Spring is the philosopher's stone

'Spring is the Philosophers' Stone, the Life which renews and rejuvenates the whole of Nature. The fire of the sun acts on the earth, to give it life. This is the alchemical symbolism of spring. In winter the earth is cold and barren, but once its substance has been 'cooked' for a while by the heat of the sun's rays, all its hidden treasures begin to come to the surface.' Quote from the book 'The Living book of Nature'