VERNAL EQUINOX

One of the four solar holidays marking the beginning of spring.  The rejoining of the Mother Goddess and her lover-consort-son, who spent the winter months in death; or the Goddess returning to her Maiden aspect (e.g., Persephone returning from the Underworld.)

Alders are tasseled.

Flag iris is already out on the canal.

... I can see the ... crocuses stammering

in pools of rain, plum blossom on the branches...

False Spring, Boland

Sailors, take warning!