The worm moon/days lengthen — As the winter progresses and our days do gradually get longer, the sometimes wan winter light is trying fitfully to penetrate and warm us down here in Waghkonk. It has been a “roller-coaster” of a season, as we’ve gone back and forth from mild to cold (mostly cold), snow to sun numerous times.
As March begins that higher sun-angle will have more of an effect on recent snows, allowing the inexorable growth of grasses and wild chives and more buds will start on shrub and tree. Grubs and worms start appearing soon, hence the archaic name for March, the Worm Moon (although the Indigenous “moon” is different, referring to the 28 days between full moons — unlike our Gregorian calendar); migrating birds and butterflies will have started on their ancient journeys to meet up with flowers, plants and shrubs far, far to the north (here) that are only now slowly waking dormant branches, roots and seeds to burst forth in welcome — invariably, just as the little ones arrive.
Religious and spiritual meanings of the vernal equinox
Historically, people all over the world watched for and celebrated all of the major lunar and solar events, most prominent, of course, being the equinoxes and solstices.
The Vernal Equinox signifies new beginnings and nature’s renewal. It is a time of balance in the natural world around us, which can help us to find balance within ourselves. Many sacred sites reflect the importance of this time. Most notable might be the Return of the Sun Serpent when one corner of El Castillo, the main pyramid at Chichen Itza appears to come alive on the equinox, as a Serpent writhing down one corner, from Sky to Earth. In spring-time that is not only symbolic, but very real. This time held great spiritual importance to Celtic peoples, serving as a bridge between this world and the Otherworld. They not only knew that it signified that planting time was not far away, but celebrated it as a time of personal spiritual renewal as well — time to plant the seeds of a new self. It is a time of balance, to prepare the soil for new growth, a new season. Even the age-old urge to clean the home after a long winter is similarly reflected in the urge for us all to “clean” our inner home, to try to discard old bad, unproductive, habits and to start new — maybe healthier — habits, instilling in ourselves new ways to help us heal ourselves. Not only is it a major turning point in the year for indigenous, traditional peoples, but it signifies the approach of some of the holiest times of different cultures and religions.
Passover begins with the Pink — or Pesach — Moon of April. Easter, the modern Christian spring holiday of resurrection (inspired by the ancient Celtic holy day of Eostre, which celebrated the Return of Life), occurs on the first Sunday of what’s called the Paschal Moon. It is a special time — no matter how we celebrate it.
Recommendations for a fitful march to spring
Please remember, all, March is very fickle. Yes, there will be hints of the season ahead, but this month is a tricky one — “two steps forward, one step back” — very changeable and anything is possible — winterspring, indeed. While I love to know spring is near, I have to remember that winter is still here.
For the same reason that this is the beginning of the prime maple-sugaring season — milder days, cold nights — drawing the sap back and forth from tree to ground, the constant thaw/freeze cycle makes for treacherous walking as the ground will thaw and refreeze constantly. So keep traction devices handy (I recommend Yaktrax for general purposes and Hillsounds or Kahtoolas for serious trails) and mud-boots near (sometimes you will need both). Trekking poles can help, as well. Always walk down the middle of the trail — please stay on the trail — do not skirt it — possibly destroying soon-to-emerge delicate plants and making the trail keepers job harder.
Flashlights/headlamps — even though the sun is setting later, it is all too easy to get benighted. Hats, gloves, boots — it is still winter. Sunscreen could be important, with bright sun reflecting off snow. Dress in layers and carry a small pack to put them in. Just like fall, the temps can rapidly change, up and down, warm and cold. Also, please leave wildlife be — do not ever let Fido chase any wild creature and don’t try to get too close to any hawks, owls or eagles. Doing so may cause that animal to flee and to use up its last little bit of fat reserve and therefore not survive the cold (and eagles may be on eggs already and deserve total privacy). Absolutely do not let dogs jump up on people. This is bad form on a good day, but outright dangerous when footing is so treacherous.
Have a safe and warm late winter and very early spring. Please be considerate and kind. “Ranger” Dave Holden | 845-594-4863 | woodstocktrails@gmail.com / Dave Holden on Facebook / rangerdaveholden on Instagram / www.woodstocknytrails.com (for the full-length version of this, please visit my Blog at the above website)
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