Astronomical spring has begun
On March 20, 2017 at 13:28 Moscow time the spring equinox will begin. The Sun, moving along the ecliptic, at this moment crosses the celestial equator and passes from the Southern Hemisphere of the celestial sphere to the Northern. In the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth, astronomical spring begins, and in the Southern Hemisphere, autumn begins.
In a day spring equinox all over the globe, no matter where we are, day and night last 12 hours! On the days of the equinoxes, the Sun rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in the west, being exactly 12 hours above the horizon and 12 hours below the horizon, that is, the length of day and night is the same throughout the Earth, day is equal to night. Hence the name - equinox.
On the days of the equinoxes, the line of day and night (astronomers call it the terminator line) on Earth passes exactly through the south and north poles, i.e. along the meridians. On the days of the equinoxes, the Sun illuminates the Northern and Southern Hemispheres equally, and the terminator precisely passes through the poles.
The sun on the vernal equinox is in the constellation Pisces. Starting March 21, it rises in the northeast and sets in the northwest.
In ancient times, when there were no calendars, it was believed that it was from this day that renewal in nature began: the melting of snow, the swelling of buds on trees, the return of birds from the south, the first spring thunder.
Spring awakens the Earth from winter sleep: it dresses it with grass and flowers, the Sun and warmth, fills it with the joy of new life, the songs of birds and the sound of drops!
Happy vernal equinox and the beginning of astronomical spring!
The spring and autumn equinoxes are astronomical events in which day equals night and mark the change of seasons. We know that the spring and autumn equinoxes occur at the moment when our Sun, in its annual movement along the ecliptic, crosses the celestial equator. These points are respectively located in the constellations Pisces and Virgo. The vernal equinox is the beginning of astronomical spring.
On the days of the solstices, our daylight reaches the extreme points of its annual path across the sky - in summer it deviates 23.4 degrees north from the celestial equator, in winter - 23.4 degrees south. Therefore, in June, the Sun illuminates the northern hemisphere of the Earth more - and at the moment of solstice, summer begins here - and at the end of December - the southern hemisphere, and at this time winter begins here (and summer in the southern hemisphere).
Below you can see the exact dates of the spring and autumn equinoxes for the city of Moscow, just like the winter and summer solstices.
| event | date Time |
| Spring equinox | March 20 at 13:28 Mon |
| Summer solstice | June 21 at 07:24 Wed |
| Autumn equinox | September 22 at 23:01 Fri |
| Winter solstice | December 21 at 19:27 Thu |
These dates were among the most revered in the pre-Christian period. Solstice, rotation, equinox, solstice are the names of solar holidays, which are also called the four hypostases of the Slavic Dazhdbog, which is the Sun itself - the son of Svarog.
Kolyada - winter solstice (December 21-22);
- Maslenitsa or Komoeditsa - the day of the vernal equinox (March 21-22);
- Kupailo (Kupala) – summer solstice (June 21-22);
- Radogoshch (Svetovit, Veresen, Tausen) – autumn equinox (September 22-23);
Kolyada is the winter solstice or the longest night of the year. During this period, the young sun Kolyada replaces the old sun Svetovit in his post. That is why the daylight hours begin to increase from this day on. Replaced by the church on Christmas Day.
Maslenitsa or Komoeditsa - the day of the vernal equinox (day and night are equal in time), farewell to winter, burning of the effigy of Madder, welcoming spring and the Slavic New Year. The date March 21-22 is also the beginning of astronomical spring. The day from now on becomes longer than the night. Yarilo-Sun replaces Kolyada and drives away Winter-Madder. Traditionally, this bracelet was celebrated for two whole weeks.
Kupailo is the day of the summer solstice. The longest day and the longest short night per year. The last day of Rusal Week or Rusalia. Kupala is one of the oldest holidays, which has kept many traditions and customs unchanged to this day, for example: the funeral of Yarila, who is replaced by the God of the summer sun Kupala, the collection of medicinal herbs, the search for fern flowers, etc. Kupailo is also a great holiday, which is now replaced by the church on the birthday of John the Baptist.
Radogoshch (Svetovit, Veresen, Tausen) - the day of the autumnal equinox (day and night are equal in time). On this day, the Sun-Old Man Svetovit comes into his own. The night is getting longer than a day. It is both a solar holiday and a celebration of the end of the harvest. Substituted for church at Christmas Holy Mother of God.
Equinox and solstice by year:From ancient times to this day, humanity has been trying to live according to natural rhythms. Significant in astrological and astronomical terms is the Vernal Equinox, which repeats in the second half of March every year. Numerous folk legends, signs, customs, traditions, mystical beliefs, natural processes and other interesting phenomena are associated with this day.
When will the spring equinox be in 2017: number, day, date
The exact time of the vernal equinox in 2017 is March 20, 10 hours 29 minutes (Moscow time) and 07 hours 30 minutes (Greenwich time). Almost all countries of the so-called “Silk Road” have considered this day a real New Year since the early Middle Ages. It is at this moment that the Sun will move into the constellation Aries, marking the beginning of astronomical spring.
In ancient times, when calendars did not exist, people were sure that this day was the beginning of spring, and the forces of darkness and light became equal. The renewal of nature was also associated with the spring equinox: the lush growth of greenery, the appearance of buds on bushes and trees, the first thunderstorms.
From an astronomical point of view, the day of the spring equinox, as well as the autumn equinox, is characterized by the same length of day and night. March 20 is the astronomical beginning of spring 2017. At the indicated time, the Earth will cover a quarter of the year's path, moving along its orbit. The two hemispheres will be illuminated by the Sun exactly half. It is this fact that explains the equal duration of light and dark time of day. Then the Sun will continue its movement, moving from one hemisphere (Southern) to another (Northern). After six months, the equinox will come again, but during this period the Sun will already be on the opposite side of the orbit. The day will be marked by sunrise at the maximum Eastern point of the planet, and sunset at the maximum Western point.
In astronomy, the vernal equinox is considered the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, on the contrary, astronomical autumn will begin. Of course, these are strict mathematical calculations. In fact, on the days of the spring/autumn equinoxes, the duration of daylight hours is slightly longer. This is due to the fact that such a phenomenon as atmospheric refraction is capable of “raising” the celestial bodies above the horizon. After all, it is formally believed that the Sun and Moon move strictly along the horizon during the day. But in fact, due to the refractive phenomenon, they will move a little higher.
The meaning of the spring equinox in astrology
March 20, 2017 is the Day of the Astrologer and everyone who has at least some connection to this science. This professional holiday was timed to coincide with the Equinox Day in connection with the beginning of a new astrological year. This also means that the main celestial body - the Sun - will enter the sign of Aries. Since the vernal equinox can also fall on other dates of March (19, 21), they decided to assign Astrologer’s Day to the 20th, thereby avoiding confusion and confusion.
Astrologers consider the moment of the Sun's transition into the sign of Aries (to its zero degree) to be the starting point. The sign of Aries is associated with such meanings as: cheerfulness; leadership; cyclicality; sincerity; determination; independence; straightforwardness; pulse. Aries is a sign of courage, spiritual and physical strength, energy, struggle, sacrifice.
Since the spring equinox is a period of renewal in nature, the presence of the Sun on this day at zero degree of the indicated sign is the primary impulse, which is the most active and bright. This impulse arises in the “seed” and gives it the opportunity to gain energy for further development. This happens on the Day of the Vernal Equinox, when all living things are reborn again.
Spring equinox and Druid horoscope
Druids are ancient priests who inhabited the northern coast of Europe and deified nature. The Celts had their own explanation of the origin of man, worshiped their Gods and firmly believed in the power of natural elements. The spring equinox for the Druids is a special holiday, which is the starting point of the new annual cycle. The location of the Sun and Earth in relation to each other on a birthday is the main criterion by which the Celts determined a person’s character and predicted his fate. The Celtic horoscope is divided into 22 periods. Each of them corresponds to a specific tree. The Druids believed that the Spring Equinox could help in correcting life events. To do this, you need to “talk” to the patron tree, telling him about your troubles, aspirations and dreams. During communication, you can make a wish to the tree. It will definitely fulfill it, the main thing is to be honest.
Advice If you find yourself in a difficult situation, the tree will tell you how to get out of it. To win over your patron, stroke his branches and leaves while talking. Lean against a tree and stay in this position for several minutes. As a result, the tree will charge you with energy and energy for the entire coming year.The impact of Aries on the Spring Equinox The influence of the first zodiac sign will extend to the laws of nature, the sunrise/sunset, and the development of all life on Earth. During this period, the stars will show special favor to those who have decided to change something in their own lives. Any endeavors will be successful and will allow you to achieve the desired results. There is an expression in astrology: “The sun is in an exalted state.” This means that the heavenly body, when located in the sign of Aries, is in the most harmonious position for itself. Scientists have been able to prove the influence of spring and autumn days equinoxes, winter and summer days solstice, as well as lunar and solar eclipses on the composition of human blood. It changes a little. And since the fire sign Aries is ruled by Mars, changes in blood composition are directly related to it. The element of fire has a cardinal character and constantly strives upward. Therefore, on March 20 of this year, all living things on the planet will be endowed with powerful vital energy.
Customs, traditions, rituals on the day of the spring equinox
On this day, our ancestors also celebrated a holiday dedicated to the goddess of spring - Ostara, who ensured balance between night and day. It was believed that during this period the goddess herself was renewed, restoring her virginity and energy. The figurine of the goddess is presented in the form of an immaculate maiden, who is held by the arm of a young man. In Rus', the holiday of the spring equinox was taken seriously. Mass celebrations were held, any person could go to a neighbor and treat himself to any delicacy from his table - this was considered a good sign. People believed that the more people entered the hut for treats, the happier the year would be for the owners of the home.
Housewives specially baked rye flatbreads for the holiday and decorated them with sugar syrup and wheat grains. In addition to sweet, hearty flatbreads, women colored chicken eggs. For this we used natural materials - onion skins, carrot and beet juice. Housewives also baked unleavened cookies in the shape of birds. They were treated to fellow villagers; some of the cookies were given to geese, chickens, and turkeys to eat. The men made birdhouses and attached them to tree trunks. A small amount of crumbled unleavened cookies was always placed inside the birdhouses.
In the evening, as a rule, songs and dances began, and the shimmering sounds of harps and accordions were heard from everywhere. At the end of the holiday, they made a large effigy from straw and burned it. The taller and wider the scarecrow became, the brighter and longer it burned, illuminating everything around. People believed that a high, bright and clean flame was a guarantee of a well-fed and happy life in the coming year.
How to celebrate the spring equinox in different countries
The spring equinox in India coincides with the local festival of colors. Therefore, the holiday lasts for two days. On the first day, everyone has fun, sings, dances, and enjoys traditional treats. The next morning, a procession of representatives of all castes existing in India begins. People exchange greetings by showering each other with colorful powder made from turmeric, haldi, bilwa, etc. It is believed to bring wealth, love and happiness.
The Germans deify the Dawn and the Eastern direction (part of the world). On this day it is forbidden to eat any meat except rabbit. A favorite male hobby is hunting hares. One of the hare carcasses is necessarily sacrificed to the supreme goddess Freya - the patroness of love, marriage, family, and children.
Japan is carefully preparing for the spring equinox. The day before the holiday, people clean all areas of their homes. Particular attention is paid to cleaning home altars, which are decorated with flowers. Several small round bowls must be placed near photographs of deceased ancestors. They are first filled with illuminated cereals and water.
Do's and Don'ts on the Equinox
This holiday has been considered magical since ancient times. Legends say that on this day even one’s own thoughts can influence a person’s fate. Therefore, you should think exclusively about the good. Showdowns, quarrels, anger, aggression and anger can lead to problems. It is not recommended to be sad on a holiday, otherwise the Gods will get angry and will not bestow all kinds of benefits. We need to welcome spring as hospitably and cheerfully as possible. The more luxurious the table and the more guests sitting at it, the happier the year will be for the owners.Many people still honor the traditions of the holiday and bake gingerbread cookies in the shape of birds on the day of the spring equinox. They need to be distributed to relatives, friends and acquaintances. To check what kind of health awaits them in the coming year, people went out into the street, and everyone threw their own gingerbread into the sky. Whose treat soared higher, he did not have to worry about his own health throughout the year. Thanks to this sign, gingerbread cookies are called “larks”.
Let's say you decide to follow the tradition described above and bake gingerbread cookies in the shape of larks. When you eat baked goods, do not eat the bird's head, eat only the body. It is believed that by doing this you protect yourself and your family from accidents and illnesses. The heads must be given to the cattle. Even fierce enemies and offenders should not wish harm on the Day of the Vernal Equinox. Experts assure that seditious thoughts and bad words spoken to a person can cause him serious trouble. Moreover, all the bad things sent to others will definitely return in double quantity.
Fortune telling and magic on the day of the spring equinox
button - numerous updates are coming;
earring - for a meeting with your betrothed.
In the evening, everyone took turns taking one gingerbread and breaking it. The future was judged by the object found.
At sunrise or sunset on the Vernal Equinox, you can perform a ritual for well-being. To do this, you need to prepare two candles - white and black. They will symbolize light and darkness. Also prepare a pot of soil and seeds, previously soaked in water. Light the candles and place the pot and seeds next to you. Concentrate and begin to mentally tell the seeds what kind of life you want to have, what you want to change in your destiny. Visualize the image of your happy existence as clearly as possible. Then plant the seeds in the ground and water them with water. As the seeds sprout, your life will begin to change in the direction you want.
A unique meditation practice will help make your dreams come true. The lesson should be carried out completely alone, creating a cozy atmosphere in the room. Light a candle. Sit in a chair or lie down on the sofa. Close your eyes. For deep relaxation, you can use breathing exercises. Start playing out situations in your imagination, taking into account the fact that your dream has already come true. For example, imagine how you live, what kind of car you have, what you wear, who you communicate with, what you eat, what establishments you visit, etc. You need to immerse yourself as deeply as possible into your inner world and become imbued with your desire. Now imagine that a large translucent golden ball has materialized in the air in front of you. Enter it and, by force of will, rush upward. Next, try to mentally dissolve in the Universe. After some time, you should feel a surge of strength. This means that positive cosmic energy has had a powerful effect on your subconscious. From this moment on, changes will gradually begin to occur in your life.The spring equinox is one of the most amazing natural phenomena. It’s good that to this day those grains of information have been preserved about what traditions were honored and how the spring holiday was celebrated in ancient times. On this day, everyone can drink from an inexhaustible source of cosmic energy, improve their health, improve their financial situation and, getting up in the morning, say: “Hello, Sun!”
Twice a year it happens that day and night are equal. The autumn and spring equinoxes are important dates to remember.
First of all, they carry an energetic message, because the autumnal equinox, which will be discussed later, symbolizes the beginning of astronomical winter. This is exactly what this day is called in astronomy.
Astronomy and the equinox
On the day of the equinox, the Sun passes the celestial equator along the ecliptic, that is, the Earth at the moment of the equinox passes exactly three-quarters of the way when moving around the Sun. In astronomy, this phenomenon rather represents a specific physical location, because the day actually still turns out to be slightly longer than the night, since the sun's rays are visible in the atmosphere longer than they actually are.
That is why the equinox is actually an extremely short period of time. This is the position of the Earth, which is a point on an elliptical circle. This also explains why day will never be equal to night second by second.
The deviation of the autumnal equinox can be small - it occurs either on September 21, or 22, or 23. In 2017, the Earth will pass the autumn-winter boundary at approximately 20.02 Moscow time.
Astrology and equinox
In Celtic culture, days such as the equinox were of great importance. Since ancient times, September 22 was a holiday called Mabon (Mabon, to be more precise in terms of pronunciation). On this day, deceased women are remembered with kind words. It was the day of harvesting and completion of all agricultural work.
Astrologers say that the autumn equinox is the time when human energy is renewed. When the New Moon coincides with the equinox, this greatly increases its power, because the energy of these two events is very similar. In bioenergy, the equinoxes are given great attention and importance. The fact is that, as on the New Moon, on September 22, 2017 it will be possible to start new things, it will be possible to perform some important actions.
Astrologers advise spending this day surrounded by loved ones and doing pleasant things. This good time for love dates, for romance, finding and strengthening love. In principle, you can even plan a wedding for September 22, if you have such an opportunity. Guests will be honest and cheerful. This time for a wedding is very favorable from any point of view.
Even psychics say that it is better to get rid of negativity on September 22, at the equinox, because the energy of the Sun will be very creative. This is a good day for white love spells and for removing evil eyes. Make the most of this day. Good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and
21.09.2017 06:07
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The vernal equinox (Vernal Equinox) is one of the most unique natural phenomena, the essence of which, in scientific language, boils down to the fact that “at the moment of the equinox, the center of the Sun in its apparent movement along the ecliptic crosses the celestial equator.”
In 2017, the spring equinox occurs on March 20th. Simply put, on this day the Earth, rotating around its imaginary axis passing through the poles, while simultaneously moving around the Sun, is in such a position in relation to the luminary that the sun's rays carrying thermal energy, fall vertically towards the equator. The sun moves from the southern hemisphere to the northern, and on these days in all countries the day is almost equal to night.
The spring and autumn equinoxes are considered the astronomical beginning of the respective seasons. The period of time between two equinoxes of the same name is called the tropical year. This year is today and is accepted for measuring time.
There are approximately 365.2422 sunny days in a tropical year. It is because of this “approximately” that the equinox falls at a different time of day every year, each year moving forward by about 6 hours.
Source: http://www.calend.ru/holidays/0/0/1176/
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Holiday Spring Equinox in 2017
Since ancient times, the Day of the Vernal Equinox was considered mystical, almost magical, and incredibly long-awaited. And all because, from an astronomical point of view, starting from this date, the spring period begins, which lasts until the summer solstice in June.
The date of the vernal equinox in 2017 comes on March 20 (when the world clock shows 10:28 am, Moscow time -13:28). The word equinox denotes the equality between day and night, which occurs on this date.
This event occurs twice a year: in spring and autumn. It is noteworthy that in the old days it was these dates that determined the change of seasons, when now the calendar became the main measure. Another interesting fact: precisely at the moment when spring defeated winter, the cold retreated, oppressed by the sun gaining strength, and nature was reborn, came New Year.