Is it Lent or Pisces season? While it may not seem like it from the sudden dip in temperature, spring is officially around the corner. March 21st marks the spring equinox, which is both the first day of spring and the astrological new year, when old Pisces is reborn into fresh baby Aries. The equinox is also Nowruz, the Persian new year; and this year Ramadan will begin the following day. Just a couple weeks later are Passover (April 5th) and Easter (April 9th). While many religions, cosmologies, and belief systems are left out in this short list, I believe it’s safe to say that this earth-cycle period is celebrated internationally and inter-faithfully.

On Ash Wednesday I was struck by how many of the rituals and teachings surrounding Lent reminded me so much of how I have always honored Pisces season every year: self-denial, spiritual detox, abstaining from social media and more, spending more time alone meditating, praying, etc.. In fact, I have traditionally always tried to align my vacation time with Pisces season so as to deeply honor this cycle. It was pleasantly surprising to learn that Christian tradition has so many practices that naturally honor the wisdom of the ancient astrological water sign.

So, happy end of winter, everyone! We’re almost out the other side, just about to be reborn with the spring. I hope each of us has some time to go inwards, tend to seeds we may be growing, and, despite the cold, enjoy the process.                            |+| EAS