She uncoils and begins to twist

Earlier this week was the vernal equinox.  The equinox is the time of year when the date is of equal day and night.  There are two equinoxes per year. The date of the spring equinox varies from year to year, falling between March 20-22 each year. For those of us located here in the higher latitudes, this date typically occurs before the March equinox and daytime will continue to be longer than nighttime until the September equinox.  This year's date fell on March 20th.

The vernal equinox is also known as the spring equinox.  Ostara is another name for this date.  In Wiccan faith, Ostara is observed.  This is a joyous celebration and is the marking of longer days and shorter nights.  Life awakens from hibernation.  Life begins to spring forth from the thawing earth and young animals begin to emerge.  The egg is a typical symbol used during Ostara celebrations.  Decorating eggs is an ancient custom in many traditions and predates the Christian Easter egg.  The Ostara egg represents fertility, bringing the new, and can be made into magical talismans to hang or place in one's home to bring whatever the resident(s) hope to cultivate in their lives in the coming months.  The rabbit is another symbol of  Ostara,  being a very fertile and very active reproducing creature.  In many Irish homes,  snakes are often brought into Ostara decorations, too.  St. Patrick's Day (also sometimes referred to as "All Snakes Day") lands a few days before the equinox.  The legend of St. Patrick, in short form is, he drove all snakes out of Ireland.  In this legend, the snakes are a metaphor for the conversion of the Pagan Irish to the Roman-Catholic church.  Celebrating Ostara and All Snakes Day, in our home, is the celebration of our Pagan Irish heritage as the earth begins to uncoil, much like a hibernating snake, from the frozen earth and begins to emerge at  spring equinox.

and turn and slither about.

This week has been an unseasonalble warm one.  Although it is officially spring, early spring here in Wisconsin is typically still very cold and snowy, but spring is in full bloom.  We have had temperatures here in the Lake Michigan area in the high 70s to low 80s for much of the week.  Many species of birds are pairing up and finding places to nest.

Spring's clean up crew came onto the scene this morning while on a hike.  A group of five crows were spotted in an area of field, pecking away at an animal carcass unthawing from winter.  Two turkey vultures were soon spotted, too.  Sandhill cranes were especially active this week.  I usually hear them before I see them, which was the case this week.  Three seperate pairs were seen.

Our rivers, ponds, and lakes in the area are completely thawed.  The earth's blood is flowing free again.  There is a sense of urgency in the rushing waters this year.  Last year's spring was a very cold and rainy season.  Perhaps this year's spring is catching up and not willing to wait a moment to get things growing.

I also saw a red squirrel, many geese, two pairs of wood ducks, and watched two kayakers flow past on the river while hiking along the Milwaukee River.  Peepers were heard on All Snakes Day.  Three were seen hopping into the stream I have pictured above.  Boxelder bugs are out.  As are many fly species.  Soon my husband will start up fly fishing again.

With such nice days, try to spend some time in the outdoors.  You never know what you might see.