Spring Equinox: A Sacred Pause Between Darkness and Light

Spring Equinox

As the wheel of the year turns once more, we arrive at the threshold of balance—the Spring Equinox, known in the Celtic tradition as Alban Eilir, the “Light of the Earth.” This sacred moment marks the point when day and night stand as equals, a pause between the darkness of winter and the growing light of summer. In Ireland, the ancient stones whisper their alignment with the sun at sites like Loughcrew, where the first rays of dawn illuminate the passage tombs, revealing carvings left by our ancestors to honor this celestial event.

But beyond the outer world, the Equinox invites us to turn inward. It is a time to reflect, reset, and realign—a zero point where we can release the heaviness of winter and step forward with clarity into the new cycle ahead.

Before the Equinox: Retrospect & Reflection

Winter is a time of deep rest and inner work. It asks us to slow down, to listen, and to sit with what is unresolved within us. Before the Equinox, we are still in the waning days of winter’s influence, making this a potent time for reflection. Consider asking yourself:

• What have I learned from the past season?

• What patterns or beliefs have I outgrown?

• What needs to be completed or released before I step forward?

The days leading up to the Equinox can feel like a threshold—one foot in winter, one in spring. Honor this space by taking time to journal, meditate, or simply be present with yourself.

The Equinox Reset: The Zero Point of Balance

At the moment of Equinox, we experience a cosmic stillness—a pause where light and dark are held in perfect equilibrium. This is a rare and powerful opportunity to reset, much like pressing the ‘restart’ button on your inner world.

In energy work, this is known as the “zero point,” a place of neutrality where old energies can dissolve, and new possibilities emerge.

At this moment, we can:

• Rest & Restore:

Just as nature pauses before a new cycle of growth, so too can we allow ourselves a moment of stillness before rushing ahead.

• Find Our Inner Balance:

Through breathwork, meditation, or simply grounding in nature, we can harmonize our energies and embrace both the shadow and the light within.

• Set Clear Intentions:

What do you wish to grow in this new season? What seeds of possibility are ready to take root?

After the Equinox: Choosing Your Path Forward

With the balance of the Equinox behind us, the scales tip toward the light—the days grow longer, and energy begins to rise. Now is the time to move forward with conscious intention. In the days and weeks after the Equinox, consider:

• What path is calling to me at this time?

• How can I align my daily rhythms with the cycles of nature?

• What practices or commitments will help me stay in balance?

This is the season of emergence, of renewal, of stepping into the light of our own becoming. Just as the earth awakens, so too do we. Whether through ritual, ceremony, or simply mindful action, we are invited to walk forward with clarity and purpose.

Honoring the Equinox in Ireland: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Ritual

For thousands of years, our ancestors in Ireland have honored the turning points of the year. At Loughcrew, the rising sun on the morning of the Equinox aligns with the passage tomb of Cairn T, illuminating intricate carvings that some believe symbolize the journey of the soul and the eternal dance of light and dark. Standing among these stones, one can feel the deep reverence our ancestors had for the cycles of the Earth.

You don’t need an ancient site to honor the Equinox—nature itself is your sacred space. Whether you rise to greet the sun, create your own personal ritual, or simply take a mindful walk, the key is presence.

As we cross this threshold, may we move with awareness, honoring both the wisdom of the past and the possibilities of the future. The light is returning—how will you embrace it?

If you feel called I have an upcoming event

🌿 Spring Equinox: Finding Balance and Inviting Renewal 🌿

In this gathering, we will honor this threshold with a guided meditation to reset at the zero point, coming into stillness before the season shifts.

From this place of deep presence, we will embark on a shamanic journey to meet the spirit of Ostara, the goddess of spring. She will offer guidance on how to find balance as we move into the next season, what can renew us, and what we are ready to birth into the world.

✨ Following the journey, we will deepen our insights through journal prompts designed to clarify the steps to move forward and how to embody the person you’re becoming. We will then come together in a sharing circle, holding space for one another to integrate our experiences and intentions.

Through meditation, journeying, reflection, and community, this gathering will support you in aligning with the energies of the Equinox, inviting harmony, clarity, and renewal into your life.

Event Details:

📅 Saturday, 22nd March

⏰ 2-5 PM

📍 Miltown Malbay Community Centre (Upstairs Studio)

https://www.redtentireland.com/event-details/spring-equinox-finding-balance-inviting-