.

Happy Vernal Equinox!