Spring is celebrated with eggs all over the place, hidden in ponds, and burrows, and nests, and in human homes, boiled and coloured and painted, made of candy and chocolate, or dipped in salt. The egg is the most perfect structure and has almost infinite qualities seemingly in opposition, but ultimately, expressing integrity. Hardness and liquidity, adaptability and strength, separateness and integration. The egg shape is an artist’s delight, as well, and a beachcomber’s, and a builder’s. Any smooth round shape can be soothing to see, to hold, and to contemplate in meditation, because the associations are many.
That the universe developed from an egg is a creation myth told over the world, east to west, north, and south, the primeval embryo containing the phenomenal world, solidity and form within chaotic formlessness. When the eggshell cracks, it forms the earth and sky and the yolk is the sun. Eggs are central in the puzzle, ‘what comes first?’ and therefore symbolize the mystery of origin and actualization.
Eggs are independent entities – they have everything they need – but still require care, warmth, and tending. An egg shell is permeable – light and energy move in and out – yet is a stable protective barrier to the precious content inside.
An egg is important in healing ceremonies because the new life is hidden and quiet, but is alive, can awaken, and transform itself – a good reminder of our own latent mind and body stamina, especially when stressed, oppressed, or in any way limited by or stuck in winter blues or worldwide concerns. Think of a simple egg – the beginning, the source, rebirth, revitalization – and relax. Spring is here.
