The Vernal Equinox '24 - Embracing the Powerful Shift

• Introduction: Welcoming the ‘Equinox’:

As we bid farewell to the cold grasp of winter, the “Vernal/ Spring Equinox” marks its arrival in the celestial calendar. Basically, “Vernal/ Spring Equinox” marks the onset of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere. And as it brings autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, it's known by the name “Autumnal/ Fall Equinox” there.

As per astronomy, the Sun crosses the celestial equator (the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth's actual equator) going South to North during “Vernal Equinox” due to Earth's tilt on its axis.

This year, we are witnessing the “Vernal/ Spring Equinox” at:

‘8:35 a.m. on 20 March ‘24, Wednesday.’

• Meaning & Significance of “Vernal Equinox”:

The words “Vernal” & “Equinox” are derived from the Latin words “Ver” meaning “Spring” & “Aequus” + “Nox” meaning “Equal”+ “Night.”

Hence on the “Vernal/ Spring Equinox”, Earth's two hemispheres receive almost equal Sun's rays as neither of them is tilted more toward or away from the Sun than the other. Ultimately, this leads to an almost equal length of day & night on this particular day, i.e. 12 hours.

However as per “Drik Panchang”,

“Vernal Equinox Day Duration: 12 hours 07 mins 43 secs” on 20 March ‘24, Wednesday

According to Astronomy, the Equinox occurs at the exact moment worldwide, although the clock times reflect a different time zone.

As per the Meteorology, they consider March 1 as the Spring's official first day because the meteorological seasons are totally based on the annual temperature cycles rather than the Earth's position relative to the Sun as the later can vary slightly every year.

• Equinox Secrets Revealed- The Mystery of Rapid Sunrises and Sunsets:

Yes, you read it right!

“Equinoxes” are those times of the year when and around which the sun rises and sets faster than usual: a phenomenon often unnoticed.

And it's true whether you stay in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.

Let's understand why this happens!

As we know that the sun rises from the east & sets in the west, so here by rising & setting of the Sun, we mean “the actual number of minutes the Sun's body will be taking to come out of the eastern horizon & sink below the western horizon respectively.”

And on the day of Equinox, the Sun's rising & setting points, i.e. east & west, are precisely aligned. As a result, the Sun hits the horizon at its steepest possible angle, causing it to seemingly disappear below the horizon quicker than usual.

In simple language, it's like sliding down a steep slide at the playground instead of a gentle slope.

As per “Drik Panchang”,

• Vernal Equinox Sunrise - 06:25 a.m.
• Vernal Equinox Sunset - 06:32 a.m.
• on 20 March ‘24, Wednesday

And as mentioned above, this phenomenon of the Sun rising & setting quicker than usual on the equinoxes is consistent globally, adding a fascinating dimension to our understanding of celestial dynamics.

• Importance of “Vernal Equinox” in Hindu Astrology:

In Hindu Astrology, “Vernal/ Spring Equinox” is known as “Vasant Vishuva” or “Vasant Sampat.”

According to Hindu beliefs, the “Vernal Equinox” signifies the awakening of nature from its winter slumber, heralding the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Hindu Astrology considers this period as very auspicious, representing a time of balance and harmony in the cosmos.

Beyond its astronomical implications, “Vernal Equinox” is believed to be the time when the energies of the universe are in a state of equilibrium & when one can realign his/ her intentions and aspirations with the cosmic order, fostering a deeper connection with the divine.

This duration of “Vernal Equinox” is the best for meditation, prayer & self-reflection, allowing individuals to attune themselves to the divine energies.

In essence, the “Vernal Equinox” is a spiritual milestone — a time to celebrate the cycles of nature, reconnect with one's inner self, and commune with the divine. It serves as a reminder of the eternal dance of creation & destruction, of the cyclical nature of existence, and of the eternal quest for spiritual enlightenment.