A YEAR IN FOUR SEASONS

Posted on March 23, 2026

A YEAR IN FOUR SEASONS

Honouring the Four Seasonal Transitions

Across Turtle Island, the solstices and equinoxes mark more than shifts in daylight, they signal relational changes between people, the land, and all our relations. Many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities hold teachings that guide how we move through these transitions with gratitude, humility, and balance. These moments invite reflection on our responsibilities to one another and to the natural world, reminding us that wellness is cyclical, interconnected, and rooted in reciprocity.

Spring Equinox – A Time of Renewal and Returning Light

(Teachings referenced: Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee)

The Spring Equinox marks the moment when daylight and darkness return to balance, symbolizing the renewal of life. In many Anishinaabe teachings, this is the season of Ziigwan, when the earth wakes from winter’s rest and new beginnings emerge. It is a time to cleanse, set intentions, and prepare for planting. Ceremonies often focus on gratitude for the waters, as the spring thaw signals the return of flow and movement.

For Haudenosaunee communities, this period aligns with the Maple Ceremony, honouring the first medicine to run through the trees. Maple sap is seen as a gift that nourishes the body and spirit, reminding people of the Creator’s generosity.  The maple teaching reminds us of generosity, balance, and our responsibility to harvest with care. By thinking seven generations ahead, we honour this gift and ensure that future generations can continue to offer thanks for what the land provides.

As the seasons turn, so will these reflections. Join us again in the Summer for more teachings about the Summer Solstice.