It may not feel or look like it, but spring is truly right around the corner.
If you’re yearning for brighter days, or simply want to get your mind off wool leggings and the snow that may remain on your porch, you’re in luck. The Spring Equinox in 2018 in the northern hemisphere will be at 11:15 a.m. CST on March 20 — today!
Here’s the lowdown on springtime, as well as some simple spring equinox rituals to help move your disposition from snowy to sunny.
What is the Spring Equinox, aka Ostara
Spring, in general, represents the time of year where days and nights become equal in length, and plants and animals begin to wake up. Technically, it’s the time of year “when the sun passes over the celestial equator,” Huffington Post explained.
The season is a time for rebirth and change and the Equinox “is a midpoint between the inwardness of winter and the outer energy of summer,” said Bri Luna, owner of The Hoodwitch. “Playfulness, vibrancy, and wild pleasures are just a few of the attributes associated with spring.”
Luna explains that Ostre (aka Ostara, Eostre), the goddess of the egg and the hare (according to Huffington Post, she also represents dawn), is often honored this time of year in various ways. For example, people often “paint eggs in half light colors and half day to symbolize the balance of dark moon time and solar light,” Luna added.
The Horned God, also known as Pan, is also a spring staple. This god “symbolizes the festive enjoyment of nature through hunting and dancing,” according to Huffington Post.
Other items and rituals that represent spring and the start of the season are:
The Ash tree. This tree represents magic and is known as the goddess tree of justice.
Cleaning. Spring cleaning isn’t a new concept—many of us already do it every year. Cleaning—especially small spaces, such as closets, alters and psyches—can help a person garner energy “to dust the cobwebs from our homes and our minds,” Luna added.
Honor the Spring Equinox
First, set an alter…
Making an altar space is a simple and sincere way to call in spring energy — a spirit, a force, the universe, your ancestors or whatever type of magic you feel. Even the act of creating an altar is sacred. It brings you into the present moment and is something you can share with the important people around you.
Luna suggested decorating your alter with bright cloths and gathering green candles. Green candles symbolize “the return of green to the Earth, fertility, and abundance.” The following are other seasonal items you could include:
- Spring flowers: Luna suggested wild flowers, crocus, pussy willows, daffodils and trilliums.
- Eggs: Nylon suggests placing one egg per person you’re celebrating with at the center of your alter
- Honey
- Other food items like pomegranates, breads and apples
Then, have an open ceremony…
Make your alter a sacred space by intentionally thinking or speaking it into existence. Thank the energy you brought in, as well as all the elements for guiding and protecting you. Then, ask for the permission to open up your alter as a sacred space. Wait for the feeling of “yes” to come over you, and then declare that the channel is open.
Now, do some fun stuff!
Write out and then speak to express what you want to create for spring. When you take the ideas and dreams that have been brewing inside you and actualize them in some way, you are answering a calling. This starts the process of bringing possibility closer into our lives.
Plant seeds! And although seeds alone are fine, you can take the ritual a step further by adding paper towels to the mix. Nylon explained: “Spend some time thinking and talking about the areas of your life you would like to see blossom more fully in the coming months. As you wet your paper towels and place the seeds in them for sprouting, state these intentions aloud. You might name a different one for each of the seeds you are going to sprout. (After the circle you can watch the seeds sprout and then transfer them into a pot with soil.)”
If you can, rise with the sun intentionally once a week. Express gratitude. Indulge a little, meditate and honor the spring season daily. Check in with your alter to remind yourself of the intentions you set.
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Abbie Stutzer is a writer and editor from Lawrence, Kansas. Find her on Twitter at @abbiestutzer and on Insta at @abbiestutzer. Email her at abbie@ynotcam.com.
Image via bonvivant
