Modernisms
The Spring Equinox, like the Winter Solstice, is very religiously significant all over the world. For me, it is a time to celebrate the gods in their generative and life giving aspects. Dionysos, Kore, Demeter, Aphrodite, Artemis, Apollo, and even Ares are all appropriately celebrated in this tie of year as the various influences the hold on our lives come into the fore, the Winter slowness slowly taking on the haste of Spring.
Dionysos is, of course, the central god of the Anthesteria. Dionysos of the winnowing fan, of the marshes, of the flowers, the bull, all are part of this generative aspect of the God that is celebrated with wild abandon by all.
Hermes, the Psychopomp, as leader of the dead is also part of the Anthesteria. In a time when the underworld's gates lie wide open, how could he not?
Demeter and Kore are reunited at last, and the world is blessed with growth, and the Two Goddesses are celebrated in joy and the happiness of reunion.
Aphrodite loves flowers, and as she steps upon the ground flowers spring into being in her foot steps.
The forests come alive again, its creatures coming out of hiding or returning from their sojourns elsewhere, and with them the huntress is once more awakened, and Artemis begins her prowl.
The Winter is hard on soldiers, and for many, Spring means a return to the fight, and gallant Ares puts on his armor once more, prepared to fight to conquer or protect.
And glorious Apollo, having taken his annual trip to the Hyperboreans, returns taking his place in the throne of Delphi once more.