Welcome to Gaia! ::

I don't celebrate every modern 'pagan' holiday but this is one of the ones I find special. Being an agriculturalist, I bless the seeds and plan my physical garden (I order the seeds in December and January so I have the 'idea' of what I'm growing already but I actually draw a map so i have an idea of where the mature compost is going). I really start to itch to get out and start playing in the dirt though it is often too cold and damp to do much other than clear the winter detritus. I kick up some mud and take stock of what perennials have survived and what will need to be cut back. I don't typically light a fire, again, due to the weather. Where I live, those first early-season seeds don't go into the ground until April but those things that get started in the house can go into little pots.

I remember the ancestors at this time because my father went through the door of death just ahead of the Spring Equinox. I don't do Easter things - no children around the house to assemble baskets for - but there are family get-togethers. This year we are getting a turkey out of the freezer for a special dinner (my son will be home from college for spring break at the Equinox).

I would argue that you should celebrate the holidays/special occasions that hold some sort of meaning for you. I do the agricultural festivals and appreciate the Equinoxes and Solstices for the inner symbolism. I am not drawn to the practices of any ancient people - I don't do any deity feast days or do anything with customs which don't pertain to my life circumstances. As I have noted, I have ritual observances for passing days - I'm big on remembrance so I hold to March 19 and April 12. I don't expect anyone else to find them special.

I guess where I'm going is that there are larger things where people celebrate in groups and then there are all the personal things that pagans can practice for their own inner development and sustenance.

I found myself observing all the signs of spring yesterday. The smells, the sun finally hanging around longer. One of the things I love about new york is having all the seasons.

I'm on the eve of the Equinox....The first crocus has flowered (albeit up next to the house), the snow is gone and we have had a day where the temperature has reached 70 F. An insect has been spotted, a bat was seen last night, the geese are honking up a chorus.