The sun is shining a bit more now. Its rays somewhat warmer. This March we celebrate the Spring Equinox, when the Earth awakens her melancholy slumber to burst forth in fertility and bloom. Why is it we lean toward sadness in the winter and tend to become cheerier as the days become longer? Perhaps we are mirroring Demeter Greek Goddess of the Earth's emotions.


Demeter and Zeus had a daughter, Persephone. As Persephone was the Goddess of Innocence she was hidden away from the other Gods, who wanted to possess her. Unbeknownst to Demeter, Persephone had caught the attention of Hades, God of the Underworld. One day, as Persephone was tending fields, Hades burst out of the ground and abducted Persephone. Demeter became frantic at the loss of her child. She soon became distraught. As a reflection of her mood the Earth became withered and sere the humans suffered.



Zeus saw the suffering and knew he must act. He went to the Underworld and demanded Hades return Persephone. Hades willingly agreed, but not before tricking her into eating g six pomegranate seeds. Each seed bound Persephone to one month in the underworld. For six months each year Persephone is bound to the Underworld, now as its queen.



However, during the Spring Equinox, Persephone is unbound allowed to reunite with Demeter. Pagans celebrate her return with Rites of Spring during the Equinox. We embrace the Earths reawaking, fertility, and blossoming. The reflection of Demeter's motherly love.