Still in Order

Today's title is borrowed from Hal Borland's out of print book of nature editorials, Twelve Moons of the year. I discovered this book last spring at the suggestion of a friend and bought it used off the internet. (One might consider this a form of participation in the right disposal of trash, or the flow of possessions.) Full of astute nature observations on signs of the seasons--such as appearance of tree frogs at the vernal equinox-- it has been a good companion in these bleak winter months before spring, in spite of Borland's old fashioned habit of referring to everything human as gendered male. The seasonal observations from the climate of Borland's Connecticut farm, not so different from that of Northern Indiana where I live, remind me of the powerful and ancient rhythms of nature that undergird everything from religious ritual to passing moods. His entry for March 20, the first day of spring this year:

"The vernal equinox is a marker on the great wheel of time, a reassurance of order in a world where confusion and disorder too often seem to have the upper hand. It is a promise of predictable change, certain as sunrise, from the rigors of winter to the benevolence of spring. It is variety in a time of doubt and uncertainty."

From the internet I found out that Easter each year is determined by the equinox. It is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the equinox. No wonder the brilliant moon seemed to light up my window all night a few nights ago. Easter is early this year. And after a heavy winter, I'm expecting snow.