Welcoming a New Season at the Sunburst Sanctuary

In celebration of the Spring Equinox, people gathered at Sunburst’s labyrinth to greet the sunrise and to pay homage to the ages old tradition of ushering in a new season with intention and gratitude.

The first day of spring—when the days and nights are of equal length—signals the time when earth begins to warm and birds return with their singing. The importance of these warming days cannot be underestimated in the planting of crops and germination of seeds.

Spring Equinox is one of the four solar markings of our year. Just as dawn is the time of new light, Spring Equinox is the time of new life. Sunburst residents traditionally celebrate the changing of seasons with a meditation, followed by a ceremony at the Sanctuary labyrinth. (The labyrinth is based on an ancient Hopi design.) Participants share a moment of silence and prayer acknowledging the four forces and four directions, before walking the labyrinth. Sometimes walking is accompanied by drumming or Native American style flute.

Three standing stones distinguish the Sunburst labyrinth as a solar calendar. They echo other sites such as Stonehenge, where the ancients—who knew the importance of day lengths—observed the changing seasons. Similarly, on equinox and solstice mornings, at the Sunburst Sanctuary we gather to celebrate the rising sun, the new season it brings, and to give thanks to the Creator for abundant life. All are welcome to participate in the next ceremony, which will take place in June for Summer Solstice.