The Spring Equinox, celebrated by many Pagan traditions as Ostara, occurs on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:46 a.m. Eastern Time. This moment marks the astronomical beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
The word equinox comes from the Latin aequinoctium, meaning “equality between day and night,” reflecting the near balance of daylight and darkness experienced across the globe. The term entered Middle English as equinoxium. In the Northern Hemisphere, this event is also known as the vernal equinox, derived from the Latin vernalis, meaning “of spring.”
For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the equinox signals the gradual lengthening of days and the return of warmer weather. Meanwhile, communities in Argentina, Australia, South Africa, and across the Southern Hemisphere begin their transition into autumn, with shorter days and cooling temperatures.
The March full moon, which happened early on March 3, 2026, often referred to as the “Worm Moon,” is traditionally associated with the thawing of the ground and the reappearance of earthworms. Other names include the Crow Moon, marking the return of cawing crows, and the Sap Moon, signaling the flow of sap in trees. Of course, that didn’t happen, as winter has been lingering in the Northern Hemisphere the past few weeks.
The next full moon will arrive on April 2 at 10:12 PM. It is often referred to as the Pink Moon, a name that comes from the seasonal blooming of wild ground phlox, an early spring flower native to eastern North America. Sadly, the moon itself will not appear pink. The title reflects the renewal and flowering associated with the season. In some traditions, it will be called the Paschal Moon, with the Christian celebration of Easter occurring this year on the following Sunday.
This lunar cycle also coincides with several cultural and religious observances. The Hindu festival of colors, Holi, was celebrated in mid-March 2026, marking the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Rooted in the story of Prahlada and the protection of Vishnu, Holi is observed with bonfires and the joyful throwing of colored powders.
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, occurs precisely at the moment of the equinox. Celebrated for over 3,000 years and observed in the Bahá’í faith, the name means “new day” and marks renewal, rebirth, and the start of a new year in the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar.
Other seasonal observances include Higan in Japan, a Buddhist period of reflection centered on the equinox. It is a week-long Buddhist observance dedicated to honoring ancestors, visiting graves, and reflecting on the balance between this world and the “other shore” (the meaning of higan).
Among Pagans, Witches, Heathens, and other polytheists, the spring equinox is celebrated under various names, including Ostara, Alban Eiler, and other regional or tradition-specific observances. Across these diverse practices, the focus remains on balance, renewal, fertility, and the reawakening of the land.
In the Southern Hemisphere, many observe Mabon, the autumn equinox festival and second harvest celebration. It is a time for gratitude, balance, and preparation for the darker half of the year. Rituals often center on giving thanks for abundance, reflecting on the past season, and setting intentions for the months ahead.
Across traditions and hemispheres, the equinox remains a powerful moment of balance, when light and darkness stand in brief equilibrium, reminding us of the cycles that shape both the natural world and human experience.
Some thoughts on spring
Walt Whitman, When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d
I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And ’tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure:—
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature’s holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man?
Cuban poet, essayist, journalist, translator, and revolutionary philosopher José Martí, Con la primavera:
Con la primavera
Viene la canción,
La tristeza dulce
Y el galante amor.Con la primavera
Viene una ansiedad
De pájaro preso
Que quiere volar.No hay cetro más noble
Que el de padecer:
Sólo un rey existe:
El muerto es el rey.– Con la primavera, José Martí
In English, (via All Poetry)
with the spring
the song comes,
the sweet sadness
And the gallant love.with the spring
an anxiety comes
of a prisoner bird
who wants to flyThere is no nobler scepter
Than to suffer:
Only one king exists:
The dead man is the king.
and some more…
Cornell University Backed Down after a Student Pushed Back that her Ōlelo Hawaiʻi Meets Language Requirements
via the Center for Native American Youth/ Champions for Change
WASHINGTON—“Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself,” said Kayla Toves who was honored as 2026 Champion for Change at the Center for Native American Youth. “As soon as you realize that being Indigenous is almost like a superpower, it’s a different lens, a different way to see the world and good opportunities start coming to you.”
In a report by Native News Online, Toves successfully challenged an institutional decision that initially denied her the ability to use ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) to fulfill her graduation language requirement. The case highlights ongoing tensions between Indigenous language revitalization efforts and the policies of major academic institutions.
Toves had dedicated years to studying and preserving ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, but was informed that her coursework did not meet the university’s foreign language requirement. Cornell’s initial position reflected a broader pattern in higher education, where Indigenous languages are sometimes not recognized on equal footing with more commonly taught languages such as Spanish, French, or Mandarin.
Refusing to accept the decision, she advocated for the legitimacy of her studies, emphasizing both the linguistic rigor of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and its cultural significance. Her challenge drew attention to questions of equity, inclusion, and the role universities play in supporting Indigenous knowledge systems.
Following her appeal, Cornell ultimately reversed its decision and accepted ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi as meeting the requirement. The outcome represents a meaningful victory not only for the student but also for broader efforts to recognize and validate Indigenous languages within academic frameworks.
The case underscores a growing movement across educational institutions to reconsider policies that may inadvertently marginalize Indigenous traditions. It also reflects the persistence of students and advocates working to ensure that cultural and linguistic heritage is respected, preserved, and treated as academically legitimate.
The full story and interview are available at Native News Online.
Congratulations, Kyla and the 2026 Champions for Change!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
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Elevations
The Southern Delta Church of Wicca – ATC announced that 6 church members had successfully completed their Seeker curriculum and received their Cord ceremony. They now begin their Studentship classes. Congratulations, Rachael, Ben, Cole, Lenora, Rachael, and Ron!
via SDCW
Crossings of the Veil
Ariana Lightningstorm
Ariana Lightningstorm
The band KIVA has announced the passing of their founder and lead singer, Ariana Lightningstorm, sharing, “It is with great sadness and a heart full of love that we share with you the news of Ariana’s passing early this morning.”
Ariana had been diagnosed with liver cancer, and while many had hoped for recovery, the illness progressed rapidly and was not curable. In recent days, she had been in a hospital in Maryland receiving palliative care.
Ariana gave so much to the community through her music, her presence, and her spirit. Her work with KIVA brought love, connection, and inspiration to many, and her voice will continue to resonate with those she touched.
A Celebration of Life will be planned and announced as details become available.
Hail the Traveler!
What is remembered lives.
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Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Robin Wood Tarot, by Robin Wood, published by Llewellyn Publications.
Card: Ten (10) of Cups
This week may offer some welcome respite from the stress and woes of the past few weeks. Sharing a bit of joy, peace, and love within familial bonds and groups is likely to figure prominently. Even in situations that have been contentious—especially those involving family—the potential exists for harmony, though it may only be temporary. There is also likely to be a tad more abundance, as well as opportunities for accessing those components involved in achieving a healthy level of contentment.
Conversely, disappointment and sadness are particularly when the expectations of the actions and behavior of others are set too high. Realistic expectations are one way to avoid this. Feeling disrespected, ignored, or taken advantage of could lead to self-isolation and amplify those feelings. Dissatisfaction within relationships has the probability of creating an insurmountable gulf of disharmony if common ground cannot be found with new terms negotiated.
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And Some Songs to Celebrate Spring….
And, of course, we remember Ariana…
Equinox Blessings wherever this message finds you!
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