Quarter Day for Dummies

Quarter Day is a term that is often used when talking about the changing of seasons and the natural rhythms of the earth. It refers to a specific day that falls in between two solstices or two equinoxes, and it marks an important moment in the year. Let me break it down for you in a way that's easy to understand.

Imagine you're standing outside on a beautiful sunny day. The warmth of the sun touches your skin, and you feel a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves of the trees. You know that as the seasons change throughout the year, the weather and the length of the day also change.

Now, there are four special days each year that symbolize the start of a new season. These days are known as solstices and equinoxes. The two solstices are the summer solstice and the winter solstice, while the two equinoxes are the spring equinox and the autumn equinox. These days are like milestones that mark the transition from one season to another.

In between these solstices and equinoxes, there are four more days that are called quarter days. They are called quarter days because they are evenly spaced between the solstices and equinoxes, just like quarters on a clock. These quarter days help us keep track of time and are important for farmers, gardeners, and even people who simply enjoy being in touch with nature.

Each quarter day has its own unique energy and significance. For instance, the quarter day that occurs between the winter solstice and the spring equinox is called Imbolc or Candlemas. This day represents the awakening of nature after a long winter, bringing hope and new life. On the other hand, the quarter day between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox is known as Lammas or Lughnasadh. This day celebrates the first harvest of the year and the abundance of nature.

It's important to understand that quarter days are more than just dates on a calendar. They connect us to the cycles of the natural world and remind us of our place in the universe. They give us a chance to pause and reflect on the changes happening around us, both externally in nature and internally in our own lives.

So, in a nutshell, quarter day is a term used to describe the special days that fall between the solstices and equinoxes, marking the changing seasons and helping us stay connected to the rhythms of nature. They bring significance, celebration, and a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

Does that make sense?