Most of us have familiarity with the Equinoxes and the Solstices, with which we associate the turning of the seasons.

   We have just passed the fall or Autumnal Equinox, which occurs about Sept. 22 or 23 each year.  This is the time when the sun rises due east and sets due west and when we have equal hours of daylight and darkness. It is the time when the fall season begins.

   We are now approaching the Winter Solstice which is the beginning of winter, around Dec. 22 or 23.  At this time the sun is low in the sky at noon, and we have the longest night and shortest period of daylight. Also it is at this time that we celebrate Christmas and Yuletide.

   This is followed by the spring or Vernal Equinox, about March 21 or 22, when the sun is again rising due east and setting due west.  Again, we have the time of equal day and equal night and the beginning of spring.  It is about this time that we celebrate Easter and Passover.

   Finally, on June 22 or 23 summer begins at the time of the Summer Solstice. This is our longest day and shortest night, with the sun high overhead at noon. Of course, this time of the year we begin our warm weather.

   You probably already knew that, but did you know about the Cross-Quarter Days?

   The time of the Cross-Quarter Days are set about halfway between the solstices and the equinoxes.

   The first Cross-Quarter Day occurs Feb. 2 through the 6. We might know it as Groundhog Day or Candlemas. The second Cross-Quarter Day, May 4-7, is often designated as May Day - especially in Europe. The third one, Aug. 5-8, is less well-known. The celebration here is Lammas.

   The fourth Cross-Quarter Day, Nov. 5 - 8, is the best known one in the U.S. We celebrate it as Halloween, or the Feast of All Saints. We celebrate it at the end of October, and this is the next Cross-Quarter Day that we will encounter.