
The March equinox is the movement when the sun crosses the true celestial equator – or the line in the sky above the earth’s equator – from south to north, around March 20 (or March 21) of each year. At that time, day and night are balanced to nearly 12 hours each all over the world and the earth’s axis of rotation is perpendicular to the line connecting the centers of the earth and the sun. In gyroscopic motion, the earth’s rotational axis migrates in a slow circle based as a consequence of the moon’s pull on a nonspherical earth. This nearly uniform motion causes the position of the equinoxes to move backwards along the ecliptic in a period of about 25,725 years.
In the northern hemisphere the March equinox marks the start of spring and has long been celebrated as a time of rebirth. Many cultures and religions celebrate or observe holidays and festivals around the time of the March equinox, such as the Easter holiday period. – all info from: www.timeanddate.com
Wait – Equinox? Definition please…
The word “equinox” derives from the Latin words meaning “equal night” and refers to the time when the sun crosses the equator. At such times, day and night are everywhere of nearly equal length everywhere in the world.
It is important to note that while the March equinox marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere, it is the start of autumn in many parts of the southern hemisphere. – all info from: www.timeanddate.com
So, how does one celebrate the Spring Equinox properly?
There is no greater place then to be in the desert for the Spring Equinox. That’s for sure. And one of the best, most interesting places to check out while you are out here, is the High Desert (Landers and Joshua Tree to be exact). Which, includes a nice/mystical tour of Integrattron, a Sound Bath, visit Giant Rock, and peek of the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum.
Here’s a little bit of info on my recommendation…
www.Joshua-Tree.EventEventBrite.com
Integratron Self-Guided Tour and Sound Bath
The Sound Bath is the Integratron’s signature experience for visitors. According to the current operators “Using the deep resonance of the upper sound chamber, energy and the sound are focused and amplified by the building’s unique geometry. Using pure Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls keyed harmonically to the human body, the 30-minute Sound Bath bathes the body in waves of peace, balance, and deep relaxation. It is the antidote to everyday life.“
A Guided Tour of Giant Rock
From 1954 to 1977 Van Tassel hosted annual Giant Rock Spacecraft Conventions, attended by thousands, some of whom flew in just to eat at Eva Van Tassel’s Come On Inn restaurant at the site. In February 2000 the Rock split with an auspicious message from a Hopi prophecy made centuries prior. Giant Rock has also been painted pink by a Los Angeles artist. Yet after all these adventures, Giant Rock continues to produce mysteries and capture the region’s folklore.
When gathered under the white staging tent in the Integratron parking lot, attendees are offered a 20-minute introduction to Giant Rock’s history followed by handing out of maps for an optional trip to Giant Rock (3.5 miles away by car) and further discussion at the site. Attendees return to the Integratron’s parking lot.
Guided Tour of Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
63030 Blair Lane, Joshua Tree, CA
The Noah Purifoy Foundation will offer a tour of Noah’s art site for Obscura Day participants, highlighting certain works and opening the Visitors Center and Gallery. Reservations are required.
The mission of the Noah Purifoy Foundation is to preserve and maintain this art site, developed for 20 years by artist Noah Purifoy in Joshua Tree, California, to be an Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture open to the public. Please be aware that the grounds are a museum. The artwork should be treated as you would an indoor museum–that is, no handling, moving, or removing of any objects, or defacing anything. There are no fences, and we ask you to park in front of the site off Blair Lane, not across from it, in deference to our neighbors.
As an organization we are in the early stages of developing the site for formal touring.We appreciate your interest and welcome your involvement in the work of the foundation to preserve Noah Purifoy’s work and legacy as artist, sculptor, philosopher, and mentor for public participation and enjoyment.
Note: There are no restroom facilities at the site.
Attendees are offered an approximately 1-hour guided tour of a unique 10-acre outdoor museum of assemblage sculpture by Noah Purifoy, long-time artist, founder of the Watts Towers Art Center, and member of California Arts Council 1976-1987 (appointed by Governor Jerry Brown).
To find out where to sign up, what to bring and how much it will cost:
www.joshua-tree.eventbrite.com
Other events going on in the High Desert celebrating the Equinox…