On March 17th we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a day that celebrates the Roman Catholic feast day of the patron saint of Ireland, and on March 19th we celebrate the spring equinox. While these celebrations seem different they also have one thing in common, ceremonial festivities.

In our culture we tend to use any excuse we can to let loose, drink and party. However, in ancient times we utilized these times to celebrate the deeper meaning of holidays to show gratitude. They were a time to connect, celebrate and show honor for the bounty of those before us and mama earth. Don’t get me wrong, drinking green beer is truly the cat’s pajamas, however, in every celebration there is a lineage of meaning and purpose behind the festivity that has pretty much been lost. Most of us guzzle green beer and shout obscenities because it’s tradition, but how many of you hold ceremony for mama earth and celebrate the equinox?

In ancient times the equinox was a time to honor the agricultural gods, celebrate a future bounty of good harvest and thank our ancestors for their help. Back then we only needed a few things. Rain, sun and blessings from our ancestors. Popularly described as the first day of spring, the equinox allows us to experience longer days equalling the nights in length – which is why we call it the spring equinox – latin for equal nights. From now until June 21st our days will continue to get longer. Seems like a good cause to celebrate!

What I love about holidays is they are reminders to step out of the illusion of it all and as Ram Dass would say, “Be here Now.” I liken this to the Hierophant card in the Rider-Waite tarot deck. A card that asks us:

• What was?
• What is?
• And what can be?

Through the Hierophant you can illuminate your views, see the bigger picture and understand where you keep revolving rather than evolving. And a holiday is like having a pause button. A reminder to take reprieve, say “oh yeah I’m thankful for….” and taking a moment to ask yourself:

• What was?
• What is?
• And what can be?

Many people liken Feng Shui to a one and done type of thing. As if going to the doctor when you’re three years old takes care of your needs when your forty. Simply not true. Cultivating your own Chi and the Chi of your home is a constant practice, and since we are all busy, holidays are great reminders to get you back on track. A trigger so to speak that helps you stop the cyclone of busy and take a moment for yourself. This and only this is how you can grow and evolve and cultivate your Chi.

So this month, as we embark on two traditions to celebrate grand festivities use it as a reminder to hit pause, cultivate your Chi and celebrate the bounty that surrounds you!