Last Sunset of Winter – Spring Equinox Evening Observance
Watch the Sunset Alignment and Catch the Sun
UPDATE Monday, March 18, 7pm: Due to lots of snow and ice, we may not be able to get out to see the alignment! SAFETY FIRST! We will begin this event inside the Kinstone Education Center – so plan to go directly to the building when you arrive. Parking is limited – don’t get stuck by parking in the snow. Park in the little gravel lot next to the Education Center – pull in tightly so we can fit as many cars as possible. THANK YOU. If the wind chill is still as bad as it is today, please bring extra warm layers if we do decide to go outside you will need them!
Weather and snow conditions permitting, we will be outdoors as we stand and watch the sunset. If the weather is bad, we will cancel – watch for cancellation updates (if any) on the day of the event.
This Sunset Alignment event is held the evening before the date of Equinox as we say farewell to Winter by watching its last sunset together.
At Kinstone we have a unique alignment visible only at Equinox at sunset. Stand with us and the Enlightenment Stones (Atlas and Lancelot) as the sun aligns to shine through the perforations in Lancelot and cast a line of bright points of light onto Atlas. Come and see!
Spring (Vernal) Equinox is an astronomically significant solar event. It occurs when the sun is midpoint in its journey from Winter Solstice to Summer Solstice. The sun appears to rise at due east and set at due west. It is traditionally seen as a time of balance. The light of day and the dark of night are equal. It is a herald of spring; a time for new beginnings, growth, and seeking the joy of the light.
COST: admission to Kinstone, $10/person, (pay in advance online OR bring cash to the event); No Registration Required
Date: Sunday, March 19, 2023 Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Actual sunset is expected at 7:17pm for our location. However, with the topography specific to Kinstone, the time we witness it is always just a bit earlier than expected. Come at 6:30 and enjoy the last light of winter before the sun sets.
This will be a quiet, meditative event with a short opening rite and reading to send Winter off with a flourish. Given fair weather and clear skies as the sun sets in the West, we will witness the light as it passes through the “Wise One” (Lancelot) and enlightens the “World” (Atlas). If the sunlight is strong enough and unobstructed by clouds on the horizon, we will see a line of polka-dots on Atlas and a select few folks may be able to “catch the sun” as it aligns with the perforations in Lancelot. We will begin watching for opportunities to Catch the Sun immediately after our readings.
Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear, jackets, scarves, hats and gloves. Bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on, for your comfort, if you wish. Be prepared for it to be breezy and cool up here on the ridge. (Many people underestimate the wind and cold.)
This event is outdoors and will be held only in good weather. If it is raining or snowing, this event will be cancelled. Cancellations will be posted only on this event page and on the corresponding Facebook event page at least one (1) hour before the scheduled start time for this event.
IMPORTANT: If you wish to ensure your chance to “catch the sun”, please Contact Us to sign up by sending an email stating “I want to catch the sun” and include your full name and email address with the subject “Catch the sun”. During this event, guests who have signed up will be invited, in order of sign-up time, to catch the sun as and if weather and sunlight conditions permit. After that, anyone attending can try this on a first-come basis. As many as we can get through will be given a chance to be photographed with their hands catching the sun – bring a friend who can be your photographer!
HAPPY SPRING!
Interesting fact: The exact time of the astronomical Vernal Equinox is Monday, March 20, 2023, at 4:24pm CDT.
Photo credit: Kristine Beck
