Happy Equinox

The Religious Tolerance website reminds us that "The Spring Equinox is also known as: Alban Eilir, Eostar, Eostre, Feast of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Festival of Trees, Lady Day, NawRuz, No Ruz, Ostara, Ostra, Rites of Spring, and the Vernal Equinox." In general, people celebrate this equinox for three reasons:

* Conception and pregnancy leading to birth on the winter solstice.
* Victory of a god of light (or life, rebirth, resurrection) over the powers of darkness (death).
* The descent of the goddess or god into the underworld for a period of three days. This is such a popular theme among religions that mythologists refer to it as "the harrowing of Hell."