MIAMI – March 20, 2025, marks a significant day for many cultures globally as it heralds the arrival of the vernal equinox, marking the astronomical start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This event occurs at 5:01 AM Eastern Time, bringing approximately equal hours of day and night, a phenomenon which the Latin term "aequinoctium" captures, signifying "equality between day and night." As the Northern Hemisphere anticipates warmer weather, countries in the Southern Hemisphere will experience a transition to autumn, as seasons inversely unfold across hemispheres.
The recent astronomical highlight was the total lunar eclipse that occurred last week on March 13, 2025. The rare event allowed observers to witness the moon obscured by Earth’s shadow, becoming a stunning "blood moon" for a spectacular 65 minutes. Alongside this, another cultural celebration coincides with the lunar cycle—Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, which commenced on the same day as the eclipse, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
The festivities for Holi involve vibrant displays of powdered colors and the lighting of bonfires, celebrating the resilience of good through the myth of Prince Prahlada who was saved from a fiery demise due to his unwavering faith. The beautiful ritual embodies the essence of spring's renewal.
Additionally, the March equinox is also significant for numerous traditional celebrations worldwide. The Persian New Year, Nowruz, which translates to "new day", is honored at this time, aligning with various springtime festivals such as Higan in Japan, Easter in Christian tradition, and Passover in Jewish faith, which begins on April 12, 2025.
For Pagans, Witches, and polytheists in various traditions, the equinox under different names—Ostara, Alban Eiler, or simply the arrival of spring—marks a period of growth and renewal, with a focus on rituals to celebrate the warmth and verdancy of the earth.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the season’s transition introduces Mabon, where practitioners give thanks for the harvest while reflecting on the year's lessons and preparing for the winter months ahead.
Upcoming events include Paganicon, hosted by Twin Cities Pagan Pride, taking place from March 21-23 at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West. This year’s event promises lively entertainment such as the Crossroads Convergence folk-rock band and The Nathaniel Johnstone Band with their unique Mythpunk sound expected at the Equinox Masquerade Costume Ball. The conference features artists presenting diverse visual media in The Third Offering: A Sacred Gallery Space.
Another important upcoming event is the Spirit Northwest, a new Pagan conference happening in Portland, Oregon from May 1-4, aimed at enriching community engagement with focused workshops on Paganism and natural magick. The event hosts renowned figures like Amy Blackthorn, J. Allen Cross, and Maria Minnis who will share their knowledge and practices.
In addition, a new online class series titled "World Soul" led by author Catherine Carr started on March 8, delving into Pagan theology and activism, aiming to empower students to create personal action plans resisting authoritarianism while fostering local resilience.
The spring season also brings reflections found in the poetry of Walt Whitman, who articulates the complex yet beautiful relationship between nature and the human spirit in his works. Echoing the sentiments of renewal, the warmth of spring fosters inspiration across the globe.
In celebration of the coming season, the Kithaka Dun festival at Shelby Forest is set for May Day, welcoming participants with a rich agenda comprising communal activities aimed at strengthening local bonds.
As the equinox approaches, many eagerly await Easter, which falls on April 20, 2025, making it one of the latest in the calendar. The date of Easter, known as a movable feast, is determined by calculating the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. This year, Easter is in close proximity to Passover, which commences the evening prior, April 12, and lasts until April 20, intertwining two major religious observances.
As such, this pivotal time of the year not only holds significance in the natural world but is ingrained deeply within diverse cultural and religious practices. The beauty of the equinox serves to bridge traditions while highlighting themes of rebirth and renewal observed universally.
