Day of the Pagans

Were you astride the equator right now, you would see the Sun pass directly overhead. It would rise exactly in the east and set exactly in the west. Today, in the Northern Hemisphere we welcome the vernal Equinox, a day (just like the 21st/22nd September) when the Earth’s axis is angled neither towards nor away from the Sun; a day on which we receive equal amounts of light and darkness; a day when our hearts are enlightened by the advent of spring and feel the pulse of rebirth and rejuvenation.

Yet, romantic visions only tell part of the tale. In our land, intense rainfalls and occasional floods are also concealed in spring’s definition. Bearing this in mind, when the opportunity arose I took it. “Count your blessings, Mickey boy”, the old man down the pub keeps saying. I think he is right, especially when it comes to sunshine, for it is as rare as a solar eclipse. I looked through the viewfinder, squinted against the glare of the Sun, then looked again. No annoying pooches in the vicinity, coast was clear.

To all you Northern Hemisphere dwellers, happy spring!
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