Friday 5

1.  Today in the Northern Hemisphere, we celebrate the Autumnal Equinox.  In laymen’s terms, the first day of fall.

Yes, it was very helpful of the calendar to remind me of the exact date, but Mother Nature has already been giving slight hints with the cooler temps and gradual color changes of the leaves.

Truth be told, I love fall.  I’m not crazy about the cooler temperatures, rain and imminent lighting of the wood burner, but I do enjoy the crisp air and the beautiful colors.

Well now, that makes sense, doesn’t it?

Thank about it:  It takes a little longer for light from the sun to reach certain areas depending on how far away they are in relation to the sun.

However, the equal time of night and day is pretty darn close to even.

Sorry, didn’t mean to get all scientific geeky on ya there.

3.  The terms vernal equinox (Spring) and autumnal equinox (fall) are derived from Latin.

Umm… OK.

I can sleep well tonight knowing that little tidbit.

So according to this myth, before and after the time of 7:01 a.m. ( which was the time of sunrise in my area) this amazing feat could be accomplished.  Sorry, but it’s too early for me to think about balancing eggs.  But if anyone wants to give it a try, let me know how it goes.  Send me a picture of the event if you want to and I’ll throw it on the site.  Heck, make a party of it and give us all the details

5.  Many Pagans celebrate Mabon on this day, which celebrates the second harvest and the beginning of winter preparations.  Respect is given to the impending dark while giving thanks to the sunlight.

Yep, that says it all for me.  In another month or so we will be “falling back” with our clocks, losing another hour of sunlight.  I will be counting the days until Winter Solstice when the days will start to get longer and eventually the warmer weather will arrive again.

And you can bet your bottom dollar that I will be whining and sniveling during the next 6 months about how I wish that I could be out in 80 degree weather, working in my garden.

But that is the joy of living in the Northwoods.  I get to experience all four seasons at their fullest.

And by that right, I also have the right (and duty) to complain about each and every one of them.

But I wouldn’t change it for the world.